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What breastfeeding essentials are actually essential?
When you’re a new mom (or even an experienced mom) all the breastfeeding products and baby products feel essential. You want to do everything right, and be as perfect as you can so your baby can have the best start possible.
But there are so many products – so many things marketed as “essential” and “must-have” and “your baby won’t make it into a good preschool without this.” Okay, maybe not that last one.
Anyway, there are so many products. It’s super overwhelming and draining, mentally and financially.
But if you really stop and think about it-
The only true breastfeeding essential is you, Mom.
And your time, your boobs, your patience, your love. Also, your time- all of your time. And your patience. And love.
Also, occasionally little slices of your sanity.
Seriously though, moms have been breastfeeding for hundreds, for thousands of years. The moms of the past didn’t need nursing bras with plastic clips, special blankets to hide their babies and their breasts during feedings, or hundreds of books telling them how long it’s acceptable to feed their babies without spoiling them.
The moms of our past breastfed their babies whenever, wherever, and however their babies liked.
Except then, formula came about. And breasts became more sexualized.
And now I’m rambling, but my point is YOU, Mom, are the only true breastfeeding essential.
Okay, so what about the other eight “essentials” I claim this blog post to list?
Right, I did make a list of what I consider breastfeeding essentials for new moms. Before I get into it, I just wanted to be clear about who the real essential is.
So, without further ado I give you eight more essentials every breastfeeding mom needs.
#1: Nipple Balm/Ointment
Nipple balm is a must-have for every breastfeeding mom, and should even be in your hospital bag (or home birth bag). Breastfeeding can make your nipples so sensitive and sore. I used it after every feeding in the early weeks, and at least twice a day the first two months.
Even after that as baby grows, nipple balm is still useful. When baby starts growing teeth or suddenly decides to latch differently, it can make your nipples sore.
The nipple balm or ointment you choose should be organic and safe for your baby to ingest, since it is going on the area where your baby feeds.
My favorite is this one from the Honest Co.
Earth Mama also makes a really great nipple balm, too.
#2: Re-usable Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are another must-have for breastfeeding, especially during the early weeks. I leaked off and on with all three of my babies until they were six months old. Also these are awesome because they’re re-useable, which means eco-friendly.
I used these bamboo nursing pads with my last baby. They’re really soft, absorbent and wash easily. I just put them in a laundry bag on gentle cycle with my eco-friendly Ecos laundry detergent.
It’s also nice that they come in different sizes and colors.
Also, I’ve heard Bamboobies are really amazing. Although, I haven’t used them personally – mostly because of price and the other ones had more color options.
#3: Haaka
I know what your thinking- er, at least what I was thinking when I first saw this word. What the crap is a Haaka? And why would this word I’ve never heard of be considered a breastfeeding essential?
This weird thing is the best breastfeeding tool ever invented! It is a pumping life saver, time saver, and milk saver.
When your milk first comes in (usually between 2 to 5 days after baby’s birth), you’re likely to have an abundance of it and leakage, especially during feedings. Feeding baby on one side, while precious milk continuously leaks out the other seems like such a waste!
That’s where this handy device comes in. During a feeding you just attach it to the side your baby isn’t feeding on, and it catches all the milk that would normally just leak all over your bra and nursing pad. You don’t even have to hold it- it’s silicon, so it just suctions onto the breast.
When you’re done feeding, you can save the milk and pour it from your Haaka into a bottle or a breastmilk freezer bag. Voila, no more wasted milk!
#4: Nursing Tanks
Nursing tanks are another breastfeeding must-have. They keep you comfortable, and are so convenient for those middle of the night feeds. They keep your nursing pads in place to control leaks, but without the annoyance of wearing a bra.
They’re also comfy for daytime wear, and can be worn by itself or as an undershirt in place of a bra. I’m not a fan of bra wearing, can you tell?
These were my favorite nursing tanks to sleep in. I love that there were no straps to undo, and they come in a lot of different cute styles and patterns.
My other favorite tanks for breastfeeding are these ones. They do have straps to unhook, but still super comfy for wearing around the house. For going out, I usually threw on a hoodie or sweater with it.
#5: Big Water Bottle
It may sound strange, but a big water bottle is definitely a breastfeeding necessity. Breastfeeding makes you so so thirsty!
In fact, if you have a house with more than one level, I would suggest keeping a big water bottle on each level- especially for those early weeks.
I love my water bottles and have a not so minimalist collection. During postpartum, I kept one water bottle in my living room next to the couch, one on my night stand next to my bed, and one next to our rocking chair.
If you want the best of the best, eco-friendly, always ice cold water you’ve got to go with Hydro Flask.
A more budget-friendly option are these Camelback water bottles with straws. And honestly, Hydro Flask water bottles are great, but these work just as well. They’re leakproof, and what I really love about the straw style is you don’t even have to sit up to drink, which sounds lazy but it can be really convenient if you’re laying down next to a sleeping baby.
Contigo also make a sturdy, straw water bottle. If you have a access to a Costco, I’ve found some great deals there on 3-packs of these water bottles.
I also really like Contigo’s stainless steel insulated water bottles. These are 24 ounces, and keep your water nice and cool.
Of course, there’s fancier, pricier water bottles than these – I’m not forgetting Hydro Flask.
#6: Lots of Snacks
Make sure to always keep a good stash of healthy snacks. Breastfeeding makes you so hungry! I was even hungrier breastfeeding than during pregnancy. This is totally normal though- you’re not only breastfeeding, but your body is also recovering and healing from pregnancy and birth.
The best breastfeeding snacks are snacks made with whole foods and real ingredients. Try to stay away from snacks that contain sugar and hydrogenated oils, and ones that have a lot of ingredients.
My favorite breast-feeding snacks:
- Fruit: Any kind of fruit- apples, pear, bananas, melon, kiwi, oranges, grapes, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, papaya, pineapple, mango
- Veggies: I know, it seems uncommon to snack on vegetables, but they’re so good for you! Also, they make such a great snack, especially when dipped in hummus. A few easy veggies great for snacking (with or without hummus) are cucumbers, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, olives, okra, and avocado.
- Nuts: Any kind of nuts. I love snacking on pistachios, almonds, cashews, and pecans.
- Snack bars: These can be tricky because so many snack bars are loaded with junk. Here are a few brands that I’ve found have really quality and whole ingredients: Larabar (chocolate chip cookie dough is the best!), Kind (my favorite are these dark chocolate sea salt ones), Nature’s Bakery
- Crackers/Chips/Pretzels: Another tricky category, but here are some healthy choices that are yummy too- Back To Nature Crackers, From the Ground Up Pretzels, and Beanfield Chips (These are so good! Vegan and gluten-free.)
- Cereal: Go for whole grain, low sugar cereals for the most hunger satisfaction and nourishment. My faves are oatmeal (try to get organic), Peanut Butter Panda Puffs, and Cascadian Farm Honey Almond Crunch.
- Dark chocolate: Of course, the best snack of all for breastfeeding moms.
#7: Boppy Pillow with Washable Cover
