Breastfeeding Essentials
- Nipple cream
I like the Bamboobies brand the best because it has minimal ingredients and no added fragrances.
Link: https://bamboobies.com/products/boob-ease-100-organic-nipple-balm - Warming and cooling compresses
Heat the pad in the microwave to help ease discomfort, trigger let-down, and prevent mastitis. Stick it in the freezer to reduce swelling when finished nursing or pumping.
boob-ease Soothing Therapy Pillows - Haaka Silicone Breast Pump
These are great for moms with a heavy letdown; you can attach the pump to the side that you’re not nursing on if it’s leaking. Just be careful as overusing the haaka can lead to an oversupply, especially in the beginning. The haaka can also be used if your letdown is too heavy for your baby. Just a few seconds or a minute with the haaka can help release the pressure if your little one tends to choke on the fast flow. I ended up buying a second haaka a few months in so I could pump on both sides when I needed to store some milk. - Nursing pads
Nursing pads are great for mamas who leak. You insert them into your bra. I prefer the washable ones because they’re more breathable than the disposable ones. Since the disposables have a feel-dry quality to them, you’re less likely to know when they need to be changed. I didn’t mind feeling damp, and the extra washing really wasn’t a big deal. I also preferred the cloth feeling over the disposable plastic-y feel.
Link: Kindred Bravely Bamboo Nursing Pads - Breastmilk storage bags
My pump came with a bunch of Lansinoh storage bags, but they’re all the same – plastic ziploc bags that store breastmilk for freezing. The most affordable ones are Target’s generic brand, Up & Up and Walmart’s Parent’s Choice. While researching storage bags, I have come across a few reusable silicone bags, which I will now look into for myself as I would like to avoid the chemicals that leech from plastic, especially when it comes to food for my baby. The most promising ones I have found are Legendairy Milk, Haaka, and Momcozy. - Nursing pillow
I bought my nursing pillows secondhand, off of Facebook Marketplace. My Brest Friend is great for the newborn stage. I also like having a Boppy available, as they’re light and easy to travel with. However, I have seen some comfy versions similar to the Boppy available. Some mother find the Boppy to be too stiff. I recommend you do a google search for nursing pillows and decide which one is right for you. Both pillows have washable covers in various cute prints.
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with any of the links I have provided above.
Rotem Weisman, LMT, Doula 