This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission on purchases made though those links.
When I was pregnant with my first baby I literally knew nothing about breastfeeding. In fact I never thought about breastfeeding until I was like 6 months pregnant. Part of me thought, hmm there’s probably not much to learn and you don’t need anything but your boob, right?
And well, technically that’s true but there are things that are going to make your breastfeeding journey easier and a whole lot more comfortable.
After breastfeeding three babies, I have learned a lot. and I can confidently say that these things have helped ease some of my breastfeeding pains and made it more enjoyable.
But also I want to say, congratulations on deciding to breastfeed! You’re doing such a great thing for your baby.
There are so many benefits your baby gains from breast milk, like:
- protecting baby against diseases
- reducing the risk of SIDS
- help baby’s brain development
- creates a strong bond between Mom and baby.
I know that when you begin breastfeeding, there are so many things to learn. The good news is that there are so many things that can ease the challenges in your breastfeeding journey.
Here are 11 Breastfeeding essentials + a printable checklist and nursing tracker.
Click here to get your FREE Breastfeeding Checklist and Nursing Tracker
So what do you need for breastfeeding?
I’ve assembled a list of everything you’ll need for breastfeeding, I also created a printable Nursing Tracker and an Essentials Checklist to help put your mind at ease.
Nursing Tracker
Keep track of your baby’s feedings! Your newborn baby will eat about every 2 hours.
This nursing tracker will help you keep track of when your baby ate, for how long and on which breast they last fed, it will also remind you to stay hydrated(keep your milk supply up!). To help create a healthy habit of when baby drinks, Mama drinks.
When your little one is nursing so often it can be difficult to remember (especially during night feedings) which side they last fed on, when you last fed them and how long they fed.
So let this tracker will do the work for you.
Hang it on your wall, put in in your journal and fill it in as you go!
Essentials Checklist
The Essentials Checklist will remind you what you need for your breastfeeding journey before the baby arrives.
For those nesting, I recommend creating a small binder of checklists to organize everything you need!
Did you know that you could qualify for a FREE breast pump and breastfeeding supplies through your insurance? Click here to see if you qualify
1. Nursing Bras
Nursing bras allow for easy access to the breast. I recommend getting two comfy nursing bra (no padding, no underwire) and two padded nursing bras for going out.
Comfy bras are perfect for postpartum and relaxing at home especially in those milk engorged days.
You also might start to wearing a bra to sleep in the beginning due to your milk supply being unregulated which causes leaking.
Plus you’ll still want some supportive and padded nursing bras for when you’re out and about.
I’ve also found bandeau bras, even though they aren’t nursing bras, come in handy because they are strapless and some of them are really stretchy as well.
2. Nursing Tops
Tops that allow easy access to the the boob will make your life so much easier!!
Newborn babies will eat about every two hours. And believe me it is not convenient to lift your shirt up every time you need to breastfeed especially while on the go.
Even as your baby grows during your breastfeeding journey, you’ll find that the convenience of having an easy-to-feed tops on hand that also look cute are essential to your wardrobe.
When you begin building your nursing wardrobe, look for tops that can easily be pulled down.
Examples of great breastfeeding tops would be:
3. Nursing Pads and Nipple Cream
Nursing pads are great to help from keeping you from leaking. They can keep you from walking around with those embarrassing milk stains on your ta ta’s. Think of panty liners, but for your bra.
I recommend getting Lansinoh disposable nursing pads to start with.
Reusable nursing pads are a great option as well! They are soft and eco-friendly and can save you money in the long run. But they can also become lost and keep in mind the extra loads of laundry you’ll to keep up with.
You’ll also want to stock up on some nipple cream.
Nipple cream is a great remedy to sooth cracked and sore nipples. It also helps prevent nipples from becoming chapped.
When looking for a nipple cream look for 100% natural creams that don’t need to be washed off before nursing your baby.
I recommend Lanolin Nipple Cream
I’ve also heard that some women use their own milk to help sooth their chapped nipples, I’ve never tried it but I just thought I’d share that interesting tip.
4. Silicone Breast Pump
A silicone breast pump can jump start your milk storage supply and is a lot gentler than an electric pump, it will also help keep you from becoming engorged and reduce the risk of infection.
When your milk first comes in, it will be irregular, you will be engorged and you will be sore.
A silicone breast pump can help you catch the extra milk that can leak from the breast opposite from the side you are feeding your baby on.
I recommend getting a Haakaa with a suction at the bottom to keep it from tipping over, trust me, I have cried over spilt milk.
5. Post-Natal Vitamins
Just like during pregnancy, you’ll need to continue your daily routine of taking vitamins.
When you’re breastfeeding, you are still giving a lot of your essential vitamins and minerals to your baby.
Taking a postnatal vitamin can help supply vitamins and nutrients to your baby through breast milk that your diet can’t.
The reason it’s suggested to take a postnatal rather than continue a prenatal because nursing women have different nutritional needs.
I personally take Nature Made Postnatal Vitamins.
Here are some of the most popular postnatals:
6. Milk Storage Bags
Saving your breastmilk in the freezer will build your collection and the bigger the collection the sooner your Hubby can take over night feedings. YAY!
Lay your milk flat in the freezer for optimal use of storage space.
Write the date on each bag, milk can be stored for up to 6 months.
There are many kinds of milk storage bags, check them out here.
7. Breast Pump
A breast pump is essential for many reasons:
- Can help boost your milk supply
- Keeps you from getting engorged
- Builds your milk stash
Breast pumps can be pretty pricey. They typically range from $60-$1,800. With all the expenses of a baby it is not ideal to have to pay another out of pocket expense just so you can pump and stock up on milk for your baby.
Luckily, you can apply for a breast pump through insurance. Click here to see if you qualify.
8. Nursing Cover
Breastfeeding covers are a great way to help you feel more comfortable when you start breastfeeding.
As family will want to visit you in the hospital or when you begin to take your baby out in public, it can feel awkward to take your boob out in front of other people, especially when you’re learning how to breastfeed.
But nothing should stop you from feeling comfortable enough to breastfeed your baby.
Some women are more comfortable than others when it comes to nursing in public, see if a nursing cover is something you would benefit from.
Some nursing covers double as carseat covers for convenience!
9. Hot/Cold Packs
Flexible hot and cold packs can be comforting and offer relief when dealing with symptoms that can come along with complications of breastfeeding.
When dealing with engorgement: cold therapy can relieve pain.
When dealing with mastitis: hot therapy can relieve symptoms of clogged ducts.
When encouraging milk let down: hot therapy can help while pumping or nursing.
Therapeals Breast Therapy are ideal for dealing with these common problems but any hot/cold packs will do!
10. Nursing Pillow
Breastfeeding pillows offer support to hold your newborn baby while you figure out the ropes of breastfeeding.
Not only are you providing a clean surface for your baby to lay on but you are also creating a platform of support your baby can rest on while you figure out how to get baby to latch correctly.
I’ve tried a few different brands nursing pillows and The Bobby Nursing Pillow is by far the best one I’ve used.
There are a huge variety of boppy covers you can get for your nursing pillow that way if you take it in public or in case baby spits up on it, you can just toss it in the washing machine.
11. Water Bottle
I HIGHLY recommend you get yourself a beautiful and big water bottle!
Breastfeeding requires a lot of water to maintain your milk supply and keep you hydrated.
You’ll find yourself feeling thirsty more often when breastfeeding if you are not staying on top of your water in take.
I personally find that I drink more water when I have a huge water bottle filled up and next to me all day.
