Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Especially when you’re first starting out.
Sometimes your baby doesn’t latch right away, or you might experience breastfeeding pain, or other breastfeeding challenges that make you question just how natural the whole process actually is.
And you’re not alone! Breastfeeding can be messy, intimidating, and just downright strange…but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just means you might need a little help.
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We always recommend talking to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant first to help work through any breastfeeding problems you may be experiencing.
Then check out these must have breastfeeding products that help make the whole process easier and more comfortable.
Unlike our ancestors, we’ve got access to some really cool tools specifically designed to support breastfeeding moms… so why not take advantage?
These breastfeeding products can be real life savers!
11 Must Have Breastfeeding Products
1. Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend Original
Nursing can really take a toll on your back! It’s easy to hunch over when you nurse, which puts you and baby in bad alignment.
That’s why a Brest Friend nursing pillow like this one is a smart investment.
A breastfeeding pillow supports your baby and encourages a good latch. It also helps reduce strain on your lower back, neck, and shoulders.
This one has a firm cushion, so it stays in place perfectly and keeps baby from rolling out of position.
2. Electric Breast Pump: Medela Advanced Double Electric
Pumping is a life saver. For working moms they’re a must, and even if you’re still at home they can help a tired mamma get a little more sleep by letting you extract milk during the day so daddy can handle one of the nighttime feedings.
This Medela Advanced Double Electric is a solid choice. It’s setup allows for a more discretion if you’re pumping at the office and being electric just makes it easier.
Plus, it can run on a power cord or batteries (for when you need to pump on the go). And it comes in a handy backpack with a removable cooler bag to keep breast milk cold.
3. Nanobébé Breastmilk Bottle
When you’re ready to introduce your breastfeeding baby to a bottle, the nanobébé bottle is our pick for must have breastfeeding products.
This bottle’s natural, breast-like design provides a smooth transition between breast and bottle. Which is a fancy way of saying it resembles a boob, so your baby instinctively knows what to do since it looks familiar and appealing.
Nanobébé is the first bottle designed to protect nutrients during the storing and rewarming process; it cools rapidly to prevent bacterial growth and warms quickly and evenly to prevent nutrient damage often caused by high temperatures.
The other cool thing about nanobébé bottles is that they stack easily, which saves fridge space and helps track pumping order.
4. Hands Free Breast Pump Bra: Simple Wishes
This innovative Simple Wishes bra lets nursing moms keep their hands free while pumping. It may look weird, but this allows you to read a book, complete a task, or just relax during the pumping process.
The bra itself is completely adjustable to fit most any size from 30AA to 34J. Seriously. And it works with all major pump brands; such as Medela, Lansinoh, Philips AVENT, Bellema, Evenflo, and Spectra Baby.
5. Silicon Nipple Shields: Medela
Breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be painful. But ask a new mom and they’ll tell breastfeeding pain can be an issue, at least in the beginning.
It takes a little practice to get the proper latch, and that’s where Medela nipple shields can help.
A silicon nipple shield like this one creates a stronger latch, and gives relief from sucking pain by providing a barrier between you and your baby’s mouth. This product is especially helpful if you’ve got inverted or flat nipples.
6. Nipple Cream: Lansinoh
Speaking of sore nipples, you’re going to want to pick up some Lansinoh nipple cream to soothe irritation between feedings.
This stuff is all-natural, made of 100% lanolin so it’s both BPA and BPS free, which makes it safe for mom and baby. It’s a top-seller for a reason!
RELATED: What You Need To Know About Breastfeeding Pain
7. Reusable Nursing Pads: M&Y Organic
Look, leaks are going to happen. Be prepared with these washable, reusable, leak-proof organic bamboo nursing pads from M&Y.
They are lightweight and super soft, even on sensitive sore nipples. Plus they have a contoured shape, so no weird bumps in your bra.
The outside layer is 100% leak-proof and this set even comes with a laundry bag, which is great because you’ll be using these again and again.
When it comes to breastfeeding products, reusable nursing pads are a must!
8. Seamless Nursing Bras: HOFISH
A good nursing bra like this one from HOFISH provides you with support, comfort, and convenience.
Nursing breasts can feel full and heavy, especially the first few weeks after you have your baby. A quality nursing bra supports the girls to relieve strain on your shoulders and back.
Additionally, nursing bras have cups that can be unhooked and pulled down so that it’s easier to access your breasts when it’s time to nurse. This bra fits snug, but it’s also breathable and super soft so it won’t irritate sensitive breasts.
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9. Nursing Cover: Kiddo Care Infinity Nursing Scarf
Hey… babies gotta eat! A Nursing scarf like this one from Kiddo Care is great because it allows you to feed your little one whenever or wherever you want.
It styles just like any other scarf, and if baby gets hungry it becomes an instant nursing cover. This makes breastfeeding on-the-go easy-peasy.
10. Breast Shells: Medela SoftShells
Breast shells can be used to help draw out and correct flat or inverted nipples. You can wear them when you’re not nursing, or even before baby is born, to help pull nipples out.
Or, if you’re leaking, the shells can help prevent stains by collecting the breast milk. Breast shells also provide a barrier to protect sore nipples from rubbing against your clothes.
These are great breastfeeding products to add to your arsenal.
11. Breast Milk Storage Set: Medela
If you’re pumping to have additional milk for while you’re at work or during daddy nighttime feedings, it helps to have the right storage supplies.
This storage set from Medela fits the bill. It’s BPA-free and works great for short or long-term storage.
The set comes with breast milk bottles, labeling lids and Pump and Save breast milk bags that are compatible with Medela breast pumps. You can pump right into them!
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