Getting ready for breastfeeding can be intimidating. If you’re a new mother, it’s something you’ve never done before and one of the things you can’t practice beforehand.
With tons of products on the market, it’s easy to think you need all of them. But you don’t. In fact, there’s only a few products that you really need and will use on a daily basis.
In this post, we’re sharing 7 essential breastfeeding items you’ll want to buy before labor.
#1 Nursing Bras
Buying nursing clothes can seem like a waste of money since you’ll only use them temporarily. But if you plan on breastfeeding for a long time or plan on having more children, high-quality nursing bras are a good investment. They can be used to breastfeed your baby without needing to take off your entire bra. You can open the flap to expose the nipple you’re using to breastfeed. If you’re shy about showing your breasts in public, nursing bras can also make it easier to keep your privacy.
What to look for: A bra should provide additional support but not be so tight that it leaves marks or indentations. Start shopping for a nursing bra around 8 months since this is around the size your breasts will be once you start to breastfeed and regulate your milk supply.
Recommendations
iLoveSIA 3PACK Seamless Nursing Bras
Pros:
- Seamless for comfort
- No underwire
- Adjustable and stretchy
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 2,850 reviews
Price: $27.99
HOFISH 3 Pack Seamless Clip Down Deep V-Neck Push-Up Nursing Bra
Pros:
- Push-up and V-neck for style
- Seamless
- Adjustable
- No underwire
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 2,000 reviews
Price: $25.99-27.99
Bravado! Designs Nursing Bra
Pros:
- Stylish with the appearance of a normal bra
- Satin fabric
- Bra extender included
- No underwire
Rating: 4/5 with almost 500 reviews
Price: $19-56.00
#2 Nursing Pads
When you first start breastfeeding, you’ll probably experience leaky nipples from excess milk. This can create wetness or stains on your clothing. Around 8 weeks, your milk supply should be regulated, leading to fewer leaks. A nursing pad can absorb the moisture and protect your clothing.
Recommendations
Bamboobies Nursing Pads (6)
Pros:
- 3 regular pads
- 3 overnight pads
- Washable/reusable
- Soft, comfortable material
Rating: 4/5 with over 5,300 reviews
Price: $36.99
Lansinoh Nursing Pads (200)
Pros:
- Disposable
- Waterproof layer for leakproof protection
- Individually wrapped for on-the-go
- Adhesive strips to stay in place
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 2,700 reviews
Price: $23
Natural Bamboo Nursing Pads (14)
Pros:
- Washable/reusable
- Soft
- Money-back guarantee
- Comes with laundry bag to wash pads in
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 3,100 reviews
Price: $13.99
#3 Electric Breastfeeding Pump
Soon after starting to breastfeed, you’ll probably find that having a breast pump is essential. If you’re having trouble getting a proper latch, a pump allows you to still breastfeed your baby without strain. If you’re having nipple pain because your breasts are too full, you can express milk when you need and save it for later. Pumps can be especially helpful if you’re going back to work and won’t be physically present, but still want your baby to have the benefits of breast milk.
Recommendation
Serenity Breast Pump
Pros:
- 2 phase extraction technology
- Adjustable 10-step suction
- Battery-operated for on-the-go pumping
- Comes with comfortable and snug breast shields
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Automated milk storage system
- Compact and lightweight
- Low noise for discreet pumping
- FDA-approved
- BPA-free
- Qualifies for Medicare coverage (depending on policy and state law)
Price: $69.95
#4 Breast Milk Storage Bags
Having storage bags on hand means that you can pump breast milk when you’re ready, and save it in the fridge or freezer for later. They can be helpful whether you’re going back to work or passing off feeding duties to your partner. Using bags as opposed to multiple bottles means that you can save space and prevent spills. They’re also easier to label so you know how long it’s good for. Freshly pumped breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Recommendations
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags (100)
Pros:
- Pre-sterilized
- Patented double Click ‘n’ Secure seal to stop leaks
- Reinforced side seals
- Can attach adapter to breast pump to pump directly into bag
Rating: 4/5 with 5,479 reviews
Price: $10.99
Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Pouch (40)
Pros:
- Twist open/close prevents leaks
- Pre-sterilized
- Can collect, store, prepare and feed using one pouch
- No transferring milk and risking contamination
- Pouch twist locks onto most pumps using adapter
Rating: 4.5/5 with 2,467 reviews
Price: $10.99
NUK Seal N’ Go Breast Milk Bags (50)
Pros:
- 100% leak-proof guaranteed
- Double zipper seal for more security
- Pour spout prevents spills during transfer
- Easy to store since it’s self-standing
Rating: 4/5 with 2,047 reviews
Price: $8.99
#5 Nipple Cream
Many women suffer from dry and cracked nipples while breastfeeding. A way to prevent and treat this (besides getting a proper latch) is to use a nipple cream to moisturize the area. Since your baby puts her mouth near the area, you’ll want a lotion that’s natural and safe. Lanolin creams are often the first choice.
Recommendations
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
Pros:
- 100% natural made of 100% lanolin
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of parabens and preservatives
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 2,700 reviews
Price: $8.99
Medela Lanolin Nipple Cream
Pros:
- All-natural
- Hypoallergenic
- Includes lanolin, caprylic/capric triglycerides and oat beta glucan
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 1,000 reviews
Price: $7.50
Motherlove Nipple Cream
Pros:
- 100% organic
- Cruelty-free
- All-natural with olive oil, beeswax, shea butter and other ingredients
- Money-back guarantee
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 3,100 reviews
Price: $10.50
#6 Prenatal Vitamins
You know that prenatal vitamins are essential for pregnancy, but they’re also important during breastfeeding. Getting these vitamins and nutrients can help with milk production, especially if you’re having some difficulty.
Recommendation
MamaNurture plus DHA 300
Pros:
- World’s first Kosher Prenatal + DHA
- Curated compilation of nutrients
- 25 vitamins & nutrients
- 300 mg of DHA
- Made in the USA
Price: $29.95
#7 Nursing Pillow
If you’re having trouble getting a proper latch, a nursing pillow can become essential. Although you can use a regular pillow, you may find that one made for nursing is easier to use and more comfortable in breastfeeding positions.
Recommendations
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
Pros:
- Secures to body to help maintain latch-on position
- Backrest for good posture
- Arm and elbow rests
- Firm, flat cushion so baby doesn’t roll
- Pocket straps within reach
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 2,600 reviews
Price: $29.99
Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner
Pros:
- Provides relief for arms and back
- Design fits as baby grows from propping to sitting
- Cover is machine washable
Rating: 4.5/5 with 190 reviews
Price: $39.99
Leachco Cuddle-U Basic Nursing Pillow
Pros:
- Seat wrap holds baby in place
- Reclined position can reduce acid reflux
- Works for tummy-time or sit-up support
Rating: 4.5/5 with over 930 reviews
Price: $39.99
#8 Lactation Advice
This may not be as exciting as shopping for baby products, but we had to include it because it’s the most important. Many women have trouble breastfeeding and that’s normal. But since breastmilk has many benefits over baby formula, most mothers try to get the hang of it. Instead of struggling through it alone, seek advice from a lactation expert who can help with your specific problem.
Recommendations
Ask at Hospital
After (or before) you’ve given birth, ask your nurse if there’s a lactation consultant who can show you the basics before you leave. If you have a midwife, ask if she can show you after labor.
Attending a Local Breastfeeding Clinic or Class
You can view a map of classes here. Sometimes community centers or hospitals offer free classes, so be sure to ask your doctor or midwife for recommendations. You can also check Eventbrite for breastfeeding events.
Join a Breastfeeding Support Group
Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to other women who are going through the same learning curves. You may be able to find support groups on sites like Meetup.com or by searching “breastfeeding support” under the “Groups” tab on Facebook. If you live in a rural area, you can also use online forums to connect with people.
Hire a Lactation Consultant
If you’re someone who prefers or feels like they need one-on-one help, consider hiring a lactation consultant. Simply Google experts in your area and check their qualifications.
Read About the Basics
You’ll feel more confident and prepared if you read a bit about breastfeeding beforehand. While it won’t eliminate the need for practice, you’ll learn the tips you need to know about latching and how much to feed. Start with these posts:
- What Can I Do to Prevent Sore Nipples? 9 Must-Know Tips
- Everything You Need to Know About Breastfeeding: For Complete Beginners
- Breastfeeding vs Formula: Which is Better?
What products do you think are essential for breastfeeding? Let us know in the comments below! If you have any pregnant friends, share this post to help prepare them, too!
P.S. Still pregnant? Check out our fetal dopplers. These handheld devices allow you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat while she’s still in the womb, similar to an ultrasound. Pretty amazing, right? Get one for as low as $19.95.