15 Breastfeeding Essentials You Need From Amazon
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Breastfeeding and/or pumping is a full time job and it’s just one responsibility of many in motherhood. That’s why it’s absolutely necessary to supply yourself with all of the essential products you need to comfortably, efficiently, and successfully get the job done.
Here is a list of my must-have breastfeeding essentials:
This complete list of products supports your breastfeeding and pumping needs.
Here is my honest review of each item and why it’s essential for nursing your babe.
#1 Boppy Pillow
This nursing pillow does an amazing job supporting mommas in feeling comfortable and confident while nursing your new little babe. The Boppy pillow elevates baby to the perfect height to be aligned with your chest so that you don’t have to hunch forward. It’s not too soft and not too firm and fits snuggly around your waist. This pillow also works great when first introducing a bottle to your baby so you can safely and securely snuggle baby close while bottle feeding. Another great use for the Boppy is when you’re ready to mix up tummy time! You can prop your baby’s chest up on the pillow with their arms hanging over to give your baby an additional and comfortable way to strengthen their back and neck muscles in the early days and weeks.
Bonus perk - it comes it many different colors and patterns!
#2 Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
If you plan to breastfeed your baby or use a breast pump, this nipple butter is a MUST. Your nipples are going to be raw and sore from the constant on and off feeding during the first several weeks or months and it’s important to lubricate and moisturize as often as possible. The great thing about this nipple butter is it’s safe for baby to ingest so there’s no need to worry about wiping it off before feeding or pumping. I also used this nipple butter on my lips and hands as it hydrates your skin beautifully!
#3 Boon Trove Milk Collector
The early days and weeks after welcoming your babe into the world often comes with a handful of bodily changes, such as milk leaking from your breasts. As baby presented a high demand for milk, my breasts began leaking quite often, especially leading up to or during feeding times. I didn’t want all the leaking milk to go to waste so I utilized the Boon Trove Milk Collector to capture any leaking milk while I was nursing baby on the other breast, or during sporadic moments of leaking throughout the day. This was a great way for me to capture the colostrum to save and freeze for later use. The Boon Trove Milk Collector suctions onto your breast and manually extracts milk that collects in the suctioned chamber. Once you’re done, you release the suction and store your milk how you please. This nifty tool was super helpful during the first couple of months when I leaked often. The small size makes is compact and easy to throw in your diaper bag in case you need to express any milk.
I highly recommend getting two milk collectors as there are times that both breasts are leaking at the same time but it isn’t time to nurse your baby. I also recommend the Haaka Ladybug Milk Collector which works just as great. Both milk collectors have a stable base that allows you to set the collector on a flat surface without spilling any milk.
#4 Haaka Ladybug Milk Collector
Just like the Boon Trove Milk Collector, the Haaka Ladybug Milk Collector is another great option that has comparable suction and a stable base that allows you to set the collector on a flat surface without spilling any milk.
Here’s A Tip - Wear these milk collectors inside your nursing bra to ensure the weight of the liquid doesn’t break the suction. The suction is necessary to extract the milk.
I highly recommend getting two milk collectors as there are times that both breasts are leaking at the same time but it isn’t time to nurse your baby.
#5 Lansinoh Nursing Pads
Whether you breastfeed or not, your nipples are most likely going to be leaking quite a bit in the first weeks and months as your milk supply comes in and your baby demands round the clock feeding. These pads are absolutely necessary so you don’t leak directly into your bras and soak them in milk (it is both uncomfortable and foul smelling). They stay attached to your bra without moving or popping off no matter what activity you are doing. I exercise with these in my bra and can’t even tell they are there!
For reference, I am 5 months into breastfeeding and still experience leaking at night and occasionally throughout the day prior to scheduled feeding times.
#6 Nursing Bra
These nursing bras from Amazon were a total game changer for me even at the start of my pregnancy when my breasts became enlarged and tender. I wore these throughout my entire pregnancy and continue to wear them now as a breastfeeding momma. They are ultra comfortable, yet still provide shape and support like a real bra would. I can wear these all day and night comfortably with most outfits. These bras come in various color combinations at a great price!
#7 Pumping Bra
A pumping bra is essential to keep the flanges properly in place during a pumping session. The Kindred Bravely Pumping Bra is designed with flange inserts that’s compatible with most flanges and even portable, wearable pumps. The fabric is ultra soft and comfortable for day or night wear.
#8 Breathable Nursing Cover
This breathable nursing cover from Amazon not only provides privacy when nursing your babe in public or around family, but it looks great too! The soft, knit material is comfortable for both momma and baby and is designed to avoid overheating. You can also use this cover over the baby stroller or carseat for privacy or sun protection so it serves multiple purposes!
I highly recommend this nursing cover.
#9 Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags
Let’s be real, there isn’t anything flashy or exciting about milk storage bags. However, Lansinoh is a popular and trusted brand in the breastfeeding community and their products are highly rated. You simply can’t go wrong with these milk storage bags when it comes to storing and freezing milk for later use. They seal tight with a double seal system, ensuring there isn’t any milk leakage and instructions are provided on how to remove extra air prior to sealing.
I also recommend the Motif Milk Storage Bags. Read more below.
#10 Motif Milk Storage Bags
Another milk storage option I recommend is the Motif Milk Storage Bags. These bags seal just as great as the Lansinoh bags and excess air can easily be removed prior to sealing in order to lay them flat to freeze. When milk is poured into these bags they have a convenient base that allows them to stand up on their own on a flat surface which is helpful when you’re juggling bottles, pump parts, bags and labels. A unique feature about these bags is the pour spout. After the frozen milk is thawed, you can simply cut the top off the spout to easily pour the milk into a bottle without any mess. My husband finds these feature super handy! While they don’t freeze quite as flat as the Lansinoh bags, these are a great option at a lower price point.
#11 Spectra S1 Breast Pump
The Spectra S1 Breast Pump is truly the best hospital grade pump on the market. Hospital grade pumps are proven to perform better than portable, wearable pumps, although, each have their purpose for various reasons. Unlike the Spectra S2, the Spectra S1 can operate off battery power while the S2 has to be plugged into a power outlet. This aspect limits your pumping locations whereas the S1 can be used anywhere. The battery life lasts multiple days so you don’t have to worry about constantly charging your pump.
Most insurance plans supply an allowance towards a breast pump so be sure to do your research and see what options you have.
Pro tip - If your insurance covers a lactation consultation after having your baby, take advantage of the benefit! Take your pump with you to the appointment so the consultant can educate you on which settings to use and measure you for the appropriate flange size.
#12 Momcozy S12 Portable Wearable Breast Pump
When it comes to travel and needing a convenient solution to breastfeeding on the go, the Momcozy S12 Portable Wearable Pump comes in clutch! Personally, I couldn’t bring myself to spend $200+ on a second breast pump and through endless research it seemed like the Momcozy was the best option at the best price. I purchased this pump to take on a weekend trip while away from my baby and it worked better than I anticipated it would. After trial and error with the various suction settings and part configuration, I was able to pump close to the same amount as I do with my Spectra S1. The downside to any portable, wearable pump is there are more parts involved (which means longer cleanup) but the portability is an incredible perk, especially when you’re on the go. I highly recommend this pump for travel or work.
#13 Dr. Brown’s Milk Pitcher
I have to give my husband full credit for discovering this nifty pitcher. He stumbled upon an instagram video highlighting this product and I have to say, I’ve been able to create a solid system with this pitcher. I pump in addition to breastfeeding my baby so that my husband can bottle feed our babe at night. I store my pumped milk in the pitcher so I can keep track of how many ounces I have and how much more I need to pump or eventually freeze. Now that my little one is eating solids in addition to milk, I use my pitcher supply to mix in with baby cereal and other foods. You can store milk for up to 3 days in the fridge so this system works great for me and my family!
#14 Breast Pump Backpack
I’ve had to travel a handful of times while breastfeeding, and as you can see from my list, it requires quite a few materials! Between my two pumps, the pump parts, pump cleaning necessities, and milk storage solutions, I needed a bag that could hold all my breastfeeding equipment and keep me organized while traveling. I personally prefer a backpack over a tote bag as it’s easier to wear while traveling in addition to all my other bags. I reviewed just about every backpack option on Amazon and this one seems to check all my boxes and have a great rating. It comes with a small cooler that fits in the base of the backpack and can hold both of my pumps with room for additional items. It’s sleek appearance and high quality materials add to this bag’s exceptional rating.
#15 Ceres Portable Milk Chiller
Y’all … this portable milk chiller is incredible. I recently went on a bachelorette trip and was away from my baby for 3 days (and pumping for 3 days). I knew I’d be busy between all our actives and in need of a portable chiller to keep my milk chilled throughout the day until we returned to the house. The bottle contains a main chamber and an inner chamber. The inner chamber can be filled with ice which chills the milk in the main, insulated chamber and keeps it cool for hours so you can go about your day and not stress about keeping your milk temperature. The Ceres Portable Milk Chiller is the size of a large tumbler/thermos for reference. Another neat feature is the two chambers are compatible with most flanges so you can pump directly into the Ceres chiller if needed. A bottle nipple can also be attached to the smaller chamber to be used as a bottle while on the go, so the Ceres chiller really comes in handy when you’re traveling!
My mom friends who work in offices, schools, hospitals, etc all use this chiller as well to keep their pumped milk cool while they are at work.
In my opinion, this product is 100% worth the price due to how simple it made my travel experience while pumping.
Momma, I am so glad you are here!
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