Breastfeeding Essentials for Mama
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These days many women are choosing to breastfeed their babies. So far, I have nursed four out of five babies and I’m planning to breastfeed baby #6 when he arrives. Along with all of my pregnancy tips, I have learned a lot about breastfeeding, and I’ve honestly been through almost everything from plugged ducts to mastitis. I thought it would be helpful to gather up all my favorite breastfeeding essentials in one place so you can be prepared if you’ve chosen to breastfeed your little one!
Breastfeeding Essentials for Mama
In the early days of breastfeeding, nipples can become very tender. I have found that the soothies gel pads work remarkably well to help with cracked and sore nipples. I would definitely have these on hand when you come home from the hospital.
I cannot tell you how many times I have sat with a heating pad on my breast. Whenever I have a plugged duct, I use some sort of heat to help relieve it. In the early days, engorgement is very common and an ice pack helps relieve that. These booby tubes can be used either hot or cold, and fit more comfortably around the breast.
Enjoying a nice cup of tea is one way to relax while nursing, and this tea is supposed to help boost milk production. I love all of Earth Mama’s teas, and they even have a special recipe on their site to jazz it up!
For the absolute best nursing bra, I highly recommend Bravado nursing bras. I wasted so many years wearing cheap nursing bras that were uncomfortable. Once I got to a certain cup size, I found that the cheaper bras were causing me to get plugged ducts. I finally bit the bullet, and now I live in my Bravado bras. Highly, highly recommend them!
I use a nursing cover when I’m out in public during the early months. This one is my favorite because it gives baby plenty of air and I just have to look down to see the baby while he’s nursing.
I’m old school and use lanolin on sore nipples. It’s proven to help.
I personally do not need nursing pads very long, so I just use the disposable kind for the first few weeks while my supply regulates.
I love my boppy pillow. I’ve used it with all of my babies while nursing and it’s great for other things, too!
So, those are my breastfeeding must-haves! Nursing can be a bit difficult at first, and you want to have everything you need on hand for those first few weeks.
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