Are you overwhelmed with the number of products to help make breastfeeding easier and don't know where to start to narrow it down? Well, let me help. As a lactation counselor and doula for over 5 years, I have a few favorites that are helpful for all moms that are breastfeeding for the first time (or maybe the 2nd or 3rd).
I love the 2 in 1 combo of the Haakaa manual breast pump and lady bug shell. Even though the Haakaa is described as a manual breast pump (it uses continuous suction to extract milk), it can be used to just catch the let down if needed and if used with only enough suction to keep it in place, not purposefully make more milk come out. The lady bug shell is best used to only catch a let down from the opposite breast that is not being fed off of and should be used during engorgement when you don't want any extra stimulation of the breasts, but want to save any leaking milk. The combo set gives you options for how best to collect milk from whichever breast baby isn't using during a feeding.

Although there are many brands for these next few must have items, I like Earth Mama's nipple butter, Lansinoh soothing gel pads and reusable hot/cold packs and Silverette nipple shields. Earth Mama has clean, organic ingredients and Lansinoh is one of the early companies specializing in breastfeeding supplies, so I trust them. As for Silverette, they were the first ones I heard of when the silver nipple shields came out. There are many different brands that are less expensive and probably just as good, but you might have to do your own homework on reliability.

I consider the nipple butter, soothing gel pads and the hot/cold packs must have items. The nipple shields are nice to have, but might only become a necessity if you have very sensitive nipples or real issues with latching that is causing cracked, bleeding nipples. The nipple butter is great for keeping nipples moisturized in between feedings, but can also help heal minor trauma from all the friction of early breastfeeding. The soothing gel packs help with inflammation and quick healing of nipple cracking. The hot/cold packs come in handy with reducing inflammation in between feedings when used cold on engorged breasts or if a plugged duct occurs, or can be used warm to soften breasts and start a letdown without extra stimulation that might cause more engorgement.



The next items make pumping easier and more convenient. I know not every mom ends up needing to pump, but read on if you are a mom that needs to pump. Legendairy pumping spray (or any other clean/organic spray) can make pumping easier and more comfortable. Most moms don't realize that every time they pump, they should be lubricating their flanges to prevent rubbing/chafing and to make pumping more comfortable. Of course, you also need to have the right size flanges, but that is info for another blog post!

Pumping will also be easier with a hands free pumping bra, (I like Kindred Bravely, but there are other good brands as well such as MomCozy) even if you are only pumping while sitting on the couch and your pump is plugged into the wall. Being hands free to scroll through your phone, write something down, or even fold a load of laundry while pumping makes it seem like less of a chore to do. And to make clean up easier, Dapple makes a plant based, chemical free wipe for those times when you can't get your pump parts rinsed right away. Keeping your pump parts clean helps limit wear and tear so you don't have to replace them as often. Yes, depending on how frequently you pump, you should be changing flanges, duck bill valves, tubing, etc. on a regular schedule. (More on that in a later post as well)


Most moms find having nursing pads, either washable or disposable handy for those times when you are either out and about and your breasts decide to leak some milk or to use to catch the extra milk from the side not being fed from instead of using a Haakaa or milk collector. Moms that have an oversupply might find nursing pads more helpful, but most moms can use a nursing pad at some point, especially if they are going to be away from their baby near a typical feeding time and they can't pump. If you've breastfed before, you know that the first time your baby goes longer than usual between feedings, or if you can't get to your baby for a feed for whatever reason, your breasts will still try to start that feed, and you will be glad you thought to wear a nursing pad in your bra so you don't end up with a big wet spot (or two) on your shirt!
This next item is super helpful if you will be breastfeeding in several locations at your house (bedroom, baby's room, family room). Having a carrying caddy with all your supplies in it that you can easily move from one room to another is helpful. It should hold your nipple cream, chapstick, hand sanitizer or lotion, Kleenex, burp cloth, diaper, small snack like a granola bar, Haakaa, and any other small items you might need while breastfeeding. I like this caddy, or something similar.

The last item isn't a necessity, but can be super helpful for most moms. For many of my clients, the Boppy has been replaced with MyBreastFriend. It fits better around most women's waists because it's adjustable and has back support. A win for any mom that had back pain for months during pregnancy that is still lingering in postpartum! And, if your baby happens to fall asleep during a feed and you don't want to move them, but you need to get up, it's much easier to do so when the pillow they are laying on can go with you. Although, I don't recommend carrying your sleeping baby around on MyBreastFriend while you move around and do chores, since you still need to hold onto baby so they don't fall off, if you need to get up, it could be done easier than with a Boppy pillow.

These are my basic suggestions that most moms will need or should have for breastfeeding. Of course, everyone's situation and journey will be a little different. For a more personal recommendation, contact me to talk over your needs and to come up with a plan.
See my list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1DA4AAJRYV9AM?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2
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