Now that I’m on my second round of breastfeeding and doing it for two I have really narrowed down which products have been lifesavers for me in my breastfeeding journey! Keep reading to find my ultimate list of breastfeeding and pumping essentials!
When my oldest was born it took her until she was around 3 months old to figure out how to breastfeed but I had a good milk supply so I started pumping and kept pumping and breastfeeding her after she got the handle of it. I breastfed her until she was 15 months old.
After I had my twins I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were actually both pretty good little breastfeeders! However, tandem feeding them was a mountain to climb all on its own and after a few weeks of trying that decided that I was going to exclusively pump and every once in awhile breastfeed them!
So I feel like I have had enough time to figure out what products I REALLY love and this list is the ultimate list of my favorite breastfeeding and pumping essentials!
1. A Quality and Comfortable Nursing Bra
Especially if you are a pumping mama then you wear your nursing bra literally 24 hours a day and finding a nursing bra that is comfortable AND supportive is the key! My favorite nursing bras of all time are the seamless nursing bras from Motherhood Maternity. They are ultra-comfortable and can even be worn while you’re pregnant, supportive and have the ability to grow with you! Plus they are one of the most affordable nursing bras on the market with many different color options!
2. High Waisted Leggings
I LOVE high waisted leggings while I’m nursing- especially when it’s in public because I don’t necessarily love my mom pooch sticking out and the extra coverage is so nice and helps me feel more comfortable! I specifically love these high waisted leggings from Motherhood Maternity. They are specifically postpartum leggings and hold you in without making you feel uncomfortable!
3. A Good pump
Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed. You never know when you need to be away from your baby for several hours or when you might just need a little break from the nighttime feedings. Pumping has been such a lifesaver for me! I use the Spectra S2 and have really liked it!
4. Pumping and Bottle Sanitizer
The only pumping and bottle sanitizer I would use is this quick clean spray! What breastfeeding and pumping mama has time to boil and sanitize their pumping supplies after each use? NOT ME! This spray doesn’t need to be washed off, just spray, lay to dry, and pump again a few hours later. Easy peasy and clean as can be!
5. Extra Pumping Bottles
When you are pumping several times a day it’s so nice to have a few extra bottles on hand for those times your running out the door and don’t have a second to put it in a bag and store it! These are also an incredible price for 8 bottles with lids. If you are using a Spectra pump then you can buy these adapters that go on top of the bottles to fit the Spectra! If these bottles don’t fir your pump then I’m sure you can find any kind of adapter for any pump.
6. Milk Storage Bags
These are so nice to have to build up that freezer stash or if you plan on donating your extra breast milk! I love that you could also pump into these ones if you want! You do need a specific adapter for that though.
7. Nipple Shield
This is just a good thing to have on hand. I used the shield to slowly get Evie to build up her latch strong enough to breastfeed on her own. I didn’t have one and thought all hope was lost after she was born but then my sister in law brought one over for me and it made ALL the difference!
8. Twin Z Pillow
I use this pillow every single time I feed the twins, so at least 4-5 times a day since they were born. It props them upright for proper digestion and holds them perfectly! If you are tandem breastfeeding then you can also use it as a breastfeeding pillow. We LOVE this thing!
9. Sunflower Lecithin
With my first I got mastitis on both sides twice. It was awful and so painful! So this time around I talked to a lactation specalist an she recommended sunflower lecithin. It help to thin out your milk so you don’t get clogged ducts nearly as easily. I haven’t gotten mastitis so far and my clogged ducts have been minimal so it’s definitely working! I take one pill three times a day, with every meal.
10. Hands-Free Pumping Bra
This is a LIFE CHANGER especially if you pump 5-6 times a day like I do! I can sit and pump while I’m working or while I’m holding a baby and it’s so nice! This is another thing I didn’t have at first when my first child was born and I don’t know how anyone pumps without a hands-free bra!
11. A few breastfeeding-friendly dresses
Motherhood Maternity has SO many cute and trendy options for breastfeeding friendly clothes– especially dresses and even gorgeous labor and delivery gowns! If it’s not in your budget to get a whole wardrobe of breastfeeding-friendly clothes then at least get a couple of dresses because those are the hardest item of clothing to just “make work” when you are breastfeeding or pumping!
12. Nipple Cream
I use Nipple cream religiously for the first couple of months breastfeeding because you will be sore and the cream really helps! Make sure you find one that doesn’t need to be wiped off before your baby eats, I love this one!
13. Gel Pads
I like the regular breast pads to absorb leakage but these gel pads were crucial for me. The cooling effect and the comfort it brought me in my first few months breastfeeding was life-changing! These not only help your nipples heal but they also soak up milk to they act as a 2 for 1 to the regular pads!
Almost every single item I had on my list came from Motherhood Maternity! I used to think they were just a maternity store but they definitely are not! I love that I can shop in store or online there as well!
Which items of these are on your list too? I would love to hear in the comments!
