5 Breastfeeding Essentials: The Only Nursing Products You Really Need

Even though it's totally natural, breastfeeding might not come naturally at all. If it does, that's amazing, mama! But if it doesn't, know you're not alone. It is such a learning process for both you and your baby. It can take time and the process can be different with every baby you have.

For me, it was very challenging in the beginning. It was stressful. But I promise if you stick with it, seek help from a lactation consultant, and have patience, it DOES get easier.

I can also promise you that the benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby are worth it all.

Don't Fall For Marketing Gimmicks

There are tons of breastfeeding products out there. And maternity brands with great marketing will try to convince you that you need them all.

YOU DON'T! Save your money.

Let's go over five breastfeeding essentials that will give you comfort and convenience. And stick around, there might be a bonus at the end!

1. Haakaa

If you only get one thing, this little silicone Haakaa should be it. The Haakaa is a manual breast pump that uses suction to collect let-down. You place it on the opposite breast while you nurse your baby.

It's perfect for catching extra milk that might leak. This helps prevent wet clothes. Better yet, it helps you start a freezer milk stash without needing to actually pump. The Haakaa is compact, easy to clean and super affordable. I recommend buying the one that comes with a suction base and a lid. That'll help avoid spilling your liquid gold. Youtube "how to use a Haakaa" to learn how to put it on correctly - this really helped me.

2. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

Having the right support is key for a more comfortable nursing experience. In the newborn stage, we spend sooo much time nursing. Any extra support makes a huge difference for your body in avoiding aches and pains. I started breastfeeding with a normal C-shaped nursing pillow. It got the job done but wasn't great. When I switched to My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow, it was truly a game changer. It helped my back and neck pain and made every feed much more comfortable.

The wrap-around design helps position your baby perfectly for an easier latch. Plus, it has a handy pocket for storing nursing pads, a water bottle, Kindle, or other essentials you need.

I also purchased this waterproof liner for the pillow since it doesn't come with one originally.

3. The Right Bra

I tried tons of expensive and fancy brands' nursing bras from all the ads I got on IG. I didn't really like any of them. My favorite nursing bralette is $10 and it's from Target. It's so comfortable and stretchy to accommodate changing breast sizes.

Whichever bra you choose, opt for one that's loose, comfortable and easy to manage the nursing clips with a single hand. The right bra is important to prevent mastitis and clogged ducts.

4. Reusable Nursing Pads

Leaks happen. Especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Reusable nursing pads can help prevent wet clothes and embarrassment.

This pack of reusable organic bamboo nursing pads comes with 10 pads. That's enough so that you don't have to worry about running out of clean ones while the others are in the laundry. They are ultra-soft, made from absorbent bamboo viscose. They are gentle on the skin, which is important because you could likely be extra sensitive in the early days.

5. Breast Milk Storage Bags

Whether you're pumping or collecting milk with your Haakaa, breast milk storage bags are a must-have. Lansinoh breast milk storage bags come pre-sterilized, are BPA free, and are double-sealed. This helps avoid spills when freezing or refrigerating. In over 18 months of breastfeeding, I've only ever had one breast milk storage bag get damaged in the freezer. This was before I purchased a breast milk storage organizer.

BONUS: Breast Milk Storage Organizer

Especially as your freezer stash grows, keeping track of your milk can get tricker. That's where the Milkies Freeze Breast Milk Storage System comes in. First of all, this organizer ends up saving space in the freezer since it's so compact. It keeps your breast milk storage bags safe and secure. It also promotes a "first-in, first-out" system to ensure you're using the oldest milk first. Plus, the metal sheet at the top helps you freeze the breast milk bags quickly.

This was such a great bonus purchase for our journey. It has helped avoid confusion about which milk to use when we needed to resort to our freezer stash.

Remember, Mama, You Got This!

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with challenges. These essentials can help make things a little easier. There's no pressure to have everything on this list. Remember, breastfeeding doesn't depend on fancy gadgets.

You are not alone if you're facing challenges with the latch, clogged ducts, or anything else. A lactation consultant, a doula, or a breastfeeding group can be incredibly helpful. You can do a quick Google search of "lactation consultants near me' and ask if they take insurance - some do. Finding the right support is key and lactation consultants are experts in this.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Be patient. And know that the benefits of breastfeeding will carry on throughout the rest of your baby's life. You got this!

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.