In today’s post, I wanted to share all of my favorite breastfeeding must haves as a first time mom. I am still learning and always will be, but this is a list of things I have been enjoying having so far on my breastfeeding journey.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
I love being a mom and have been loving being able to breastfeed my baby. This list are all things that have helped me on my journey. I also want to note that these are in no particular order. (You can click on any photo in this post to be taken to the link to shop that item.)
Breastfeeding Must Haves
Breastfeeding Must Haves #1 | The baby tracker app
First and foremost, the one app that keeps me on track with everything when it comes to taking care of Olivia’s basic needs. I track all her feedings, diaper changes, naps, sleep/wake times, any pumping I do, etc.
Every time I go to feed her, I tap on the nursing button in the app and start the timer depending on which side I start her on. This helps me remember which side I started on last feeding so I always start with the opposite. This also gives me an idea of how often she’s feeding and for how long.
Breastfeeding Must Haves #2 | Disposable + Washable Nursing Pads
I have both the disposable and washable nursing pads but I use the disposable ones more often. They’re both great for keeping your leaky boobs from getting all over your shirt.
These are the ones that I use that are also the best selling ones on Amazon. These ones are Amazon’s choice, these ones look the most comfortable, these ones are from a popular brand, and these ones are the washable ones.
#3 The Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
This is great for catching my let down from the other boob when feeding her. This way I’m not wasting milk that would otherwise just come out and soak up in my breast pad.
There are also different variations of the haakaa but this is the one I have. I like that it comes with a lid and a suction type base for leaving out on the counter without worrying about it spilling everywhere.
#4 Haakaa ladybug milk catchers
This is similar to using the haakaa, except a little more convenient in my opinion. I can insert one on the other side when I’m breastfeeding to catch my let down. My bra can hold it up versus with the haakaa, I have to hold it up otherwise it’s pulling down on my boob.
I will say they aren’t the most comfortable which is why I don’t wear them around all day. I do however, like to wear them when she’s napping and/or sleeping because it’s hard to hold her up on either of my shoulders with them on. It kind of hurts.
I bought the pack of two, but if you’re just looking to catch your let down when feeding, the one pack will do. You could also order the combo pack that has the original haakaa in addition to two of the ladybug milk catchers.
#5 Elvie pump
I’m sharing this one because this is the only breast pump I’ve used so far and have been loving it. I love that I can put them on inside my bra, open up the app and start pumping. I’m able to walk around and get things done without being confined to one spot. I also love that the pumps stop and the app pauses once they fill up. It will then prompt you in the app to empty the pump to continue.
#6 Water!!
I always do my best to keep water with me at all times especially when feeding her. Anytime I forget to drink water while I feed her, I notice a difference. I especially noticed it more in the first few days and weeks of breastfeeding. I would crave it so bad the second she would latch.
#7 Stanley Tumbler
Speaking of water, the iceflow Stanley tumbler helps keep me drinking a lot of water. I like to carry this around with me everywhere because it reminds me to drink more. You can obviously use any type of tumbler to keep you hydrated, but I love this one especially. I have the hydroflask, the hydrojug and a few others, but always find myself drinking from this one.
Breastfeeding Must Haves #8 | The Boppy Nursing Pillow
This definitely has to be my #1 on my list of breastfeeding must haves! I could not live without the boppy! It’s literally a lifesaver for my arms. If you don’t have one of these, you can use pillows to help support you and the baby while you feed, but won’t work as good. I also love that depending on how I lay her, I can be hands free while feeding her. This allows me to eat, read, write, etc. while simultaneously breastfeeding.
The boppy is ideal for assisting you while breastfeeding your baby. Once your baby is 3 months, you can use it for propping or helping them learn to sit. Once your baby is 6 months, you can use the boppy for tummy time. And once your baby is 9 months, you can use the boppy for sitting.
The boppy cover is removable and machine washable. You can also order and swap out the covers as you like.
#9 Medela breast milk storage bags
These are the bags I use to store all the extra breast milk I catch from the haakaa as well as from the Elvie breast pumps. I label them with the date and how much milk is in it, and then lay them flat to store in the freezer. I usually leave freshly pumped bags in the fridge for 24 hours before placing them in the freezer. Sometimes my husband will give her a bottle at night, so I keep one in there just in case.
#10 Full-sized Ayla & co diaper bag
I’ve raved about these bags on my instagram stories because I love them so much. Back when I was building my baby registry, I searched for HOURS for not only a cute diaper bag, but also functional and came across this brand. I have the full-sized diaper bag, mini diaper bag as well as the fanny and I love how pretty and functional they are.
I love the full-sized Ayla & co diaper bag because it comes with an insulated bag I can throw an ice pack and bags of breast milk in for on the go. The diaper bag is also big enough to fit my Elvie pumps for on the go along with diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, my nursing cover and so much more.
#11 Breastfeeding Must Haves #4 | Nursing bras
When your milk comes in, gone are the days you can walk around the house without a bra on. Not only are you going to need the support, but you will leak through every shirt if you don’t wear one. With that being said, nursing bras are so convenient. I love that I can clip and unclip as needed to expose the nipple for feeding and still have a strap on both shoulders for support.
I’ve tried out a few different types of nursing bras and I have to say these specific ones are my favorite. They are the only ones that I haven’t had any issues with and are super comfortable to wear. They are the Auden nursing bralettes from Target – nursing lightly lined seamless bra.
#12 Nipple cream
You’re going to need nipple cream the very first day of breastfeeding. If you’re currently expecting, definitely pack this in your hospital bag. The lactation consultants gave me samples when I was in the hospital, but it was one thing I wish I had brought with me.
I have been loving this one from Amazon. I don’t really need it as much anymore now that I’ve been breastfeeding for 2 months now, but in the beginning it was definitely something I couldn’t go in between feeds without.
#13 Nipple Shields
Here is another breastfeeding tool that really helped save me from being in so much pain. In the beginning of my journey, my nipples were ripped up, beat up, sore and it was so painful every feeding. I ordered these off of amazon and it helped relieve so much pain for me. I will say though, it makes it harder for your baby to suck making them tire out faster and end up eating less causing them to be hungry more often. My feeding windows were much closer together anytime I would use them.
Once my nipples healed up some, I stopped using them and only took them out to use again when I needed the relief. I use the Medela nipple shields, but Lansinoh and Haakaa also offer their own. Keep in mind, there are a few different sizes to choose from depending on your nipple size, but there are instructions on the Amazon listings about how to find out your exact size.
#14 Burp cloths
This is an obvious one I feel. Whether you’re feeding them straight from the boob, or from the bottle, you’re going to need something to catch and wipe away any spit up. This is just an essential for breastfed and bottle fed babies.
Here is a pack of 10 white muslin burp cloths. You can choose the white or they have a variety of other colors to choose from. I l also love this two pack of muslin burp cloths because one of them has a pretty eucalyptus design on it.
#15 Nursing covers
I never leave the house without a nursing cover since I’m breastfeeding her on demand. She’s currently cluster feeding which means she’s feeding about every hour, hour and a half. I need to be able to put her on the boob no matter where I am. Nursing covers help me do that, especially if I’m in public.
For instance, my sister-in-law got married two weeks ago and I was one of her bridesmaids. We were at the rehearsal and I had to feed her while we were all practicing walking in and out. I threw on my nursing cover, put her under it and fed her while I walked through the rehearsal with everyone.
Nursing covers are also great for putting around your carseat to keep your baby covered while out in public to protect them from the sun, environmental factors (like wind, bugs and rain) as well as from nosy strangers who have no business being up in your baby’s face.
I have the Kyte baby nursing cover with rainbows on it. Although I do love it, this muslin apron style nursing cover from Amazon would be much more ideal. It has an arched opening at the top so that you’re able to see your baby while you feed. You’re also able to see when you need to adjust your baby and the latch as needed. With other nursing covers, it’s difficult to do this without having to stick your head under the cover to see, if that makes sense.
Here is the one I found that has those features you’ll want in a nursing cover.
#16 Oats
I had no idea about this one until my best friend came to visit. She brought me homemade oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies. She told me oats are supposed to be really good for the milk supply. So now I try and incorporate oats into one of my meals each day.
This post was all about Breastfeeding Must Haves.
I love reading list posts from moms that share what worked for them. I hope this post was helpful! Happy breastfeeding!
If you have any questions about my breastfeeding journey or just want to chat mom things, shoot me a DM on instagram! I would love to connect with you!
Xo, Kristen
