dailynewsnblog
Breastfeeding can be one of the sweetest parts of early motherhood, but it can also come with a learning curve. From finding the right nursing bra to keeping a good nipple balm nearby, having a few thoughtful breastfeeding essentials on hand can make those long days and nights a little more comfortable. A supportive nursing pillow, a reliable breast pump, and clothes that make feeding easier can all become invaluable parts of your routine.
There are also plenty of well-documented benefits to breastfeeding for both baby and mother, from supporting baby’s developing immune system to reducing the risk of certain health conditions. And beyond the physical benefits, there’s something deeply tender about those quiet moments of feeding and bonding, when both mother and baby experience a natural release of oxytocin.
That said, there is no single right way to feed a baby. Fed is best. I combo-fed my daughter, and that experience taught me that feeding your baby is ultimately about finding what works for you, your baby, and your family. Whether you exclusively breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or do a combination of all three, there is no need to feel guilty about the choices that help you feel supported and well.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite breastfeeding essentials, from nursing bras and pillows to breast pumps, nipple balms, and other thoughtfully made products designed to support you through the early days of feeding.
Looking to support a loved one who’s just become a parent? Here’s our roundup of gifts for new parents.
1. Soft and organic nursing bras
My breasts nearly tripled in size during pregnancy before getting even bigger once I started nursing. Multiple soft and supportive nursing bras quickly became essentials, especially during those first weeks at home when comfort was everything. I needed something supportive enough to feel secure but soft and flexible enough to wear all day and sleep in. After trying a few different styles, there were two brands I found myself reaching for most often. First is Kindred Braveley. The Lounge and Sleep Bra is made from soft bamboo, perfect for pumping, and goes up to 3XL with a busty and extra-busty line. My other favorite brand is Embrace for its nontoxic, Oeko-tex® 100-certified nursing bras (the absolute best for sleeping in).
2. Portable breast pump and breast milk cooler
We took our daughter camping a few weeks after she was born (crazy, I know), and I went back to work full time after my postpartum leave. While I used my insurance for a hospital-grade pump I could use at home (cue the triggering sound of the Spectra), I lived off portable pumps when I was out and about, needed to sit at my desk, or simply wanted a break from the tubes and contraptions. This hands-free pump from Willow is especially convenient because it fits right inside my bra, so I can pump completely hands-free without being tethered to tubes or hauling around a heavy pump device. It’s also the kind of pump I actually want to use, which is saying a lot. I don’t dread the sessions; it’s easy to keep on my nightstand, and the travel case makes it easy to travel with. The brand also has a new breast milk cooler that I’m excited ot try out if/when we have another baby.
3. Supportive and organic nursing pillow
One of my favorite baby registry gifts was this nursing pillow from Butterr. Since nursing pillows can be hit or miss, I leaned heavily into the research, focusing on a few key things—and Butterr ultimately checked all the boxes. First, when I was nursing, it was incredibly supportive for both my daughter and me. It gave me a comfortable place to rest my arm while feeding and helped support my daughter’s head during those long nursing sessions. It also became useful beyond feeding, giving her a little extra support while she played on the floor. I think I even fell asleep on it once during tummy time.
Second, it’s made with a natural latex core and GOTS-certified organic cotton covers, which have been tested for more than 100 harmful substances. The brand also sells extra covers separately, which, let’s be honest, is necessary for quick washes and easy cleaning. Having a spare meant I could quickly swap on a clean cover without waiting for the other one to dry. It also comes with a carrying bag, so it was easy to bring along on trips and road trips (and it works as a car pillow for me in a pinch!).
4. Bottle washer
“This is the best thing we’ve ever bought.” I hear this from my husband at least five times a week, even now as we’re weaning our daughter off bottles at 13 months. We were both skeptical about a bottle washer at first, but it truly ended up being one of the best investments we made for our feeding journey, both for our sanity and for keeping everything clean. Because I pumped, combo-fed, and introduced bottles early on, we used it multiple times a day to wash bottles and pump parts. We used the BabyBrezza with our daughter but plan to get the Momcozy KleanPal Pro if/when we have another child, at friends’ recommendation. While I love the Brezza, it requires putting bottles in specific slots and has less flexibility than the Momcozy washer (but only time will tell after we use it). Both machines wash, sterilize, and dry everything in one, with multiple cleaning and drying settings depending on what you’re washing. It was such a relief to toss everything in and let the machine do the work rather than stand over the sink scrubbing tiny individual pieces for what felt like hours. We even used it for pacifiers and brought it with us when we traveled. At this point, I genuinely can’t imagine getting through the newborn and feeding stages without it.
5. Nontoxic nipple balm
Here’s one to always, always keep within arm’s reach. Between nursing and pumping, the girls got chapped real quick, and a good nipple balm saved my life (and kept me from wincing every time my daughter latched). Two of my favorites were ATTITUDE’s Nursing Balm and Nēmah’s Renewing Nipple + Lip Balm. ATTITUDE’s formula is made with 100% naturally derived ingredients, including coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil, and is EWG VERIFIED, vegan, and dermatologically tested. I love that it comes in a stick, so it’s incredibly easy to apply and toss in your purse for on the go. Nēmah’s balm is lanolin-free and vegan, with calendula, mango butter, jojoba, and other plant-based oils to help soothe and condition skin while nursing or pumping. I also love that Nēmah’s can double as a lip balm, because that was another huge need during those late-night feeds.
