The amount of products that exist for everything now, especially for babies is so overwhelming. There are options for things to buy for nearly everything, and as a new mom you can sometimes feel like you must need all of these things to be successful. I have definitely felt this way. Days when I was struggling through breastfeeding and sleep deprived left me sometimes turning to ‘what can I get to fix all of this?’
That being said, there are a few products that have absolutely helped me though breastfeeding!
Earth Mama Natural Nipple Butter – One of my favorite products for breastfeeding, baby, and beyond! I tried a couple of lanolin brands and they all sucked, the prescription stuff (All Purpose Nipple Ointment) was great for when I was severely damaged, but just not really necessary the second time, and this. This stuff is awesome. It goes on smooth and helps with pain and sticking. It is also awesome as a cream for rashy areas! I still use it on my toddler whenever he has an eczema breakout, and it works! All good ingredients, and it works better than the stuff filled with chemicals!
Lily Padz – a friend gave me these before I had my first, and they were lifesavers! They are reusable silicone breast pads, and are great for multiple reasons. They use pressure against your nipples to actually prevent leaks. I had so much leaking, and while these were not perfect, they definitely helped keep me dry. They also act as a barrier between your sore nipples and your bra. There is nothing worse than your shirt sticking to sore nipples! Also just holding my babies against my sore nipples was painful, so these provided at least a little barrier to that sensitive area.
Lansinoh Soothies – I didn’t try these until my second at the suggestion of my lactation consultant (at Dar a Luz – if you are local to Albuquerque they are amazing). They are a breast pad that sticks to your breast and they have something in them that actually helps heal your nipples. They are worn for 3 days, and you do have to rinse your nipple before feeding. I would recommend just using during the day, but they work! I did not have extensive damage with my second, but I did have some cracking, and these seemed to heal it right up!
Nursing Bras – These are a must have. Make sure you get a few and at least for at first, bras with no wire. I personally went wireless the whole time because I am prone to clogged ducts and mastitis. My favorite bra is this one from Motherhood Maternity. It’s wireless, still supports, and has padding. I personally love the padding as a barrier to my nipple, and also as a backup leak catcher. I also love these for sleep, and these are the prettiest nursing bralettes. They even provide enough support to wear during the day.
Pumping Bra – I’ve done a lot of pumping with my exclusive weeks with my first, and going back to work. I can tell you – get a pumping bra for pumping. It’s so much easier than trying to hold those bottles. You can look at your phone, work on the computer, do your makeup, etc. Plus I always feel like I get more milk when I have the bra.
Milk Storage Bags – No real winner here, and I hate how much waste there is with these, but as with all of motherhood, pick and choose your battles. Bags are worth the convenience to me.
Things you don’t need
Clothing that is nursing specific – None of it is very cute, and will get trashed as soon as you are done breastfeeding. Look for items that are easily pulled down or lifted up that you can continue to wear after you are done breastfeeding.
I always wear a nursing cami, and then I can just pull up whatever shirt I’m wearing and clip down the cami. Your stomach stays covered and your top shirt acts as a nursing cover. Another tip – baby can fit right under a long and loose shirt for feeding while you are out and about, no fussy cover needed. I do use a cover sometimes, but this trick is SOO much easier!
Well there’s my list of product must haves and have nots. Anything else you would add to it?
Be sure to check out my other Breastfeeding posts!
Breastfeeding Series :: The Early Days
7 Best Breastfeeding Products (Written 2 years ago after having Elijah!)
Breastfeeding Rollercoaster Ride- the things I wasn’t prepared for
Breastfeeding Series :: Intro
Seven Months
Tips for an Unmedicated Labor and Birth
Helping Baby Walk
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