I so frequently am asked what sorts of things are needed to breastfeed a baby. One of the best things about nursing is that you really don’t need much – the main thing is conveniently attached to your body. No need to heat it, sterilize it, and there is no way you can forget it at home. There are a few things that come in handy in making the process smoother and more efficient, and for that I give you this list of essentials:
1. Organic nursing pads. Soft, absorbent and thick.
2. Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter. No need to wash off before feeding. Smells like dessert.
3. A great water bottle you love and will carry everywhere. The Bkr is by far my favorite and it’s made of glass, so no scary chemicals.
4. Medela Pump-In-Style Advanced. Even if you’re exclusively nursing, there will most likely come a time when you need to pump. Save yourself the trouble of testing out one that will inevitably fail, and get this one. Bonus: Many insurance companies now cover pumps up to 100% – so check with your provider!
5. A hands-free pump bra. Pumping is probably the least fun you will have in your new-mom life. Why not make it a bit more bearable – or at least an event that can be done while scrolling through your Facebook feed.
6. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger – a great printed resource and guide to all the basics. It’s also a heartwarming read.
7. Your Local La Leche League resource on speed-dial. If anything should come up – questions, concerns, anything – reach out to the help in your area. They are there for a reason and want your breastfeeding relationship to succeed for both you and baby. Every lactation consultant I’ve met has been nothing short of amazing in terms of help or support.
