Choosing to breastfeed your new little babe isn’t always an easy choice. No matter how prepared you may feel, it’s still a big commitment, and it can be overwhelming to be your baby’s primary source of food!
Breastfeeding can also be a very intimate and rewarding experience unlike any other. If you’ve decided to make the leap and nurse your newborn, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered up a list of all the essentials you’ll need to become a breastfeeding pro in no time.
1. A High-Quality Breast Pump
The first thing to put in your arsenal is a quality breast pump. Even moms who are exclusively breastfeeding might appreciate having a pump just in case. You might be doing most of the feedings, but at some point, there could come a time when you’re away from your babe during mealtime. A breast pump can allow you to pump and store milk for future feedings when you and your nips aren’t readily available.
A breast pump can also help keep up your milk supply if you spend regular amounts of time away from your babe. If you’re heading back to work, for example, experts recommend pumping every three to four hours for at least 15 minutes to ensure you keep producing as much milk as your little one needs.
There are many different types of breast pumps, including electric, manual, hospital-grade, open-system, closed-system, and more. Figuring out which one is right for you can feel overwhelming, and there are a few things you should consider before choosing your breast pump:
- How often do you plan to pump? Some pumps are designated for pumping multiple times a day, while others are more appropriate for just one to two times a week.
- Portable and hands-free breast pumps can add a bit of flexibility: How important is that to you?
- What type of breast pump does your insurance cover? With the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies must cover breast pumps, but the type your plan will cover varies.
The best way to choose a breast pump is to chat with your Ob-GYN or another healthcare provider about what they recommend. They’ll be able to help you choose a pump that’s safe, effective, and suited for your lifestyle needs.
2. Nursing Bras
Another essential item you’ll need almost right away is a nursing bra. Nursing bras can make breastfeeding on the go or in public a million times easier, and if there’s anyone who deserves ease and convenience right now, it’s definitely you!
For a bra that perfectly blends comfort with nursing functionality, check out the Everyday Nursing Bra. This wireless (read: no poking) bra is made out of a luxe Pima cotton blend for the ultimate soft feel against your most likely sensitive nips. Plus, it includes a ton of thoughtful features to make nursing a breeze, like a one-handed nursing clasp and four back settings to accommodate your changing size.
If you’re planning on pumping frequently, the Essential Nursing and Pumping Bra might be a good fit for you. The modal blend fabric is finely ribbed and seamless, meaning it’ll feel like a second skin — don’t be surprised if you find yourself sleeping in this bra.
Just like the Essential Nursing Bra, we’ve incorporated a bunch of features to make your life as easy as possible while breastfeeding. The nursing clasp and pull-down design give you multiple options for easy nipple access, while a front fabric overlap hides discreet slits for pumping purposes. Plus, adjustable straps let you size this bra to your exact fit for all the comfort you need and deserve right now.
3. Nursing-Friendly Tops
Nursing bras aren’t the only clothes you’ll want to invest in if you choose to breastfeed. Nursing-friendly tops, dresses, and jumpsuits are absolutely essential for breastfeeding. After all, what’s the point of a nursing bra if you have to take your shirt off to breastfeed anyway?
For our current nursing obsession, check out the Softest Rib Nursing Dress, one of our pregnancy and postpartum bestsellers. This midi-length dress is made of an insanely soft ribbed knit fabric that you can run errands in, lounge around the house in, and sleep in. Yes, it’s THAT comfy.
Half sleeves and a sweet V-neck add a touch of romance, while a snap-front placket provides easy access for nursing purposes. The machine-washable fabric comes in three shades: Ivory, Black, and Rose Quartz. Do yourself a favor and get this dress like ASAP — your future self will thank you.
Another current fave: the Nadia Easy-Nurse Dress. Made from our bestselling luxe Tencel linen fabric and cut at a flattering midi length, this is truly spring and summer in a dress. The tie front provides easy breastfeeding access whenever and wherever, while an elastic waistband gives plenty of stretch.
4. Bottles (and Other Basics)
We talked a bit about pumping earlier — if you’re breastfeeding, chances are you’ll pump at some point, in which case you’ll also need things like bottles and storage containers for the milk you pump.
In addition to providing guidelines for storing breastmilk, the CDC also recommends storing it in food-grade storage containers or specifically designated breast milk storage bags. Invest in those containers, mama – the last thing you want is to risk your breastmilk with a low-quality container.
The same thing goes for baby bottles. There are a ton of different bottle brands on the market, and many material options, from stainless steel and glass to plastic. The main thing is to make sure that whatever bottle brand you choose is free from toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
From there, it’s just a matter of preference — plastic bottles can be cheap and convenient, but they’ll need to be replaced more often. Glass bottles are naturally free of toxic chemicals and are more durable but also more high-maintenance. And remember, whenever you’re struggling to choose the right product for you and your baby, you can always consult your Ob-GYN.
5. Self-Care Necessities
Breastfeeding might be magical and intimate, but it can also be unexpectedly tough on your body. You may struggle to get a good latch or find one that doesn’t hurt. Taking care of yourself during and after nursing is essential to having an overall (mostly/hopefully) positive experience.
Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm
One of our absolute self-care essentials while breastfeeding is a good rescue balm, such as our Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm. This formula isn’t just lanolin-free; it’s also packed with tropical butters and superfruit extracts (including pomegranate and acai) for all the moisturizing your tender and possibly irritated nipples may need.
If you need to add a bit of hydration to your lips, nips, and other bits, this is the balm for you. Just be sure to gently remove any residue with a wipe or cloth before breastfeeding.
Belly Oil
Implementing a soothing self-care ritual after breastfeeding is also a good way to take care of yourself, mind, body, and soul. These days, we’re all about holistic wellness. One of our favorite ways to self-soothe is by lightly massaging some belly oil onto the bump, such as our quick-drying botanical-based Belly Oil.
This oil isn’t just hydrating and soothing; it can also help smooth away those stretch marks that are oh-so-common during pregnancy. Just a few drops can help reduce the appearance of scars and lines. Because your body is beautiful — but sometimes, you might miss your pre-preggo tummy (and that’s okay!). We’re here to help.
The Full Package (aka You)
Breastfeeding is like unlocking a superpower that you didn’t know you even had. It can be an incredible, empowering, and bonding time with your new baby, but it can also be a source of stress and physical pain (especially when your baby grows their first teeth!). When you need help, reach out a hand and ask for it. Your family, friends, and us over here at Babe are all here for you!
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