Essentials for the Breastfeeding Mom

This post was sponsored by several of the amazing brands featured. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know what I would have done without my mom and best friends when it came time to register for my first baby, It’s overwhelming and there are more decisions than any one person should have to make. The Mister was in his last year of graduate school when we became pregnant. He was there for new parenting classes, breastfeeding classes and childbirth classes. I never thought to ask him if he wanted to go pick out bath toys and nursing tops with me. I figured it was more of a girlfriend thing.

 

So I asked my mom, my two best friends from Jr High and High School what I really needed and got to work scanning away at Target. Like I said there were so many things to think about and one of the big ones was Me! What was I going to need when this little nugget arrived? I was breast feeding so I knew there had to be a few key items for that alone.

Recently a friend asked me to help her register and I was thrilled to get to share some of my wisdom as an experienced momma (we made it to 17 months nursing!). Here is my list of baby registry essentials for breastfeeding mom.

Bamboobies® Nursing pads: Bamboobies® are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof™ liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly. I love their heart shape to help them lay more smoothly and contour to the breast. 

Bamboobies® Organic Nipple Balm: In those first few weeks nipples can suffer from dryness and cracking. A non-toxic, certified organic nipple balm that keeps nipples feeling soft, supple and healthy. All ingredients are safe for ingestion by your breastfeeding baby.

Chewbeads Nursing Necklace: Stylish and multifunctional, silicone necklaces are a great sensory tool to help baby focus while nursing and later to help easy teething discomfort while chewed on. Beautiful colors and designs make pairing them with your favorite outfits easy.

Nipple Shields: Some moms (myself) have flat or inverted nipples and may have issues with their baby latching. Their unique cut out shape allows for more skin contact between mom and baby.

Breast Shells: Place these over your breast while recovering from cracked or sore nipples. They protect the nipple area and prevent further chafing. 

Medela Breast Pump: I LOVED the Medela In Style Advanced Pump, it was easy to pack up and take to work with me or travel with. 

Dapple Bottle & Dish Soap: Breast milk leaves an oily film on bottles and you need a soap that is specially designed to clean them. Dapple dish soap has green technology to target milk residue and baking soda to combat odor. We have tons of their products for cleaning all over the house!

SmartyPants PreNatal Vitamins: It’s important that while breastfeeding mom continues to take a prenatal vitamin. These delicious gummy vitamins contain premium nutrients such as Omega 3 DHA, Folate and Vitamin K! Did I mention they taste amazing.

Medela Quick Clean Bags: Make cleaning bottles and pump parts super easy. Rinse with water and place in the sanitizing bag, add the recommended amount of water and place in microwave to quickly sanitize by steam cleaning! A must for any momma pumping on the go or at work.

Breast Wipes: Sometime your location won’t allow you for a full clean up after a nursing or pumping session. Nuk Brest Wipes are amazing for a fresh feeling and won’t leave you sticky. They are an essential in my nursing station!

Nursing pillow: Every mom is different and will find the position that is most comfortable for them while nursing. I loved using a nursing pillow, Boppy is a common pillow that most moms love because it can be used in multiple ways for positioning baby as they grow. I also loved the My Breast friend pillow (you read that right) that my lactation consultant used with us.

Nursing Cami: You are going to live in these and you want to be comfortable so having quality is important. I loved mine and still wear them from time to time. The Rosie Pope line has a built in unlined wireless shelf bra, adjustable plush strap, easy access nursing clips to expose breast for nursing with cotton sling. Not to mention the materials are soft, comfy and easy to care for at home.

Nursing bra: Just because its a nursing bra doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be pretty. Rosie Pope Nursing bras, provide a touch of lace and color to their bras that are going to make you feel amazing as a new momma. Lightly lined and wireless these bras feature a ballerina back (shape creates a smooth back), 2 way stretch at closure (easy and comfortable to put on)and 4 hook and eyes for changing shape (breast and weight). Bonus! adjustable plush straps, easy access nursing clips to expose breast for nursing with cotton sling, quick dry (for when you need it right out of the wash) AND full cup coverage!

Milk Storage Bags: For those days when you need to pump, using storage bags will help keep your freezer organized and easy to find. There are lots of crafty ways you can store them in your freezer to avoid taking up too much space.

Milk testing strips: Baby is here and you have been waiting for your first glass of wine. Want to make sure that its safe to nurse, MilkScreen can test your breast milk to make sure that it is safe for baby. Remember to drink responsibly.

Travel Cooler Bag: This was a must for me when I was working and it went on all of our trips with us. You can store up to 20 oz total with these 4 bottles. It includes a reusable ice pack and 4 bottles that are compatible with various breast pumps.

Nursing Cover: While not every mom or baby likes to use a cover, I found that it was great to have when I did want to cover up. Even better is when the cover can be used in multi ways, such as a nursing cover, carseat canopy and a scarf!

MilkMakers Lactation Cookies and Tea: MilkMakers cookies and teas contain natural key ingredients that will help boost mom’s milk supply. The cookies contain oats, brewers yeast, flax seed and other natural ingredients that make them a yummy snack, You’d better hide them from your partner, even though they are of course safe for them to enjoy as well. Their new line of Lactation Teas, is a delicious blend that is free of Fenugreek (a common ingredient in other lactation teas) that can taste unpleasant. Their potent blend helps with just 2 cups a day compared to the normal of 8 cups by other teas.