Planning to breastfeed your baby but unsure what breastfeeding essentials are really essential?
First, hats off to you mama! Breastfeeding is an amazing, beautiful experience but it can be daunting, especially when you’re just starting. Even though it seems like you should just need your babe and your boob, there is a little more that goes into it.
True to my nature, when I got pregnant I panic researched and learned everything I could about breastfeeding. One thing I realized is most sources shared the same kinds of essential products – nipple cream, nursing pillow, etc. So naturally, I got all of those things, and while they were helpful, there were other breastfeeding products that I wish I’d known about and used sooner.
As a mama who successfully breastfed one baby for 18 months and is (as I’m writing this at least) on her second round of breastfeeding a newborn, I feel like a bit of a veteran and want to share what I’ve learned to help new mamas prepare. These are the breastfeeding products I found through my own trial and error that I would go back and tell myself about sooner!
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Unique Breastfeeding Products New Moms Need
1. Hakka Lady Bug Milk Collector
Why I Love It: These little lovely things were a lifesaver for so many reasons! They slip right into your bra and act both as a nipple shield and a milk collector. You can even lightly suction them onto your boob so they stay in place. Keep in mind – these are passive milk collectors, NOT a pump substitute like the original Haakkaa. They did help me build a freezer stash, even if it was just a few mL at a time, by collecting my let down milk without creating an oversupply issue. As a mama who was preparing to go back to work, this was a big help to reducing my milk supply anxiety. The Haakkaa Ladybug also acts a bit like a nipple shield while you’re wearing it, giving those sore, tired nipples a break from pressure or fabric friction. I used these EVERY SINGLE DAY until by baby started solids and my milk supply lessened. It is my number one unique but essential product for a reason and I tell every new breastfeeding and nursing mama I know to get them ASAP.
Pros:
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Act as a combo nipple shield and passive milk collector
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Soft and comfortable silicone and can suction on for a secure fit
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Don’t waste a drop of that liquid gold and help build a milk stash
Cons:
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Pour spout could be bigger to make getting fatty milk out easier
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Don’t fit as easily or comfortably in tighter fitting bras
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Can only do light suction, so if you’re looking for more of a “pump” this isn’t it
2. Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Why I Love It: This wonderful little breastmilk hand pump is the most efficient pump I’ve used! While it isn’t hands free and does require you to manually pump the milk yourself, I can collect just as much milk in half of the time as my hospital grade pump. On top of that, I’m fully in control of how intense the suction level is, which makes it a much more comfortable experience, too. It even works with the Dr. Browns standard bottles we used so I was able to pump directly into the bottle. This would have been so helpful for those times early on when I just needed a little relief from engorgement or wanted to pump a bottle quick without the full set up of my big pump. Best part, it’s more compact, easier to clean, and doesn’t need electricity so it’s the perfect breastmilk pump for traveling.
Pros:
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Super efficient breastmilk pump for more milk in half the time (in my opinion)
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Control the intensity of your suction level
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More portable and easier to clean than most pumps
Cons:
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No hands free option – have to use your hands to pump
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Can leak if you don’t screw the pump onto the bottle correctly
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Difficult to dual pump both breasts (and would need to buy a second pump)
3. Bamboobies Reuseable & Washable Ultra Absorbent Nursing Pads
Why I Love Them: These nursing pads have two things I love in a product besides quality – saves me money and is good for the environment. I loved that I didn’t have to waste as much money on disposable nursing pads and that these were comfortable and effective! When I was already doing so much laundry for a messy little human, it was so convenient to just toss these little things in, too. The incredibly soft bamboo blend is comfortable and helped keep my poor, chapped nipples from the friction of my nursing bra. Bamboobies makes a few varieties, but I felt the overnight variety were most effective for regular, everyday use. If you want leak protection, comfortability, and to save money on disposable pads, these are for you!
Pros:
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Soft bamboo blend is gentle and comfortable for sore nipples
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Effectively prevents embarrassing breast milk leaks
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Save money compared to using disposable nursing pads
Cons:
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Requires washing
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No adhesive to stick to bra
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Likely would not be great for someone who has a serious oversupply or excessive leaking
3. Bamboobies Reuseable & Washable Ultra Absorbent Nursing Pads
Why I Love Them: These nursing pads have two things I love in a product besides quality – saves me money and is good for the environment. I loved that I didn’t have to waste as much money on disposable nursing pads and that these were comfortable and effective! When I was already doing so much laundry for a messy little human, it was so convenient to just toss these little things in, too. The incredibly soft bamboo blend is comfortable and helped keep my poor, chapped nipples from the friction of my nursing bra. Bamboobies makes a few varieties, but I felt the overnight variety were most effective for regular, everyday use. If you want leak protection, comfortability, and to save money on disposable pads, these are for you!
Pros:
-
Soft bamboo blend is gentle and comfortable for sore nipples
-
Effectively prevents embarrassing breast milk leaks
-
Save money compared to using disposable nursing pads
Cons:
-
Requires washing
-
No adhesive to stick to bra
-
Likely would not be great for someone who has a serious oversupply or excessive leaking
Parenting toddlers is not for the faint of heart and there are so many different styles, strategies, and techniques you can use to navigate this stage. It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
What I love about these three books is that they’re common sense ideas with practical application. There isn’t a whole lot of theory and fluff that you then are left to figure out how to apply. These authors understand what it realistically means to be a good parent. Each gives you actionable information often with step-by-step strategies you can start applying today. Who doesn’t love that?
These books truly transformed how I approach the toddler years and I hope they do the same for you!
