Unique Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms

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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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.

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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.

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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!

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Why I Love Them: I didn’t know about these with my first baby and muddled through bleeding cracked nipples, so I thought I’d be fine and didn’t need them for my second baby. WRONG. I Amazon overnighted these silverettes at 2AM in the hospital while trying to survive my first night of cluster feeding and they saved my nipples. These wonderful little nipple covers slip right into your bra and protect your nipples  PLUS the silver promotes healing. They are the number one thing I recommend to every new mom, especially in the early days of breastfeeding.

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Why I Love Them: Nursing cami tank tops are the best thing if you want to discretely breastfeed without the hassle of a cover. These nursing camis are lightweight and have a built in shelf bra so you get some support so they’re great to layer under your clothes. The best part is, when you lift up your shirt to nurse, your stomach stays covered by the tank top. You get the ease and function of a nursing bra without the exposure! I can’t tell you the amount of times I nursed in public like this and people told me they thought I was just holding my baby. Lots of companies make them in varies sizes and colors, but this brand is always my favorite for breastfeeding attire.

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When you’re in the thick of those early newborn days, having the right breastfeeding essentials can make all the difference.

While the typical baby registry covers the basics, these unique breastfeeding products, like the silicone milk collector, a reliable manual breast pump, reusable bamboo nursing pads, silverette nipple covers, and comfy nursing cami tank tops, are the game-changers many new moms don’t discover until later. They’re practical, comforting, and designed to make nursing feel just a little easier and more natural.

So as you prepare for your feeding journey, consider adding a few of these underrated breastfeeding essentials for new moms — your future self will thank you.

Like these suggestions and want more ideas for what to add to your baby registry? Check out my post on Baby Registry Must Haves According to a Second Time Mama for over 40 ideas!