Planning on breastfeeding your baby? Read this list first! With all the breastfeeding products on the market, I’ll show you which ones are actually worth it.
I am NOT a medical professional. These recommendations are based solely on my experiences and opinions. Always consult a CLC (Certified Lactation Consultant) or IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for expert, individualized advice on breastfeeding.
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As a new mom, there is so much pressure on getting it right when it comes to breastfeeding. I get it. Feeding a newborn can be difficult and tiresome. It can also be especially worrisome to not know how much breastmilk they’re actually transferring.
I’ve been going strong for almost five months now and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. My breastfeeding journey with my son doesn’t look like others, but it’s what works for us.
We’ve had to supplement with formula since nearly the beginning. After two weeks of exclusively nursing my son, we discovered he wasn’t regaining any weight he had initially lost in those first days after birth.
He was already born on the smaller side at just under 7 lbs, so this was very alarming to us. After some weighted feeds, we realized he wasn’t transferring much milk during even thirty minutes of nursing. I was literally nursing him almost every hour, sometimes for an entire hour straight. I kept records of those first few weeks, and I remember seeing one at an hour and fifteen minutes! My body was exhausted and ready to give up without having any real sleep.
I decided to continue feeding him breastmilk daily by exclusively pumping and then supplementing with formula.
Keeping his body nourished was our top priority, even if formula wasn’t my first choice. This decision weighed heavily on my heart for a long time. But I’m so thankful we did. Without formula, he wouldn’t have survived and be thriving so much right now.
Combo feeding isn’t often thought of as a breastfeeding journey, but for many women it is part of their individual journey. From about the time Bear was two weeks old, I have been an exclusive pumper (with some comfort nursing here and there), while also supplementing with formula.
Since we have been through the ringer trying to figure it all out, you can imagine I’ve used plenty of products on the market for helping me produce milk, nurse comfortably, and pump more effectively.
So I feel like I have truly tried all the amazing (and not-so-great) products out there. So many products are marketed toward new moms who aren’t able to think logically, and are still experiencing all the heightened postpartum emotions. I was one of them.
I would have paid anything to see a milk supply increase or to get my baby to nurse successfully again. Which is why I want to share products that actually are helpful and well worth the money.
This list includes the products that are evidence based and, in my experience, have been effective in some way or another. I’m not going to tell you these are the only products that can work for you, but these are some super helpful ones.
Just remember, none of these are magic. The best way to increase milk is to latch/pump often and until empty. The best way to help baby nurse is to keep both them and you comfortable in correct positioning and using the right method to latch baby. These are merely items that will make you more comfortable and help soothe any pain during those first weeks to encourage you to keep up the hard work. Some of them I recommend because they effectively and efficiently remove milk for keeping a steady supply.
From one mama to another, let’s get into some of my favorite breastfeeding essentials for new moms to use.
New Mom Breastfeeding Essentials
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
I was that person who thought I wanted the most aesthetic, trendy nursing pillow. I purchased the Snuggle Me Organic one and it was a flop… But we did later have some success using it as a feeding pillow when I had to pump and bottle feed our boy at the same time when I was home alone.
However, let me just say the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow is AMAZING. Such a game changer.
It’s a perfectly flat cushion that provides essential support for positioning a delicate newborn belly to belly against mom. It buckles in place and is completely adjustable for any woman of any size. The cover is washable. It’s able to adjust to get the perfect height so you aren’t hunching over. (Remember, bring baby to breast, not breast to baby.)
This pillow saved my back and helped me achieve a more supported position so I wasn’t uncomfortable or in pain. It also prevented nipple pain by helping my baby achieve a better latch. This is hands-down the best breastfeeding invention in my opinion. Older babies may not need pillows like this, but get you one of these for those newborn days. You won’t regret it.
Earth Mama Nipple Butter | new mom breastfeeding essentials
There are probably many natural brands with great nipple balms. But this is the one I used and I really loved it. I highly recommend using one with minimal, all-natural ingredients so you aren’t giving your baby unnatural chemicals at such a young age.
I like that it acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from getting into the nipples. This can really help keep them healthy and clean. Nobody wants an infection during those postpartum days, no ma’am.
I stored this in the fridge for some extra cool relief when I applied it. It also doubles as a lip balm for those winter months when lips are chapped, fyi! It triples its use by also being a great balm to use on nipples before a pumping session to prevent unnecessary friction on/around the nipples from the flanges. 10/10 would recommend.
Koala Silver Nursing Cups
I used a knock-off brand of silver nursing cups because the originals are a bit pricey. These had good reviews and were about $45. Real silver has natural healing properties and is great for healing, soothing, and protecting nipples. I stored mine in the freezer and popped them into my bra immediately after nursing or pumping. So many times these babies saved my sore nipples.
Medela Hydrogel Pads | new mom breastfeeding essentials
The lactation consultant I saw in the hospital was surprisingly good and helpful. (MUCH better than the one at our pediatric clinic, but that’s another story for another day.) She helped me relax into comfortable positions, gave me some confidence, and showed me these amazing reusable cooling gel pads that are perfect for those first couple of weeks.
I’m pretty sure my nipples felt like they were gonna fall off for those first, like, 10 weeks. But that first month was the worst. These felt like a godsend. They are so cooling, gentle, and relieving on red, hot nipples. Try these and you’ll never turn back.
Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bras
I’ve talked about these before in a review post Unsponsored Kindred Bravely Nursing Bra Review because I am obsessed. They are supportive, comfortable, and cute. I love how convenient they are for nursing and pumping. Look no further if you’re in search for the perfect nursing bra, seriously.
Kindred Bravely Cooling Breast Pads
I also purchased these cooling breast pads for overall engorgement and breast pain during that first month or so of breastfeeding. I placed them in the freezer when I wasn’t using them and added them to my bra between sessions to help inflammation. I believe these were one of the big reasons why I was able to avoid mastitis in those first weeks (because yes, even low milk supply moms can get mastitis, too).
Spectra Breast Pump | new mom breastfeeding essentials
This was my main pump I used during my breastfeeding journey. I have a love/hate relationship with it. Don’t get me wrong, it works great and is one of the best pumps that many women and experts recommend. But most women do not like pumping. It is way easier to just nurse.
That being said, I have to admit it was efficient at extracting milk. The settings work for me, I like the nightlight on it, and I like that it’s portable. I much preferred this portable, albeit large, pump over the wearables you can discreetly tuck into the bra on the go. If you’re gonna pump, use a Spectra.
Oh, and one more tip, always pump for an entire 30 minutes (or until empty). This will protect your supply, decrease risk of infection, and allow you to get a higher volume of output.
Muslin Nursing Cover
Nursing covers have more than one use. Other than the obvious use for nursing or pumping, I’ve also used it as a sort of bib/large towel to throw over myself when burping my son. He tends to spit up more than the average baby, and it is much easier to use this than to change shirts several times a day. This one is easy to adjust and drape discreetly over yourself and rolls up nicely to fit into a diaper bag for travel. It’s also pretty affordable. I accidentally received two of these from my three baby showers we had and they definitely come in handy.
Medela Manual Breast Pump | new mom breastfeeding essentials
Okay, hear me out. These are more work than a wall pump, but I think it is necessary to own one. You never know if the power will go out, or you forget to charge your portable/wearable pump, or if you need something to toss into the diaper bag for travel. This is affordable and effective. Some women even prefer a manual to an electric pump and receive higher output from it. Plan on buying one to have on hand, just in case.
Momcozy Flange Inserts
Why is it that every pump you spend hundreds on sends you flanges that are way too big?! None of these companies are even considering that most women don’t wear these sizes? These flange inserts can be placed into larger flanges that come with your breast pump to achieve the right fit with less pain and irritation to maximize output. Flange size can affect your supply, so this is important.
Rubber Nipple Measuring Card | new mom breastfeeding essentials
Now you may be wondering how you can possibly find the right size flange? How do you know which size to buy? Well, other than a lactation consult, ordering this $3 rubber ruler guide will allow you to decide which size is correct. It can save you quite a bit as flanges and inserts can be expensive if you’re buying multiple sizes. This is easy to do yourself and will give you the confidence to choose the right flanges. Please do not skip this.
Hearty, healthy meals + water
Okay, this one obviously isn’t a product. Just a friendly reminder that your body can’t keep up with the demands of making milk if you aren’t hydrating, eating 500-700 more calories per day, or eating enough protein-rich, fiber-rich meals full of wholesome ingredients. (Your body also really needs healthy fats and carbohydrates!)
Please don’t diet. Your body can only handle so much work at once and breastfeeding is very demanding on the body. Losing weight can wait until after you finish breastfeeding.
A woman’s body is biologically programmed to hold onto fat and weight to nourish a growing baby—that includes after baby is born, too. Just know it’s normal to not lose much weight after giving birth if you’re breastfeeding. It is a complete myth that most women lose weight from it. Although it does burn a significant amount of calories, it makes you very hungry and you’ll be eager to eat those calories back.
Some women may be lucky and have great genetics that allow the weight to drop immediately after birth. They may lose weight naturally while breastfeeding. And some lucky few will be able to diet and maintain a milk supply. But for most women, we need extra calories and fat on our bodies to make milk. If you aren’t eating enough, your milk supply will most likely suffer.
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