Breastfeeding Survival Kit
Other than contemplating the idea of breastfeeding and/or formula feeding, you may not have given much thought to what breastfeeding will actually look like.
Unfortunately, even the best breastfeeding experiences come with some pain and sometimes even bleeding nipples (yes… I went through it all three times!). Both you and baby are learning a new skill and it will take some time to get it just right.
I can’t promise you an effortless breastfeeding journey but with the items I have put together in my breastfeeding survival kit, it will make those first tough weeks of nursing less intimidating.
LANOLIN CREAM
If you follow me on Instagram, you might know that Lanolin cream has been a must for me during nursing ever since having my first baby. Helping soothe dry, cracked, even bleeding nipples, I don’t think I would have been able to stick to breastfeeding without it.
Third time pregnant, I also discovered Nipple Crack which I also really love. I can’t say which is best but if you prefer vegan products and/or are allergic to lanolin than Nipple Crack is definitely the one you want to go for.
NIPPLE SHIELDS
I am honestly mad that I had to deal with so much initial pain with breastfeeding my first two babies before discovering the MVP in the nursing game! Nipple shields are made of ultra thin silicone which is perfect for inverted nipples, soreness, latching issues and overactive letdown. These genuinely made breastfeeding so much more enjoyable so much sooner compared to my previous two nursing experiences.
WATER BOTTLE
Drinking plenty of water is always important but even more when attempting to increase and maintain your milk supply. One simple way to keep on track with your daily water intake is to get a cute, large water bottle and keep it by your side. Always! By just doing this I have been drinking 100+ oz. of water a day. I love that you can even get vibrant bottles like this one with time markers and motivational lines to keep you drinking.
NURSING PILLOW
Nursing is a full time job and the least you can do for yourself is to make it as comfortable as possible. Nursing pillows are perfect to keep baby in a good position and take some of the weight off of you. An added perk is that baby can also use the nursing pillow for tummy time and for assisted sitting when the time comes.
NURSING BRA
Easy access is a must when it comes to breastfeeding and constantly having to pull out your boob to feed baby. Nursing bra’s are not only comfortable but also super convenient for feeding time. I especially love these which provide a little extra lift to your breasts even as you’re nursing.
BREAST PUMP
This one may depend on whether you want to exclusively nurse, nurse and pump to relieve yourself from some of the feedings, or if you are just looking to build a milk stash for the future. This time around I am exclusively nursing baby but I also pump at least once a day to store milk for any feeding where I may not be around. Also, sometimes baby may no longer be hungry but you’re breast are still full and pumping is a quick relief to getting the extra milk out and you not having to worry about the pain from engorged breasts.
With my two previous pregnancies I used the older version of the Medela pump. This time I was gifted the Lullaby breast pump as well as getting the newer Medela breast pump through insurance. I will update this once I use the Medela pump but as of now I have no complaints about the Lullaby breast pump especially since it’s under $100.
MILK STORAGE
Milk storage bags and bottles are also a must if you plan on building a milk stash. I personally prefer bottles if I’m keeping it in the fridge (where breastmilk is good for up to 4 days). When freezing, storage bags are your best bet. Freeze them flat to increase the amount you can store and don’t forget to write the date and amount of oz. on top. Frozen breast milk is food for up to 12 months but best at 6 months and under.
BREAST PADS
Talking about extra milk in your breasts, you also need to be ready for leaks. Breast pads will keep you nice and dry even when you’re breasts are overflowing with milk. Crazy that this happens but our bodies are pretty freakin’ amazing like that!
Breastfeeding won’t always be easy but these products will certainly make it less intimidating. If breastfeeding is what you want to do, just remind yourself that once you push through the first difficult days you will come to find it actually becomes a beautiful bonding time with you and baby.
You may also enjoy: First Time Mom: Must-Haves and Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby and Mom.
