August 06, 2019
Breastfeeding Essentials
Breastfeeding essentials to make your nursing journey easier including prenatal vitamins, a pump, nursing bras and more!
I am currently nursing my third baby Lily and was lucky enough to be able to breastfeed my two other kids as well. While breastfeeding doesn’t require a ton of supplies, over the last 5 years, I have learned some things that I like to have on hand that make it easier. Today, I wanted to share with you my breastfeeding essentials.
1. A quality double electric pump
2. Nursing pads and cream
3. Prenatal vitamins
4. Swaddle blankets
5. Nursing bras
6. Milk storage bags
I am currently nursing my third baby Lily and was lucky enough to be able to breastfeed my two other kids as well. While breastfeeding doesn’t require a ton of supplies, over the last 5 years, I have learned some things that I like to have on hand that make it easier. Today, I wanted to share with you my breastfeeding essentials.
Breastfeeding Essentials
1. A quality double electric pump
My insurance covers a pump 100% and even if you don’t plan to bottle feed a lot, I have found that it is essential to have a pump. If you plan to go anywhere longer than 3 hours, you may need a pump. If baby starts sleeping better at night, you may need to pump. I have heard great things about a few different brands and I currently use a Medela that my insurance covers. I pump one time a day in the morning so that my husband can feed Lily a bottle at 11-12 each night to give me a little break so I can get about a 4 hour stretch of sleep.
2. Nursing pads and cream
If you have leaking, nursing pads are a must. I do not like the reusable ones because it caused sores due to prolonged wetness on my chest with my first baby. I buy disposable nursing pads online. Nipple cream can be essential for those first few weeks of breastfeeding while your body is getting used to frequent feedings.
3. Prenatal vitamins
Even though you are no longer pregnant, your body has increased nutrient needs when you are breastfeeding. I recommend taking a prenatal vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids when you’re breastfeeding to meet your nutrient needs and baby’s. I have been enjoying using the Tespo Connect dispenser which is kind of like a Keurig for your vitamins. With the push of a button, you get your vitamins delivered in liquid form in just the right serving.
I get the Prenatal pods which are perfect for women trying to get pregnant, pregnant women and breastfeeding moms. To get your vitamins, you just insert your prenatal pod, push the button and your vitamins get mixed up right for you.
Some people strongly dislike taking pills so this could be really helpful for them. I think that this would be helpful for women in their first trimester of pregnancy with nausea who have trouble taking pills.
Some people strongly dislike taking pills so this could be really helpful for them. I think that this would be helpful for women in their first trimester of pregnancy with nausea who have trouble taking pills.
The Prenatal pods have vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D and K, folate, calcium, iron, zinc and more. Each pod has 31 servings so you just need to purchase one per month. I find it really easy to take each day and don’t mind drinking the liquid vitamins.
4. Swaddle blankets
These double really well as nursing covers, burp cloths and of course, a blanket for baby.
5. Nursing bras
I like soft and stretchy bras with light padding. The ones with clips for nursing are helpful but I also like any stretchy bra that can be pulled down and washed easily. No underwire bras over here!
6. Milk storage bags
If you are pumping fairly frequently, you may need milk storage bags. I pour a few bottles worth in one bag and freeze it together with the date on it.
That’s about it! I am grateful to be able to nurse again and though it is definitely not easy at times, it is very worth it for the health benefits that I’m providing my baby and the bond that we share thanks to breastfeeding.
Things that may be helpful but I don’t currently use:
-Nursing pillow- I’ve pretty much just held my baby and used a regular pillow to prop her up as needed.
-Pumping bra- If you plan to pump a lot, a pumping bra may be an essential.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tespo. All opinions are my own.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tespo. All opinions are my own.
My double pump, and swaddle blankets were always my must haves for newborns!
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