Breastfeeding Essentials: Everything You Need for Postpartum
As a first time mama it was comforting to me to research and explore things like common labor interventions, breastfeeding norms, and when most first time birthing people typically go into labor. After spending countless hours getting intimate with studies and what they tell us during undergrad doing this offered a familiarity and safety that I welcomed as I entered a season in my life that I knew would bring certain unpredictability, parenthood.
My first big lesson in unpredictability actually came as I entered my son's birth story. Based on all that research I had done and reassurance from my physician at the time I was fairly confident that I, like many first time birthing people, would go into labor closer to 41 weeks, and I had planned to finish all of my birth and postpartum preparation once I started maternity leave. Now picture this, me flying out bed (about as fast as a pregnant panda) sometime around four in the morning after hearing (and feeling) my water rupture at 36 weeks.
When it came time for our second baby I decided to go with my gut and prep my birth and postpartum necessities early. With that in mind, over the next couple weeks I'll be sharing my essentials only (read minimalist) lists for birth, baby, breastfeeding, and postpartum because the perfect time to prepare is whenever you feel ready too.
Starting with everything you'll need for your postpartum breastfeeding journey
Electric or Manual Pump - I'm a huge fan of the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump and love it's ease of use for both pumping and catching milk during letdown to add to a freezer stash. Depending on your postpartum, family, or feeding plans you may also want an electric pump. If so be sure to check with your insurance provider before investing as many now provide a breast pump.
Nursing Bra - You'll definitely want to have a good, comfortable nursing bra for postpartum whether you're planning to exclusively breastfeed or pump or a little of both. Two babies down, I've tried quite a few, and I definitely have my tried and true favorites now. The bras I picked up for the postpartum are from maternity brand Love Yootoo and are wire free and seamless. This brand also gives back by donating a portion of every bra to Every Mother Counts.
Nipple Cream - Two babies later and still the only nipple cream I recommend/use as a breastfeeding mom and CLEC is Motherlove Nipple Cream. Sore and cracked nipples can and do happen (keepin' it real) and this cream has always done the trick quick! Big plus, no need to clean or wipe off your nipples prior to feeding.
Breast Pads - There are quite a few disposable and reusable options currently available but the brand I recommend and have on hand are Bamboobies ultra-thin, reusable breast pads
Nursing Friendly Sleepwear - This really depends on how little you want to be covered or uncovered through the night. Having something on does help with leakage, but I've definitely gone with as little possible in the past and covered any wet spots with a swaddle when desperately tired. Ultimately you'll be thinking easy access, so I'm loving the deep neckline of this house dress for postpartum.
Nursing Tees & Tanks - I've shared about them here before, but Bun Maternity nursing tees are my go to. Their Softie Tee (pictured above) and their high low nursing tank are postpartum staples for me since they hold up to wash and wear really well and they're perfect for layering in cooler weather.
Lactation Bars - Girl, I have tried so many brands! Oat Mama really is the best tasting lactation bar I've had. As a CLEC I like that not every bar option contains Fenugreek, and as a mama I've especially loved that you can test these out during pregnancy and safely share them with curious toddlers. They're perfect to have on hand for an easy snack and for in the your diaper or pumping bag.
Electric or Manual Pump - I'm a huge fan of the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump and love it's ease of use for both pumping and catching milk during letdown to add to a freezer stash. Depending on your postpartum, family, or feeding plans you may also want an electric pump. If so be sure to check with your insurance provider before investing as many now provide a breast pump.
Nursing Bra - You'll definitely want to have a good, comfortable nursing bra for postpartum whether you're planning to exclusively breastfeed or pump or a little of both. Two babies down, I've tried quite a few, and I definitely have my tried and true favorites now. The bras I picked up for the postpartum are from maternity brand Love Yootoo and are wire free and seamless. This brand also gives back by donating a portion of every bra to Every Mother Counts.
Nipple Cream - Two babies later and still the only nipple cream I recommend/use as a breastfeeding mom and CLEC is Motherlove Nipple Cream. Sore and cracked nipples can and do happen (keepin' it real) and this cream has always done the trick quick! Big plus, no need to clean or wipe off your nipples prior to feeding.
Breast Pads - There are quite a few disposable and reusable options currently available but the brand I recommend and have on hand are Bamboobies ultra-thin, reusable breast pads
Nursing Friendly Sleepwear - This really depends on how little you want to be covered or uncovered through the night. Having something on does help with leakage, but I've definitely gone with as little possible in the past and covered any wet spots with a swaddle when desperately tired. Ultimately you'll be thinking easy access, so I'm loving the deep neckline of this house dress for postpartum.
Nursing Tees & Tanks - I've shared about them here before, but Bun Maternity nursing tees are my go to. Their Softie Tee (pictured above) and their high low nursing tank are postpartum staples for me since they hold up to wash and wear really well and they're perfect for layering in cooler weather.
Lactation Bars - Girl, I have tried so many brands! Oat Mama really is the best tasting lactation bar I've had. As a CLEC I like that not every bar option contains Fenugreek, and as a mama I've especially loved that you can test these out during pregnancy and safely share them with curious toddlers. They're perfect to have on hand for an easy snack and for in the your diaper or pumping bag.
Breastmilk Storage - This will depend largely on your individual breastfeeding plans and goals, but some storage options I'm definitely stocking and you may wan too: freezer bags and bottles.
Lactation Tea - Oat Mama is what I'm stocking and the flavors I like most are their Chai Spice and Blueberry Pomegranate. If you're unsure which to go with, they offer a tea bundle too.
Local Breastfeeding Support ** - The single most important thing on this list, so if you don't do anything else, do this. Breastfeeding isn't always easy and a successful feeding journey looks different from family to family. Be sure to know the contact information for the breastfeeding clinic at your local hospital, a lactation consultant or counselor who would be able to make a house call, and a supportive, trustworthy pediatrician.
To help you get started download and print the list at the top of the post! XO
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