5 Must-Have Breastfeeding Products for Nursing Moms

One of the most overwhelming parts about being a new mom is all of the baby gear. It’s not easy to figure out what you truly need because everything seems helpful. If you are planning to breastfeed, there are a few products I think every nursing needs to help her out. After nursing two children well into toddlerhood, these are the items I found the most helpful.

5 Breastfeeding Products for Nursing Moms

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There are lots of different products that are handy and aim to make breastfeeding a little more comfortable and easier. Some are very helpful and some I can do without. The following five picks are not brand specific. These are simply the things I couldn’t have done without in the beginning. My reliance on these lessened as I became more comfortable with nursing my babies, but if we were having a rough day… these are the things I turned to for support.

1 – A comfortable chair – It can be a glider, a rocker, or just a comfy chair. You want to be able to sit against the back for support, or be able to pad the back with a pillow. I don’t suggest a deep seat – the kind where you can’t bend your knee at the edge of the seat if you sit all the way back. I’m short, so this is often an issue I face. You’ll likely be here a lot, so you want it to be comfortable and supportive of your posture.

2 – A footstool – I started using a footstool while in the hospital with my first baby (thanks to whoever donated all of them!). I found the footstool made a huge difference in my breastfeeding posture, which cured the mid-back pain and strain I started to encounter. It raises your knees above your waist, keeping you from slouching forward. I prefer one like this adjustable nursing footstool.

3 – A firm pillow – Any kind to cushion your arm and/or elevate little one to your chest. Everyone I knew recommended a Boppy, so I bought one while pregnant with my first baby. It was OK, but I found it hard to get situated one handed. It also created a gap between my belly and the pillow which my daughter would sink into. I ended up using a pillow off our bed and have tried several other nursing pillows. My favorite breastfeeding pillow to fit my plus size belly is the My Brest Friend Deluxe Pillow.

4 – A supportive nursing bra – To hold the girls up and in, yet provide easy access at mealtime. I found having a supportive nursing bra or nursing cami to be essential for my comfort while establishing my milk supply. I actually preferred camis during the first few weeks because my breast size fluctuated so much. Thankfully it wasn’t as drastic with my second baby!

5 – A breast pump – Whether you need it to stock up, supplement, or just in case –  it’s good to have. A breast pump is a must if you will ever spend time away from your little one, which even I did on occasion. My pump was crucial to maintain my milk when my newborn forgot how to nurse temporarily. Check out our tips on how to pick a breast pump and storing breast milk in the freezer.

I hope these must-have breastfeeding products based on my nursing experiences help you with your breastfeeding journey. It’s important for you and baby to be comfortable and have the support you need.

More breastfeeding tips:

• 5 Top Benefits of Breastfeeding New Moms Should Know
• Tips For Handling Breastfeeding Pain
• Tips For Full Figure Breastfeeding Moms