This post contains affiliate links where I receive a small % commission from purchases made through them.
See full disclosure here.
See full disclosure here.
One of the toughest things I have done in my kids' first year of life was breastfeed. Confession: I had a total love-hate relationship with nursing. While I enjoyed the cuddles and bonding time, I felt like it was time consuming and as a self proclaimed introvert, by the end of the day, I just wanted my own personal space. I say this to point out that it is OK if you don't have a magical feeling toward nursing...I never did...but you can still do it if you want! Thankfully, I had supportive friends and a husband who encouraged me to push through the pain and frustration and it got MUCH easier over time. I am proud to say I breastfed Ryan for 11 months and Ava for a year.
I figured it might be helpful to list some of my "must have" suggestions for nursing mamas. I am by no means a breastfeeding expert, just a mom who breastfed, but here are the products that helped get me through:
Boppy Pillow- I loved this thing. It helped so much with positioning when the kids were newborns and I was still on a nursing learning curve. Plus, I was able to buy cute covers for it. Win-win.
TL Care Nursing Pads made with Organic Cotton- I was a big leaker the first couple months and these nursing pads were my go to pads. They were comfortable and I much preferred them to the disposable kind.
Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags- I pumped with both kids from the beginning (Ryan was in the NICU and with Ava I wanted the flexibility of my husband being able to give her a bottle). I loved these steam bags for sanitizing my pump parts! Just stick them in the microwave for a few minutes and you are good to go! They were a lifesaver when I was pumping at work with Ryan.
Water- no link to this one because it is easy and free!!! I drank SO much water when nursing. Make sure you are staying hydrated because I definitely saw a correlation between my water intake and milk production.
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra- I am not one to just sit and relax while pumping, especially after I went back to work and time was of the essence. The hands free bra was a game changer! I was able to pump and do work, mess around on my phone/computer, etc! Mom win!!!
Pull Down Nursing Tanks- I had a bunch of different nursing tanks/shirts but I LOVED these pull down nursing tanks from Motherhood. You simply pull the elastic neckline down to nurse- amazing! Easy access and I much preferred them to the clip down ones.
 |
| When you put this baby on, you can't help but think "isn't being a mom so glamorous?!?" LOL |
 |
| I would usually pair them with a cardigan. Also, how small was Ryan?!?! Fresh out of the NICU & not even 5lbs here!! |
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags- I feel like every pumping mom has her go to storage bags and Lansinoh was my favorite. Easy to use/store and I had no issues with leaking.
Brewer's Yeast- I ran into supply issues with both kids around the 6 month mark and I lived on Brewer's Yeast. I would make lactation cookies (I will do a post about that one day but in the meantime, google will get you a recipe) and also put it in oatmeal every morning. I absolutely think it helped increase my milk production!
Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve - HPA Lanolin- My SAVIOR the first couple weeks! I would put this on after nursing for relief from the pain and soreness. I always give this as part of a breastfeeding care package to new mama friends!
SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!- Another one you can't but online but I strongly believe every nursing mom needs a support system! I found mine through an online birth month group, friends and a breastfeeding support group at the hospital I delivered at. I think mom friends become close so fast because it is totally normal and acceptable to ask questions about your nipple at 1:30am in a fit of panic!
So, that is my list of breastfeeding must haves! Hope this helps a fellow nursing mama out! Any others you would add??
No comments:
Post a Comment