{My Breastfeeding Must Haves}

If you look in my search history on my computer or phone, 95% of the topics I have searched relate to breastfeeding.  I have read up more on breastfeeding than anything else since Connor was born.  And now that we are almost 3 months into EBFing I feel like I actually know what I am doing and have gotten into a good groove.  I know what products I like and don't like and I know what I am doing.   So, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite products and other musts when it comes to exclusively breastfeeding.    1.  Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads I tried 2 other brands before deciding these were my favorite, by far.  The shape of the pads fit much better inside your bra cup and there are 2 sticky squares that stick to your bra so it will stay in place.   I have gone through hundreds and hundreds of these pads and have a whole cabinet full of them in my bathroom! 

      2.  Medela Nursing Bras Once again, I tried several other brands before deciding these were the best.  I have a couple of this bra for daytime wear...

  And a couple of this one for sleeping....

  Both are so soft and comfortable and don't have an annoying, painful under wire.  They are a little pricey but if you are planning on nursing (especially for a long time) it is very worth it.         3.  Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow This is a MUST when it comes to breastfeeding! It is comfortable for your baby and gives your arms a much needed break.  Make sure you get a cute cover for it too! :)

      4.  Lansinoh Lanolin Cream This stuff is a life saver (nipple saver!) in those first few, hard weeks breastfeeding.  It helps with pain, cracking and bleeding.  For the first 3-4 weeks of BF I would apply this stuff after every feeding and it made a huge difference in the pain.

    5.  Heat Compresses for breasts In those first few weeks when you are constantly engorged or God forbid you get Mastitis like I did, these will be a huge help.  There are so many different kinds.  I used some gel kind and another kind that were both given to me by friends who experienced Mastitis, so I don't know the brands.  But, I highly recommend getting some have just in case.  You just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, put them inside your bra and you will automatically feel some relief.

       6.  Water Bottle When you breastfeed not only will you need to drink a TON of water to help with your supply, but you will want to.  It makes you so so so thirsty!  I always have a full water bottle with me at all times.  Before I sit down to breastfeed I make sure it is full because I will usually go thru a whole bottle in one feeding. 

      7.  Nursing Cover  Not everyone is comfortable with NIP without a cover (me!) so I always have a nursing cover with me. I keep one in my diaper bag and one at home.  Sometimes we have had a lot of family over to our house so instead of going into another room and sitting there alone, I will just get out the cover and use it there.  Or when out in public, I personally am much more comfortable with a cover on....although I have only NIP 2 times so far....   There are SO many cute prints out there and tons of shops on Etsy where you can have one custom made for you!

      8.  A Breastfeeding "Station" This isn't something you can purchase, just a recommendation that has worked really well for me.   I have one spot in our house where I ALWAYS breastfeed so I have it all set up to make it easy and convenient.  I sit on the left end of our couch right next to an end table.   I always have my water bottle, my Nook, my phone, the TV controls, the boppy, a burp cloth and a blanket right there.  BF requires lots of time just sitting in one place so you have to have things to keep you occupied!  I read, browse FB/Instagram/Pinterest/GoodReads and catch up on shows.  It is so nice and easy to have everything I need right there. Of course I also spend a lot of time just staring at my sweet baby but there comes a time when you just need something else to do ;)  

    I hope this list helps some of you soon to be moms or others who are BF! Coming up next week...my must haves for pumping!   Happy Hump Day! xo