Breastfeeding can seem overwhelming at first, there is so much information out there and so many stories of mommies struggling with breastfeeding or giving up on their breastfeeding goals. And while all you really need to breastfeed successfully is boobs, there are some breastfeeding accessories that can definitely make breastfeeding easier.
After 4 babies and 6+ years breastfeeding, these are the breastfeeding accessories I couldn’t live without:
Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow is not something you have to have, but the minimal cost is most definitely outweighed by the convenience especially because a good nursing pillow can be used for much more than nursing and will last through multiple kids (I’ve used the same nursing pillow for all four of my kids).
Breast pads
I’m sure this one seems logical and easy enough but you won’t ever really understand the importance of breast pads until you forget them one day (thank goodness I keep my hair long!) There are many different types of breast pads available from disposable, single use breast pads to simple cotton breast pads or cloth breast pads similar to cloth diapers and even stick-on silicone ones. I’ve used pretty much all kinds of breast pads and really don’t have a favorite, I use all of them for different things:
- disposable for everyday use (they stick into your shirt and don’t move around when you feed)
- cloth for at night
- sticky silicone for anytime I’m not with baby (they stay in place, are nearly invisible and keep leaks at bay!)
Manual Breast Pump
I know many mommies who breastfeed very successfully without a breast pump but for me, my manual hand pump is a must have. I usually feed on one side and pump on the other whenever I have extra milk. It not only has helped me manage my over supply issues and build a sizable emergency and going out stash, it has also saved me from hugely engorged and uncomfortable breasts when baby starts sleeping through the night or when I’m out without baby and miss a few feeds.
Ring Sling
I love my ring sling for a thousand reasons but one of main ones is because of how easy it is to breastfeed with. When my first baby was little, I was a nervous nurser and didn’t want to expose myself in public nor draw attention to myself with an awkward nursing cover or blanket so I figured out how to nurse in my ring sling. And it saved our nursing relationship. I’ve now nursed my babies all over the place and even mastered the hands-free feed when baby is snug in the sling!
Nursing Tanks
I mentioned above that I don’t like to expose myself when feeding. But did I mention that I really don’t like to expose myself when feeding? This includes my back and belly so I’ve always preferred shirts where I can get breast access from the top for quick, easy and discreetly. And nothing makes nursing quicker and easier than a nursing tank. I find nursing bras to sometimes be uncomfortable and harder to fold down and out of the way when feeding. Plus the nursing tank provides a bit of modesty across the top or provides tummy/back coverage if you prefer to pull your top shirt up. And nursing tanks can be worn alone around the house and are comfy for sleeping.
Vitamins
Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you, literally. The nutrition baby gets at the breast is taken directly from your diet and reserves if you are lacking any nutrients which is why continuing eat a healthy diet and take a daily vitamin is important. With my girls I just continued with my prenatal vitamins but now there are specialized postnatal vitamins available as well. It doesn’t really matter which kind you take so long as your nutritional needs are being met so you can meet your baby’s needs, too.
Cloth Diaper Cover and Wetbags
Even if you don’t plan to use cloth diapers, I highly recommend having a few covers and wetbags on hand because breastmilk poo is MESSY! I’m talking poo-splosions everywhere. Up baby’s’ back when they’re in the car seat, stroller, highchair, etc. But cloth diapers do a much better job of keeping that breastmilkpoo contained thanks to the elastic across the back and I have learned the art of putting a cloth diaper cover over disposable diapers when traveling in order to keep things under control. And when messy poos do happen (and they will!) you’ll be glad to have a wetbag to put everything into rather than having to scrounge around for a plastic bag or wrap your baby’s poo-covered clothes up in your travel changing pad desperately hoping it doesn’t run all over your diaper bag (been there…)
Breastmilk Storage
If you’re going to pump, you’re going to need to store the milk unless you’re pumping and feeding right away. Breastmilk can be kept at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge for a few days but after that it needs to go in the freezer for longer-term storage (ideally in a stand-alone freezer or the back of a fridge-freezer). There are different options and systems available but I’ve always gone with the plastic bags and never had a problem. I squeeze them between two flat ice packs until frozen then store in gallon size bags sorted by pumped date until ready to feed.
Love the list? Win it!
Beyond Mommying readers have the opportunity to win every single item on my breastfeeding accessories list of must haves, valued at over $200!
(Notice: All items in this giveaway were given to Beyond Mommying for inclusion in the giveaway. However, Beyond Mommying did not receive any additional payment or products for hosting this giveaway and as always, the ideas, statements and opinions included are all mine.)
Here’s all the goodies in the breastfeeding accessories prizepack:
Nursing Pillow from The Boppy Company
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Nursing Tank from Leading Lady
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Silicone Breast Pads from LilyPadz
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Manual Breast Pump from Compass Health
Ring Sling from Boca Baby Company
Cloth Diaper Cover from Baby Basics Cloth Diaper Company
Breastmilk Storage Bags from Lansinoh
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Postnatal Vitamins from NatureMade
Read More about all the items in the Giveaway.
Giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and over. Family of Melissa Roy are not eligible to enter. By entering this giveaway, you are consenting to receive periodic e-mail updates and information from Beyond Mommying including information on future giveaways and promotions (your e-mail will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time, read our full privacy policy).
This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other entity other than Beyond Mommying. Winner will be chosen after the giveaway closes and contacted via e-mail and will have 24 hours to respond with a US shipping address.
All items will be shipped together with the exception of the nursing tank which will be shipped in the winner’s size directly from Leading Lady.
The cloth diaper cover is such a great suggestion! I cloth diaper and LOVE it! Great giveaway and reviews!
Thanks, Sarah! I just started cloth diapering with my 4th baby and WISH I had known about the covers from the start, it surely would have saved me a lot of stress and clean up with my other 3 babies.
My favorite is the ring sling. I SO wish I had known about ring slings with my first child!
I could not live without my ring sling!
I love that the giveaway includes a Boppy pillow! I have known several moms that swear by them & I definitely plan on using one for my little one!
My favorite is the Manual Breast Pump from Compass Health. I never know when I’m going to be out and about when it’s time to pump and there’s no outlet available for my electric pump. I have run into that problem a couple of times now. A manual pump would be wonderful to have.
I love the Ring Sling from Boca Baby Company because i would use this everyday for my baby boy!!
The nursing tanks look great! I think they make nursing so much easier.
I love the nursing tank top. So hand and modest when you have I pull your shirt up. I love that it keeps your tummy covered.
What a great giveaway! I love them all. My favorite is the Ring Sling from Boca Baby Company because I never used it for my little one
Thank You for the chance
I would love to get the ring sling. I have never had one so that would be awesome. Thank you.
The ring sling and nursing tanks are what I really need. I’m down for nursing in public, but sometimes its uncomfortable being exposed too much while out in the open. I guess these items will hopefully relieve my anxieties about being too on display.
I love the Nursing Pillow from The Boppy Company. My daughter had one and lent it to a friend and it got ruined. My daughter in law also has one now and she loves it. I sure would love to give my daughter this one when her baby is born in early Dec.
I love the Nursing Pillow from The Boppy Company . They make breastfeeding so much easier.
i would be most excited to win the vitamins!
The Manual Breast Pump from Compass Health sounds like a great product. I need this to help nurse baby.
The Ring Sling from Boca Baby Company is my favorite because I love ring slings! All of the other products sound amazing too!
My favorite is the nursing tank because I have so few shirts I can effectively nurse in.