I need THIS for breastfeeding…

Here are my favorite MUST HAVE items for when I sit down to breastfeed.

1. Nipple Butter – I cannot say enough about this item. I like to have them all over the place, so I can easily grab it wherever I am. I keep one in the car, one in my diaper bag, one by my bed and another by my rocking chair; where I most often nurse my littles. I like the non-sticky feel of this nipple butter. It goes on and comes off easily, you do not have to wash it off before feeding your baby (a HUGE bonus to have one less thing to think about), and it smells good.

2. Breast-friend Nursing Pillow – This is the BEST pillow I have used for nursing. I like that the strap goes all the way around you and stays in place. It is much more firm than a boppy, leaving it more supportive, but still comfy for baby.

3. Soothie Gel Pads – OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Oh my. I never used these for my first baby, but when my sister in law gave them to me for my second, I immediately felt like “How on earth did I ever nurse without these!?” I didn’t think I would like them at all because I hate feeling cold, especially on my nipples, but after nursing for what seems like hours (and sometimes is), this was VERY soothing to my poor overworked ladies.

4. Burp cloths/blanket – . I really like the Muslin swaddle blankets by Aden & Anais. I find them in a 4 pack at TJMAXX for under $10. I sometimes use them to keep the baby warm, cover up while nursing, block the sun or catch the inevitable spit up that comes after feeding the baby.

5. Nursing bras/tanks – I live in the tanks for the first 3 months at least. I have 4 or 5 in regular rotation. Once I “graduate” to a nursing bra, I like the sports bras. I get them all at Motherhood Maternity, usually when they have a buy3 get1 free sale.

6. Food and Water – every time I nurse, I want to eat and drink. I will grab whatever I can quickly and easily, so I suggest having healthier easy snacks on hand and ready to go. Cheese and crackers, honey sticks, apple slices, boiled eggs, etc… I try to have 3 or 4 bags all ready and in the fridge for quick grabbing.

A couple of items that I ALWAYS keep on hand, but hardly use are:

1. A breast pump – If it was available when I was breastfeeding, I would have loved the Haakaa. I preferred the Ameda brand. You can get some really nice ones now through your insurance. I know the Medela brand is a great choice as well. I always have one on hand JUST IN CASE I need to take the edge off from being too full. I don’t usually pump for long periods or save my milk, because none of my babies have taken a bottle.

2. Nursing Pads – again… always on hand, but I hardly use them. I just never really had a lot of leaking issues. I like to keep some in my diaper bag so I am prepared while we are out.

What did you feel that you could NOT breastfeed without?