Breastfeeding Essentials Checklist

If you are new to breastfeeding, it can be difficult to know what essentials will help get you through your breastfeeding journey. While I’m still breastfeeding baby #3, I put together this list for new moms who want to breastfeed but have no clue where to start. Or, for someone wanting to buy gifts for a new mom and want to make sure it’s something she’ll actually use.

Essentially, this is the essentials list I wish I had 7 years ago!

To start, everyone’s breastfeeding journey can be totally different, and that’s OK! Every mom and baby is different. Mom’s supply can vary just like baby’s habits vary. It can be confusing, but patience and asking for help is key.

Basic Breastfeeding Essentials

• Nursing pillow. I used the Boppy nursing pillow for all three kids, but others seem to love the My Breast Friend as well. I’m sure there are others out there, so it really depends on preference I think.
• Nursing pillow cover. No matter which nursing pillow you buy, you’ll want to make sure it’s covered. If it doesn’t come with one, buy one. I had two covers so if one got spit-up on it, I could change it and keep going.
• Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump. With baby #3, the Haakaa was a GAME CHANGER. Watch the YouTube videos that show how to get the most of it, like this one by Kelsey and Atlas.
• Nursing bra. There are SO many out there, but I used the Bravado! nursing bras and camis for maternity and while breastfeeding. Some friends of mine love the Target nursing bras. The important thing is that it is comfortable and does not have underwire. Underwire if placed incorrectly can result in clogged milk ducts, which you do not want.
• Comfortable chair with footrest. Nursing or not, you will be spending a lot of hours in that chair. Make sure it has good lumbar support. Also, for during teething, sickness, or a particular mental development leap, you might be sleeping in it a bit so choose wisely!
• Burp cloths, receiving blankets, or even diaper cloth inserts. Anything you can use to wipe up the milk that doesn’t make it into the baby’s mouth.
• A nightlight or low light of some sort to keep night feedings at low light (help baby feel the difference between day vs. night). We had nightlights everywhere so you can move throughout the house without turning on a light. Motion lights in the bathrooms, etc. are SO helpful. In the baby’s room, we had a night light you can turn on and off.
• Pacifier. It might be controversial to say, but pacifiers are so helpful. I tried to go without them but the baby ends up using mom as a pacifier and that can really hurt. Two of my 3 kids used the Philips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier. And I’ve heard of “nipple confusion” in articles but I’ve never once heard of a baby actually having it!

Breastmilk Storage Essentials

• Baby bottles. Whether they’re just holding milk from your Haakaa and pump or you’re using them to feed, having baby bottles is necessary. We used a lot of different kinds, but BPA free and dishwasher safe was key for us.
  
  Also, if you’re breastfeeding, don’t upgrade to the next nipple level (2, 3) unless you have a heavy flow. Once baby gets a bottle with a heavy flow, they can get frustrated with the regulated, slow flow of your breast.
• Bottles with lids. You have to think of what you’ll store extra breastmilk in. Breastmilk can stay in your fridge for up to 3 days. If you feed it to baby, you need to dump after having bottles for transport or extra milk is important. The Medela 5 oz bottles, lids, cooler and giant ice pack set is awesome.
• Milk Storage Bags. Don’t let your milk go to waste. If you plan on freezing your liquid gold, get freezer bags. Up to 5 oz. is plenty. I measure before pouring in. Lay flat to freeze then put in a larger bag/container, grouped by date.
• Freezer/ Deep Freezer. Breastmilk can stay in the regular freezer for up to 6 months or a deep freezer for a year. We bought a deep freezer on Black Friday from Home Depot. It doesn’t have to be fancy!

Essentials for Pumping at work

• Electric Breast Pump. I used the Spectra S1 most recently (LOVED IT!) and the Medela Pump in Style before that. Bonus: I was able to use Medela parts for the Spectra S1 with special tubes. There are so many pumps out there, but crucial elements include: has wall charger but can run without being plugged in, double pump, small/portable, adjustable settings and milk does not enter the pump or tubes.
  Note: Some insurance will buy you a pump or pump parts!
• Pump parts. Make sure you buy the right pump parts for your pump. Buy an extra set if you can.
• Simple Wishes Pumping bra. There are lots of pump bras out there, but these were by far my favorite. Adjustable, zips-up over your existing nursing bra. Easy, durable and the flaps were easy to stick the pumps into (unlike a few others I tried)!
• Cooler bag and a large ice pack. You MUST keep that milk cold when transporting from work to home! Again, another shout out for the Medela 5 oz bottles, lids, cooler and giant ice pack set.
• Bottles with lids. See above.
• Pump parts sanitizing wipes. I’ve done the spray and the sanitizing bags, but these are so small and convenient. Plus, they also are great for cleaning pacifiers that fall on the floor too.
• Fridge. Obviously you want to keep your milk cold until it’s time to go home.
• Micro-Steam Bags. I sanitized my pump parts and bottles a lot. I kept one of these in my pump bag because you never know, and had to use it a few times. Huge help, but use with caution since these bags did melt/morph my Elvie pump parts.
• Pump bag. If your pump does not come with a pump bag, you’ll want to have one to transport your pump, parts, milk, etc.
• Pumping mat. OK, this one is a nice to have, but putting down a mat before pulling out your pump parts, assembling, etc. is a nice peace of mind to know that your surface is clean. I wiped it down after every session so it was good to go for the next one!

IMPORTANT TIP! If you plan to pump multiple times throughout the day, keep your pump parts in a bag in the fridge. That way, you can re-use the pump parts and not have to wash them until you get home.

Overall, breastfeeding is a significant amount of work. There is a lot of extra coordination if you’re pumping too. I had no idea how taxing it is on your body and mind, but there are so many wonderful rewards too.

Whether your breastfeeding journey is one day or one year, I am sending many hugs and congratulations your way. There is an entire network of support out there for you so if you’re frustrated, confused, need advice, etc., please reach out!!