It’s National Breastfeeding week this week, and in honor of that I thought I would share some of my favorite items that have been absolutely must-haves for me and a few tips! 🙂 Guys, I LOVE breastfeeding. Is anyone else just amazed by the human body? That you can deliver a little human and your body just knows that it’s supposed to turn into a milk factory and starts churning?? I’ll admit- my most attractive look ever is when it’s been a little too long since feeding and the milk starts seeping through my bra and shirt. I bet everyone who sees me just thinks how sexy I am… AND on that pleasant note… let’s get into my favorite tips and items for breastfeeding! A couple of years ago, I wrote this post here about breastfeeding after my experience with Sydney. I still believe in a lot of those tips but I thought it would be good to talk about what is really working for me this time around.

Stay Hydrated!

I mean… crazy hydrated. Drink whatever you think is a good amount of water, and then double it. I’ve noticed for me that it is the single biggest factor in my milk production. IF I drink a ton of water, my body feels better and I just seem to have more milk.

BAMBOOBIES Boob Ease Nipple Cream

It is by far my favorite. It is SO soothing, all organic, safe for baby so you don’t have to wipe it off, and it literally saved my poor nipples those first several days of breastfeeding!

Sleep with a Bra ON!

I am definitely a BRA-OFF as often as is acceptable (and sometimes when not acceptable…yep, I’m THAT person!) kind of chick. I hate sleeping in a bra normally but when your milk is coming in you get really sore and it helps to have a little bit of support while you’re sleeping so that you can be comfortable enough to actually GET some sleep (it’s tricky enough to do that anyway as a new mom!) Plus you can keep nursing pads on so that you don’t leak through your pjs and the sheets and wake up in a wet puddle of milk. (As delightful as that sounds…I assure you, it ain’t.)

Nursing Pads

Thou shalt not leave home without them. Unless of course, you want to rock that sexy look that I was talking about earlier with the leakage proudly displayed on your shirt.

Track You Feedings!

I know, I know, you’re thinking, “duh!” but I can’t be the only one that completely forgets which side and for how long the baby last ate? Or maybe I am? But for me- writing down a quick note on my phone that at least says what side she last ate on has really saved me- especially for those late night and early morning feedings when I can barely remember what I named her, let alone what side she last ate on! #Mommybrain is real.

Medela Double Electric Pump

So with Sydney I had a single electric pump by Avent and I loved it. Or at least I thought I did. Until I tried out the double electric pump by Medela and discovered what TRUE love is. I love that it has less pieces to clean and put together than the Avent one did, and the it is really simple to use. As a working mom, a pump is absolutely necessary for me so that I can get through the day without my boobs bursting open and so the baby gets fed while I am away 🙂 This is the pump I have. (ladies, check your insurance, many carriers cover this!)

Hot Compress Packs

I am one of the lucky people who get to enjoy (eye-roll) clogged milk ducts fairly regularly. They are pretty painful and if you don’t get rid of them they can lead to breast infections. I keep hot compresses at hand so that I can apply heat and massage the area every few hours when I start feeling like a milk duct is clogged and it has really helped me to be able to keep breastfeeding without too much pain.

SNACKS

It’s HARD to stay awake in the middle of the night when feeding a baby! I have discovered just keeping a few granola bars or some almonds around so that I can snack if I need really helps. And with breastfeeding you shouldn’t go too long without food anyway, so keeping healthy snacks around the house and in your purse is just an idea made of gold.

Aden and Anais Blankets

Ok so I’m probably a little unusual, because everyone loves their nursing covers. But personally, I find the covers to be more cumbersome than not, I feel like I can’t get a good view of the baby or it won’t position right or something, haha maybe I’m doing it wrong? But I just like using a large blanket to cover up because it’s easy to maneuver and easy to pack away without having to put on/take off and get positioned. I love the muslin swaddles that Aden and Anais make because they are really lightweight, breathable, and big so they cover everything easily.

A Good Body Cleanser

So this might be unique to me, but for some reason both this time and last time breastfeeding, suddenly my skin on my breasts got extremely irritated. It get’s too dry, it breaks out… I don’t know if it is like hormones or constantly touching them while feeding or what, but no matter how clean I keep my bras and how often I shower my skin just still gets really irritated and breaks out and itches while breastfeeding, specifically all over my boobs. Sorry if that’s TMI, but I can’t be the only one! I finally found a Biore wash and I just use it as part of my shower ritual. It has helped immensely!

Nursing Pillow (mine is a Boppy)

It’s really funny how your must-haves change from child to child, this is actually something I ABSOLUTELY needed with Sydney and considered it my most prized possession. It made feeding her so easy because I could position her just right and it was so comfortable. AND that’s why I’m including it on this list. However, let me tell you how many times I’ve used it with Emilia…. ONE. Just once! I find with her it is easier for me to just rest a pillow under my arm against my side and let her eat that way. It’s definitely a worthwhile item though because it’s multi-purpose, even if you don’t use it for breastfeeding!

Cloth Diaper Inserts

Don’t even waste your time with the cute-sy burp rags, just use the diaper inserts instead. You need something that actually SOAKS UP the mess, and in my experience these things are the only one up for the job!

I think that about covers all of my absolute must haves! If there are any good products or tips I should give a try though- I love recommendations!! hint hint **

XXOO Sunny