If you, or your partner, or let’s be real pretty much anyone you know, have ever breastfed — you likely know nursing a baby is one tough job. It can be a frustrating, painful and downright crazy adventure whether you’re breastfeeding at home, in public, at work or, you know, while running a half marathon. But it can also be a wonderful, powerful experience of bonding with your new baby. Through all the hectic realities that come with breastfeeding, it’s also beautiful and natural and offers a host of benefits — and, just like any kind of feeding, it helps connect mother and child.
That’s all well and good and lovely, of course, but what about nipple chafing? Plugged ducts? Struggles with low milk production? Or even (god forbid) mastitis?!
Lucky for you, there are plenty of products out there that can help. Some seem like strange torture devices on first glance; some are just plain essentials. Ahead are our top picks for the “must-haves” (or at least “try-real-hard-to-haves”) every breastfeeding parent should register for. They’re basically guaranteed to increase your quality of life — at least until weaning time.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
A version of this article was originally published in February 2016.
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The Massaging Bra
Image Credit: Lilu. The very first pumping bra that works with your pump by massaging breasts in order to stimulate milk production, Lilu’s massage bra is billed by the brand as “your pump’s new sidekick” but we’d do it one better and call it your pump’s new best friend, for sure. Plus, the bra comes with nursing clips so you can even clip it to the top of your nursing bra for when you pump.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Image Credit: Welly. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things when it comes to breastfeeding. It helps promote milk production and can make you feel better, too. Fill up a few bottles in the fridge so there’s always one to grab — and might as well make them super chic to boot, like this palm-print pick from Welly.
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Breastfeeding Support Pillow
Image Credit: PB Kids. A breastfeeding support pillow, like this adorable monochromatic print from Pottery Barn Kids, can be incredibly helpful, especially in the beginning of your nursing journey. And there’s no denying a print like this will look stellar perched on your bed or couch regardless.
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Majka Lactation Protein Powder
Image Credit: Majka. This postnatal vitamin and protein powder in green vanilla flavor helps moms amp up milk supply and feel great doing it, with the help of vitamins, minerals, vegan protein, greens, phytonutrients and galactagogue (lactation-boosting) herbs. It also comes in travel packs if you prefer mixing and sipping on the go.
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Nipple Cream
Image Credit: Target. Nipple cream (or balm) is key, especially in the first weeks. Make sure to get one that will heal sore, chapped nipples but is also food-grade for nursing, like this one from the Honest Company.
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Nursing Necklace
Image Credit: designML/Etsy. These days, nursing necklaces are both fashionable and functional. These innovative pieces of jewelry can help your baby focus on the task at hand, and they’re cute to boot. Win-win.
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TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy
Image Credit: Amazon. These little rings can be popped from the microwave (or freezer) right into your bra to help relieve soreness, swelling, plugged ducts and mastitis. And, when used warm, they can even help reduce the amount of time spent pumping.
They’re BPA-free, inexpensive and totally reusable.
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Seamless Sleep Bra for Nursing
Image Credit: Amazon. Made from soft, breathable yet completely supportive fabrics, these bras are designed for convenience and comfort.
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Nursing Pads
Image Credit: Amazon. Let me fill you in on a little secret: When you’re breastfeeding, your boobs leak. Yes, milk drips — or squirts — out of your nipples randomly, and at the most inopportune times. But nursing pads, like these resuable ones from bamboobies, will help keep you cool, comfortable and dry.
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Double Electric Breast Pump
Image Credit: Target. If you’ll be working away from home or otherwise need to regularly pump and store a large quantity of milk, an electric pump is the way to go. This advanced ‘Pump in Style’ set from Medela is a crowd favorite.
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Manual Breast Pump
Image Credit: Target. A manual breast pump is a great choice for breastfeeding parents who need to stimulate production between feedings or fill an occasional extra bottle or two.
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Elomi Molded Nursing Bra
Image Credit: Bare Necessities. A functional nursing bra is worth its weight in gold. Note that you’ll want to feel supported but comfortable, and it should open and close easily.
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Nursing Cover
Image Credit: Amazon. While plenty of women are comfortable breastfeeding without a cover, which is great, some prefer to be a bit more discreet in public. But that doesn’t mean you have to toss a blanket over your boob and babe: Today’s nursing covers are functional and fashionable.
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Lactation Cookies
Image Credit: Amazon. Much like the aforementioned postnatal supplements, lactation cookies can boost your supply — but unlike the supplements, these yummies fill your belly, too.
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‘Keep Calm & Latch On’ Baby T-Shirt
Image Credit: Sweet Little Kids/Etsy. OK, it’s not a breastfeeding essential, but who doesn’t love a baby in a cute T-shirt? Even better when it has an adorable pro-breastfeeding message.
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Boobie Beanie Hat
Image Credit: peacesbycortney/Etsy. Same re: non-essentials, but these hilarious (and adorable) beanie hats let others know what you think of their “issues” with breastfeeding in public — without even saying a word.
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Adorable Onesie
Image Credit: Little Bundle Co. Speaking of cute baby clothes, show off your strength by putting your little one in this perfect onesie.
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Pin it!
Image Credit: Target/Boppy. Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows. Pin this and start shopping.
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