12 Breastfeeding Essentials Kit for New Moms

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Delivery and breastfeeding are Siamese twins. Many mothers know how to prepare for childbirth and have their bags packed weeks in advance. We know every little item and its use in delivery. What are the breastfeeding essentials for new moms? How do you prepare for the awesome journey ahead?

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things after delivery; it’s the first thing you do minutes after the baby is laid on your bosom. Nevertheless, it can also be one of the breastfeeding moms’ nightmares if it’s not done right.

Breastfeeding is both an art and a science – you have to know how it works and how to make it work. This article shares 10 breastfeeding essentials kit for new moms to make it as smooth for you and your baby as possible.

What Essentials Do I Need For Breastfeeding?

mother breastfeeding her baby on the bed — Photo by Monica Turlui on Pexels.com

Here are the ten items you need in your breastfeeding essentials kit to ensure you have not forgotten anything as you embark on your breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding Essentials #1: Breastfeeding Pillow

In breastfeeding, comfort is everything. After delivery, you’re sore everywhere, and any strain on your back or abdomen can be excruciating. It doesn’t help that you’re feeding a human being the size of Kigelia Africana.

A breastfeeding pillow is one of the essential items to help with breastfeeding. It gives you comfort as you nourish your baby. It raises your baby towards you and keeps you from bending too far and hurting your back.

It also keeps the baby close enough to suckle without pulling off the breast. If the baby is too far from the breasts, they don’t latch properly. A poor latch leads to cracked nipples and colic as the baby swallows too much air.

Check out Breastfeeding Pillow s on Amazon.

Breastfeeding Essentials #2: Breast Pads

Breast pads are vital breastfeeding essentials to keep the leaking milk out of your clothes; milk stains are pretty stubborn. If you’re lucky, by the time you leave the hospital, you’ll be leaking milk like a sprinkler.

Disposable milk pads are better than cloth washable breast pads since they absorb more milk, and you can keep them on for longer. They are less prone to leaks.

Milk is very high in nutrition and therefore goes bad very fast. Be sure to change your breast pads often. Wash the breast with water before feeding the baby.

Check out Breast Pads on Amazon.

Also Read: 9 Best Gift Ideas for a New Mom That She’ll Actually Use

Breastfeeding Essentials #3: Nipple Cream

If you forget everything you need to buy for breastfeeding, do not forget the nipple cream. Once the baby starts nursing, the nipples may crack due to poor latching and biting.

The pain from an injured nipple still required to feed can drive a grown woman to tears. The nipple cream helps soothe and heal cracked nipples.

There are various Lanolin creams and nipple butter to choose from. Even if you’re not a first-time breastfeeding mom, nipple cream will save you from breastfeeding with clenched teeth.

Check out Nipple Creams on Amazon

Also Read: 10 Must-Haves in Your Postpartum Care Kit List

Breastfeeding Essentials #4: Nursing Bra

A nursing bra is among the best breastfeeding gear necessities. Regular bras are not designed to support the constant removal and returning of the boobs. A nursing bra makes nursing stress-free since it’s easy to unclasp and put back.

The best nursing bra should be breathable and have a good hold. It shouldn’t be too tight as it may encourage engorgement.

You should have more than one for frequent changes if the milk leaks. Wash the breasts and replace a stained bra as the milk will breed bacteria very fast, exposing the baby to infections.

Check out Nursing Bras on Amazon

Related Article: Top 10 Best Nursing Bras for New Moms

Breastfeeding Essentials #5: A Comfortable Nursing Chair

Good breastfeeding takes into consideration the breastfeeding position. A good breastfeeding position needs a comfortable nursing chair.

The chair should have armrests to keep your hands from tiring out. It should be comfortably reclined and easily adjusted if you need to change positions.

Check out Best Nursing Chairs on Amazon

Breastfeeding Essentials #6: Nursing Cover

Breastfeeding essentials kit for new moms — Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

To cover or not to cover, that is the question. Some moms prefer to cover, while some are just fine nursing without a cover. Some cultures, however, frown upon the exposure of the breast.

A breastfeeding cover is one of the breastfeeding essentials that is purely out of preference. It, however, comes in handy when it’s too windy or the environment calls for you to cover up when nursing.

This is one of the breastfeeding necessities that can be repurposed from a light shawl or nappy liner. You can also choose to have a trendy cover that’s unique to you and your baby.

Check out Nursing Covers on Amazon

Breastfeeding Essentials #7: Burp Cloths/ Napkins

Your breastfeeding essentials kit is not complete without some burp napkins or towels.

Some babies spit up quite a bit of milk when they burp. Put a napkin or towel on your shoulder when you burp the baby. Babies are cute, but a stream of white curds down your chartreuse silk blouse is not. Protect yourself with a clean muslin cloth that can also be used to wipe the baby’s mouth.

Check out Burp Cloth on Amazon

Breastfeeding Essentials #8: Breast Compresses

Breast engorgement and mastitis can unleash a kamikaze on a breastfeeding mom. The breast compresses give relief by unclogging the ducts and letting the milk flow.

Compresses can be made from a towel at home. You can also buy specially formulated gel compresses for the same purpose.

Check out Breast Compress Packs on Amazon

Also Read: What to Expect During Postpartum Recovery: 9 Common Problems and Solutions

What Supplies Do I Need For Pumping Breast Milk?

Breast milk may overwhelm you in the first few weeks before the body regulates milk production. Pumping will help you reduce the pressure in the breasts and give you relief.

When you’re away from the baby, pumping breast milk will save you from the pain of engorged breasts. It also keeps the milk production going after the baby is bottle feeding.

If the breasts are engorged, pump before feeding the baby to reduce pain and the let-down force. This will help the baby feed easily without choking and pain for the mother.

On the pumping front, here are the best breastfeeding products for new moms.

Breastfeeding Essentials #9: Breast Pump

A breast pump is an essential item in the breastfeeding essentials checklist. The best breast pump should be dependable for the regular expression.

You can choose between a manual and an electric pump. An electric pump is less work, but a manual pump will come in handy when you’re out of power.

A pumping bra is a significant breastfeeding essential kit for working moms. It gives you the privacy to pump without feeling exposed. It also helps you pump hands-free, giving you space to do what moms do best – multi-task.

A wearable breast pump is pricey but revolutionary for the working mom who needs to pump. It rids you of the hustle of carrying cords and other breast pump odds and ends.

Check out:

Related Article: 10 Best Hospital Grade Breast Pumps

Breastfeeding Essentials #10: Breast Milk Storage Bags

Breast milk storage bags are vital breastfeeding and pumping essentials. The pumped milk must be stored in a sterile, sealable bag to prevent contamination.

Once the milk is sealed and labeled, it’s refrigerated and used on a first-in, first-out basis.

Check out:

Related Article: 10 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags

Breastfeeding Essentials #11: Milk Transportation Bags

The milk should be kept in a sterilized and cool environment if you’re away from home. A cold box or insulated bags are useful breastfeeding essentials kit for new moms.

Check out Milk Transportation Bags on Amazon

Breastfeeding Essentials #12: Wet Wipes And Hand Sanitizer

These two are breastfeeding necessities for the time when it’s expressing time, and there is no flowing water available. Breast milk must be kept at the highest hygiene standards possible.

If there’s no running water, wipe your hands and breasts meticulously with wet wipes. Before commencing pumping, sanitize your hands with a liquid sanitizer.

Once you’re done pumping, wipe the breasts to get rid of stray milk droplets.

Check out Water Based Wet Wipes on Amazon

Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Breastfeeding essentials kit for nursing moms is a good thing to have. However, proper breastfeeding technique is more important. Here are four breastfeeding tips for new moms:

1. Latch the baby appropriately.

The nipple and the areola must be inside the baby’s mouth before he starts to feed. This prevents your nipples from cracking.

2. Let your baby guide you.

Your baby will let you know if he’s full or he’ll like to nurse some more. If he pushes the breast out with his tongue, he’s had enough. If he’s still feeding, don’t rush him.

3. Do not stress about breastfeeding.

Getting worried about breastfeeding reduces your milk supply. Stay relaxed and rested, and the milk welcomes you.

4. Create a special breastfeeding location

Whether in a corner in the baby’s room or the rocking chair in the sunroom, have a special spot for you and your baby. This prepares the baby for feeding when he sees you going to your special place.

A comfortable breastfeeding chair is a must-have; put it in a quiet, dimly lit room that provides the least distractions.

FAQs

What does a breastfeeding mum need?

A breastfeeding mom needs to eat a healthy diet to increase breast milk production that is rich in whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.

What equipment do you need to breastfeed?

You don’t need any special equipment to breastfeed your baby. In case you need to express breast milk you need a manual or electric breast pump, a breastfeeding pillow, and breast milk storage bags.

What are the new essentials for breastfeeding?

Some of the best breastfeeding essentials for new moms include a breast pump, breastfeeding pillow, nursing pads, nipple cream, and nursing cover.

What do I need to buy to prepare for breastfeeding?

Some of the things you can buy as you prepare for breastfeeding are a nursing bra and a breastfeeding pillow. These will make you comfortable with the increase in the size of your breasts after giving birth and also support your baby as they latch.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding essentials should be taken as seriously as all the other baby preparation essentials. Purpose to enjoy the breastfeeding ride; the best breastfeeding essentials for new moms are just meant to enhance an already beautiful journey.

If you’re unsure about something in the breastfeeding essentials checklist, ask other moms; chances are very high that what worked for them will work for you as well. Avoid last-minute panic. Start your shopping early, and compare the products to ensure you get the best deal. Nine months may look like a very long time, but they fly by pretty fast.

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