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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Parenting, Pregnancy

Breastfeeding Essentials

May 18, 2018 Comments : 5

Wondering what you need to make breastfeeding a success? Do you struggle with breastfeeding your baby? Find the essentials for a successful breast feeding journey here. | Breastfeeding | Baby | Feeding essentials |
Wondering what you need to make your breastfeeding journey successful? Struggling trying to get breastfeeding to work. Check out this article on the essentials to make your breastfeeding journey easier and more successful. | Breastfeeding | Breastfeeding Essentials | Breastfeeding Tips | #breastfeeding #breastfeedingtips #breastfeedingmoms

I know what you’re thinking; not another breastfeeding essentials blog post but hear me out first before you close out of this post. Everyone has a different perspective on what is essential and I had no clue what would be important the first time around and overlooked quite a few things the second time around. I will just say I attempted to breast feed both my children. I really gave it a good effort before resorting to pumping including meeting multiple times with the wonderful local lactation consultants.

Despite this my son never got the hang of it and I ended up exclusively pumping to give him breast milk for a year. My daughter struggled with transfer issues early on and I had resigned myself to exclusively pump for her as well. Then magically, one day, a light switched on in her and she started actually breastfeeding and breastfeeding well. I continue to go back and forth with pumping and having her nurse and it has been working for us. So whether you are a mom to be, first time mom, second time mom or someone looking for a baby shower gift, here are the items I found to be essential to have while breastfeeding.

This post may contain affiliate links, see my full disclosures HERE

A really good pump

I have the Spectra S2 and love it. With my son I had the Medela and had some issues with it. Keep in mind that was 6 years ago and I am sure they have made advancements in their pump since then. The Spectra is a hospital grade pump with a closed system so no more milk backing up in the tubing, YAY! These reasons and the stellar reviews were what led me to chose this advanced breast pump. Since using it I have found that it is pretty complicated with all the settings but a simple you tube search (thank you you tube) you will find how to use the pump to it’s full ability. Make sure you check with your insurance policy first because many health plans now cover the cost of certain pumps.


Spectra S2 can be found HERE ! Check it out and read the reviews. It is a really good pump.

Coconut Oil

Yes, coconut oil. I used this in place of the typical nipple cream at the recommendation of some very knowledgeable post-partum nurses. Those first few days will feel like a little gremlin is attacking your nipples while both you and they learn how to perfect the latch. Your nipples will be sore, raw and sometimes even bleeding. (Isn’t motherhood amazing?) I liked the idea of coconut oil because it is all natural and has a multitude of healing properties. Go with what feels good for you whether it be coconut oil or lanolin.


The coconut oil I used can be found by clicking on the image above!

A Boppy

I love my boppy.. It not only helps provide support while you maneuver your baby to the best position on your breast but it can also be used later on to help the baby stay propped up when they have better head control. The cover is also washable which is great since your precious little bundle will eventually vomit on it or pee on it.


The nice thing about the boppy is that you can find different covers you like. Click the image and browse through the options!

Nursing pads

I personally never thought that I would leak. It took about 7 weeks before I started leaking when I heard my baby cry or when I was feeding from the opposite side. Hell, just thinking about my baby was enough to trigger a let down. It was certainly quite embarrassing when this happened for the first time while out in public and I was wearing a army green t-shirt (there was no hiding the leakage). These just discreetly tuck in your bra to help catch whatever leaks out. I have both the washable ones and the disposable ones. I like that the disposable ones have a sticky side that sticks into your bra to avoid sliding. The reusable ones are nice because they are washable and well because they are environmentally friendly.

My favorite are linked above by clicking the picture.

Another important product to have are cooling pads for when your nipples become raw and tender. These help relieve some of that soreness. My fav can be found HERE.

Haakaa

I had never heard about this nifty little contraption that helps catch the let down on the opposite side you are nursing from until the girls in my Facebook pregnancy group raved about it. Obviously I would never use this in public but it is perfect for home use to help build up a milk stash if need be. It suctions onto the opposite breast while you are nursing and voila milk collects in this.

Haakaa silicone breast pump can be found here.

A supportive bra

Nursing bras are great but make sure you get a supportive nursing bra. What will feel good for you will depend on your chest size and bra preference. So when you find one you like get a couple.

Milk storage bags

These are super important to have on hand if you have an over supply and are pumping and storing milk. The first few days home I completely forgot about these and was scrambling to get some since I had so much milk that needed to be stored and nothing to store it in safely.

Click the image to be linked to breast milk storage bags.

Bottles

If you end up being like me and either exclusively pump or switch back and forth a bottle with a nipple that mimics a relay breast is essential. My daughter prefers the bottles that feel like the real thing. We also like using bottles for anti colic because gas and babies do not make a happy combination.

These are my favorite bottles currently.

Nipple Shield

This was my secret weapon and changed everything when I began to use it. After a while, your nipples become a mess. Mine were cracked, bleeding and I was ready to give up. Popped this little guy on and it seriously changed the breastfeeding game. If you have never used one, get one now and try it out. Your nipples will thank you.

Breastfeeding can be so hard especially on the new mom. Make sure that you grab some of these breastfeeding essentials to make your breastfeeding journey that much easier.

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Comments

  1. Lynneah says

    May 18, 2018 at 5:14 pm

    Great list! I would also add to buy some disposable nursing pads for over night when baby doesn’t wake up as often. I leaked through my washable ones so fast! The disposable ones tend to hold more milk leakage!

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    May 18, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Super helpful! I’m still undecided about breastfeeding but I love knowing the must haves if I do choose that route.

    Reply
  3. melissa says

    May 20, 2018 at 4:23 am

    great post! very helpful, I wish I was able to breast feed both of my kids until atleast one. Sometimes plans don’t always work the way you plan it.

    Reply
  4. Hannah says

    May 20, 2018 at 6:14 am

    I breastfed my daughter too and I would have to agree with your list! I am expecting our second daughter in August so it was helpful to be reminded of these things :-). Hannah from http://www.womanontheway.com

    Reply
  5. Chelsae says

    May 20, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    I heard so many great things about the Hakka but I never got it! This is a great list. I also used a little nursing night light that clipped onto my nursing bra in the middle of the night. It was perfect because I didn’t have to use my lamp.

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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🍿 It’s National Popcorn Day! ❤️⁣ ⁣ An 🍿 It’s National Popcorn Day! ❤️⁣
⁣
Anyone else have children that fight over the bowl of popcorn?! ⁣
We are celebrating National Popcorn Day (who knew that was actually a thing?!) with you guessed it; homemade popcorn!⁣
It is one of our go to snacks and a must every time we go to the movies! ⁣
⁣
Anyone else have kids that are obsessed with popcorn?! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
Follow along with the hashtag #MamasWhoHoliday to see all the things me and some of my favorite mamas come up with to celebrate all these fun and different holidays! 😄 ⁣
⁣
If you’d like to join in on the fun, post your own photo and use our hashtag so we can check it out! ❤️⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
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#momswhoblog ⁣
#lifewithlittles ⁣
#motherhoodlens ⁣
#motherhoodlife
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 ⁣
The extra caffeine (20% to be exact) is derived from green coffee extract giving that extra boost of energy! It is available in hot or iced and through January 16, a medium is only $2. So, head to @Dunkin to try it out today.!⁣
How are you getting your energy boost to keep up with your busy lifestyle?⁣
 ⁣
 ⁣
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⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#DunkinMaine⁣
#DunkinPartner
#momlifestyle 
#motherhoodunfiltered 
#coffeemom
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Our family uses salsa on just about everything from tacos to omelets. Our go to salsa? @freshcravingssalsa ⁣
⁣
Made from small batch recipes with vine ripened tomatoes and hand cut vegetables, @freshcravingssalsa is a smooth blend of authentic, bold flavors. So good even my kids love it! ⁣
You can find Fresh Cravings In the dips and dressing section of the produce aisle at your local Walmart or grocery store. ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#freshcravings ⁣
#salsabrate2021 ⁣
#freshcravingssalsa ⁣
#healthyjourney ⁣
#easysnackideas
9 + years since my first was born and almost 3 sin 9 + years since my first was born and almost 3 since my second and I have to say I still have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to parenting. ⁣
⁣
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⁣
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⁣
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#thisismotherhood ⁣
#thisisparenthood ⁣
#momlifeunfiltered ⁣
#motherhoodintheraw ⁣
#mombloggers
Grateful Warrior; a print from the lovely and tale Grateful Warrior; a print from the lovely and talented @lindsey.erin. A wonderful artist (for real check out her stuff) and person who inspires me daily with her creativity and positivity. ⁣
⁣
This print means so many different things to me in this season of my life. ⁣
It’s a reminder that I am a strong woman who doesn’t give up easily. Someone who aspires to do more, be more. As a partner, mother, friend. ⁣
⁣
It’s also a reminder to be grateful for the opportunities I have and the power of my light I send out into this world. I glance at it everyday, hanging in my office reminding me to be the grateful warrior that I am.⁣
What is inspiring you during this time in your life? ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#fineartprints ⁣
#maineartist ⁣
#motivatedmindset ⁣
#motherhoodunfiltered
Getting organized is on my to do list this year be Getting organized is on my to do list this year because if I’m being honest my life is a mess most days. ⁣
⁣
@zulily has everything I need to do just that. From now until Friday, they have amazing deals on items to help you get more organized in every aspect of your home. Check out my stories for all my favorite organization items and where you can grab them! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#zulilyfinds ⁣
#organizedhome ⁣
#realmomlife ⁣
#organizedhome
It’s a New Year and all I’ve managed to do tod It’s a New Year and all I’ve managed to do today is take this photo and drink some wine so I would say I’m already winning at 2021.⁣
⁣
Here’s to a better year then last. Cheers! ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#newyearsgoals⁣
#bye2020⁣
#mamaneedswine⁣
#momlifeunfiltered⁣
#mombloggerlife
We are officially closing out this year!!⁣ 2020 We are officially closing out this year!!⁣
2020 was a year full of many challenges but it held some amazing moments and opportunities as well. ⁣
⁣
We took a fun, much needed vacation at the beginning of the year with @carnival cruise line, got married @samosetresort on a whim, personally I grew my blog and met some pretty large goals I had set for myself this year and the kids stayed happy and healthy. So even with the bad, there was a lot of good.⁣
⁣
I’m hopeful that this New Year will bring even more opportunities and chances to grow and be a little less hard on others. ⁣
What are you hopeful for this New Year?⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#newyeariscoming ⁣
#bye2020 ⁣
#lifestyleblogger ⁣
#momlifestyle ⁣
#motherhoodlens ⁣
⁣
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