• Home
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Legalities
  • Categories
    • Parenting
    • Lifestyle
    • Holiday Ideas
    • Healthy Living Tips
    • Beauty Tips for Women
    • Travel

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.

Share this...
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Previous:
Lessons Learned from my Mom
Next:
5 Reasons I Could Never be a SAHM

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Me

Hello

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!

Let’s Connect

Featured Posts

Easter basket ideas for kids

Easter Basket Ideas for Kids

Positive affirmations for moms

Positive Affirmations for Moms

Friday favs: 5 things that I am loving this week

Friday Favs: The 5 Things I am Loving Now

Categories

  • Beauty Tips for Women
  • Healthy Living Tips
  • Holiday Ideas
  • Home Decor
  • Lifestyle
  • Mom Life
  • Parenting
  • Pregnancy
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Search

Archives

Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
Follow Me on Instagram

Tags

Baby baby items birth Breastfeeding cesarean section Children Christmas Family travel Fitness Fourth trimester Gift Ideas Goals Happiness Healthy Healthy Kids Healthy lifestyle Healthy Living Holiday Home Home decor Kids Life changes Lifestyle Lose weight Maine Maine Living Mom mom essentials mom life motherhood Motherhood unplugged moving forward new baby New England living New England travel new mom New Year Parenting pregnancy preparing for baby Relationships second child Travel Weight Loss Working mom
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
Follow Me on Instagram
2021  Design by SkyandStars.co
Back Top