Breastfeeding can feel both natural and completely brand-new at the same time, especially during those first few weeks with a newborn. While all you truly need is you and your baby, having a few supportive tools nearby can make nursing far more comfortable, manageable, and less stressful.
As a doula, childbirth educator, and mom who has supported hundreds of breastfeeding families, I’ve seen firsthand how the right breastfeeding tools and support products can help moms feel more confident and supported during their feeding journey.
From nipple cream and nursing bras to pumps and milk-saving tools, these are the breastfeeding essentials I recommend most often to new moms.
Key Takeaways
- Breastfeeding essentials like nipple cream, nursing pads, and breastfeeding pillows can help improve comfort during those early weeks.
- Pumps, milk collection tools, and storage bags make it easier to save milk and maintain flexibility with feedings.
- Staying hydrated and supported can help make breastfeeding feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Lactation consultants, feeding apps, and support tools can help troubleshoot common nursing challenges.
- Every breastfeeding journey looks different, so focus on the products and support that work best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms
These breastfeeding essentials can help make those early nursing weeks feel smoother, more comfortable, and less overwhelming. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, or doing a combination of both, having a few supportive products nearby can make a big difference.
Tip: If you’re preparing for birth, pack a few of these essentials in your hospital bag so you’re ready from day one.
1. Comfortable Place to Sit
The first thing you need when breastfeeding is a comfortable place to sit. Getting comfortable and in a good position is everything. For experienced breastfeeding moms, you can breastfeed almost anywhere. However, for new moms, feeling anxious and uncomfortable or being in an awkward position can affect their let-down (important) and prevent them from getting a good latch. Find a spot where you have good back support, and it’s even better if you can put your feet up.
Related: 7 Breastfeeding Positions To Try for a Better Latch
2. Nipple Cream
You may think you don’t need nipple cream. Maybe because you’re going to use coconut oil or breast milk as your “ointment.” However, using the correct type of cream or ointment can help prevent your nipples from drying and cracking. It can help speed up the healing. A good nipple cream can make a huge difference during those early nursing days.
Remember, your baby will ingest anything you apply to the nipple area while nursing, so it’s essential to use products that are known to be safe for breastfeeding.
Some people swear by lanolin, yet many products now claim to be “lanolin-free.” So what’s that all about? If you don’t know, lanolin is the discharge from a sheep’s sebaceous glands. It is used in many cosmetics, ranging from lip balms to breastfeeding creams.1 Although it has been proven highly effective in soothing and healing chapped skin, researchers have found that lanolin contains pesticides.2 This is because the wool is soaked in chemicals to remove parasites before the lanolin is scoured out of it. Currently, there are no truly organic lanolin options available.
Thankfully, lanolin-free nipple creams are easily found these days. I usually recommend my clients Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter and Bamboobies Nipple Balm.
Related: Ways to Treat Engorgement and Cracked Nipples
3. Breastfeeding Pillow
Breastfeeding pillows are a breastfeeding mom’s best friend because they relieve your back, neck, spine, and arms. A breastfeeding pillow is one of the most helpful nursing products for new moms. The primary function of the pillow is to bring your baby close to your body and your breasts. This is important if you want your little one to get a good latch and keep you comfortable during the process.
I’ve seen many moms feel immediate relief in their shoulders, neck, and arms once they start using a supportive nursing pillow.
It can also be a great option if you are recovering from a C-section. It protects the incision site and keeps direct pressure off it, which helps your incision heal more quickly.
Related: Benefits of a Nursing Pillow: What You Should Know
4. Breastfeeding & Feeding Tracker Apps
It’s essential to know how often you feed your baby and for how long. Your pediatrician will ask you how often your baby eats and how many wet and dirty diapers your baby makes a day. Since mom brain can happen, you may forget the details if your baby isn’t making enough wet and dirty diapers. You may forget when you started your baby’s last feeding and which breast you ended with.
Recording these things in a notebook is always nice, but having an app on your phone is way more convenient if you are out and about with your little one. You may forget to bring your notebook or to remember where you last put it. (I’ve had this happen to a few moms I’ve worked with.) And if a family member gives your baby a bottle, some apps let them access the app so they can document the feeding they gave to your baby.
These are a few breastfeeding and baby tracking apps I often recommend to new parents.
Breastfeeding can feel all-consuming in the beginning, so even small tools that help you stay organized and supported can make a big difference.
5. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is incredibly important while breastfeeding. Mothers who don’t stay hydrated tend to have a lower breastmilk supply, so it’s essential to drink enough water throughout the day. Having a water bottle can help remind you to drink. Personally, I always recommend keeping one nearby during feedings because many moms are surprised by how thirsty breastfeeding can make them feel.
It’s recommended to drink approximately 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, but avoid overhydration. Consuming more than 6 to 8 glasses will not help you make more milk or provide additional benefits.
Drinking excessive water has been shown to drop a mother’s milk supply.3 A big reason for this is that excess water can fill you up. If you fill up on so many fluids that you’re not hungry, you may not eat enough food to get the calories and nutrients you need when breastfeeding to help build your milk supply.
6. Milk-Savers and Haakaa for Milk Collection
As your baby nurses on one side, the other breast can also leak. Since I’ve worked with many mothers experiencing milk supply issues, I’m all about saving every drop. I love the Haakaa and Milk-Saver from Milkies because they do just that! Many mothers have cried over spilled breast milk or because they are not producing enough. These products help you collect as much of your milk as possible. Two thumbs up, and definitely one of my favorite breastfeeding tools!
7. Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding in Public
I want all moms to feel comfortable breastfeeding, no matter where they are. Get one if you feel more confident and comfortable breastfeeding in public with a cover! You shouldn’t have to rush home, hide in a room or bathroom, or feel like you have to pump every time you are going to be in public and your baby needs to eat.
Related: How to Prepare to Breastfeed in Public
8. Lactation Tea
For mothers who see a drop in their milk supply, drinking certain teas may help increase it. A decrease in your supply can occur during illness, returning to work or school, or undergoing surgery, among other factors. Some lactation teas are designed to help support milk production during times when supply may dip.
Not every breastfeeding mom needs herbs to establish a good milk supply, but I appreciate that this is an option for women seeking alternative solutions.
My absolute favorite brand, which I highly recommend, is Birds & Bees Teas. Their “Our Lady of La Leche” is terrific. Check out more of our favorite products that may help boost milk supply.
Related: Tips to Increase Breast Milk Supply
9. Breast Pump for Nursing Moms
There may be times when nursing directly isn’t possible or practical, which is why many moms find a breast pump incredibly helpful.
Many of my clients found pumping especially helpful during nighttime feeds, returning to work, or when needing extra flexibility throughout the day.
Having a breast pump is one of the most helpful tools for nursing moms. You may need to give your nipples a break from breastfeeding and pumping, catch up on some sleep, run errands, or have your partner or a family member help with feeding, etc. Thank goodness we have breast pumps so women can still give their babies breast milk even when they can’t nurse.
Two of my favorite pumps (for purchase) are the Spectra S1 Breast Pump and the Motif Medical Breast Pump. Instead of owning your own, there are also hospital-grade breast pumps that you can rent.
10. Breastmilk Storage Bags
After pumping, you need to store your breast milk. Instead of keeping each amount you pumped in a breastmilk collection bottle, I recommend purchasing breast milk storage bags. This way, you will be able to save much more for the future and emergencies. Additionally, you can donate extra breast milk stored in bags. Breastmilk storage bags definitely have a spot on my list of most-used breastfeeding products.
Related: How To Collect, Store, and Prepare Breast Milk
11. Nursing Bras and Tanks
Every breastfeeding mom needs a good nursing bra and tank. Most breastfeeding moms quickly realize they’ll want more than one. When you have a hungry/screaming baby, you can’t get to the boob fast enough. I really like Bravado Designs and Kindred Bravely nursing bras and tanks.
12. Hot and Cold Therapy Packs
Hot and cold breast pads will be your new best friend. These reusable, ergonomically shaped compresses provide hot and cold therapy to address common feeding and pumping ailments, including engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis. They can be heated or cooled to give you the perfect relief for sore/tender breasts. You will be so grateful that you have them!
Breastfeeding can also come with plenty of unexpected messes, especially during those early postpartum weeks.
13. Nursing Pads
Leakage happens. I’ve had many moms tell me nursing pads quickly became one of the products they used the most during those early weeks.
Instead of soaking your nursing bra and your tank or top before or after a feeding, you will want to have some nursing pads to absorb any extra milk. The last thing you would want to happen is to be out somewhere, and then suddenly, your breasts let down, and you start leaking through your shirt. That’s a little embarrassing.
There are different nursing pad options available to help prevent this. You can also purchase disposable, and washable and reusable nursing pads.
14. Maternity Robe, Nursing Dress & Baby Blanket Set
Babies want to eat throughout the day and night. This is why it’s beneficial to have a comfortable robe and nursing gown, allowing you to feed your baby at any time of day or night in the comfort of your own home. You will most likely live in this robe and nursing gown after giving birth. I love that this robe is feminine, dark (to hide baby stains), and matches baby.
15. Burp Cloths & Bibs
Spit-up happens. Even when breastfeeding. It’s a good idea to have something on hand that will keep you and your baby clean if your baby just so happens to have a little spit-up. These muslin Burp cloths from Little Unicorn are one of my favorites. They are also thicker and more absorbent than most burp cloths. Their bibs are also super soft, absorbent, and perfect for feeding. Definitely one of my favorite feeding-time products!
16. Lactation Consultant
Sometimes the most helpful breastfeeding support comes from another experienced person who can guide you through challenges in real time. Make sure you visit a local IBCLC if you are experiencing significant issues. You can schedule an appointment to see one, or you can arrange for her to visit your home. Another great option is to visit one of your local La Leche League groups for support.
Related: 20 Things Lactation Consultants Want You to Know
Breastfeeding looks different for every family, and what works well for one mom may not work for another. The goal is not to have every breastfeeding product on the market but to find the tools and support that help you feel more supported, confident, and cared for during your feeding journey.
I hope this list helps you feel more prepared and supported as you begin breastfeeding your little one. You’re already doing an amazing job.
