As a mama of 4, I can tell you is that there are an ABUNDANCE of products out there for everything baby related. As an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I have also seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to breastfeeding products. Honestly, the ONLY things you need to breastfeed successfully are (wait for it...) BREASTS. If you've got those, you should be good to go, mama! But just like pregnancy, it can be helpful to have some additional items to help support us on our journey.
Trying to figure out what to buy/ what to register for can be very overwhelming- but it doesn't have to be. Here are some of my favorite Amazon Finds and tips for breastfeeding that have helped tons of new moms, including myself.
I can't move on without saying that first and foremost, working with a lactation consultant can make all the difference in whether you meet your breastfeeding goals or not. Even with all the products in the world, nothing can compare to the support a professional can offer you. At the Boobtique, we offer a wide variety of services to support expecting and new moms through virtual and in- person visits. We see mama's in our office space, as well as, in- home because we truly want to meet each momma exactly where they are. Truth be told some of us aren't always ready to face the world right after a baby and our in- home visit option allows mommas to remain in the comfort of their home while still receiving high quality support!
Not local? Don't worry because we offer many of our support classes and appointments virtually which you can find here: https://www.theboobtiquelkn.com/book-online
When we talk about breastfeeding and support, it is important to keep your personal goals in mind while you begin to navigate the market of products. We want to support your goals however we can but we also want to advise you on what the current recommendations are for breastfeeding. The AAP and the WHO both recommend breastfeeding for two years or beyond if its mutually desirable between mom and baby.
Now for what you have all been waiting for, my favorite Amazon Breastfeeding Support Finds!
A Silicone Manual Breast Pump:
Haakaa:
5oz with lid: (https://amzn.to/48wK3ZB)
5oz without lid: (https://amzn.to/46906Lw)
8oz without lid: https://amzn.to/48sTj0T
8 oz with lid: (https://amzn.to/3M1OYbB)
Elvie Curve:
Why I love it:
Small, compact, easy for on the go, travel, or to keep in diaper bag
Non plastic- made from food grade silicone
Easy to clean
Not dependent on electricity if power is out/ in emergency situations
Can help relieve engorgement on second breast if baby only takes 1 breast
More gentle at removing excess milk than an electric pump but it’s still a pump so it could cause over production/ over stimulation with too much use
Can be used to stimulate both breasts at once if trying to increase supply
Hakkas come in multiple sizes based on your needs
Elvie curve is more discreet than Haakaa
Affordable
Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collectors:
Ladybugs: (https://amzn.to/3td07Q7)
One ladybug + Haakaa: (https://amzn.to/456fbwg)
Two lady bugs + Haakaa: (https://amzn.to/3RCwwJT)
Why I love them:
If you only want to collect the let down and not have any additional suction/ draw like a silicone pump, then this is your gal
Catches let down to save/ start building stash without the risk of over stimulating/ over production
Also small, compact, and easy to keep in diaper bag
Non plastic- made of food grade silicone
Hole in top for easy pouring
Can be used to keep clothing from rubbing/ irritating sore nipples
Also not dependent on electricity
Decreases risk of thrush if always chilling in soaked nursing pads
Come in different sizes based on your needs
Affordable
Medela Harmony Manual Pump:
Why I love it:
Some people respond better to a manual pump
Puts mom in control of the suction
Can be used to provide a small amount of relief/ less stimulating than electric pump
Not dependent on electricity, bluetooth, etc
Can be used with into 5 or 8 oz narrow neck bottle depending on moms need
Small, compact, easy for on the go/ travel/ to throw in diaper bag
Still has both stimulation and expression “modes”
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter:
◦ Link: https://amzn.to/48xNm2y)
Why I love it:
Clean, safe, USDA Certified Organic, plant based ingredients
Made with 8 simple ingredients to help soothe the skin-
The label has ingredients you can actually read and pronounce
Odorless & tasteless- no irritating or artificial fragrances/ dyes/ etc
Safe for baby to consume, no need to wipe off prior to feeding
Petroleum and lanolin free
Can be used in the early days postpartum to help soothe irritation from the new stimulation
Please get help if you need to use this beyond the first week or so
Got extra? Makes a great chapstick, skin moisturizer, pump lubricant…
Nursing Friendly Clothing:
Link to the page: (https://amzn.to/3RA0K0c)
Also, how cute is this dress?: (https://amzn.to/3rDc5Su)
Why I love it:
Great for confidently feeding in public
Pull up method/ regular tee can let the whole mom bod hang out
Some can also be used while baby-wearing
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW:
If you would like to find out if your insurance covers lactation support then you can check your eligibility at this link: https://go.lactationnetwork.com/TheBoobtique
Icing on the cake, is that some of the products linked above could be covered by your FSA/HSA account and if that isn't enough to make you jump for joy then I don't know what will!
I just wanted to end by saying that no matter what season of motherhood you are in, you are crushing it!
Happy Nursing! You got this, mama!!
[This post contains affiliate links. I do earn a small commission for all purchases using my link at no additional cost to you. Commissions received help support my business, expand access to care, giveaways/ donations, and more. Your support is always appreciated!]
