Today I am sharing breastfeeding essentials for nursing moms. Having a baby can become very expensive. There are so many items on the market today that you can buy for the new baby. It’s hard to know what you really need.
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With breastfeeding there real are no essentials (except mom). However, there are some things that make it easier, especially if you plan to return to work.
These five breastfeeding essentials are items I was thankful to have as I nursed my three kids over a number of years.
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1. Nursing Pillow
My husband purchased a nursing pillow for me right after I had the first baby and it was my most used nursing item. It is not an absolute essential. I have used a regular pillow or just held the kids when my boppy pillow was not available. There are a few different nursing pillow designs on a the market. I had a Boppy Pillow and loved how it fit around me and supported my babies. I had a couple different covers for it that I rotated.
Boppy Nursing Pillow || 
2. Breast pump
If you are returning to work, or will be leaving your baby during feeding times, you will need to pump breast milk. There are many breast pumps on the market from hand held to hospital grade pumps. Prior to my first being born, I purchased a small hand held breast pump. Once I knew breastfeeding was a go for us, I purchased an electric pump as I was planning to return to work. This was by far the most costly of our breastfeeding essentials. I was grateful to have it when I became engorged early on and then it was a necessity when I returned to work. I became a SAHM with our other two children, but continued to use it, just less frequently, to store milk for times I would be gone.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
3. Nursing bras
I purchased new nursing bras with each child. The designs changed from one child to the next, so I don’t have any good recommendations. I bought mine at Motherhood Maternity. They get stretched and soaked with milk (early on), so I didn’t invest as much in my nursing bras as I do my regular bras. Your bra size will change early on until your milk supply is established, so start with a couple until you know what size you will need.
4. Nursing pads
Nursing pads are especially helpful in those early weeks. Your breasts will leak when your milk lets down and soak through your bra and shirt if you don’t have nursing pads. You can choose from disposable pads that you can throw out after each use or washable pads that you can wash after each use. I opted for disposable pads. You can buy a huge box for very little. I have included links for both disposable and washable.
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads || Philips Avent Day Disposable Breast Pads || 
5. Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding can take a toll on your breasts in the early weeks of nursing. With all of the sucking and latching that your baby does, it can make your nipples raw. There are several creams that are safe for baby and will ease your pain.
Lansinoh Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers || Medela Tender Care Lanolin Tube
I almost broke down and bought a nursing cover with my last baby, but did not. I actually nursed our first in public the most and survived with just a blanket, but I do like the design and ease that a nursing cover offers.
Would add anything to the list?
