After my daughter and I have stopped nursing, I will have spent over 2 years of my life breastfeeding. The relationship and bond that develop as a result of breastfeeding is indescribable. Some of the sweetest moments are at 2 or 3 am when our daughter, who’s nestled against me starts to stir. She really never fully wakes up because I’m right there ready to nurse her. There really isn’t a lot that a mom and babe require to be successful at breastfeeding. But there are definitely some products I’ve found to be useful…to make the experience more comfortable…
1. A Nursing Cover
You may remember that I’m still not entirely comfortable nursing in public. But I do it. And what helps is a well-made nursing cover (bonus points for those with cute prints). Both of my babies did not like to be covered, but fared better when they could see me. I highly recommend a nursing cover with a rigid neckline and plenty of fabric (my babies also like to kick the covers off!) like those offered by Bebe Au Lait.
2. A Supportive Nursing Bra
When I first had my son, I struggled to find a bra that fit well (I have odd measurements). The only bra I found that gave me the support and comfort I needed (without looking like something my grandmother would wear) was by Bravado. In fact, the very first nursing bra I purchased was the Supreme Nursing Bra (which I still have today). These days I actually prefer The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. It looks and feels like a conventional bra while offering the support and comfort required during nursing. The Sublime Bra is one of their newer bras which helps nursing moms reclaim their femininity. Lace accents and thinner straps make it look like a beautiful lingerie piece…instead of what it is…a nursing bra. And if you’re looking for all of the comfort, style, and support of Bravado’s Nursing Bras at a fraction of the cost, check out their Basics line which launched recently at Target stores nationwide.
3. A Nursing Top
When I was pregnant with my son, one of my good friends (who has much more mommy experience than I d0) encouraged me to invest in a few nursing tops. After investing in a maternity wardrobe, I was ready to get back into my “regular” clothes. Wishful thinking right? After realizing both times that fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothes wasn’t something I could anticipate in the near future, I opted for a few nursing tanks. If you’ve ever tried to nurse in a conventional top, then you know that it’s nearly impossible to maintain discretion, even with a nursing cover. The Essential Nursing Bra Tank by Bravado has a built-in bra and nursing clips, so you don’t have to wear a bra with it (although I do find it to be just a bit low-cut). It’s available in five colors and great for use as a transitional piece.
4. Nursing Pads
I STILL wear nursing pads, and I’m 3 months postpartum. There is nothing as an embarrassing as the entire world keen to the fact that you’re breastfeeding (I’ve been known to let down in unexpected places). I’ve tried several brands…none of which offer the appropriate amount of dryness protection as Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads. They’re highly absorbent but still thin enough to be discrete. Best of all they actually stay put.
5. A Nursing Pillow
The first time I nursed my son, I couldn’t go anywhere without my nursing pillow. I carried it in the car with me when we went out. This time around, I’m not as reliant on it, but I still find that My Brest Friend helps keep my daughter and I properly positioned while avoiding the “hunch” I seem to gravitate towards while I’m nursing. What makes this pillow unique is it’s wrap around design and built-in back rest. The pillow is actually somewhat firm, which prevents a baby from rolling down into it (which occurs with softer pillows). To be honest, it takes a bit of practice. But with a foot stool and this pillow, you’ll find that your posture is much improved which makes the entire experience more comfortable.
6. Nipple Cream
I am not a fan of Lanolin, mostly because it’s ridiculously sticky and stains everything. I do, however, LOVE Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Natural Nipple Butter. It’s moisturizing, odorless, and not sticky! In fact, I like Earth Mama Angel Baby’s entire line of breastfeeding products. You can read more about what I thought here.
7. A Breast Pump
Some may disagree, but I could not get by without a breast pump. With my son, I had too much milk. With my daughter, it’s almost not enough. In both instances, it’s the breast pump that allowed and has continued to allow me to give my children breast milk exclusively. I’ve tried several different pumps. My favorite, hands-down is the Medela Pump In Style Advanced breast pump I received at my very first baby shower. It’s lightweight (for a pump) and quickly expresses breast milk. Pumping is never comfortable and I won’t say that this pump is any different in that sense. However, it features a two-phase expression that allows me to express the maximum amount of milk.
I did not receive compensation for this post. However, as a brand ambassador for the company, I receive information and product samples. Product samples were also received from My Brest Friend, Earth Mama Angel Baby and Bebe Au Lait.
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This is a great list! I LOVE my Bebe au Lait nursing cover and my Lifestyle Microfiber nursing bra by Bravado! I also love Melinda G nursing bras and I have an awesome nursing gown from Bella Materna.
In the early postpartum days, I loved Lansinoh cream, my My Brest Friend pillow, and my Shower Hug.