Mom’s breast friend: a product guide
Ah, that lovely word — breastfeeding — it can conjure many emotions within a single person. Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different, heck, breastfeeding journeys across kids look different for the same set of boobs.
When I had our daughter, Lucy, I found breastfeeding to not come as naturally as I would have expected. If someone were to tell me the amount of time I’d spend worrying about latch, milk consumed and dirty diapers in the first two, four, six weeks of life, I’d think they were crazy. I’m so grateful to not only my husband bearing down and getting through those early and uncertain days with me, but my lactation consultant and the team of doctors that helped us navigate breastfeeding. Lucy had a tongue (and lip) tie, which we had snipped at an out-patient pediatric dentist office.
I learned a lot from the people who surrounded me in those days — I couldn’t have done it without them. Thankfully, I was able to breastfeed Lucy for the first year of her life (a combination of nursing + pumping), but it wasn’t without actual blood, sweat and tears.
Throughout my breastfeeding journey, I also learned a lot about the products I found to be must-haves. This post outlines my favorites, I hope this guide serves as your breast friend and can help you!
Nursing
Nursing Pillow - My Brest Friend
I loved that this pillow clips/ buckles for added comfort and stability vs the Boppy which can slide
Milk Catcher/ Collector - Hakaa or Elvie Curve Knockoffs
I found the round milk collectors to be less awkward if I was catching milk on one side while nursing on the other, but the section was definitely better for the Hakaa.
Nipple Shields -
These helped me a lot as Lucy was working on her latch, helped me continue to breastfeed while protecting my nipple
Silver Nipple Cups - Koala Baby Care (Silverette knockoffs)
Keep these in the freezer in-between nursing sessions, it’s a game changer!
Pumping
Breastmilk bags - Disposable or Reusable Silicone
Check to see if your insurance will send you disposable bags for free!
Fridge/ freezer storage containers - Here
Pumping spray -
Spectra S1
Note: buy via insurance
Pumpables Genie Advanced Pump
Note: This thing is more powerful than Spectra S1!
Legendairy Milk Collection Cups
Note: Pair with the pumpable to hack a wearable option on-the-go
Boob Care
Frida makes a "boob pack" which is great. The Massager is water resistant - it's helpful when your milk comes in to use this in a really hot shower to help clear out any clogged ducts!
Note: Honest is the best, over mama earth IMO
Bamboobies - help with leakage
Sunflower Lecithin - helps prevent clogged ducts
Note: figure out your correct nipple size early on to help save you $$ on pump flanges and protect your nipple!
Note: Helpful if you're catching colostrum pre-baby at home via hand expression - then can freeze / take to hospital!
