Ok Mama’s let’s be real…..breastfeeding is NO JOKE! You would think all you need is a breast and a baby (I mean technically…yes), but that’s just the start. Did you know that breastfeeding for one year is approximately 1,800 hours, and a full-time job with three weeks vacation is 1,960 hours? So yes, breastfeeding is a full-time job. All that said, breastfeeding is truly a beautiful and intimate experience, and there are some great products out there to make it even better (and a little easier).
Here are my TOP 5 BREASTFEEDING MUST-HAVES!
The Haakaa
When you start breastfeeding you will soon realize how precious every drop of milk can be. The Haakaa is a silicone pump that catches the let down of milk off the breast that the baby is not feeding on – Genius! So, instead of soaking your nursing pads with milk you can now collect, store, and stash it. And it’s so easy to use- you just place the pump over the nipple of the breast you not feeding on, apply suction as comfortable and Ta-Da milk will begin to collect in your Haakaa. So, if you’re a Mama looking to build a stash of milk, this product is a must-have!
You can find this product here: www.amazon.ca
Knix Leakproof Nursing Bra’s and Tanks
A good fitting, comfortable nursing bra is essential for breastfeeding. I personally recommend the Knix leakproof nursing bra- it’s wireless, has easy clip clasps for one-handed freedom, and is made of the most wonderful stretchy material that adapts to your every changing breast size. The removable (and machine washable) absorbent pads slide right into an opening between the soft fabric layers of the super-stretchy cups. The end result is smooth as can be, no more lumpy and bumpy looking breasts caused by traditional disposable breast pads. Knix also makes a leakproof nursing tank which can be a great option because you don’t have to wear a bra with it, you can wear it alone or under layers and it is great for nursing in public.
You can find this product here: www.knix.ca
Coconut oil and Lavender Drops
Why this you ask? Because you are going to make your own NIPPLE CREAM! Those first few weeks of breastfeeding will no doubt have your nipples feeling less than fabulous. Having a good nipple cream helps so much with tenderness, soreness, inflammation, infection AND not too mention that horrible thing that happens when your sweet, sticky colostrum causes your nipples to stick to your breast pads…..ouch! I loved using coconut oil as nipple cream as it is super moisturizing and safe for babe. I also add in a couple of drops of lavender oil which is a calming oil that both prevents and heals tender, sore, inflamed nipples. Be sure your lavender oil is a pure therapeutic grade oil (I love the one from young living). For the first couple of weeks apply the cream to your nipples and the surrounding area after each feeding, then give them a wipe with a cloth and warm water prior to feeding. REPEAT.
You can find these products here: Coconut oil- www.costco.ca
Lavender drops- www.youngliving.com
Lil’ Buds Breast Comfort Packs:
These all-natural breast comfort packs are to die for. They are made from luxuriously soft 100% cotton flannel and all-natural flax seed filling. And they have an option to add a soothing lavender scent, with premier quality dried lavender buds. You can use them hot or cold. Use cold to soothe engorgement and ease breast tenderness. Use hot to pump more milk, clear clogged ducts, prevent mastitis, and soothe overall breast tenderness. These comfort packs have multiple coverage options; use one pack on half the breast or two packs on the whole breast. You can also use these packs while feeding to ease pain associated with breastfeeding. Additionally, they can be discreetly worn inside your nursing bra or tank in between feedings or pumping sessions.
You can find this product here: www.lillemer.com (ships to Canada in 7-10 days)
A Nursing Caddy:
You are seriously going to want one of these for your breastfeeding journey! A caddy is a bag or box that houses all your breastfeeding supplies so that when the baby is ready to feed it is all within your reach in one place. Here’s are some things you may have in your caddy: haakkaa, nipple cream, Lil buds comfort pads, breast pads, nipple shield, pacifier, diaper, wipes, water, lip chap, snack bars, hand sanitizer, burp clothes, pumping parts.
You can find this product here: www.amazon.ca
Whether you’re a Mama-to-be, a new mama, or an experienced mama I hope these products will make your breastfeeding journey comfortable and successful as they have for myself and many others! And remember- you are doing an AWESOME job. If you ever need a little extra support please reach out to myself or another Mama Coach in your area, we are here to help you.