Breastfeeding Basics

Daniel is a boob baby. In fact, he is exclusively breastfed. I didn’t think in a million years that this would be a thing that I not only do, but do well. It’s both a sacrifice and the ultimate gift. In the beginning, I set an expiration at 6 months but here we are at 7 months and the thought of him no longer needing me this way makes me want to cry. There have been quite a number of things that really helped with the success of our breastfeeding journey. Even with a baby who is exclusively breastfed there are some breastfeeding basics you don’t want to miss.

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I was really worried about breastfeeding. I wanted to breastfeed but I had read so many stories about how challenging it is and how difficult it can be to sustain. If breastfeeding was going to work for us it was important that I set us up for success ahead of time. Daniel was born via c-section which made my concerns for breastfeeding amplified.

Much to my surprise, Daniel was a pro at breastfeeding right from the get-go. We did not experience any complications or delays from the c-section and he gained weight like a boss. He is still in a pretty low percentile for weight but his growth is consistent and he is super long (going to be tall like Dave).

There is not much I need these days for breastfeeding. Heck, with this quarantine thing going on I can’t even tell you the last time I wore a bra (oh wait, my mom told me to wear one so we could go for a walk in the neighborhood). In the beginning though there were quite a few basic essentials I was really grateful to have. This list is not comprehensive of every breastfeeding item known to man. It is a truly basic bare bones list of universal essentials every new mom will encounter.

Breastfeeding Basics & Essentials

1. Earth Mama Nipple Butter

• This stuff is so nice. I was really turned off by nipple creams and so I went on a hunt for something better. I was concerned that Danny may have an aversion to any kind of nipple relief but that concern was unfounded with this nipple butter. It comes in this little pod and melts so nicely when applied. It was an absolute MUST in the beginning because your nips are shocked by the sudden trauma that is breastfeeding.

2. Kindred Bravely Nursing Pads

• In the beginning my supply was active, to put it lightly. I would feed Danny and then pump 5oz out of the same side. Between lubing myself up with the nipple butter and leaking like a faucet I was in need of some protection. Excessive laundry is not a new mom’s friend so having quality nursing pads was critical to my sanity and my wardrobe. These bamboo ones were so soft, absorbent, and just plain nice.

3. My Brest-Friend Nursing Pillow

• When I was in the hospital my mom was staying at out house (because that’s what the best moms/grandmas do). I texted her after the first morning and asked her to bring some things we needed when she came to visit. One of these things was my Boppy pillow. Boppy pillows are so cute aren’t they? We have a cute one. As an over-thorough new mom I registered for a Boppy and a Brest-Friend pillow and was fortunate enough to receive both. I didn’t use the Brest-Friend pillow until I got home and holy game changer. It is way more supportive and comfortable than the Boppy. I relegated the Boppy to the closet until Danny was big enough to use it as a support pillow for sitting.

4. Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Bags

• At 7 months, I don’t pump anymore because Danny no longer accepts a bottle. He might, under duress but since we have no where to go and I have no reason to leave him alone, there is no need to try. In the beginning of our journey though it was a necessity to pump otherwise precious breast milk would leak everywhere. That is where the Kiinde breast milk storage system comes into play. The system comes with adapters that fit almost all standard breast pumps and you can pump right into a storage bag. No need to transfer milk from bottle to bag. They lay flat to freeze and you can even feed directly from them using their bottle system.

5. Comfortable Nursing Clothes/Bras

• These days I will nurse in just about any type of shirt. I still wear nursing bras (when I bother to wear one at all). Early in my journey though it was really important to have comfortable and easy clothes to nurse in. I was recovering from a c-section so without easy access I would have been uncomfortable, especially with overnight feedings. If you want to set yourself up for success get comfortable bras and clothes. They don’t have to be pretty they just have to work. I’m a busty gal so I just ordered things on Amazon for ease of returns and breadth of selection. Here is a list of my favorite tops and bras I got online:
  • Wirefree Nursing Bras: These nursing bras are so comfortable and soft. I’ll be honest they’re not the most supportive if you’re busty and the pads are annoying. As a mom with a boob hungry baby though, these work just fine especially in those first few weeks at home recovering.
  • Nursing Sweatshirts: Danny was born in September on the cusp of our cooler seasons so I was excited to wear some sweatshirts. I love these ones because they can be snug fit or over-sized depending on how you order and have a zipper for easy access.
  • Nursing T-shirts: This brand of tee is really great. They’re soft, cheap, and easy to wear. I wore them a lot in the beginning and as they have worn out a bit (they are inexpensive), I wear them as night shirts.
  • Nursing Gowns: I love the look of these nursing gowns. They were perfect in the hospital because they were cute and still allowed the nurses to do their business down below. I lived in these the first few weeks as I babied my c-section incision.

6. Breast Pump

• I almost left this off the list but decided is really is a basic essential for moms who breastfeed, even if you are exclusively nursing. A breast pump was for sure necessary in the beginning because my supply was over-excited for. My insurance company covered the cost of the pump I chose, the Spectra S2. Unfortunately, they did not cover the battery operated version. It is annoying to be tethered but the pump is really nice I’m very pleased with it. I also bought a manual hand pump around 6 months so I could lazily pump a couple ounces off to make baby oatmeal. I keep everything stored in this great caddy.

Just the Basics

There are so many products out there for breastfeeding. The selection of pumping supplies, nipple shields, creams, bottles, storage, support is overwhelming. Start with breastfeeding basics and work your way up as the needs arise. I wish you the upmost success with breastfeeding your little. Most importantly though, give yourself grace and do what is absolutely best for you and your baby. You’re the mom, and you will mom the way you know how to mom best.