Breastfeeding Supplies That Make a Big Difference

Nancy L.:  For moms that choose to pump, storage bags are useful breastfeeding supplies. These BPA-free bags can stand on their own or stack flat for easier storage, especially in the freezer. These are leak-proof, easy to write on to note the date, and are easy to pour into your favorite baby bottles so you won't spill one drop of that hard-to-pump milk.

Dawn R:  These breastfeeding accessories will give you and your little one the privacy and comfort that you need when others are around and it is time to nurse. They come in beautiful and stylish patterns so there is one that you will love!

Nancy L.:  Boppy. When it comes to a breastfeeding pillow, there is no substitution! There are many positioners on the market, but no other brand is as comfortable and places baby against mom as perfectly as the Boppy.

Nancy L.:  A friend who successfully breastfed three children said to me, “Buy this!” Bring Lansinoh's Lanolin to the hospital and coat your nipples with it from the start. Feeding will be so much easier. Continue to use it with each feeding until baby and mom get comfortable with the process.

Nancy L.:  Many new moms don’t realize how important nursing pads will be. These are comfortable and disposable. Pop them in and toss them after each use. Change them as often as you need.

Nancy L.:  Many moms choose cover-ups meant specifically for breastfeeding. These swaddle blankets can serve the same purpose—and more. They are easy to transport, easy to wash, and won't draw a lot of attention when you place it over you if you choose to feed in a public place.

Lisa R:  Long, open-front sweaters were a staple of my wardrobe even before having kids, but I especially loved wearing them while breast feeding. They're perfect for covering up while nursing in public. You don't have to worry about packing an extra cover or having the blanket accidentally fall on the ground and get dirty. My babies loved being wrapped up and cuddled inside of them so much that my oldest tried to sit in my lap and wrap herself in my sweater long after she was too big.

Nancy L.:  Able to be used as a single or double pump, this Spectra breast pump will start in “massage mode,” which is a shallow mode designed to stimulate the body's letdown reflex. Then, it will switch to expression mode, a deeper, slower pattern of suction, which mimics how baby nurses. It has a timer, a nightlight, and is ultra quiet.

Check with your insurance company before purchasing a pump. Many insurance companies cover the cost of a pump and/or let you choose from a variety of options.

Kristy Pepping:  If you are pumping at all whether exclusively or to supplement your supply, this is a great tool to have. These bras come in a variety of sizes and hold your breast pump in place so that you are free to multi-task.

Vanessa M.:  The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding has helped millions of women traverse the complicated world of breastfeeding. It is the definitive guidebook of the well known breastfeeding support group, La Leche League International. Having been completely revised and updated, this book will give you the knowledge and support you need to nurse your little one.

Erin P.:  This nursing app was such a lifesaver for me, especially during the early, sleep-deprived and head-spinning days of having a newborn at home! It helps keep track of how long it has been between feedings, the duration of each feeding and which side the babe nursed at last!

Erynn:  New babies love to be close to mom, breastfed or not. For babies who need to nurse frequently, the Moby wrap's flexibility (there are a ton of different carries for all ages and sizes of babies!) will be a welcome support.

A host of cute prints and fabrics means there's a cute baby carrier for every mom and baby duo, and the flexible wrap means you can nurse discreetly while on the go. Hands-free is a bonus!

Erynn:  Medela's breastfeeding supplies are well known by nursing moms, and they're at the forefront of hospital-grade pumps and accessories. For moms on the go who struggle with supply issues or getting baby to latch while out and about, the Freestyle pump is a handheld, rechargeable pump that's portable. Double pump while multitasking at home or at work, in the car, or any other location where baby needs milk!

Lisa R:  This tiny pump is perfect if you don't need (or want) a ton of features. I loved its small size and the fact that it can run entirely off of its rechargeable battery, so you don't feel like you're tethered to a wall. The parts are durable and easy to clean, especially compared to another model I tried that had a lot more pieces and used membranes. It is relatively quiet and can be used for both dual and single pumping. The number of expression and massage modes are less than other models, but way more than I personally needed for occasional pumping.

Kelly R:  These washable nursing pads have more going for them than just an awesome name. They are soft, have a leakproof layer, and come in two varieties depending on the level of protection needed - the multi-pack contains both! The daytime pads have a heart-shape design and ultra-thin profile that makes them less visible through a shirt. The thicker overnight variety is better for heavy leaking or newborn nursing. They are made of soft and sustainable bamboo rayon velour.