These Must-Haves Make Breastfeeding (Almost) Easy

You probably know this already, but breastfeeding is one tough job. It can be a frustrating, painful and downright crazy adventure — whether you’re breastfeeding at home, in public, at work or, you know, while running a half marathon. Yet through all the hectic realities that come with breastfeeding, it’s also beautiful and natural and offers a host of benefits — and, just like any kind of feeding, it helps connect mother and child.

That’s all well and good and lovely, of course, but what about nipple chafing?

Lucky for you, there are plenty of products out there that can help. Some seem like strange torture devices on first glance; some are just plain essentials. Ahead are our top picks for the “must-haves” (or at least “try-real-hard-to-haves”) every breastfeeding parent should register for. They’re basically guaranteed to increase your quality of life — at least until weaning time.

A version of this article was originally published in February 2016.

Hands-Free Pumping Bra

While most nursing mamas already know the importance of owning a solid, breastfeeding bra, the benefits of a pumping bras are often overlooked. They are nice but not necessary. But if you are (or will be) pumping for long periods of time, a pumping bra is a must.

MOMANDA women’s underwire lace hands-free pumping bra, $24 at Amazon

TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy

These little rings can be popped from the microwave (or freezer) right into your bra to help relieve soreness, swelling, plugged ducts and mastitis. And, when used warm, they can even help reduce the amount of time spent pumping.

They’re BPA-free, fairly inexpensive and totally reusable. 

TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy, $10.25 at Amazon

Breastfeeding Support Pillow

A breastfeeding support pillow, like this adorable jungle-print Boppy, can be incredibly helpful, especially in the beginning when you’re just figuring it all out.

Breastfeeding support pillow, $39.99 at Amazon

Seamless Sleep Bra for Nursing

Made from soft, breathable yet completely supportive fabrics, these bras are designed for conveniance and comfort.

Sunzel women’s seamless sleep bra for maternity/nursing, $12.99 and up at Amazon

Nursing Pads

Let me fill you in on a little secret: when you’re breastfeeding, your boobs leak. Yes, milk drips — or squirts — out of your nipples randomly, and at the most inoprotune times. But nursing pads, like these resuable ones from bambooies, will help keep you cool, comfortable and dry.

Bamboobies washable nursing pads (four pairs), $19.99 at Amazon

Double Electric Breast Pump

If you’ll be working away from home or otherwise need to regularly pump and store a large quantity of milk, an electric pump is the way to go. This advanced ‘Pump in Style’ set from Medela is a crowd favorite. 

Medela ‘Pump in Style’ advanced breast pump, $199.99 at Target

Manual Breast Pump

A manual breast pump is a great choice for breastfeeding parents who need to stimulate production between feedings or fill an occasional extra bottle or two. 

Medela Harmony manual breast pump, $29.99 at Target

Postnatal Supplements

With milk thistle, fennel and fenugreek — an herb traditionally used to increase milk production — postnatal supplements are a great way for breastfeeding mamas to support (and maintain) a healthy supply.

Postnatal lactation plus, $19.95 at The Honest Co.

Elomi Molded Nursing Bra

A functional nursing bra is worth its weight in gold. Note that you'll want to feel supported but comfortable, and it should open and close easily. 

Elomi molded nursing bra, $55 at Bare Necessities

Nursing Cover

While many women are comfortable breastfeeding without a cover, some prefer to be a bit more discreet — especially in public. But that doesn’t mean you have to toss a blanket over your boob and babe: today’s nursing covers are functional and fashionable.

Bamboobies nursing cover, $25.49 at Amazon

Lactation Cookies

Much like the aforementioned postnatal supplements, lactation cookies can boost your supply and fill your belly.

UpSpring Milkflow Lactation Cookies (10-pack), $20.89 at Amazon

Bottle Dryer Rack

For those parents who use bottles along with breastfeeding, this “grassy” drying rack is not only super functional, it’s also super cute. 

Bottle dryer rack, $12.90 at Amazon

Nipple Cream

Nipple cream (or balm) is key, especially in the first weeks. Make sure to get one that will heal sore, chapped nipples but is also food-grade for nursing, like this one from the Honest Company.

Organic nipple balm, $16.59 at Target

Milkscreen Strips

These amazing little test strips are basically boob breathalyzers. Of course, the pump-and-dump “rule” has largely been debunked, so talk to your doctor and get the facts, but if you still want to check the alcohol content of your milk, use these handy strips before feeding.

Milkscreen strips, $19.95 at Amazon

Nursing Necklace

These days, nursing necklaces are both fashionable and functional. These innovative pieces of jewelry can help your baby focus on the task at hand, and they're cute to boot. Win-win.

Nursing necklace, $16 at designML/Etsy

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things when it comes to breastfeeding. It helps promote milk production and can make you feel better, too. Fill up a few bottles in the fridge so there's always one to grab.

Reusable water bottle, $14.99 at Amazon

Lactation Tea

Two important aspects of successful breastfeeding are staying hydrated and maintaining supply. Lactation teas, like Mother’s Milk, can help take care of both. Enjoy hot or cold.

Lactation tea, $7.99 per box at Biovea

Screenprinted Nursing Sleep Top

A cute nightie that also allows you to nurse? Yes, please. 

Screenprinted nursing sleep top, $9.97 at A Pea in the Pod

‘Keep Calm & Latch On’ Baby T-Shirt

OK, it's not a breastfeeding essential, but who doesn't love a baby in a cute T-shirt? Even better when it has an adorable pro-breastfeeding message.

"Keep calm and latch on" baby T-shirt, $15 at Sweet Little Kids/Etsy

Boobie Beanie Hat

Same re: non-essentials, but these hilarious (and adorable) beanie hats let others know what you think of their “issues” with breastfeeding in public — without even saying a word. 

Boobie beanie hat, $17.60 at peacesbycortney/Etsy

Adorable Onesie

Speaking of cute baby clothes, show off your strength by putting your little one in this perfect onesie.

Adorable onesie, $18 at Little Bundle Co

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