12 Breastfeeding Essentials Recommended by Lactation Experts

As a nursing parent, it’s essential for you to be physically comfortable so you can help your baby feel supported and promote an optimal latch. A nursing pillow is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. “When you are tired from your new duties as a parent, having a nursing pillow can be a lifesaver!” says Duhaney. “It helps to give your arms a break while still supporting baby in the right position to nurse.”

This pillow is a favorite among lactation consultants and breastfeeding parents alike, and can be used from birth to 20 lbs. The wraparound design keeps it in place and ensures there’s enough room for your arms, elbows and baby to be supported. It’s also helpful to use a few extra bed pillows (whether you’re feeding baby on the couch or your bed) for added posture support. Don’t crouch over baby—you want to bring them to you, which will help you avoid poor posture and back pain.

Babies who nurse need to feed at least eight times a day, but it’s also recommended to feed on demand. That means you’ll need a bra that’s not only comfortable and supportive (especially in the early days of your milk coming in), but also allows easy access. That’s where nursing bras come in—they’re designed with clips that allow the cups to open so baby has access to your breast. “Choosing one with soft, breathable material will be your best bet. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid bras with underwire if possible, as these can lead to clogged ducts,” Duhaney says. It’s a good idea to buy a few—one to wear, one to wash and one to spare.

For most people, leaky boobs come with the breastfeeding territory (though not leaking isn’t anything to be concerned about either!) “Leaking breast milk on your clothes or waking up to soaked sheets is no fun,” notes Duhaney. Nursing pads are essential for keeping you and your clothing (or bed) comfortable and dry. There are many different nursing pads on the market and they come in two types: disposable and reusable. For people who leak a lot, disposable pads may be a better option—since they’ll save you from doing a ton of laundry. As a chronic leaker, I liked these disposable breast pads from Lansinoh because they were thin yet super absorbent—and stayed right where I needed them. And as someone with a larger chest, I also appreciated the coverage they offered. But many people like the reusable options too. Don’t be afraid to try a few out and see what works best for you.

Breastfeeding, especially in the beginning, can be rough on your nipples. It can cause soreness and sensitivity due to the increased stimulation (and can be made worse by a poor latch). In addition to getting the right support and figuring out latch, a good nipple cream can help heal and soothe sore or cracked nipples. Duhaney likes this nipple butter from Earth Mama, “because it’s organic, lanolin-free, and doesn’t need to be wiped off between nursing sessions.”

Lactation consultants also recommend these little silver nursing cups as a remedy for unhappy nipples. You wear them between nursing sessions (they fit right in your bra) and the silver material is naturally soothing, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. These also come with a convenient case to keep them clean and safe when not in use.

Lots of breastfeeding parents are surprised by their letdown—that’s what happens when your baby starts nursing and your breasts sense that it’s time for the milk to flow. And it happens on both sides, even though baby is only nursing from one at a time. “Even if they had heard the term or read about it beforehand, many breastfeeding parents have told me that they did not think about the fact that both breasts will be letting down simultaneously,” says Duhaney.

A milk catcher can be such a valuable tool for breastfeeding parents, and the Haakaa was my personal favorite. They also come in handy if you want to start a little “just in case” stash, without the pressure of pumping. Simply attach it to the breast you’re not nursing baby with, and the gentle suction keeps it in place and passively catches any milk that leaks out.

All milk collectors essentially do the same thing, but what’s most comfortable (or how your body responds) can vary from person to person. Here are a couple more breast milk collectors that are well-loved among nursing parents:

• Boon TROVE Silicone Breast Milk Collector
• Elvie Catch - Breast Milk Collection Cup

Whether you’re going to be home with your little one, back at work or a combination of the two, a powerful, efficient breast pump is a must-have for most breastfeeding parents. “It’s always a good idea to have a small stash of breast milk in the freezer. A breast pump can come in handy in case of emergencies, or just for when you want to go out for a date night,” Duhaney says.

The Spectra S1 is one of Duhaney’s favorites because of its hospital-strength suction and rechargeable battery. It features adjustable suction and a night light, and it can be used for up to about three hours before you’ll have to recharge.

Not sure which pump is right for you? Check out our breast pump guide and then head to Babylist Health to see which options are available to you through your insurance provider.

We are learning more and more how beneficial gentle breast massage—either right before and during pumping or nursing—can be for helping with milk flow and emptying the breasts. This lactation massager from LaVie is made with medical-grade silicone and provides gentle (and quiet) vibration to get milk flowing. It’s also a great tool to have on hand in the event you find yourself with a clogged duct or mastitis.

Although you’re breastfeeding, you might find it helpful to familiarize your baby with a bottle—whether you’re going back to work, getting out of the house alone for a few hours or simply want a break from nursing. But you want to make sure you choose one designed for breastfeeding babies. “One of my favorite bottles is the Dr. Brown’s Options+ because of its graduated nipple shape and slow flow. This ensures baby maintains a deep latch on the bottle,” says Duhaney.

For even more options (because babies are very particular), be sure to check out our bottles for breastfed babies guide.

Engorgement is something that lots of breastfeeding parents experience after giving birth when their milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk. That’s where these hot and cold packs come in handy, and they fit right in your bra. “Warmth can be very useful when soothing and relieving discomfort from engorgement, treating clogged ducts and promoting your letdown reflex. Cold can be useful when trying to decrease swelling and tenderness during the weaning process,” says Duhaney.

“Although nursing in public is legal in all 50 states, some nursing parents may feel a bit uncomfortable nursing in public. If using a cover provides you with more comfort, go for it!” says Duhaney. We love this Copper Pearl multi-use cover because it’s soft, lightweight and can be repurposed for other things—like a shopping cart cover—when you no longer need it for covering up while breastfeeding. A cover like this one from Copper Pearl is Duhaney’s top choice because of its versatility. “It can be used as a nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, high chair cover or infinity scarf,” she says.

Another tip? The “two-shirt” method is also helpful for those who are nervous about showing too much in public. This is when you wear a cami or nursing tank underneath another t-shirt or blouse, which essentially keeps your core covered while the top layer keeps your chest covered. Karrie Locher (an RN, IBCLC and mom of five) recommends using a claw clip to hold the top shirt up, which we think is genius.

If you’re here before baby arrives, we can’t recommend taking a course on breastfeeding enough. “One key to having a successful breastfeeding journey is a great foundation of knowledge and support,” says Duhaney. “Taking a breastfeeding course before giving birth can help prepare you for what to expect while breastfeeding.”

Even if baby’s already here, it’s never too late (especially if your goal is to exclusively breastfeed). Online courses are great because you can take them at your own pace from the comfort of your home. And here are a few more options that we recommend:

• The Basics of Breastfeeding & Chestfeeding
• Karing for Postpartum
• The Confident Mom Breastfeeding Bundle