11 Breastfeeding Essentials: Products That Set You Up For Success

This blog post was written by Brooke Boruff, OTR/L and the Infant Insights Certified Lactation Consultant.

Breastfeeding is amazing, but nursing and pumping can come with some challenges. Having the right tools and products on hand can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey and we want you to be set up for the most success as possible. So, whether you're nursing at home, on-the-go, pumping at work, or doing a combination of those things + others – these are 11 breastfeeding essentials that will make your life much easier.

1. Nursing Bras & Tanks

Nursing bras and tanks can be your life line during those frequent feedings and middle of the night wakes. Comfortable, supportive nursing bras and tanks make breastfeeding and pumping more convenient. Just unsnap the sides, pull down and nurse or pump. You can also find pumping bras that allow you to be hands free. Shop some of our favorites here.

2. Button-Up Shirts & Dresses

Clothing choices matter! Button-up shirts and nursing-friendly dresses allow for discreet and easy breastfeeding access while out and about. Pair these items with a nursing bra or tank for the most efficient set up. Don’t worry though - if you find yourself wearing a shirt that has to be pulled up, always carry a hair clip in your diaper bag so you can easily clip your shirt while feeding. Shop breastfeeding friendly clothing here.

3. Haakaa or Boon Trove Silicone Catcher

A must-have for catching letdown milk from the opposite breast while nursing. When nursing your baby on one side, simply place a Haaka Silicone Pump or Boone Trove on the other breast to collect any milk that would be wasted. This is a great way to begin building a breastfeeding stash if you plan to offer your baby breast milk in bottles or return to work. This simple, hands-free tool helps you collect all that milk that would go to waste!

4. Double Electric Breast Pump

If you plan to pump regularly, a double electric pump is a game-changer. It saves time by expressing milk from both breasts at once, making pumping sessions more efficient. These pumps have greater suction power and operate more similarly to a nursing baby making them very efficient in milk removal and maintaining breast milk supply. Look for a double electric pump that is hospital grade, like this Motif Luna with battery or a Spectra S1 Plus. Both of these pumps have the option to be charged and taken with you for ease of use. 

5. Flange Measurement Tool

Getting the right flange size for your pump is essential for comfort and milk output. A flange measurement tool helps you find the perfect fit, reducing pain and improving efficiency. You can find a free tool here. Getting your flange size correct can make or break your pumping success, so it’s important to measure after birth and before pumping. Additionally to the flange size, operating your pump is imperative in maintaining supply. Read more here about increasing and maintaining breastmilk supply. Get access to a free flange measurement tool and more breastfeeding basics inside this free course.

6. Milk Storage Bags

For storing pumped milk, you’ll want high-quality, leak-proof milk storage bags. These are perfect for freezing and organizing your breastmilk. Consider bags that have a place to date and label your milk, can lay flat easily in your freezer or fridge, and bags that have a strong seal. Personally, I loved the Motif bags and found them to be the best ones overall. 

7. Breastmilk Chiller

A portable breastmilk chiller is a must-have for moms on the go or for moms that pump at work. A chiller like the Ceres Chill keeps milk fresh for hours, making it easier to pump and store milk while away from home. This is also a great product if you do not have access to a fridge on-the-go. Simply store your milk in the chiller with ice in the inner chamber and transfer to milk storage bags once you are home. Be sure to follow safe storage practices which can be found below:

• On counter top: Up to 4 hours
• Fridge: 4-6 days depending on your fridge settings and milk is best to keep toward the back of the fridge
• Freezer: 6 months for door freezer, or 12 months for deep freezer 

8. Bag for Pump Supplies

Staying organized is key! A dedicated bag for your pump, parts, and accessories ensures you have everything you need on the go, whether at work or traveling. This also minimizes your ability to lose parts easily. Consider packing pumps, milk storage bags, milk chillers, and a travel pump washing kit in your bag.

9. Silverettes

These silver nipple cups provide natural healing and protection against soreness and cracking. A lifesaver in those early breastfeeding days and AMAZING in making sure that your nipples stay pain-free for your baby. For best practices, place a drop of breastmilk in the silver cap and place the cap on your nipple. Be sure to wash your Silverettes daily in warm water. Remove the silver caps while nursing and wear in between nursing sessions. Consider removing the cap sometimes during the day to avoid bacteria build up and stop usage once your nipples are healed. 

 10. Nipple Balm

In addition to Silverettes, a good nipple balm is so important in the early breastfeeding days. These balms, like the Mama Earth Nipple Butter soothes and protects against dryness and cracking. The Mama Earth Nipple Butter is organic and made with all-natural ingredients that are safe for your baby.

11. Foods & Supplements to Boost Supply

Lactation cookies, teas, and supplements like those made by Lengendairy Milk can be so helpful in supporting your milk production. Foods like oats, leafy greens, and nuts can be helpful in boosting your supply for your baby. Staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet also plays a huge role! Read more about how to increase your milk supply here.

Breastfeeding comes with a learning curve, but having these essentials on hand can make the experience much smoother and easier for you and your baby. Whether you’re nursing full-time, exclusively pumping, or doing a combination of both, investing in the right products will help you feel more confident and prepared on your breastfeeding journey! We are always rooting for you!