Stacey's top 10 must-have breastfeeding supplies

When we are pregnant, we spend SO much time planning for baby’s impending arrival and hyperfocus on the labour and birth that immediately precedes. This is totally understandable, as it truly is a life-changing moment, but we spend relatively no time preparing for what is to come after.

The fourth trimester, or postpartum period, is a massive period of life adjustment, simply as it comes – adjusting to looking after a little human that is all ours, sleep deprivation, changing relationship dynamics… it can be tough! Making the decision to breastfeed can add an extra layer of challenge to this time – breastfeeding can be absolutely magical, and this is certainly how I feel about it, but in my opinion, it also requires some form of preparation and education. It’s a learning curve and not something most of us can ‘just do’ without any kind of support.

If you are pregnant and considering breastfeeding, or are a breastfeeding mama facing any challenges, I really encourage you to reach out – I am always happy to share my experience and knowledge base, but if you require further support, I can also signpost you to further services who can help!

Forward-planning and preparing for your breastfeeding journey definitely leads to greater success! After breastfeeding my three girls, I wanted to share my top ten must-have breastfeeding supplies - these items helped to keep both me and my babies happy and comfortable, ensured I had a healthy milk supply, and contributed to an easier breastfeeding experience.

1.       Nursing bras

A good quality nursing bra will not only make it easier to feed your baby by giving easier access to the breast, but they will ensure you are comfortable and well supported. Initially, you may find you are more comfortable wearing cotton bralets, especially whilst you are newly postpartum and your milk is ‘coming in’. However, as your breasts settle, in comfort and size, you may feel you want to invest in a more structured, supportive bra. Now, I won’t lie… besides being practical, I found nursing bras to be rather plain and ugly! Then, after having my second little girl, I came across a company called Hotmilk – yes, I think the name is brilliant too! They are PRETTY, come in a wide range of colours and styles and many feature magnetic nursing clips, which again just make feeding so much easier, especially in public! Go have a browse and treat yourself… you deserve it!

2.      Lansinoh Latch Assist

Lansinoh’s LatchAssist® Nipple Everter works by gently drawing out a flat or inverted nipple, so that baby can achieve a good latch and feed comfortably or successfully. In the early postpartum period, new mums often experience engorgement, or swollen breasts. This can cause the skin to stretch and nipples to become flatter, where they may have used to protrude. If baby is unable to get a flat or inverted nipple into the correct position to breastfeed, they may not get enough milk – this can be frustrating and upsetting for both mum and baby. The Lansinoh LatchAssist gently draws the nipple back out, enabling baby to grasp the nipple and areola and establish a good latch – the first step in successful breastfeeding. I personally never had to use this as this wasn’t a problem I encountered, but it was in my hospital bag each time just in case! I have seen it used so many times by other mums – such a simple hack and one that could save many feeding journeys from ending! Get in touch if you're interested in one of these, as I have a few available from my treatment room!

3.      Nipple balm

Newborns feed frequently in the first few months, and this constant suction can cause dry, cracked, inflamed, sore nipples. Lanolin cream, or nipple balm, can help soothe sore nipples and protect them from future cracks and irritation. It is best applied after every feed and is completely safe to use when breastfeeding. Pssst… did you know lanolin makes the BEST lip balm and soothes chapped lips in an instant!? A true 2-in-1 product… I promise, you’ll never go back to using traditional lip balm ever again!!

There are so many brands available and all have virtually the same ingredients – if it contains lanolin, you’ll reap the benefits. My personal favourite is the Nipple Saviour from Myrtle & Maude – I love an eco-friendly company that use natural, organic ingredients! I stock this product from my treatment room and also on my online store – click here if you wish to purchase!

4.     Feeding support pillow

Although this isn’t a necessity, I found a nursing pillow made the world of difference to all of my feeding journeys. They help you to position baby during feeds, ensuring optimum comfort. They can also be doubled up as tummy time and sitting supports, making them another multi-purpose product that will see you through many stages of your baby’s life. Again, there are many brands and styles – do your research, but ultimately, decide on which one you think will work best for you!

5.      Lactation tea

Myrtle & Maude sell a vegan, organic lactation tea, which uses carefully selected galactagogue herbs to help boost and promote the healthy supply of breast milk during breastfeeding. Galactagogues (translated from the Greek ‘galacto’ for milk and ‘agogos’ meaning flow) are herbs that stimulate milk production. I used these teas during each of my breastfeeding journeys and found them INCREDIBLE – I vividly remember trying them for the first time after my first born. As it was my first baby and first feeding journey, I was worried about my milk supply and if she was getting enough (even though she was perfectly healthy and gaining adequate weight), and after a spot of research, I came across lactation teas. I remember my breasts feeling physically fuller after a few days of consuming three mugs a day! As I rate this product so highly, I also stock these teas from my treatment room and on my online store – shop here! There are other brands who sell lactation teas, but not all have such high quantities of the galactagogue herbs, so may be less effective – check the ingredients!

6.      Manual milk collector

Silicone suction breast pumps provide an easy, eco-friendly and effective way of collecting breast milk! With a suction base to avoid unwanted spills and lid to protect your precious milk, these can be used as a pump, as a let-down catcher or to provide relief to engorged breasts. They are also super easy to clean – one piece, no fiddly parts as with an electric pump – simply hand wash and sterilise. If you are planning to exclusively breastfeed, these are perfect as they are relatively cheap. I had quite a strong milk let-down, so would always leak off the side baby wasn’t feeding off. This meant I could catch the milk and store/freeze, rather than it just go to waste. There are various brands available, but always make sure they are made from 100% food-grade silicone. I had this one from Pippeta, which is currently on offer!

7.      Breast milk storage bags

Breast milk storage bags are ideal for mamas who want to store their pumped breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer. They can be labelled with the date and time of expressing, so it is easy to see when their expressed milk expires. Expressed milk can take up lots of room in your fridge/freezer in traditional upright bags, so I absolutely loved the award-winning breast milk storage bags and organiser duo from Nano Bebe. Each premium quality bag stores up to 5 ounces of breastmilk and stacks flat in the organiser, to maximize space in your freezer or fridge! I have collaborated with Nano Bebe and have samples of their storage bags available, so if you’d like to try them, just pop me a message!

8.     Microwave steriliser

I had an electric steriliser when we had our first baby, but it didn’t store well and wasn’t good for use with our second. At this point, after weighing up the cost and benefits, we decided on the Nano Bebe steam steriliser, which was considerably cheaper than an electric one, yet had the same 99.9% effectiveness against bacteria! I can honestly say we preferred this one – it was easier to clean and use. A microwave steriliser is also more efficient - steam enhances the ability of heat to kill microorganisms, by reducing the time and temperature required to denature or coagulate proteins in the microorganisms. My microwave steriliser only took 4 minutes for a complete cycle, whereas my electric steriliser took 9 minutes! As I exclusively breastfed, it was only really ever used for my manual breast pump or baby teethers etc in the earlier months, so I just couldn’t justify the extra cost for the same end-result.

9.       Hydration and healthy snacks – to hand at all times!

Breastfeeding mamas need plenty of water and calories during their feeding journey. Water is essential to a good milk supply, so investing in a large water bottle can be a helpful way to remember to drink enough water. Choose one that is BPA-free and reusable to reduce plastic waste. I am rubbish at drinking enough throughout the day, so I purchased a Hydrate 2.2L water bottle from Amazon in a pretty colour – the things we do for a little extra encouragement. I still use it now – yes, it’s big, but as it is 2.2L capacity, I fill it up at the start of the day and know that it needs to be gone by the end of the day – much easier to keep track of than counting glasses!

I also recommend having a box of healthy snacks to hand, nearby where you normally sit to feed baby – breastfed bubs fall asleep feeding so often and contact naps can catch you off guard. Always make sure you have a drink and snack to hand to curb the never-ending breastfeeding hunger - pack a few snacks in your bag for when out and about too!

10.   Stash of good books!

As mentioned just, contact naps are commonplace when breastfeeding, so have something to hand that you can do to keep yourself occupied, besides inhaling the sweet baby smell from their head, planting kisses and listening to their sleepy sounds (yeah, we all do this!).  I took this time to read, so I always had my book to hand too, but this time should be for you- enjoy it!

I hope this list of my favourite breastfeeding items helps you too, wherever you are in your journey! There are so many products out there, sometimes it’s hard to know what to choose! My inbox is ALWAYS open… if you want to pick my brain, ask me more about my experiences or simply talk, one breastfeeding mama to another!

PLEASE NOTE: I haven’t been sponsored to say any of the above. They are exactly the products and brands I have used myself over the years and ones I wish to personally recommend!

Written by Stacey Curtin

Owner/Founder of Willow & Wren