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Breastfeeding essentials for new moms can feel overwhelming — so here’s what actually made a difference for me.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ve probably seen a million lists of “must-haves.”
And honestly… it can feel overwhelming.
Some things are helpful.
Some things you’ll never touch.
And some things? You don’t realize you need them until you’re in it.
After having my son, I learned really quickly that breastfeeding isn’t always as simple as “just feeding your baby.”
There’s:
- figuring out latch
- sore nipples
- milk coming in
- leaking
- clogged ducts
- being hungry and thirsty all the time
It’s a lot.
So these are the breastfeeding essentials that actually helped me — the things I used constantly and would recommend to any new mom.
If you’re preparing for postpartum, I shared everything I actually used during recovery here → Postpartum Essentials for New Moms (What Actually Helps Recovery)
Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms (What You Actually Need)
Nipple Cream (This is not optional in the beginning)
One of the first things I realized postpartum is how sensitive everything feels in those early days.
I used Motherlove Calendula Nipple Cream, and it made such a difference.
It helped so much when everything felt sore and sensitive those first few days.
I kept it right next to my bed and used it constantly in the beginning.
👉 Get 15% off the nipple cream I used here
(code: CASSANDRAML — discount should automatically apply at checkout)
Silver Nursing Cups (One of my favorite purchases)
These were honestly one of the best things I bought.
Silverette nursing cups sit in your bra and help protect and heal sore nipples between feeds.
And when you’re feeding every couple hours… that relief matters.
They:
- prevent friction
- help healing
- make everything feel less irritated
I remember thinking these seemed unnecessary… and then I used them and was like oh wow, okay, I get it.
👉 Check the nursing cups I used here
Nursing Pads (Because the leaking is real)
No one really prepares you for how much leaking happens once your milk comes in.
I was:
- soaking through bras
- waking up damp
- constantly needing to change
I used Lansinoh nursing pads, and they actually stayed in place and absorbed well.
Simple, but a must.
👉 Check the nursing pads I used here
Sunflower Lecithin (for clogged ducts)
This is something I didn’t even know about before having my baby.
I actually started taking sunflower lecithin after my lactation consultant recommended it — and I’m so glad she did.
Clogged ducts can happen when milk isn’t flowing properly, and they’re:
- uncomfortable
- sometimes painful
- something you want to deal with quickly
I got clogged ducts a few times, and this helped support milk flow and keep things moving.
👉 Get 20% off Pink Stork sunflower lecithin here
(Discount automatically applies or use code: CASSANDRA)
Hot + Cold Breast Therapy Packs
These are one of those small things that make a big difference.
I used:
- cold packs → for relief after feeding
- warm packs → to help with milk flow
Especially in the early days when everything feels intense.
👉 Check the breast therapy packs I used here
Haakaa Milk Collector (liquid gold saver)
If you’re breastfeeding, this is something I ended up buying a couple weeks in — and wish I had sooner.
The Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collector catches milk from the opposite side while you’re feeding.
And when you’re leaking anyway… you might as well save it.
It adds up quickly and feels like a win.
👉 Check the milk collector I used here
Comfortable Nursing Bras
Comfort matters so much postpartum.
Your body is sensitive, changing, and you’re feeding constantly.
I loved Bodily nursing bras because they’re:
- soft
- stretchy
- actually comfortable all day
I basically lived in them.
👉 Check the nursing bras I used here
Electrolytes + Easy Nutrition
One thing I didn’t expect?
How hungry and thirsty I would be while breastfeeding.
Like constantly.
Your body is doing a lot, and staying nourished makes a huge difference in how you feel.
I kept things simple:
- electrolytes
- protein powders
- easy snacks
I personally loved BoobieSuperfoods for this.
👉 Get 10% off Boobie* Superfoods here
Use code: CASS10 at checkout
What You Don’t Need (Right Away)
Just to keep this real — you don’t need everything at once.
You can always add things as you go.
Some items are helpful later, but not urgent:
- large pumping setups (unless you know you need one right away)
- big stash systems
- every breastfeeding product you see online
Start simple. Add as needed.
What Helped Me the Most (If I Had to Pick a Few)
If I had to narrow this down, the things that made the biggest difference were:
- nipple cream
- nursing cups
- sunflower lecithin
- nursing pads
Those were the things I used constantly.
Final Thoughts on Breastfeeding Essentials
Breastfeeding can be really beautiful — but it can also be challenging, especially in the beginning.
Having the right support makes such a big difference.
Not just for feeding your baby… but for how you feel day to day.
If you’re preparing for postpartum, don’t just focus on baby.
Make sure you’re supported too.
Because when you’re more comfortable, everything feels a little easier.