Breastfeeding can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. Many new moms are surprised by the challenges, from latch issues to low supply and everything in between. As a mom who breastfed three children for a year—one while working full-time and the others while home—I learned a lot. The right tools (and sometimes professional help) can make all the difference.
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or doing a mix of both, these breastfeeding essentials will help set you up for success.
one: Nursing / Breastfeeding Pillow
A nursing pillow can make a big difference in getting a comfortable latch, especially in the early weeks. Many moms love having one on each level of their home.
- Boppy (Original) ∙∙∙ A versatile, budget-friendly choice that can also be used for tummy time and learning to sit. I like that I could use the Boppy for breastfeeding but also as they got a little bigger I used it to prop them up on the ground and help them learn to sit up. And, the Boppy has way cuter covers (I got one on Etsy!) – or, at least they did when I was pregnant with #1
- My Brest Friend ∙∙∙ Provides more structured support, making it great for newborns. I’ve never tried this one but know a lot of people prefer this over the Boppy. Many of those who have used both, say the My Brest Friend is much better for the first month or two with an itty bitty newborn, but the Boppy is better after that.
- Nook Feeding Pillow ∙∙∙ Organic, breathable, and stylish, though pricier than others! Much like the Boppy, it can also be used for “tummy time” and to help prop baby when learning to sit up. It’s much pricier than the others, but if using Earth-friendly materials is a priority, this is definitely the feeding pillow for you!
- Luna Lullaby ∙∙∙ Highly rated, especially for c-section moms and moms of twins.
two: Nipple Cream
Even with a great latch, some discomfort is normal at first. A good nipple cream can provide much-needed relief. If the pain is too much or is impacting your desire to continue breastfeeding, see a lactation consultant. Yorba Organics and Earth Mama both make one that is given the highest safety rating on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database (my bible for personal care product safety).
three: Vitamin D Drops
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all breastfed babies receive daily Vitamin D drops.
four: Nursing Cover
If you plan to nurse in public, a nursing cover can help you feel more comfortable. Keep it in the diaper bag for when you are on the go. I know people who use muslin blankets as nursing covers, but an actual nursing cover — made to stay in place, give you privacy, and allow you to peek at the baby — is worth the money! Bebe au Lait makes nice ones and I love their open neckline! Milk Snob also makes a nursing cover that doubles as a car seat cover.
five: Breastmilk Storage Bags
If you’re pumping and storing breastmilk, choosing the right bags is key.
- These milk storage bags ∙∙∙ Affordable, strong double-seal, and great for freezing.
- Kiinde Twist System ∙∙∙ Allows you to pump, store, and feed using the same bag.
- Medela bags ∙∙∙ Convenient for Medela pump users but max out at 5 oz. You can pump directly into them with a Medela pump. It’s also a bit trickier to get an accurate read on the number of ounces when pumping directly into a bag.
- Ameda ∙∙∙ They have a spout that makes it easy to pour into a bottle without spilling. Because of the spout, I don’t like these for freezing.
Pro Tip #1: When freezing, lay the bags flat
Pro Tip #2: When pouring milk from a bag into a bottle, use a breast pump flange as a funnel so the milk doesn’t spill.
six: Pump
If you plan on trying to breastfeed, regardless of anything, get the free pump through insurance! You can’t order it until a month before your due date, but it couldn’t hurt to call sooner to see what options are through your carrier.
I really recommend having one double electric pump and a hand pump or Suction Milk Saver.
DOUBLE ELECTRIC PUMPS (possibly covered by insurance):
- Medela Pump In Style Advanced (PISA) ∙∙∙ This is a solid choice for a double electric pump. The suction is good, it’s extremely popular, and Medela parts can be easily found if you forget to bring your parts to the office. It is lacking a clock/timer that the Sonata and Spectras have. Personally, I really like having the timer to see how long I’ve been pumping. It is also noisier than some of it’s biggest competitors (Sonata, S1 and S2).
Spectra 2 ∙∙∙ This is another solid choice. Pros: It isn’t as noisy as the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, it has better suction, it has a digital timer and it is a closed system (which means it is easier to keep clean). Cons: It is a somewhat new brand in the US so the accessories are not as readily accessible or as good quality as the Medela ones. So, if you go with the Spectra, consider buying the adapters to work with Medela products. These adaptors connect the Medela flanges to the Spectra pump. Updated: I’m 6 months in using the Spectra 2. I have not had any issues with the quality of the Spectra parts – just the availability. However, many people do complain and recommend using the Medela adaptors.
- Spectra S1 ∙∙∙ The main difference between this and the S2, is that the S1 has a battery. This means it is more portable. Because of the battery, it weighs a little bit more (about half a pound more) and the price is a bit higher.
- Medela Sonata Smart Breast Pump ∙∙∙ The Sonata is lighter weight than the Pump in Style Advanced. This pump can track milk production! It has a timer, it is portable, quiet, lightweight and has all the smart capabilities. If the battery life is a priority for you, note that the Spectra S1 has a longer battery life (but it lacks the smart technology).
PORTABLE / COMPACT PUMPS:
- Medela Freestyle ∙∙∙ Small and battery-operated, perfect for travel.
It is small and has a battery so you can clip it to your belt and move around while you pump. I didn’t use their clips and instead used it with the hands-free pumping bra. It’s also great for traveling – I traveled a lot when I was pumping and this was key! I could easily pump at home, in the car, while walking around the kitchen, etc. This one isn’t quite as powerful at removing milk as some of the other bigger, heavier ones that plug into the wall. That is the only downside, in my opinion. Not only will you get less milk, but it may hurt your supply if you only pump with this one.
- BabyBuddha Portable Pump ∙∙∙ Strong suction but may be less comfortable.
- Freemie and Willow ∙∙∙ Wearable and discreet but not as powerful as other pumps. This means it will take longer to get the same amount of milk, and pumping exclusively with this one will result in a lower supply than using one of the other pumps.
MANUAL PUMP:
- Medela Harmony ∙∙∙ A great manual pump to keep in your purse for quick relief.
- Haakaa / Suction Milk Saver – Works as both a milk catcher and manual pump.
• While I liked having the manual hand pump my first two times around, I skipped that all together with #3 and just opted for a Suction Milk Saver. It was multi-purpose serving as both a manual hand pump as well as a “milk catcher”.
HOSPITAL PUMP RENTAL:
• Pump Rental ∙∙∙ If you’re struggling with supply, a hospital-grade pump rental can help you build and maintain milk production. You can rent through the hospital, but also through this site (which may be cheaper): http://www.ibrump.com/pages/about-us – I know people who rented one of these and kept it at their office. Then, use the free insurance to get one at home. If you are working outside the home: It is SO nice having a second pump so you can keep one at the office and not lug it back and forth every day. This is definitely a luxury so not always possible – but if it is possible, do it!
seven: Hands-Free Pump Bra
A hands-free pumping bra lets you multitask while pumping—an absolute must-have for working moms!
I bought two of these hands-free pump bras (one for home, one for work) and it was worth every penny! I like it because it is basically one size fits all. A hands-free pumping bra is a MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEM! It is the only way you can multi-task at all while pumping (especially necessary while you are working). Many companies are now making nursing bras that double as hands-free pumping bras! Those are great if you have limited time to set up for pumping (perhaps, back at work) or if you nurse and pump a lot throughout the day and don’t want to put the pump bra on each time. Here are the images and links to a few different hands-free pump bras:
- This is an awesome all-in-one bra (normal, nursing and pumping), but it isn’t one size fits all, so you’ll want to get your correct size. It feels more like a normal bra, which allows you to feel somewhat like yourself and less like a human milk machine when you wear it!
eight: Nursing Tanks and Bras
You’ll probably want both nursing tanks and bras for comfort and convenience.
- Nursing Tanks: Ideal for the hospital and early days at home, providing belly coverage and easy nursing access. Bravado is top-tier but pricey; budget-friendly options include Target, H&M, and Gap. If you have a wider ribcage, Bravado might feel tight.
- Nursing Bras: Essential for daily wear. Great brands include Bravado, Target, and Gap.
nine: Nursing Pads
Leaks are inevitable—be prepared before your milk comes in. Have these in the house before the baby arrives, because your milk will come in a day or two after you get home from the hospital (give or take) and that is when you will leak the most! I liked having both disposable ones (that I keep in my purse and diaper bag for “emergencies”) and washable/reusable ones.
- Disposable: Lansinoh
- Washable: Bamboobies Nursing Pad
- Multipurpose: Milkies Milk-Saver: If you leak a lot and want to save that milk, look into these. They won’t collect as much milk as the silicone suction milk savers, but they can be worn in your bra.
Additional Must-Haves:
Bottles
Even if exclusively breastfeeding, having a bottle or two can be helpful. Check out my Baby Bottle Buying Guide for tipson materials, nipple flow, and venting systems.
Meeting With an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)!
Most doctors have minimal breastfeeding training—an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is the real expert.
- Why? Breastfeeding is hard at first. A lactation consultant can troubleshoot latch issues, supply concerns, and pain.
- When? See one in the hospital. Insurance often covers it.
- Worth it? Absolutely. Many who skipped it struggled and wished they hadn’t. This is one of the most important lessons I learned for breastfeeding success.
Other Nice-to-Haves:
Suction Milk Saver • This thing is awesome! It suctions to one breast and will catch the leaking milk from your letdown when you are feeding from the other side. It feels really good not to let that leaking milk go to waste! If you use it in the early weeks during your morning nursing sessions – when your breasts are more full – you will catch a lot of extra milk. I regret waiting until my baby was several weeks old to start using this! It can also be used as a manual pump. It is easy to toss in your diaper bag if you need to relieve engorgement when out. They make a basic one, but also one with a base and a lid. If you have older kids running around that may knock it over before you have a chance to get it in the fridge, get the one with the lid! It is definitely a “MUST-HAVE” for breastfeeding moms, especially in the early days when you are leaking a lot of milk. I stored so many more ounces of breastmilk, thanks to this. In a nutshell, this suctions to one breast and catches the leaking milk from your letdown when you are feeding from the other breast. In those early weeks/months, you will likely catch a lot of extra milk when using it during your morning nursing sessions – when your breasts are more full. It can also be used as a manual pump. It is easy to toss in your diaper bag if you need to relieve engorgement when out.
Gel Nipple Pads • Breastfeeding can hurt AT FIRST. While you are getting over the hump of those early painful days, your nipples may enjoy these gel pads.
Silver Nursing Cups • This is a less affordable alternative to gel nipple pads. Silver has natural anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. These will help soothe sore and cracked nipples.
Quick Clean Steam Bags • While not essential, these things are great to have if you travel a lot or will frequently need to clean your parts away from home. Just add water, pop in the microwave and you can sterilize your pump parts!
Mattress Protector • In the first few weeks (and maybe months) you will likely leak a LOT of breastmilk in your sleep. In addition to this, there is a good chance that your baby will spit up on your bed at some point. Without a mattress protector, all this breastmilk will end up in your mattress and will be impossible to completely clean. With a mattress protector, you can just take that off and put it in the laundry.
Final Thoughts on Breastfeeding Essentials:
Breastfeeding is a journey that looks different for every mom. Whether you nurse exclusively, pump full-time, or supplement with formula, the most important thing is feeding your baby in a way that works for you. Having the right breastfeeding essentials can make the experience more comfortable and manageable.
💡 Looking for more must-haves for your baby registry? Check out my Ultimate Baby Registry Guide for everything you’ll need!
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