Our breastfeeding essentials list for new mothers
If you're in the middle of packing your hospital bag, you might be wondering what breastfeeding essentials you'll need to take. Or perhaps you're like me and always on the back foot and desperately need to buy a few things. Either way, here's our list of first time mum breastfeeding essentials.
Scroll down to find our full First Time Mum Breastfeeding Essentials Kit
Disposable breast pads
When your milk comes in, it will take a few months until it regulates. What that means for you is that you could find yourself leaking in unexpected ways. I would leak out of the side I wasn't breastfeeding on in copious amounts. I could soak through a breast pad in a couple of hours.
During those initial months of nursing, I tried and tested a few different brands. And they are absolutely not made equally. My favourite was the Lansinoh and I would recommend them time and time again.
Lansinoh breast pads are expensive, you're looking at £6+ for 60, but the cheap alternatives are just that, cheap. Own brands tend to be scratchy and are seriously lacking in the adhesive department.
Reusable breast pads
Once your supply feels more under control, you'll want to think about wearing reusable breast pads. Good for the environment and much more comfortable.
I would consider washable breast pads to be a big part of your breastfeeding essentials kit. I never leave the house without a couple of reusable breast pads. Again, I would highly recommend Lansinoh's washable breast pads. They're brilliantly absorbent and ultra thin. You'll want to buy a couple of packs as four is not enough.
Another brand worth buying is Little Lamb. A pack of ten will cost around £15, which is excellent value for money and if you wash as much as I do, you'll always have fresh nursing pads to hand. As a bonus, they can be bought in two sizes.
Lansinoh nipple cream
Top of the breastfeeding essentials list for first time mums. This is something I was ill-prepared for. You'll only need the one tube, trust me this small tube goes a long way. A small dab straight after feeding will take the edge off any soreness.
Other nipple creams and silverettes can also help, but Lansinoh was recommended by my midwife and I took it everywhere I went, living room, bedroom, kitchen, garden.
Breastfeeding bras with clips
Another must for your breastfeeding essentials kit, several good breastfeeding bras with clips. When your baby is desperate to feed, you will want easy access.
M&S offer a good selection of basic breastfeeding bras that will become your go to for the first few months. After you've got to grips with nursing, you can start to get a bit more fancy with your underwear. You'll still want to unclip with ease, but there are so many nicer breastfeeding bras out there that'll make you feel more like you again.
As a side note - don't get fitted for bras, look for more standard sizing. You want comfort over fancy at first. Your body will be changing and often you will feel sore. The stretchier, the better.
Breastfeeding friendly PJ tops
With a newborn and while your supply is still regulating, sleeping without breast pads can become uncomfortably damp. To combat this, you'll want to wear something on your top half that you can tuck breast pads into.
H&M sell a three pack of breastfeeding vest tops. The convenience of unclipping your top in the night is invaluable. I also tucked a folded up muslin in there on particularly leaky nights.
Alternatively, you may prefer to sleep in just a crossover bra, especially if you used to sleep with less on. You can buy these from Amazon and M&S - see below, but if you'd prefer to invest in quality materials, have a look at this twin pack from Seraphine.
Muslins
So many muslins...
Not just for posset. In the early days of feeding, you'll leak. Don't let this put you off breastfeeding, just be prepared to catch a strong letdown with a muslin. Or pop a folded up muslin in your bra if the breast pads aren't enough.
Our full breastfeeding essentials kit
- Disposable breast pads from Lansinoh
- Reusable breast pads from Lansinoh or Little Lamb
- Lansinoh nipple cream
- M&S nursing bras with clips
- Seraphine PJ nursing bras
- H&M three pack of nursing tank tops
- Muslins
Good luck with your breastfeeding journey. If you need any help with breastfeeding, speak with your midwife or health visitor as soon as possible.