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Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms
13
items The breastfeeding essentials I actually used as a first-time mom — from nipple care and nursing bras to milk collectors, hydration, snacks and the little things that made those early weeks easier.
Sections
4
Start Here
Sore Nipples + Early Relief
Everyday Nursing Essentials
Milk Flow + Mom Fuel
Start Here
New to breastfeeding? Start with my full guide. I share what I actually used during those early weeks, what helped me most, and the things you really don’t need to buy right away.
Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms (What Actually Helps)
Sore Nipples + Early Relief
The things that helped me through soreness, leaking and those very tender first weeks of breastfeeding.
🤍15% off with code CASSANDRAML
I used this constantly in the beginning when everything was sore and sensitive. I kept it right next to my bed so I could grab it after feeds. One of those things I’d absolutely have ready before baby arrives.
The Best Organic Nipple Cream
Honestly one of my favorite breastfeeding purchases. These sit inside your bra and protect sore nipples between feeds — which mattered a LOT when I was nursing every couple of hours.
Silverette Nursing Cups Postpartum Small
The leaking when your milk comes in is no joke. 😅 I used these constantly and liked that they actually stayed put and absorbed well. Simple, inexpensive and definitely worth having on hand.
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, 100
Such a small thing, but so helpful during those intense early days. I used cold for relief after feeding and warmth when I wanted to encourage milk flow.
Lansinoh Breast Therapy Packs, 2 Pack
Everyday Nursing Essentials
The practical things I reached for over and over when it felt like I spent half the day nursing.
I spent SO many hours nursing with a pillow tucked around me. A good nursing pillow takes some of the strain off your arms and back and makes those long newborn feeds much more comfortable.
Boppy Nursing Pillow - Ergonomic Breastfeeding Support
I basically lived in soft nursing bras postpartum. Your body is changing, everything is sensitive, and the last thing you want is a stiff uncomfortable bra. I loved how soft and stretchy these were.
The Everything Bra | Soft Maternity & Nursing Bra for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
I bought this a couple weeks into breastfeeding and immediately wished I’d had it sooner. It catches milk from the opposite side while you nurse — and if you’re leaking anyway, you might as well save that liquid gold!
haakaa Ladybug Breast Milk Collector 2PCS
You can never have too many burp cloths during the newborn stage. I like these because they’re big, soft and come in a 10-pack — perfect for stashing next to every place you normally nurse.
Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths 20x10 10pk
Another really nice option if you prefer a more traditional burp cloth. Soft organic cotton, generously sized, and easy to throw over your shoulder during or after a feed.
Organic Baby Burp Cloths 5-Pack Cotton
Milk Flow + Mom Fuel
Breastfeeding made me SO much hungrier and thirstier than I expected. These helped me take care of myself while I was busy feeding my baby.
🩷 20% off with code CASSANDRA
My lactation consultant recommended sunflower lecithin after I started dealing with clogged ducts, and I’m so glad she did. It became one of those breastfeeding products I didn’t know existed until I actually needed i...
Sunflower Lecithin
I was constantly hungry and thirsty while breastfeeding, and having something quick made such a difference. I loved their protein powders and electrolytes for the times when making myself an actual meal felt impossible.
10% off with code CASS10
Lactation Bars & Breastfeeding Snacks | BOOBIE* Superfoods
A giant water bottle belongs next to every nursing spot. 😂 Breastfeeding made me unbelievably thirsty, and having a big insulated bottle within arm’s reach meant I actually drank enough instead of realizing halfway through a feed that I was dying of...
STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Tumbler 40oz Peony