My list of nursing items I love is pretty short. There are few things I find necessary, but I sure love what I do:
- Boppy/Nursing Pillow: Whatever the brand name, I love these things. I know not everyone does, but for me, they are so nice. It is nice and supportive of your arms while feeding. You have a place to put baby between sides as you cover up and open up the next side. Boppy Bare Naked with Miracle Middle Pillow
- Lansinoh Nursing Cream: I love this stuff. I have very dry skin, so nursing can get painful for me. I simply put a little of this cream on my nipples after every feeding and everything is just fine. When I was pregnant with Kaitlyn, I put this on once a day starting at my third trimester, just to get things ready. It made a HUGE difference for me. I had no cracking or dry nipples. There are store brands (like Target), which are okay, but I don’t think are as good, though they will certainly do the trick. I love this stuff so much, I use it on my lips year round. I get lots of compliments on my lips (weird, I know), and I share this tip. Several people have started using it and love it. I also use it while I am pregnant periodically–your nipples can get sore while pregant. Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Lotion 2 oz
- Lansinoh Nursing Pads: When I was nursing Brayden, I used the absolute cheapest nursing pads out there. I figured there was no reason to use more expensive pads. I had been given lots of samples of other brands while in the hospital and wasn’t impressed. Well, one time while nursing Kaitlyn the store didn’t have the cheapest ones and only had Lansinoh. I had never tried it, but was forced to buy them. What a difference they made! They never got soaked all the way through, so my shirts never did either. They also were less conspicuous and more comfortable. I only ever had to change them because that seemed like the right thing to do. With the next baby, my plan is to use the cheap ones for my heavy engorgement time at first (except for when I am out in public). Once that is over, continue on with Lansinoh brand Lansinoh 20265 Disposable Nursing Pads, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)
- Cotton Nursing Pads: Something else I do is use cotton nursing pads some days. They breath easier and are reusable. They do nothing for moisture control as far as protecting your shirt, so I only use them once I have stopped leaking, and rarely use them in public (unless I am to that point where leaking through or false letdown are just unheard of). Medela 100% Cotton Washable Bra Pads
Please share the nursing and feeding stuff you love. I don’t have experience with bottle feeding long-term, so if you have good tips for that, be sure to share them.
Reader Comments/Advice:
- bethers21 said…
For freezing BM, I love the Lasinoh brand freezer bags. They are very thick with a double zipper. I’ve never noticed a smell to my BM with them, but I also started putting them in a gallon freezer bag in addition when I put them in the freezer.I also love wearing a necklace when I BF. It really cut down on popping on/off and getting as distracted. Breastmilk Storage Bags 25ct
September 2, 2008 11:57 AM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks bethers–I have never frozen BM so that is great advice. And, that is an awesome idea about the necklace! I hadn’t ever thought of that.
September 7, 2008 8:32 PM - Krystal said…
I really liked using the Hooter Hider nursing coverup. It has a strap that goes around your neck so baby can’t pull it off you and expose you to everyone, and it has boning in the front so you can see your baby the whole time, while still keeping you covered. You can find these on EBAY. There are also other ‘knockoffs’ that proably work just the same and are cheaper! Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover – Kensington
September 2, 2008 12:37 PM
Plowmanators said…
Yes, Krystal, I like that too. I have one of those my friend made for me. Thanks for sharing that!
September 7, 2008 8:33 PM - Melissa said…
Like the previous commentor, I love my Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover – perfect for out and about!I also really like the “My Brest Friend” Inflatable Nursing Pillow. Since I live overseas, it was better to have that sent over. It will be more practical for storing in limited space, as well.
September 2, 2008 1:04 PM
Plowmanators said…
Melissa, that is a great idea for you and also anyone who wants to take it while traveling. I always took it with Brayden, but when Kaitlyn came along, I decided it took up too much space (maybe since I had two kids instead of one to pack for). That would be perfect!
September 7, 2008 8:34 PM - Natalie said…
Lansinoh Nursing Pads are my absolute FAVORITE!!
September 2, 2008 1:10 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks for the “second” Natalie!
September 7, 2008 8:36 PM - Rachel Stella said…
You can how get the Hooter Hiders/Bebe au lait (same brand, just two names for it) at some targets for $30 instead of $40. They are usually available at Nordstroms too, but cost $40 there.I prefer the Medela freezer bags because you can hook them right up to your pump so you don’t have any extra things to clean up. They do cost a bit more than most though. Medela Pump & Save Storage Bags 50-pk.I found that the AVENT nursing pads were best when I first started BF because they were CHEEP (thought not very conspicuous, but I wasn’t out much at first anyway) and SOFT for my sore nipples. Avent Ultra Comfort Breast Pads After my nipples healed I think Lansinoh has the best nursing pads. I have tried many, and these really do beat the rest. Medela pads run in at 2nd place.I’ve found Lansinoh nursing cream to be great for baby too, especially when he has a rash/irritated skin on the face. You don’t have to worry about him getting it in his mouth because a little bit doesn’t harm him at all.
September 2, 2008 1:43 PM
Plowmanators said…
Good info Rachel! I also love the cream for healing wounds on baby. Kaitlyn once had a cut by her mouth that I put it on–it healed so fast!
September 7, 2008 8:37 PM - The Traveling Turtle said…
As far as bottle feeding supplies go…. I love the Playtex drop ins. They have been around for AGES and are really the best at getting all the air out before your LO takes a bottle – reducing gas. Playtex Baby Drop-Ins Pre-Sterilized Disposable Liners 8-10 OZ: 100 Count I use the Target brand liners and they are just as nice as the Playtex, but cost about 1/2.
September 2, 2008 2:54 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks for those tips Traveling Turtle!
September 7, 2008 8:38 PM - Becca said…
I use Medela’s Swing pump and it works great. I use it 1-2x a day and it is still pumping well. Medela Swing Breast Pump. I have loved the Sleep bra by Medela too. It is so comfortable that I often wear it during the day too (and you don’t have that “hole” that most nursing bras have that shows through your clothes).Like traveling turtle, I like Playtex drop ins. and for cleaning nipples/pacifiers/teethers, I found these mesh baskets, so much better than those plastic baskets that take up so much space in the dish washer.
September 2, 2008 6:46 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks for all those great tips Becca! I will have to try that sleep bra.
September 7, 2008 8:40 PM - Carrie said…
I totally love the Playtex drop-ins too. I also used the silicone nipples as they don’t seem to get as nasty as the latex ones.
September 2, 2008 7:39 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks Carrie, sounds like the drop-ins are winners!
September 7, 2008 8:41 PM - Abby said…
My favorite nursing pads were the Lily Padz. Lily Padz Continuously Useable Nursing Pads. They stick on and prevent any leakage to come out. I had lots of milk and so I depended on those nursing pads for so much! I got the Medela Free-Style Pump and I HIGHLY recommend it. It was more expensive, but it is a hands free pump and it is so small. You can do both sides at once and cut your pumping time in half. I had to pump after every feeding, so the pump became my best friend!The best bags for me were the Lansinoh. The Medela bags would burst open when I would be heating them up in water. I have not had any trouble heating up the milk in the Lansinoh bags.
September 3, 2008 7:29 AM
Plowmanators said…
Abby, thanks for all your insight. Pumping both sides sounds so great. I always hated pumping one at a time.
September 7, 2008 8:43 PM - bradysmom said…
I only BF for about 2 weeks, then pumped the rest of the time and gave it to him in teh bottle. I love the Dr. Brown’s bottles! They’re also great for alleviating air and therefore not getting gas. Dr. Brown’s 8 oz. Natural Flow Wide Neck Bottle, 3 Pack
September 3, 2008 1:36 PM
Plowmanators said…
thanks Bradysmom, I have heard good things about those.
September 7, 2008 8:44 PM - Tricia said…
I have twins and love the EZ2 Nurse pillow. I couldn’t have done it without that. I also have the Boppy and My Breast Friend but they didn’t work for nursing two. Nurse EZ Plus Twin Nursing Pillow. Also, the only bottle that DD would take was the Adiri Nurser. It is shaped like a boob and actually works! Adiri Natural Nurser Ultimate Bottle Stage 1 White, Slow Flow (0-3 months). The Medela pump is awesome as are the Medela freezer bags.
September 5, 2008 10:08 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks Tricia, that is good to get a “twins” perspective.
September 7, 2008 8:45 PM - Emily said…
The best discovery I have had is when plowmanators talked about pumping while nursing. I hated pumping and was about to give it up and just use water for rice cereal and formula if I ever needed to give a bottle. But it is so easy to pump while she’s nursing. It doesn’t take any extra time since the milk comes right away and I can pump enough for the day for her rice cereal and oatmeal.Thanks again for that advice it was so helpful for me!I just bought a freezer storage container for milk and I love it. I use the lansinoh bags but this container is another brand and it doesn’t matter. I had bags of milk in tupperware and everywhere in my frezzer. This way it now freezes flat and barely takes up any space.I also found the only bottle/nipple my daughter would take was the playtex dropins. The milk flows a lot slower with their nipples.
September 8, 2008 1:39 PM
Plowmanators said…
You are welcome Emily! Thanks for your tips.
September 12, 2008 11:24 AM - Rachel Stella said…
My favorite nursing bra, especially with a brand new baby, is the Bravado nursing bra. I got it at a lactation center. I’m not sure where else they sell it.
September 9, 2008 3:46 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks Rachel, we can all use good bras!
September 12, 2008 11:24 AM - Kristi said…
For anyone who lives near Gilbert/Mesa, Arizona, there is a great nursing store on Southern and Gilbert called “Baby, Mother, and More.” They rent pumps and sell all kinds of nursing and pregnancy supplies. Their website is milksmile.com, and I have found them very helpful. Happy nursing!
January 6, 2009 6:38 PM
Plowmanators said…
Thanks for your tip Kristi!
January 10, 2009 2:57 PM
Related Posts:
I love the Lansinoh bags for storing breast milk. When the milk is thawed, the bag can be placed in the Playtex drop-ins bottles, and there is no need for a liner 🙂 It makes things very easy, and fairly cheap too 🙂
I found the madela brand of nipple cream to go on more gently, and it worked great for me!
I love me some Lanisoh nursing pads! Bought them in bulk on Amazon and saved a ton.