In the last five years I’ve fed my three babies.
I fed I for 20 months, M for 12, and have just started with baby boy.
With the girls I had a very smooth ride. With my boy it has been a different experience featuring tongue tie and mastitis. It’s been a tough start.
I’ve been thinking about what I couldn’t live without during the early feeding days.
I’m not going to suggest you buy expensive breastfeeding clothes (which seem to always be stripy?!) I’m going to give you practical things for your breastfeeding toolkit.
Breastfeeding must haves
If you choose to buy through these links I earn a small commission. I ONLY ever suggest stuff I genuinely like!
Book light
If you read my blog on Newborn Must Haves then you’ll know how much I love a book light. A book light is perfect for night feeds. It provides enough light for a good latch but not enough to make baby think it’s morning.
Breast pads
I have disposable ones this time as I know I’ll only use one box. If you’ll use more, get reusable ones.
Here are some reusable ones for your breastfeeding must haves.
A bra – but don’t splash out
Get a feeding bra but learn from my mistake. With my first I got measured for a new bra on day 10. A month later this expensive bra no longer fit. At first, your boobs will be huge, but they settle down. Do get measured, but don’t go too soon! High Street shops like New Look and ASOS do great sports bra style nursing bras if underwire and clasps aren’t your thing.
Water bottle
Feeding makes you so thirsty! Here’s the insulated one I have because feeding makes you thirsty and HOT, even in winter.
Book/kindle/phone
When you’ve completed the internet after the fourth feed of the day, crack out a book or magazine. Sign up to the local library and you’ll have access to free ebooks from Bolinda and Libby apps. I’m currently reading a physical book, one eBook, and an audiobook.
Muslins
Have loads of these. Place them in different areas of the house so you always have quick access.
Hair clip
There’s something very irritating about having a face full of hair while you’re looking down to latch the baby. I always have a clip to hand for these exact moments. Also, mum sweats.
Lanolin nipple cream
This is your friend. You can also put cabbage leaves in your bra as this is said to have a calming effect on hot, sore nips.
Hakka
I hate pumping. Hate it. Not even bothering this time. The Hakka collects let down from the other breast while you’re feeding. It works on suction, no batteries required. And it doesn’t make that awful noise as it collects the milk. In the early days you might find you can collect a fair haul from the Hakka. You can also get wearable breast shells that go in your bra. I’ve not tried these but could be worth a shot.
Breastfeeding must haves
- Nipple cream
- Hakka
- Book light or night light
- Book
- Library subscription
- Muslins
- Breast pads
- Bra
A note on breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is so natural, but it’s something you and your baby have to work on learning together. Each of your babies will be different too, just like I found.
With perseverance, deep breathing, and patience, you can set yourself up for an incredible experience.
It’s no secret that feeding can be sore. Particularly if you have a bad latch. Be sure to see your health visitor or a feeding clinic for support. Don’t suffer or cry through feeds. There are experts out there who know how to get your baby to open its mouth wide, to make adjustments for the perfect, pain free latch.
If it’s still painful after several weeks, check for things that could impact the latch, such as tongue tie.
When you and baby get the hang of feeding it’s amazingly simple. Nothing to sterilise. No extra stuff to take out with you.
La Leche League offer fantastic support, and the NHS will give you local feeding clinics.
You’ve got this ❤
Fromthemotherside 
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