****This is the the Thrifty Family Finds’ Breastfeeding Essentials List + Freebies post! It is in conjunction with my previous post, Mommy Tips: What I Wish I’d Known About Breastfeeding Before I Started.
Good-Fitting Nursing Bras
You might get one beforehand and get the rest after, since your breasts will change when your milk comes in. Motherhood Maternity
Nordstrom can turn your regular bras into nursing bras. Prices vary between stores, so just call your local store to see what they charge. Don’t forget to get sleep bras, too, as you will need some support while sleeping, and also something to keep the nursing pads in place.
It is really important for your bras to fit well and not dig in, especially under your arms. Ill-fitting bras can lead to plugged ducts and can become really painful!
Can’t find one you like? Consider a DIY nursing bra. I will be trying out this tutorial I found after baby #2 arrives, and I’ll let you know how it turns out!
I like washable cotton nursing pads, but disposable works fine, too.
Right now you can get 10 pairs of cotton reusable nursing pads for FREE + $12.95 S&H from BreastPads.com by using code TTF14 at checkout! This code can be used as many times as you like, and can also be applied to a nursing cover, which I’ll talk about next.
*This code can also be used for 2 FREE Belly Button Bands and 5 FREE pairs of Baby Leggings, as well as being applied to those upgrade packages, too!*
Nursing Pillow
Nursing pillows are nice because it’s hard on your back to hold your baby up constantly while trying to nurse, and you shouldn’t be hunched over, either. I have a Boppy Pillow and a My Brest Friend Pillow
Get a nursing pillow FREE + $11.90 S&H from NursingPillow.com by using code Thrifty13 at checkout! (can also be applied to upgrade package, making the minky pillow $5 + S&H!)
*This code can also be used for a Free Carseat Cover and a Free Sling, as well as being applied to those upgrade packages, too!*
Lots of people like lanolin and other nipple creams, but I love just using coconut oil. It’s natural, inexpensive and can be used in so many different ways (cooking, diaper rash cream, lotion, moisturizer, nipple cream, and as an ingredient in many homemade beauty products). It’s also completely safe for the baby to eat.
I love the Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump
Basket For Your Supplies
Now, the last step in putting your Breastfeeding Essentials together is having a container or basket to keep things in at your designated nursing station. Here is a picture of mine:
Contents from left to right, clockwise: Water bottle, wipes, receiving blanket, burp cloths, nursing pads, Fenugreek, small container of coconut oil, extra diaper, blanket. My nursing pillow isn’t pictured, but sits next to the basket.
You could also put in things like books or a Kindle to keep you occupied while nursing.
I hope this helps you prepare for a successful breastfeeding experience! I would love to hear your favorite nursing essentials in the comments section!
