What do you really need for breastfeeding?

Burtsbees healing cream is what I use. The boppypillow was hard for me so I use regular pillows instead

Honestly the only thing Ive used is the bamboo reusable breast pads! Got nipple balm but ive never had dry ir cracked nipples from breastfeeding so never bothered to use it! Didn't get a breastfeeding pillow either. I just use a spare bed pillow and have that under baby to support her while im feeding.

The only 2 things id recommend are reusable (bamboo) breast pads and a breastfeeding bra (those ones you can easily clip up and down)

Muslins and cotton cloths of various measurements to catch milk, clean baby, spit, etc. I used coconut oil on nipples the first few days when they were sore, I have nursing bras and a nursing top I can wear that make breastfeeding easy, and lastly a big cotton scarf I can tie around my neck to cover when breastfeeding in public. All these things are also useful for other purposes, so it's nice and versatile and you are not wasting money on single use things :)

I thought I needed the butter during pregnancy bc the pain etc and actually breastfeeding I never used it.

Needed pump parts bc i was working (spectra was best for a wall pump and I had elvie for on the job). And the milk bags for storage.

Also needed breastfeeding friendly clothing. Never felt like I needed a blanket or those cover ups.

Ceres chill was handy for work cuz I didn't have fridge access.

I didn't feel like I needed the boppy pillow. Or silveretts. Or anything else really. Hakkaa was useful sometimes.

This time I'm hoping to mainly breastfeed instead of pumping. Should be a lot easier.

Need? A boob!
Best investment for me was a feeding chair, you're going to be sat in it ALOT. Other things are nursing bras and suitable clothing - I like feeding tops but baggy normal clothing does the job
I've had 2 babies, one EBF to 16months and the other 7months and still going strong. The only other thing is if you want to bottle feed as then it opens up needing pump, sterilising, bottles, milk bags. If things are uncomfy to the extent of needing cracked nipple cream then the latch isn't right and support on fixing that is needed.
And do some research in advance, be prepared for what to expect! Good luck!

I would try to get a nipple shield to have handy in the hospital just in case you need one. They have them at the hospital but the ones they had didn’t really work for me and it set me back for breastfeeding a lot until I found the ones that worked for me. Pads are a must so you’re not constantly leaking in your bra. I also liked to use the collection cups because they collected milk that could of gone to waste. There are a lot of factors depending on how your breastfeeding journey goes. To prep for the hospital I would focus on immediate items like the nipple cream possibly the shields, and a pump even if you want to exclusively breastfeed a pump is very helpful even just to stimulate milk production. And as you go along see what you need or what could help you.

I've loved my breastfeeding pillow, that definitely helped for me. Plus nipple cream and reusable breastpads (comfier than disposable in my opinion). And plenty of muslins, and nursing bras ☺️

haaka or i’ve heard of a different brand too! nipple cream for if they’re dry, breast pads (i barely use them), nursing bras (i also never use them bc i never wear a bra lol. on my third baby EBF 🥳

This is my first and only baby I am BF, but for me nipple cream was useful and silver nipple caps because baby and I struggled with a good latch in the beginning.

And reusable pads, as I am discovering the disposable ones leave my nipples feeling itchy and red.

I personally don't like the nursing bras so I got this, I just pull the cup down and there's no issue I like the support it gives me, as I'm a D cup not engorged. When I fo get engorged they stretch wonderfully

https://a.co/d/05j8Dtw5

I’ve had 3 babies in 4 years 😅 breasted them all (still breastfeeding my youngest) for 1yr+ and these are the 3 things i used/use:

-Breast-feeding bras, lanolin nipple cream (only really used in the first few months when nipples were the most sore) and I swear by a manual suction pump! I highly recommend getting one that just sits inside of your bra. I’ve built all of my freezer supplies just off of my let down from the breast I wasn’t nursing on.

This is my first baby and we’re EBF - honestly don’t get anything! See how you get along and buy when needed everything is next day delivery anyway

I would say the suggestions for breastfeeding friendly clothes/ bra and a nursing cover are useful! But also at the start you may just be at home so may not even need them either! And I just checked my closet when I started going out again and only wear things I can breast feed in

Everything else just buy IF needed! And you may not need🤷🏻‍♀️

Wild carrot calendula nipple whip was my favorite!! I even used it on my lips when I stopped nursing.

Comfortable shirts to be able to breast feed in.

A Hakaa, very hot water and epsom salt in case you get a clogged milk duct. Kinda hurts but it works!

You got this mama! 🤍

Team disposable nursing pads here. The reusable ones make you smell like a bread factory 😂 tried to be better for the environment, but they got so gross!!

I highly recommend stocking up on sunflower lecithin and a probiotic to help prevent any clogged ducts.

Silverettes are good to have on hand, but not necessary. Any basic nipple balm is just fine - no need to spend an arm and a leg.

The answer changes a bunch if you plan to pump, too

Know that your breasts are tap not a milk bank, Access to nutritionally dense food, warm foods, lots of water, no stress, safe space, an idc attitude, & discernment for all the advice you'll get from eveyone

Silverettes, nursing pillow, and cooling nipple gel pads. I tried the nipple creams they give at the hospital but the Silverettes alone worked perfect, never had cracked nipples