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October 2015 Moms
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Breastfeeding supplies

bgriestbgriest member
in October 2015 Moms
First off, I apologize if this has already been asked or discussed in one of the many breastfeeding topics. I don't remember seeing it but I could be blind.

What supplies exactly do you need/recommend?

I am planning on getting a Medela pump. I plan on breastfeeding for probably around 6 months although I will not freak out if I'm not around and he is given formula because I didn't leave enough milk with someone.

With that said, I have no idea what is actually needed and I'd like to get it on my registry. I feel like everytime I go to Babies'r'us to register for breastfeeding/pumping stuff I just stand there completely dumbfounded staring at this wall of stuff and then I give up and walk away.

Any help is appreciated!!!
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Re: Breastfeeding supplies

  • SarahAnne1101SarahAnne1101 member
    You need good nursing bras, nursing pads, either freezer bags or bottles to store the milk in, a good prenatal to keep taking and some good nipple cream, - esp if you are pumping. I liked having some of the gel nursing pads that you chill also the first few weeks to help with any pain. 
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  • twhite080908twhite080908 member
    Have you looked to see if the hospital in your area offers a breastfeeding class? I am taking one next month and hoping that they will help give me some insight on what I really need as well? I was the same way when at Babyrus registering, I had no clue what to get, what I would need, etc. Hoping this class will help me to decide on what things I might need or want so that I am not trying to go out after LO gets here!!

    image

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  • vamomtobevamomtobe member
    a few suggestions  - 

    For breastfeeding:  A boppy or other type of support pillow is nice to have, plus an extra slipcover.  Definitely lanolin and nursing pads.

    For pumping:  If pumping is painful, you might need a larger size breast shield, which they sell separately.  On the medela, the little white plastic membranes need to be replaced periodically, so you might want to pick up a little package of spares.  You can pump directly into bottles, and then pour into storage bags to freeze (what I recommend so you can get a more accurate measurement of oz), or you can pump right into the storage bags, so at a minimum you'll need storage bags.  If you want to pump directly into the bags, you'll need to get medela brand (but target up and up brand is way cheaper!).  

    If you're planning to pump at work and have a longer commute home or don't have access to a fridge to store milk in during the day, you might want to get a freezer pack.  The pump I have came with a little black zip-up bag that came with a freezer pack and fit 4 medela bottles, but I'm sure they sell it separately, too.

    The pumping aspect of breastfeeding had me scratching my head, too, but once you get used to feeling like a dairy cow it's pretty simple!  Good luck :) 
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  • VioletandRoseVioletandRose member
    BrooklynBroussard said:
    Fantastic thread. I'm hoping to strictly breastfeed, and am under no misconceptions that it will be easy. This isn't a supply item, but my mother gave me great advice this weekend on how she prepared for breastfeeding.

    For a few months before she gave birth, my mom took a washcloth into the shower with her and "roughed up" her nipples a bit. Just enough to where over time, they become a bit tougher. She never had problems with nipples hurting or cracking during breastfeeding, and she attributes a good portion of this to her preparation!
    Yikes! I was told in breastfeeding class that this is one of those old wives' tales and you should never, ever do this! You can damage the glands around your nipples. Just use lanolin cream or nipple butter once you start BF'ing.
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  • loveleighmamiloveleighmami member
    The cloth breast pads never worked for me, disposable Lansinoh ones are my favorite.

    Lansinoh lanolin or Medela nipple cream

    Breastfeeding pillow, although probably not considered the best one on the market, I like the Boppy because baby can use it to sit and for tummy time too

    You may need replacement parts for your pump

    Cover if it makes you feel more comfortable

    Good quality nursing bras, I like Anita brand, and sleep bras too. The only downside to breastfeeding is wearing a bra all the dang time lol
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  • twogirlsandagreentwogirlsandagreen member
    VioletandRose said:


    BrooklynBroussard said:

    Fantastic thread. I'm hoping to strictly breastfeed, and am under no misconceptions that it will be easy. This isn't a supply item, but my mother gave me great advice this weekend on how she prepared for breastfeeding.

    For a few months before she gave birth, my mom took a washcloth into the shower with her and "roughed up" her nipples a bit. Just enough to where over time, they become a bit tougher. She never had problems with nipples hurting or cracking during breastfeeding, and she attributes a good portion of this to her preparation!

    Yikes! I was told in breastfeeding class that this is one of those old wives' tales and you should never, ever do this! You can damage the glands around your nipples. Just use lanolin cream or nipple butter once you start BF'ing.


    Yep! Any sort of nipple stimulation like that also produces oxytocin (natural pitocin). Once your in labor, stimulate those babies to you hearts content, but leave them alone until then

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  • leighann1leighann1 member
    Happy to see these tips! I didn't think about the freezer bag. I have a fairly long commute and will be pumping at work, so I'll definitely need this. 

    Sort of related: what supplies are nice to have by your nursing rocker or chair at home? I'm trying to pick a side table for mine, so it's got me thinking about all the "nice-to-haves" that I'll want by my side in the middle of the night. So far, I've got a phone charger, water bottle, nipple cream, nipple pads, burp cloths... other ideas? 
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  • swelniakswelniak member
    @leighann1 I also found a tablet really nice to keep you awake/entertained for the late night feedings. Esp when they take an hour+ in the beginning.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    BabyFetus Ticker
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  • bgriestbgriest member
    Thanks for the advice and tips ladies!!!

    I ended up registering for disposable breast pads, Medela lanolin, breast milk storage kit and a thing of wipes to clean/disinfect the breast pump on the go.

    I'm undecided on if I should register for the pump or not. I plan on getting it through my insurance (hopefully they cover the Medela one) and don't want someone to purchase it for me (should they want to) if they're shopping for the baby shower. At the same time, if my insurance doesn't cover it I would like 10% off if it's on my registry lol.
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