Haylee (Daughter)

We are 20 months into breastfeeding over here, and while our journey looks like it’ll be winding down soon, it got me thinking about the things I think are must haves for first time mamas wanting to breastfeed their little ones. **Disclaimer** Everyone’s list is going to look different because their needs are going to be different. These are just items I’ve loved and used during this ENTIRE journey! Also, all of these products are ones that I either purchased with my own money or were gifted as part of my baby registry. However, I do want to mention the following: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1) Nursing Bra:

I didn’t realize the importance of a nursing bra until I was faced with the dilemma of not having one. With all my nursing bras in the hamper, and only a very structured wired bra available, I spent the day, and so did my little one,  uncomfortable and annoyed that I didn’t have ease of access. A simple nursing bra, like these Cantina ones, are amazing! Now, are the girls going to look their best? Probably not, but you’ll be comfortable, and postpartum you is only going to care about that!

2) Burp Cloths:

Trust me, these are not just for newborns, and they aren’t just used for spit up! That may have been what they were designed for, but they are great to have on hand for wiping tears, cleaning up milk mustaches, or even cleaning up any leaking from the source. I had muslin ones gifted to me at my baby shower that are 100% cotton. They are so soft and not itchy at all, and they’ve kept up after all this time and tons of washes.

3) Nursing Cover:

This wasn’t initially on my registry because I didn’t think I’d use one. Being in Arizona – even in the colder, northern part, I didn’t want the baby to overheat. Not to mention, she has always hated having something covering her face, so it just wasn’t on my radar. However, the older she got and the more we started adventuring out more, I knew I needed something. My best friend actually introduced me to a hoop cover. It was perfect! She was able to eat, I was able to stay covered, and we were still able to maintain eye to eye contact while nursing, which is so important for bonding with your baby!

4) Reusable Water Bottle:

Now, I swear by my Yeti, but mostly because the straw is toddler proof! Like, they literally can’t pull it out, and it’s a lifesaver. With that being said, any reusable water bottle will do. There are tons of different options out there to fit your needs and your style. Water and electrolytes (which I’ll get to next!) are essential for staying hydrated and are an important factor when it comes to breastfeeding and your milk supply.

5) Electrolyte Packets:

As I mentioned above, electrolytes are important when it comes to staying hydrated and maintaining your milk supply. I, personally, like the individual packets so I can take them with me on the go, but I mostly like that they’re already portioned out for me. Every second is precious as a toddler mom. One second they’re standing next to you watching what you’re doing, and the next, they’re trying to remove the baby gate and make their great escape! There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to brands, individual ingredients, or flavors. It really is just up to personal preference. We’ve tried Water Boy, Just Ingredients, and LMNT, so I feel like we’re pretty well versed in all the flavors. Nine times out of then though, I’m reaching for grapefruit!