Breastfeeding Essentials 2022

As I embark on my second breastfeeding journey I have put together some new and some returning breastfeeding essentials! This time I have found a few different items that I have deemed to be essential, for me at least! Be sure to comment below with what you find to be essential for your breastfeeding journey!

This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions are our own. Thank you for your support!

Breastfeeding Essentials

Milk Storage

/1/ Haakaa– This is a manual breast pump that suctions to your breast and collects breast milk while you nurse on the opposite side! With Moose the Haakaa was so helpful in helping me build a stash of freezer milk! I only used it in the night and my first morning feed and sometimes would get up to 4oz of milk! If I hadn’t had the Haakaa, that would have been wasted milk or a sore boob from not getting the milk out. I really like the Haakaa because it is gentle and easy to use! This pregnancy, I asked for and received 2 more on my registry! To say “I am so glad I did” is an understatement, because I am already collecting so much milk and ecstatic about it!

*Along with a Haakaa a good breast pump is something I would suggest. Your insurance should cover this for you which is even more reason to get one. I had the Spectra S1 with Moose and LOVED it! It was super easy to use! This pregnancy I have ordered the Elvie Stride for a more hands-free option and so far I like it. I still have my spectra as a backup! Make sure to ask your OB for more information on how to get your breast pump prescription! *

/2/ Junobie Milk bags– Breast milk bags are essential if you want to create a stash of milk. With Moose I didn’t think about the fact that I was using a lot of plastic. So this time I wanted a more sustainable option. I still have about 100 plastic milk bags from when I was nursing Moose that I can use. But I also received some Junobie bags that I am really excited to use! These bags are sustainable because they are reusable! It makes me excited that I will be able to limit my waste by using these bags. Be sure to check out the Junobie bags and other sustainable breastmilk supplies.
Click here and save 10%.

Clothing

/3/ Nursing Bra– A nursing bra will make the whole breastfeeding process so much easier. These bras have clips on them that allow you to move the bra cup out of the way to nurse! With Moose I just used generic (not so cute) nursing bras, they got the job done and I still have a few. This time I will introduce these Momanda bras into the mix as they are cute and will make me feel more like myself on a journey that is often more about your baby!
Click this link and use code SHANAY10 to save!

/4/ Nursing shirts/tanks- I only have a few of these but they will make you feel more comfortable, especially when out in public. I am not the kind of person who cares what others think when it comes to feeding my baby. However, when there are other children around I do want to be respectful. I say this because I would wear a nursing tank under my shirts, this helps to keep me covered while I nurse my baby. A nursing shirt or tank works similar to a nursing bra in that you have a clip or zip that you move to nurse baby but still keep most of your body covered.
You can find these and other breastfeeding essential clothing items and Momanda also!

More Breastfeeding Essentials

Clothing Cont.

/5/Nipple pads- I didn’t even know these were a thing before I had Moose. I didn’t know that I would leak everywhere. Some people don’t but it is my understanding that most women will leak which is why this is a breastfeeding essential for me. You can get disposable ones or reusable ones. I like to have both on hand! I try to do what I can to prevent unnecessary waste and using the reusable/washable pads helps me with that. With Moose I found that my disposable ones did hold more, so I wore those at night and used my reusable pads throughout the day when I didn’t leak as much. Click here and here to see which ones I use!

Food and Drinks

Making sure that you and your baby get all the nutrients is crucial while breastfeeding. That is why these next ones are Breastfeeding Essentials!

/6/ Good snacks – When nursing it is important that you get good nutrition in your diet. This is important to make sure baby gets what they need and to make sure you can keep your milk supply healthy! With Moose I ate a lot of protein balls and oatmeal. I will do that this time too. But also have a few other things that will help.

–mama bars– These are delicious and not just for nursing, I have been enjoying them a lot while pregnant. I keep them everywhere, in my purse, car, nightstand… everywhere because they are a yummy, quick snack. Mamabars are a good source of protein, iron and other essential vitamins! I love both flavors and have them on subscription! These bars are also free of gluten, gmo’s, dairy and soy, which is essential to me!
Click here and use code SHANAY15 to save!

-protein balls- I make 2 different kinds and freeze them. I take out about 10 balls every couple days and keep them in the fridge to snack on. My parents treated me to a mini fridge. I am keeping it in my room to store breast milk I collect throughout the night. But you can bet I will be keeping a few protein balls in there too curb my late night munchies along with small bottles of water! If this is your first baby and first time nursing you can count on getting SUPER hungry in the middle of the night.

/7/ A nice, BIG water bottle. While nursing you will get VERY thirsty so I purchased myself a new water bottle and will also use ones I already have. My plan is to fill 2-3 water bottles each morning and have them around the house so no matter where I am, I will always have water. These are my 2 favorites, Hydro flask and Ello Water jug.