Engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis. These are some of the breastfeeding issues which can pop up. I have dealt with all three. Engorgement is especially common in the early days of breastfeeding.
When preparing to breastfeed I recommend these favorite essential products for breastfeeding, and preventing clogged milk ducts.
These can all be found at Figure 8 Moms, my favorite store full of pregnancy and breastfeeding products for moms.
Head to the bottom of this post too for a giveaway and chance to win each of these items!
Lansinoh® Contact Nipple Shield
After my first baby was born we had a lot of trouble latching. While I did not want to use a nipple shield long term, it was invaluable to me in the first two weeks of breastfeeding.
Nipple shields can be used for latching issues related to a premature baby, tongue or lip ties, and even inverted nipples.
Having one or two on hand can help you prepare in case any of these issues come up in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
Lansinoh® HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
This is the number one most recommended nipple cream you can find. It is soothing when starting to breastfeed.
I consider this a must have when getting ready to breastfeed. It is completely safe to use, and you don't ever need to wipe it off while nursing.
I love it and used it with all three of my babies.
Lansinoh® TheraPearl® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy
With each of my babies I have experienced breast engorgement once my milk arrived.
My first baby was in the NICU and I was pumping to bring my milk in which led to major engorgement once it did arrive. I didn't have anything good to use on my breasts, but when I had my last baby I decided to treat myself to the Therapearl gel packs. They are now one of my favorite breastfeeding essentials ever.
One package consists of two gel breast pads that can be frozen or heated up to use with engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, pumping, and even to encourage let down and production. They are the perfect size to wear in a bra or while pumping.
Haaka Silicone Breast Pump
I love having a manual silicone breast pump on hand. As I mentioned above I have dealt with plugged ducts and mastitis, and a manual pump is so helpful during these issues.
Even if you do not plan on pumping this is useful for catching milk on one breast, while you nurse on the other one. There will probably be times you need a manual pump, whether due to engorgement, or just to have a little extra milk on hand.
The Haaka Pump is easy to use, it suctions onto your breast and draws milk out with suction. There are no small parts to worry about, it is easy to take with you, and you can use it anywhere.
This Haaka New Mom Starter Set makes a great gift for a new mom. It comes with the Haaka pump, a flower stopper, a lid, and breast pads.
Bravado BodySilk Seamless Nursing Bras
A good nursing bra is a must when starting to breastfeed. While there are many types of nursing bras available, if I could only pick one it would be the Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.
I have been through a lot of nursing bras, and this is the only bra brand and type that I am still wearing my original purchases.
Conclusion
These are just a few of my must have breastfeeding essentials.
Getting ready to breastfeed can be intimidating but preparing ahead of time will make you feel much more in control. Having some good supplies on hand to help deal with common breastfeeding issues like plugged ducts and engorgement will keep you feeling great too.
These are my favorite items for making those early days of breastfeeding smoother and less painful. Any of these would make a great gift for a new mom as well.