Breastfeeding Must Haves
It’s officially been two months with baby Roca, and to celebrate I’m sharing my top breastfeeding must haves. I have been super lucky to experience a rather easy breastfeeding experience. Roca latched right away in the hospital, and other than one cluster feeding incident and some bloody nipples, we’ve been going strong ever since. I know that every one has a different experience, and some people might not be able to breast feed or decide not to for their own reasons. There’s zero judgement here, but for those Mama’s looking for products to help make it a bit easier, this post is for you. All products have been linked!
Haakaa: It took me a couple of weeks to figure out how to use this contraption, but it turns out that it’s pretty easy. When I’m nursing Roca on one breast, I use the Haakaa on the other (make sure to squeeze it before latching for extra suction) to collect milk from the let down. I usually get about 2 ounces each time I feed him and don’t waste any milk!. Tip: I suggest buying 3/4 of these, because there is inevitably one in the fridge with milk and one dirty when you need to use it.
Spectra Breast Pump: The Spectra was actually a hand me down from a good friend. I used it more in the beginning when I was getting so much milk I needed to pump ini between feedings. Now I use it when I know I will be away from him (which at this point is rare). Once I go back to work I’ll use it to pump during the day.
Mason Grey robe: they’re great to wear around the house during the day when you have no time to get dressed or during the night when you’re waking up to feed the babe. I like the tie dye ones - some prints have matching baby PJs.
Lively Mesh Trim Maternity Bralette: this is the best nursing bra I’ve found. It’s comfortable, flattering and comes in a range of sizes and colors.
Earth Mama Nipple Butter: I honestly don’t know where I would be without this stuff. When I first came home from the hospital, I forgot I had it and was using Neosporin. I was afraid to nurse Roca without washing my nipples first because I didn’t want him to ingest Neosporin. The Earth Mama Nipple Butter is safe for little ones so when I feed him it’s safe. One thing I’ve learned as a Mom is that it’s just as important to moisturize your nipples as the rest of your bod.
Bio Gaia Probiotics for Baby: I never realized how sensitive baby’s tummies are before having one. Roca’s pediatrician suggested these drops that I give to him every morning. After making sure my hands are clean, I put 5 drops on my pinkie finger and swipe into his mouth.
Earth Mama Milk Maid Tea and Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk Tea: I have used both of these teas to help support lactation. During the first few weeks, I was drinking a few cups throughout the day, but now I will have one in the evening.
Legendairy Supplements: I was gifted a couple of these from one of my cousins and now I purchase them on my own. I buy the bestseller bundle that has Pump Princess, Milkapalooza and Liquid Gold. They’re designed to optimize milk production, flow and enhance nutrition in breast milk. The down side is that you have to take 2 pills 3x/day, and for someone who hates taking pills that’s a major bummer. But if you need to increase your supply, it can’t hurt!
Amma Cocoon: Honestly, I have no shame whipping my boob out to feed my baby in public. However, we recently traveled to Atlanta, and it was super helpful to have on the plane to keep him covered and safe.