When you first start breastfeeding, there are definitely breastfeeding must haves! Breastfeeding can be painful in the beginning. Not like what it seems to be in movies. Welcome to the real world! Of course it does get easier. There are some nursing essentials you really need in order to get through the pain the first few weeks. It took me 6 weeks to for the pain to go away and get a hang of things. You can do it! Here are 7 breastfeeding must haves, you need!

Haaka

I cannot stress enough why I love the Haaka over an electric pump! Leaky breast while nursing on your other breast, haaka. Morning pump, haaka. Out for the day without baby, haaka. You can read about it more HERE.

Breast Pads

The first few weeks you will need breast pads, since your body is still learning your newborn’s schedule. Therefore, your breasts will leak constantly. One large box is fine. I still have a ton left that I will use for my baby girl. I was happy when my my body learned my newborn’s schedule because I found the breast pads to be itchy!

Nipple Cream

Make sure to use nipple cream. I have probably mentioned this in just about every breastfeeding post I have blogged about. But yes, you really need nipple cream. It will help heal those cracked nipples!

Nipple Shield

A nipple shield is a plastic nipple that goes over your nipple. I was very hesitant to use it at first because I was scared my little one would get used to it and not want to suck on my nipple. A nipple shield works great when your nipples are cracked and super sore. It especially works wonders when your little one is cluster feeding non stop! A nipple shield is also good to use if you have inverted nipples or baby has a hard time latching.

Nursing Cover

Once you get comfortable with nursing then you will feel better about nursing on the go. I remember I was very shy and nervous people would say something about me nursing outdoors. But it is natural and totally normal. You don’t even need an actual nursing cover but a breathable cotton blanket.

Breast Massager or Cooling/Heat Pads

When you first start nursing, you can develop clogged ducts. Balls of milk in your breast. Therefore, you want to make sure you massage your breasts and warm showers. Your breasts are super sensitive in the beginning. Sometimes you want to just walk around topless. That’s how bad it can hurt. I love HOT showers so it is nice to massage your breast on warm or hot water to get things going and release the clogged ducts. You can’t be in the shower the whole day, which is why you should get cooling/heat pads or a breast massager for some relieve. Cooling gel pads also work great!

Nursing Bras

Definitely invest in a few nursing bras. It is just much easier to pull out a breast when baby is hungry and comfortable for baby and mom. Nursing bras are also so comfortable compared to regular bras! Snap on and off!

Breastfeeding Must Haves

These are my breastfeeding must haves! These things will get you through the hard times, while nursing in the very beginning. Once you get the hang of it, it will become so easy. I also become comfortable and not afraid to put out a breast at the beach without a nursing cover. Too hot for baby!

Happy Nursing!