With breastfeeding becoming more normalized, I find that there are a few items that I almost always recommend an expecting family should have on hand to help their nursing journey. In the beginning, it can be tiring trying to teach your new little one how to latch and stay awake long enough to eat enough. Here are some of my favorites!
1. Breastpump
Now, I know what you are thinking. “I am breastfeeding so why do I need a breastpump?” Well, here is the thing, you may actually use it and it is just a generally great tool to have at your disposal. It can help bring your milk in (don’t overdo it though- oversupply is also an issue), relieve clogged ducts, and give you an emergency stash!
–Spectra -S1 Rechargeable (this was great for my kiddos to be able to move it around with me)
–MomCozy Wearable Breastpump
Keep in mind that there are different flange sizes, carrying cases and that your insurance may provide you with a FREE breastpump! Definitely worth a quick call to your insurance to find out if it is covered and if so, take advantage!
2. Haakaa
I am not sure I can sing the praises of the Haakaa enough. This silicone hand pump is amazing at catching all of the extra leakage from the other breast while you feed baby. When you have a letdown, you leak from both sides- so why not catch it and store it for a rainy day?! (Or for pink eye, skin issues, etc. 😉 There are other knockoff versions of this, but the actual brand is not too expensive and a great registry gift.
–5 oz Haakaa with lid and suction bottom
–Haakaa 4oz
3. Nipple Cream
This may feel strange to put on a baby registry, but hear me out, ALL women know that you need this and you may have more than one women get it for you. There are a couple of different options I have mothers do and they speak so highly of both of these!
— Nipple Butter by EarthMama Organics
–Coconut Oil- I actually have a lot of mothers opt for using coconut oil. Usually, baby’s are not allergic and it is something that a lot of us already have in the house. It has great antifungal properties so this is a good choice!
4. Nursing Pads
I feel like this is one commonly overlooked. If you plan on nursing, and even if you do not, these are a necessity in order to not leak through every bra, shirt, or tank top you own before the day is done. Anytime a baby cries or baby doesn’t eat for a little too long you will most likely leak. There are a couple different options- reusable and disposable. The reusable ones you will need to change out fairly often in order to not completely leak through them whereas the disposable ones you can keep on longer but is not made from the best material. It is up to you what works best and is great to add to the registry!
–Organic Reusable Nursing Pads
–Organic Disposable Nursing Pads
For myself and what I have noticed for most others, is that in the beginning you can use the disposable ones and then after your milk somewhat regulates, you can use the reusable ones without having to worry too much. Do what works best for you though!
5. Nursing Pillow
This one is very commonly included on registry ideas and it is for a reason. It is one of the handiest tools to have. These fit around your body to help support baby and let’s you relax more when nursing.
— Boppy
This is the most standard breastfeeding pillow! It is comfortable and something you will use for a looong time. You can keep it to use with future babies or gift to another friend that is expecting.
— My Brest Friend
This one is nice that it completely goes around and offers back support and stability. If you are expecting twins, this brand also has one for two babies!
Both of these nursing pillows have removable, washable covers and you can find replacement covers in a variety of colors and textures.
6. Milk Storage Bags
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, or just collecting extra milk, milk storage bags are a must or you will run into a situation where you have milk and no place to put it. If you don’t plan on giving your own baby a bottle, then you can always donate to other moms! This is another one where you can find reusable and disposable. I recommend only filling the bag up with 2 or 3 ounces as you can always heat up more milk if you notice baby is needing more!
–Haakaa Reusable Storage Bags
–Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bag
7. And finally… Nursing Bras/Tanks/Shirts/Etc.
Now you can go without these, but in the beginning of your breastfeeding relationship, it is really nice to not have to fight your clothing and fight a ready to nurse fussy baby. I will stress more so on the bras and tank tops as you will most likely not need to get shirts or dresses unless you are really wanting them. There are some cute discreet nursing clothes out there!
–Nursing Bras
I like that these are soft and easy to move over to nurse but still give full coverage!
–Nursing Tanks
–Nursing Shirts and Dresses
Nursing can take a while to get adjusted to, and if it is your first time, you are learning right alongside the baby so be sure to have extra tools at your disposal to help when you need it! Another great registry item would be for someone to gift a lactation consultant visit because they truly can only give you more tools to use!
Hope this helps guide what to add to your registry or to get before your little one makes their arrival!