Thank you, Oat Mama, for sponsoring this post, 10 Breastfeeding Must-Haves. I was selected for this opportunity by Oat Mama; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Like I said last week, nursing is a whole new world. Literally. I feel like I am learning something every day and it seems to be creeping up in my conversations with other mama friends. The choice to breastfeed or not or how long or exclusively is such a personal decision. I feel like it is really like your labor and delivery (everybody is different), but with even more outside opinions and thoughts from family and friends. Honestly, I just try to do what is best for our family's lifestyle and have decided to take it day-by-day. Of course, I have my goals and desires, but without these 10 breastfeeding must-haves, I would be nowhere near them!
1. Boppy
There is a reason everybody registers for a Boppy! Not only does it help you and your baby have the perfect nursing positions, but it gives you the support you need. We carry our Boppy around the house every day for each feeding. I also invested in a water proof slip cover in addition to two fabric covers. Having these have been great for spit ups. Slip one fabric cover off and I instantly have a clean one to replace it with.
2. Nipple Cream
Not only nipple cream, but invest in some that you do not have to wash off before nursing. I went with Motherlove's Nipple Cream and it is wonderful. All ingredients are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to breastfeeding baby. Motherlove is made with 100% certified organic ingredients so I have that peace in mind. I started using this day one and live by it. You will too. Trust me.
Something fun to pick out! These are probably the most essential thing you’ll need when you’re nursing and take my advice — invest in some good ones. Why invest? Because you’ll be seeing a lot of them and you will want them to last. I originally could not stomach $25 for a tank top/undershirt, but when my mom asked if it was worth it when they were going to be on my body every day for six months to a year, the answer was yes. You’ll need at least a few nursing tanks (and bras) to get started. Especially with working from home, I can go with needing more tanks than bras but that is up to your post-maternity leave lifestyle.
4. Pump + Hands Free Pumping Bra
Many insurances now include free pumps. Always, always, always check to see if your insurance covers them. I was lucky enough to get the pump for free; however, it did not come with a lot of accessories. After a few purchases, my pumping gear was complete. I also just ordered a hands free pumping bra. A few weeks into pumping, I want my hands back! Pumping is a true investment into your time and without at least one hand, you cannot do much and I get bored really quickly!
5. Nursing Cover
Nursing covers are important to me. I have two, one from Covered Goods and one from MilkSnob. I love both of them. They work great as Car Seat covers to keep the sun out, as little blankets to help Ollie stay warm in restaurants that have their air condition on high, and for nursing! I know some people do not care if they are covered in public while nursing; however, I am a bit reserved and these covers both have 360 degree coverage! Oh, and did I mention how soft they are? They are so soft.
6. Nursing Pads
With nursing, there is leaking. Some ladies leak more than others, but honestly, there is no way around it. For my first few weeks, I used these disposable nursing pads and loved them; but as I more into my second and third month of nursing, I have switched to these reusable washable pads and they are amazing! They are so soft and look way more natural underneath my tanks. They are also such a great investment compared to the disposable ones!
7. Water Bottle
Like I said last week, hydration is important. Nursing also just makes you down right thirsty. I have said this before by I carry my CamelBak everywhere.
8. Breast Milk Storage Bags
One thing we know for sure is that babies are always hungry. Ollie is no exception. Unless you want to be attached to your baby's hip for the next year (or however long your goals are), get yourself some breast milk storage bags. Start pumping in between feedings and fill that freezer with milk! Not everybody has to do this as much as others of course, but we are currently working on having a supply for childcare in a few weeks.
9. Solid Breast Pump Bag
Because I received my breast pump through insurance, it came with the bare minimum. This meant it did not come with a battery pack to travel with or a cooler or a travel bag. I'll share here in a few weeks what my pump bag looks like and all of my goodies inside it; however, just know that you need a solid breast pumping bag and it does not have to be $100. That's just silly. More of this later.
10. Lactation Bars
Keeping your supply up (especially when you start pumping) is super important. Easy, one handed snacks that help with supply along with good nutrition is hard to find. That's why I love my Oat Mama lactation granola bars! My house is stocked with these bars! They are jam-packed with wholesome superfoods to help you power up your energy, your mood, and your milk.
Oat Mama bars are the perfect answer to a breastfeeding mom's busy lifestyle like mine. Whether you are home with your kiddos or pumping at work, Oat Mama bars are specifically tailored to meet your needs with double the brewer's yeast to most lactation cookie recipes posted on the internet. The brewer’s yeast delivers me my essential B vitamins and trace minerals which specifically aid in fighting off postpartum depression, boosting immunity, and beautifying hair, nails and skin. Score! The ground flax in Oat Mama bars provides essential omega 3 fatty acids which can be passed on through breast milk to baby Ollie, and the cashew butter and almonds supply my brain with good fats.
They are especially useful for times when I can use an extra boost when I return to work and during growth spurts, stress, exhaustion, sickness and travel. If you can’t tell, I love my Oat Mama bars, and the best thing about this rainy Monday? You can love them too! ENTER TO WIN a $25 store credit to their online shop.
Cannot wait to see if you won the giveaway?! You can also try them out using the coupon code AUGUST10 for 10% off all orders through the end of August! The code will expire on 8/31 so I would highly recommend putting your order in now and stalking up on them for your diaper bag and around the house!
