Top Ten Necessities Breastfeeding Mamas Need

Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the entire world.  The physical act of producing and providing nutrition for your child is truly one of the greatest joys and gifts of motherhood.

How is it, then, that something so natural and so precious is so incredibly hard?! I remember after my first daughter being born, I thought it would come so natural. At first it was going great then my little perfect bubble popped, very loudly I must say, when I began to experience the trials and hardships that breastfeeding can bring-Cracked nipples! Feeling like a meat grinder had been on my nipples! Gasping and holding my breath when she latched out of pain!

One of the greatest injustices that we give new mothers is the false sense that nursing is 100% instinctive, painless, and easy.  As any nursing mother can tell you, this is not the case.  Breastfeeding, while natural and wonderful, is not immediately intuitive.  It can be painful and it is absolutely not easy.  Thankfully, there are many tips, tools, and techniques that nursing mothers can ‘latch’ onto for support.

1. Water -  Yes, this might seem obvious, but you need to be hydrated.  Not only will you need water to produce milk, but your body will be working hard and requiring the extra hydration.
2. Nursing Pads – Leaks happen.  All the time.  Whether you want them to or not.  Nursing pads will help protect your clothes and help save you from some potential embarrassing moments.
3. Quality Bras – Purchase a good day and nighttime bra for nursing.  The daytime bra should give ample support and make for easy nursing, while the nighttime bra should be comfortable and be able to hold in your nursing pads in order to avoid leaks.
4. Nipple Cream – This one is super important.  The pain of cracked, chapped, or sore nipples is not often talked about, but it is real and it can be a major roadblock for yourself and your baby.  Cracked nipples can lead to infection or blockage, and can be avoided with regularly applying a good nipple cream. I recommend Boob & Baby’s Nipple Cream. It’s shea and lanolin free! It also instantly melts and provides immediate relief
5. Nursing Pillow – There are a variety out on the market, and they are worth every penny.  Save your back and your arms, while cradling your baby during nursing.
6. A Confidant – Whether you join a breastfeeding support group online or in person, find someone to confide in.
7. Burp Cloths – This kind of just goes without saying.  You’ll need them.
8. Quality Breast Pump – This is not the place to skimp on quality.  Spend the money, borrow, or rent a high quality breast pump.  (Some insurances actually cover the cost of a pump.)
9. A Photo of Your Baby – Pumping mothers should always have a photo of their baby with them when pumping.  The sight of your child will aid in your milk letting down.
10. Patience – The number one reason women prematurely quit nursing is not milk supply (though that dwindles occasionally), is not latching problems (though those do happen, especially as teeth come in), and is not blockage or infection (though that does happen often).  The number one reason women prematurely quit breastfeeding is a lack of patience for all of the above.  Setbacks are guaranteed to happen, but they also have solutions.  Show patience to yourself, your child, and the process.  It will all be worth it in the end.

Comment below and let me know your "must haves" for breastfeeding!