Breastfeeding Essentials from a Mom of Three
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month and Breastfeeding Awareness Week, The Tot Founder & Mama of Three, Nasiba Adilova, is here to share why parents need to champion other parents as well as her top nursing essentials that will make your breastfeeding journey that little bit easier.
To be completely honest, I didn’t think much about breastfeeding before having kids.
I definitely thought I’d do it… the same way I thought I’d do the repetitive diaper changes and sleep deprivation. Little did I know, it would become one of the things I love most about being a mother.
Throughout my life, I’ve seen so many incredible women feed their babies in a variety of ways. I have friends who’ve made the choice to use formula and I have friends who’ve done a mixture of both breast milk and formula. While breastfeeding is a personal choice, I recognize that it’s not always a choice for some. From pregnancy complications to hormonal imbalances, there are a lot of reasons why it doesn’t work out. For me, breastfeeding felt right and it’s something I’m truly grateful for.
When I nurse my babies, I feel a connection like nothing I could have ever imagined. Even though it’s something I’ve done consistently for over five years now, I still find it absolutely wild how my body can determine and provide exactly what each of my children need. I mean, think about it: A breastfeeding mother’s body makes the magic mix of fat, protein and carbs in the exact amount that a baby needs at the perfect temperature no less! If that isn’t something that warrants an entire month to celebrate and encourage, I don’t know what does!
Speaking of National Breastfeeding Month, I want to take a moment to remind you that….
Even when your baby isn’t latching… there’s help.
Even when your nipples are raw, cracked and bleeding…there’s help.
Even when everything seems to be in working-order, but you still feel off….there’s help.
As parents, we need to remind each other that we are not alone in this. Together, we need to continue to normalize breastfeeding and remind women everywhere that there is always help. You can start finding the information and guidance you need via the ilca.org to find an IBCLC near you.
I also want to share some of my favorite breastfeeding equipment with you because while yes, your body technically has everything you need to start nursing your little one, there are many products that can make your journey a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.
Scroll down to learn more about my breastfeeding essentials and why I love them.
Must-have breastfeeding essentials for nursing mamas
#1 Expert Breastfeeding Advice & Nursing Essentials
Even though I am loud and proud about my love of breastfeeding, it hasn’t been all cupcakes and rainbows. From mastitis to struggles with latching, I’ve certainly had my ups and downs with nursing.
That’s why The Tot teamed up with a Registered Lactation Consultant to create a booklet of expert nursing advice, tips and tricks. When paired with a selection of our favorite nursing essentials, this feeding set is designed to give you all the tools and resources you need to start breastfeeding your baby.
The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing includes:
- Booklet of expert nursing advice
- Breast pads
- Nursing balm (Can be purchased on its own)
- Nursing/Car seat cover (Can be purchased on its own)
- Silicone breast milk storage containers and tray (Can be purchased on its own)
The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing
$139
EXCLUSIVE
Expert Breastfeeding Advice + Nursing Essentials
Erbaviva Nursing Balm
$20
(Can also be found in The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing)
#2 Nursing Pillow
Investing in a supportive nursing pillow can and will literally save your back. During the first few months of your baby’s life, you’ll be feeding or holding them non-stop. Designed to sit across your lap and help support your baby, a nursing pillow will help keep you from slouching while providing a soft space for your baby to lay.
I love the Niche Organic Pillow from Nook because it can also be used as an infant lounger, aid to help your tot sit up and even as a maternity pillow. The Beaba Big Flopsy Maternity & Nursing Pillow is also one of my favorite. I swear by this for sleeping while pregnant and love that it can also double as a feeding pillow.
Nook Niche Organic Feeding Pillow
Ranging from $119 to $129
Available in more colors
Beaba Big Flopsy Maternity & Nursing Pillow
$120
Available in more colors
#3 Rocker or Glider
When coupled with a nursing pillow, a rocker or glider will save your back, neck and shoulders a world of pain, and will allow you and your tot to find a comfortable feeding position every single time. It’s also nice to have a constant space to go for feeding times. As your baby gets older, it will transition into a reading chair.
If you get options like the two below from Million Dollar Baby Classic and Nursery Works, they can just easily slip into your home’s aesthetic because they don’t scream, ‘baby room!’
Million Dollar Baby Classic Harper Swivel Glider with Gliding Ottoman
$599
Available in more colors
Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker – Tan Leather
$499
Available in more colors
#4 Burp Cloths
Unless you’re a fan of walking around with stale milk on your shoulder, I suggest loading up on burp cloths!
Because babies have sensitive skin and you’ll be using these cloths directly on their faces and mouths, it’s a good idea to opt for hypoallergenic materials like organic or pima cotton. Basically, you want to avoid things like harsh dyes and pesticides.
PS how cute are these personalized bib options from The Tot?! They’re one of my favorite baby shower gifts to give!
HART + LAND 3 Pack Organic Cotton Burp Cloths
$34
EXCLUSIVE
The Tot Organic Cotton Personalized Burp Cloth
$39
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors & designs
Milk Snob GOTS certified organic nursing & car seat cover
$44
EXCLUSIVE
(Can also be found in The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing)
Available in more colors
#5 Single or double breast pump
Before I had kids, I didn’t really understand the need to express milk – weren’t mothers doing enough already without pumping more milk? Now that I have my two boys, I understand it! Not only does pumping boost your supply (crucial in those first few weeks), it can also give you a much-needed break!
My husband also loves giving our little girl a bottle, and while he does it, I can have a rest. Below are two options I really love.
Elvie Single Breast Pump
$279
Also available in double
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
$379.99
#6 Breast Milk Storage Bags
Finding a safe and convenient way to store breastmilk was one of my biggest concerns when I started pumping. As someone who wants to steer clear of chemicals such as BPA, BPS, Phthalates and PVC, I was so thrilled to discover the silicone storage bags from Zip Top! I also love the cylinder and bag options from Medela.
Zip Top Silicone Breast Milk Storage Bags + Freezer Tray
$49.99
(Can also be found in The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing)
Medela Breast Milk Freezing & Storage Bulk Pack
$14.99
Includes 12 containers
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags – 50 count
$11.99
#7 Breastfeeding support bras/tanks
Never in a million years did I picture myself wearing something like the bustier from Medela. But I did. And trust me when I say that this Medela Bustier was an absolute lifesaver as I was able to pump hands-free once I had my third baby. The OEKO-TEX certified fabric is super comfortable and supportive and can be worn on its own, over a nursing bra or under a cami.
I also love the Blanqi Lift Up Access Nursing Support Tank because it is strategically designed to make breastfeeding easy, while giving your body much-needed support. The open-bust design makes for effortless breastfeeding with moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable.
Medela Easy Expression Bustier
$39.99
Blanqi Lift-Up Access Underbust Postpartum & Nursing Support Tank
$68
Available in more colors
#8 Non-toxic Bottles + Accessories
Just like my search for non-toxic milk storage containers, finding the right bottles and accessories meant diving into third-party testing and ensuring that every product we brought into our home passed The Tot Safety Test.
Luckily, I found some fantastic options made from food-grade silicone and glass. I also discovered a microwave and steam-free way to sterilize our bottles. Scroll down to see the innovative UV sterilizer from Upang!
Olababy Silicone Gentle Bottle – 2 Pack
$28.95
Available in more colors
Natursutten Glass Baby Bottle – 2 Pack
Ranging from $40 to $34
4 oz / 8 oz
Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack
$18.49
Available in more colors
Upang Plus UV Baby Bottle Sterilizer
$299.99
Available in more colors
#9 Easy-Access Clothing
When you’re breastfeeding, you’re going to want a lot of button down pajamas, dressed and blouses.
Since I’m the type of mama who pretty much lives in PJs during the fourth trimester, I’m all about these stunningly soft options from HART + LAND and Petite Plume.
HART + LAND Pima Cotton Button Down PJ Set
$86
EXCLUSIVE
Petite Plume Women’s Classic Twill PJ Set with Navy Piping
$88
Continue exploring
- What We’re Reading: 10 Breastfeeding Tips For New Moms
- Looking to make your home low-tox? Check out The Tot Family Wellness & Beauty Shop to discover non-toxic personal care products for your whole fam.
