My Tried-and-True Breastfeeding Essentials
After nursing my daughter until she turned one (she’s almost three now!), I knew exactly what mattered most going into my breastfeeding journey with my son. Now that we’re five months in, my nursing must-haves have barely changed — a sure sign they’re the real deal. Even three years later, no shiny new product has stolen the spotlight! If you’re building your nursing toolkit, I highly recommend grabbing these postpartum essentials before you think you need them, especially items to boost milk supply or soothe pain in those early, often challenging days.
There’s nothing worse than it being 2 a.m., you’re nursing and crying from the pain without relief. Or feeling like you’re not making enough milk, while your baby fusses and refuses a bottle or formula. Talk about unnecessary stress!
So, without further ado, here are my go-to breastfeeding recommendations — tested, loved, and mom-approved. (P.S. I may earn a small commission if you shop through my links!)
1. Favorite Nursing Bra
With my first baby, I lived in Kindred Bravely nursing bras (the Kindred Bravely Sublime Bra, specifically). I loved them, but they had a sports-bra vibe, and this time around, I wanted something that kept my shape a bit more — something flattering under an everyday tee or tank top, but still budget-friendly.
Enter the Momanda Nursing Bra. I loved it so much I ordered five more! It’s wire-free and clasp-free, making it ridiculously comfortable, even for sleeping. The removable pads stay put (and don’t come out in the wash!), and the fabric holds up beautifully even after countless wash-and-dry cycles. Plus, the easy one-handed clasps are a must when you’ve only got one hand free. Bonus: The color options are fun, from classic nude to pretty pinks and blues.
2. Mini Haakaa: The Breastfeeding Game-Changer
We all know and love the Haakaa, but have you heard of the mini Haakaa — hear me out! With my first, the standard-sized Haakaa was awkward, fell off easily, and my daughter would kick it mid-feed. The mini version changed everything: it’s manageable, easy to keep suctioned, and perfect for catching letdown on the opposite breast.
Since my son only feeds from one side at a time, I pop the mini Haakaa on the other side to maintain my breast milk supply and build a freezer stash. Pro tip: Squeeze the base of the Haakaa to collapse it before attaching — it creates better suction and increases milk flow. I collect around 2 ounces per session. Multiply that by 10 feeds a day, and hello, chest freezer full of milk!
3. Milkflow Electrolytes: Hydration & Supply Boost
Staying hydrated while nursing is critical, but Milkflow Electrolytes are my secret weapon for maintaining (or boosting) milk supply. During my first year of breastfeeding, these drinks rescued me more than once when my supply dipped, whether from dehydration, not eating enough, or even a couple of drinks the night before. When I feel my supply dropping, I use one pack daily for a few days, and like magic, my supply is back on track.
Heads up: the taste isn’t amazing. I mix mine with lemonade to make it more palatable. These electrolytes helped me go from 0.5 ounces of letdown per side to 2 ounces consistently. They work! Just note: I use the fenugreek-free version, since fenugreek can be a gamble — it helps some moms, but dries up supply for others.
4. Gel Cooling Pads: Soothe Early Postpartum Pain
These gel cooling pads are a critical postpartum must-have for the first days before your milk comes in. They’re reusable for up to 72 hours, and popping them in the fridge makes them extra soothing. Once your milk is established, they don’t stick as well and can get icky, so I switch to silver nursing cups at that point (more on those below). But these gel pads were lifesavers for immediate postpartum nipple pain, and I gift them to every expecting friend!
5. Silverettes: Natural Healing for Nipple Pain
Yes, they’re pricey — but worth every penny. After the first few days of using cooling pads, I switched to Silverette nursing cups to let my nipples heal while still breastfeeding. I wore them on and off, day and night, and noticed a huge difference.
Pro tip: don’t use nipple creams or balms with Silverettes — silver itself is a natural healing agent. These handmade Italian cups are FDA-registered, which gave me peace of mind since they’re directly on your skin before baby latches. Best of all, they never expire, so you can reuse them for future babies, which makes the investment totally worth it.
6. Boobie Bars: Delicious Lactation Snacks
I have my sister to thank for introducing me to Boobie Bars, which quickly became a staple in my diaper bag and snack drawer. They’re perfect for on-the-go breastfeeding moms or as a quick energy boost between feeds. I also swear by their chocolate protein powder on days I work out and need an extra lactation boost.
Bonus: both the bars and protein powder are free from major allergens, making them a great choice if your baby has a sensitive stomach or you’re on an elimination diet.
J-
Steadily Unbalanced 