First of all, you’re doing great! 🤍
The first few weeks of breastfeeding can really take a toll on you—both physically and emotionally. Between the soreness, frequent feedings, sleepless nights, and wondering whether you’re doing everything right, it can feel like a lot. These are the things that really helped make those early weeks more comfortable and manageable for me, and a few of them have continued to make breastfeeding journey easier as my babies have grown.
My favorite overnight oats recipe:
Combine ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup in a jar. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Top with strawberries, blueberries, an extra drizzle of peanut butter, and a sprinkle of oats before eating.
Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump
This is the type of pump I reach for when I want a strong, dependable pumping session at home. I especially love having a traditional pump for establishing or maintaining my supply and fully emptying when a wearable pump doesn’t quite do the job. I’ve tried a few “wall pumps” but this is the one I always come back to! The automatic switch from stimulation to expression mode makes it one less thing to think about when you’re pumping.
Eufy S1 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
I only found these with my last baby, but I’ve loved them so much! Being able to pump while taking care of my other kids or getting things done around the house has been a lifesaver. The warming feature makes pumping more comfortable and dare I say, increase my supply, and the charging case is so helpful when I’m away from home.
Breathable Nursing Cover
This nursing cover gives me a little extra privacy without making either me or my baby feel too hot or confined. I also love that it can double as a lightweight blanket, stroller cover, or car seat cover when needed. I’ve used a different cover for my other babies and dreaded when they started pulling on things because you know they are always going to be pulling your cover off, but I’ve never had that problem with this cover!
Bedside Bassinet
Keeping my baby close at night makes those frequent newborn feedings so much easier. I can quickly pick her up to nurse without having to fully wake myself up or walk across the room several times a night. It also gives me the reassurance of her sleeping nearby, but not right in the bed next to me.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
I love these bags because they make storing and organizing pumped milk simple. The temperature indicator gives me extra reassurance, and the pour design helps make transferring milk a little less messy. Not only do they have cute designs, they lay very flat in the freezer!
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
This nipple butter is one of my favorite products for the soreness and dryness that can come with frequent nursing and pumping. It feels soothing and moisturizing, especially during those tender first few weeks. However, do not use nipple butter and silverettes together!
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
The Haakaa is such a simple way to catch milk from the opposite side while nursing instead of letting that milk go to waste. It also helped me slowly build a small freezer stash without needing to add another full pumping session to my day.
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
A supportive nursing pillow can make such a difference when you’re feeding a baby around the clock. I love how this one wraps around the waist and helps keep baby at a comfortable height, which means less hunching and strain on my back and shoulders. I’ve used many other nursing pillows but I give this one a chefs kiss!
Silver Nursing Cups aka Silverettes
These silver nursing cups were so helpful for protecting sore, sensitive nipples from rubbing against my bra. They provided a cool, soothing barrier between feeds and gave irritated skin a little break while it healed. I had a latch issue with my first and my nipples took some damage but these silverettes helped the healing process so much!
Cooling Hydrogel Nipple Patches
These cooling patches feel amazing when nipples are sore, tender, or irritated from cluster feeding. I love keeping them cold so they’re ready whenever I need quick, soothing relief. I’ve had many other brands I’ve tried but I love the fabric one these ones because they don’t stick to clothing and help so much!
Nursing Bras
These nursing bras are incredibly soft and comfortable, especially during those sore and tender first few weeks. You can wear them with the removable pads for a little extra coverage or take the pads out when you’re relaxing at home. Bra pads can sometimes be a pain because they crinkle, fold, and move around, but they’re nice to have when you’re out and about—especially when it’s cold and you don’t want everything showing through your shirt!
Sleep Whenever You Can
Sleep can feel almost impossible during the newborn stage, but even small pockets of rest can make a difference. Let someone else hold the baby while you nap, go to bed a little earlier, and try to let the less-important household tasks wait when your body needs recovery. I know it’s hard, but SLEEP!
Adequate Nutrition and Hydration
Breastfeeding takes a lot out of your body, so regular meals, easy snacks, and plenty of water are so important. Keep a large water bottle (of course mine is my Hydrojug) and a basket of one-handed snacks near your favorite nursing spot so you can take care of yourself while feeding your baby. Some of my favorites to keep on hand are jerky sticks, cheese sticks, protein bars and protein shakes. Overnight oats helped me not skip breakfast when mornings were crazy! (See the beginning of this post for my recipe.)
Find a Bingeable Book or Show
Long nursing sessions—especially overnight—can feel much easier when you have a good book or show waiting for you. Pick something entertaining enough to help you stay awake and give you a small thing to look forward to during those frequent feeds.
Try to Get Outside
Even a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine can help break up a long day at home and give your mood a much-needed boost. It doesn’t have to be a big outing—a short walk, sitting on the porch, or feeding your baby outside can help you feel a little more like yourself again.
Every breastfeeding journey looks different, and you definitely don’t need every product on the market. These are simply the items that made nursing and pumping more comfortable and manageable for me, and I hope they can make things a little easier for another mom too.
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