Thank you bamboobies for sponsoring this breastfeeding essentials post! 

As a breastfeeding mom for the second time around, I’ve come to rely on certain essentials that make life a little easier. Breastfeeding can be hard. Really hard. It’s demanding, it’s inconvenient at times, and sometimes your little one just won’t cooperate. But it’s also rewarding, it can be more convenient than preparing a bottle, and the bond that it creates between you and your little one is just indescribable.

In truth, I actually enjoy it. With a busy toddler running around, sometimes I feel that I don’t get in as many snuggles with my baby as I’d like. But when I nurse him, that’s a time I can share with just me and my baby. Sometimes I can even get away from the busy day to enjoy those quiet moments together one-on-one. 

That all being said, every mom’s experience with breastfeeding is different. But, I do think that this round-up of breastfeeding essentials are things that every breastfeeding mom can appreciate. (P.S. There’s a big giveaway sponsored by bamboobies at the end of this post, so keep reading!) 

This post contains affiliate links.

Breastfeeding Essentials for Mom

1. washable & disposable nursing pads | I like to have both on hand. The bamboobies brand of pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly! 
2. nursing cover | This one is cute because you can wear it as part of your outfit for extra convenience. Or just throw it in your diaper bag to use on demand.  
3. nursing bras & tanks | I love my bamboobies nursing brahhh because it’s SO SOFT and comfy, yet I could wear it for yoga or working out too. A tank is nice to have for wearing under tops so that your stomach is covered when you lift your shirt up to nurse, or for pairing with open cardigans.
4. nipple balm | This one is 100% organic and Lanolin free! 
5. rocking chair | Having a cozy spot to nurse is a MUST because you’ll be spending a lot of time there. I love the look of this one for a nursery. 
6. blanket | Fur throws are my favorite. I have this one to cuddle up while nursing. It covers both me and my babe. 
7. nursing pillow | I absolutely love my Boppy pillow! It makes nursing so much more comfortable for both me and the baby. 
8. pacifiers | Give those boobs a break! Sometimes babies just want to nurse to be soothed, but it can lead to cracked and painful nipples. So I like to use a pacifier in between feedings if needed. These little Wubbanubs are my favorite because the animal helps prop it up and stay in place. It’s also a lot easier to find when scouring through a full diaper bag! 
9. burp rags | These Burt’s Bees rags are absorbent, soft, and cute. I like to have them on hand for burping my baby after he eats. 
10. prenatal vitamins |  It’s important to continue taking your prenatal vitamin while breastfeeding. This is the brand I take. 
11. water bottle | You’ll need to drink plenty of water to keep your supply up. It’s a good rule of thumb to be drinking water every time you nurse. This is the bottle I use because it keeps my water cold the entire day and the push button is quick and convenient. No unscrewing involved! 
12. snacks | Have plenty of grab-and-go snacks on hand. You’ll be hungry, VERY hungry! I like string cheese, berries, crackers, granola bars, veggies & dip, and yogurt to name a few healthy options. 
13. entertainment | Stash your favorite magazines, books, TV shows, and blogs to enjoy while you’re nursing. When you have other kids sometimes this won’t work, but after bedtime, I like to browse my favorite blogs, catch up on a show, or flip through a magazine or book. I linked the things I’m currently enjoying! And if you want to subscribe to my blog click here!   

GIVEAWAY | I’m so excited for this prize pack from bamboobies because it’s packed with essentials! bamboobies mission is to ensure that new moms and babies are happier and healthier, and so is their world. The winner will receive a nursing shawl, a multi-pack of nursing pads (both disposable & washable), organic nipple balm, a nursing brahh, AND a nursing tank! That’s OVER $100 worth of nursing products! There are two ways to enter…

1. Just head over to my Instagram account, like this Instagram post, and follow the instructions to participate. 
2. Comment on this blog post with why you’d love to win this bamboobies prize pack.

You only need to enter once, but entering both ways increases your chances. Good luck! {contest ends 11/14/17}

bamboobies prize pack!

Did I miss anything in my breastfeeding essentials list? What are your favorite products?