- Nursing Bras – These are the best nursing bras at such a great price! I start wearing these during my last trimester. Make sure you size up when purchasing, your breasts will increase almost double when your milk comes in.
- Reusable nursing pads – These pads are so soft and soak up any excess milk that might leak. I now refuse to use the disposable pads that are super scratchy. When washing, I just wash with the baby clothes.
- Spectra S1 – I have used both versions of the Spectra as my primary pump and I used the Medela pump when in the hospital. I love how the chargeable battery allows the Spectra S1 to be so portable. If you have insurance, the S1 is typically an almost $100 up charge, but worth every penny in my opinion!
- Nipple Cream – Trust in nipple cream! Even if you don’t think you will need, USE religiously from day 1 in the hospital. A tip I received this time around, smear the nipple cream in the flange of your pump part just in case of rubbing.
- haakaa – This device is tried and true for most moms. It allows you to start building a freezer stash or comes in handy during the first couple of weeks when your baby is figuring out how to latch. Please note, because of the suction aspect, this device teaches your breast to produce more milk, so if that is not your intention, don’t use. Instead use the Milk Saver.
- Milk Saver – The Milk Saver is one of the best kept secrets to building your freezer stash. While you are feeding on one side you have let down on the other side. The Milk Saver collects at least 2 ounces of that let down without teaching your body to produce more milk. By consistently using this tool during every feed, I was able to build a substantial freezer stash.
- Breast Therapy Packs – These hot or cold pads bring you sooooo much comfort during the first week of nursing. You will only use them for a few days, but they are truly worth the $9!
- Nursing Tanks – These tanks are the best on the market. I love how the material also adds compression support which is perfect for C section moms. This tank also allows you to use any shirt as a nursing shirt because of it’s coverage.
- Bottle Dryer – I registered for this dryer once discovering we were expecting twins. I wish I had had this dryer during my first pregnancy because it is more compact than the grass drying system and it fits all my pump parts
- Milk Storage Solutions – I love this Medela pack. The bags are great, and I use the tubs and bottles to store the extra milk I collect through my haakaa and Milk Saver.
