8 Game-Changing Products that will Simplify Breastfeeding

Planning to breastfeed? There are items you’ll definitely need, and others that are game-changers and will simplify breastfeeding. I cover both in this post. These 8 game-changing products simplified our breastfeeding journey and saved time, my boobs, and my sanity! I recommend them to every mama.

This article contains affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission should you choose to make a purchase. Thank you for supporting me and my family if you found this information helpful!

What do I need to breastfeed?

All you need are your boobs and the baby, right? Well, yes. Technically. But to simplify breastfeeding and make it easier, there are a few products I quickly realized I couldn’t live without. I’ve spent 21 months and more than 1000 hours nursing (so far) between my two kiddos. I only wish I had some of these products much sooner!

First I’ll cover the absolute essentials:

Nursing bras

Nursing bras are different from regular bras. Some are structured with clips at the shoulder, while others are bralettes you can easily pull to the side for easy access. They’re also by design supportive, but free from wire, to facilitate better milk production. My favorite nursing bras are these from Target and Motherhood Maternity.

How many nursing bras should you buy? I recommend buying at least three nursing bras (one to wash, one to wear, and a spare). And having at least one or two bras in a larger size than your pregnancy boob size will make being engorged during those early days more bearable. You will not want a tight bra!

Breast pads

Breast pads are the equivalent of sanitary pads for your boobs. They absorb breastmilk between nursing sessions and prevent leaks through your bra and shirt. There are two types of breast pads: disposable and reusable. Although I try to be eco-friendly and opt for reusable options when possible, reusable breast pads just don’t compare to disposable breast pads. They slide around, they’re not as absorbent, and IMO they’re just not comfortable for long-term use. Moist breast pads and chafing just feel icky.

After a few days of cluster feeding and random letdowns, I promise you’ll understand the benefits of disposable pads that are both absorbent and soft. I’ve tried several brands and always revert back to these Hey Mama disposable pads. They are soft, absorbent, contoured for a better fit, and super adhesive. I barely notice I’m wearing them, which is amazing because I wear breast pads 24/7.

Lansinoh brand also is a good alternative, but I prefer the extra-absorbent ones and they’ve been difficult to find.

Magical silver nursing cups

For some mamas, the price may put this item on the “nice to have” list rather than the “must-have” list. But having been through the newborn stage twice–one without this product and one with–I’m going to try to explain why it’s worth every penny. (I really don’t want you to suffer the same torture I went through!)

Breastfeeding looks easy. But it can be a very challenging skill to master, especially in the first few weeks. My firstborn latched so easily. Breastfeeding was a piece of cake, or so I thought. She nursed 18 times in 24 hours. The problem was our latch was not deep enough. Those 18 incorrect nursing sessions caused a significant amount of nipple damage. I had blood blisters and every nursing session felt like razor blades to my nipples. My doctor prescribed a “triple nipple” cream to help speed recovery, but I still needed time to heal and had to nurse through the pain.

Fast forward to my second pregnancy when a friend told me about these Silverette Nursing Cups. I knew silver had natural healing properties and was intrigued so I gave them a shot. These nifty little cups sit on your nipples and work between nursing sessions to prevent damage to the nipple. They also prevent chafing because the hard silver mold protects your nipple from rubbing against your breast pad and bra. The silver cup also takes the place of nipple cream (small savings). You don’t have to remember to carry nipple cream with you, apply it, and wipe it off before nursing. Though you’ll still have to work hard at perfecting your baby’s latch, you’ll (hopefully) be able to avoid the blood blisters and razor nipples.

Photo Credit: Angie Garthwaite Photography

Simplify breastfeeding with easy access

Having the right clothing will really simplify breastfeeding.

Nursing Tank Tops

You likely have stocked up on maternity shirts or dresses, but you’ll want to add nursing tanks to your wardrobe to simplify breastfeeding. Nursing tank tops have special clips that unclasp when the baby needs to nurse or you need to pump. It’s much easier at first to have shirts that come down when you’re first trying to position and latch your baby. I recommend saving the flap shirts for once you’ve perfected your latch and you need more discreet nursing coverage.

My absolute favorite shirts

I’m not a fan of traditional nursing shirts so I searched high and low for cute tops and wrap-style sweatshirts. Button-down shirts are cute, comfortable, and they’re also very breastfeeding/pumping friendly. Layer a nursing tank underneath and you’re good to go. I also found this sweatshirt from Athleta. It is so soft, lightweight, but still warm, and offers coverage in the right areas. Wear a nursing tank underneath and have easy access and coverage. It’s my go-to shirt when we visit the in-laws or take our toddler out for the day. The arms are long which I also love. At first I was a bit hesitant because it’s a little pricey, but I decided to splurge and ended up loving it so much I bought two more.

A Practical Mama’s Roadmap to Making the Most of Nesting

How to simplify breastfeeding: collecting breastmilk

Breastmilk collection devices

Stockpiling “liquid gold” doesn’t have to be a stressful chore if you have the right tools. The Elvie Milk Collection Cups and the Bumblebee Silicone Hand Pump made collecting breastmilk a couple of ounces at a time so easy. Even if you’re getting a breast pump, there are so many uses for these nifty devices throughout your breastfeeding journey.

The Elvie cups sit in your bra and catch the letdown milk which would otherwise soak into the breast pad. Whereas the silicone hand pump (also known generally as a “haakaa” – a brand name) suctions to your breast and draws out milk, usually while you nurse on the opposite side. There are pros and cons to each if you’re thinking of buying one over the other. (More on that below.) But when used as a team they can really help you stock away the ounces without much effort.

**AUTHOR’S NOTE!** Since I first published this post, Elvie introduced the Elvie Curve, a kick-proof, breast-shaped manual pump that sits inside your bra. This is a wonderful alternative to the Bumblebee and Haakaa shape.

The BumbleBee Silicone Breast Pump and the Elvie Catch collection cups are both great options to simplify breastfeeding by collecting milk with little effort.

Pros of the Elvie Cups

Sits in your bra and can collect milk throughout the day as letdowns occur
Prevents soaking breast pads
Collects milk that would otherwise be wasted
Can be worn easily on opposite breast while nursing
Can’t be kicked off by your baby
Contoured shape more aesthetically pleasing than somewhat lumpy alternative breast pads

Cons of the Elvie Cups

Smaller storage capacity (~2 oz.) so you have to keep an eye on when it’s full or you’ll have milk spilling
Emptying can be a bit awkward and spilled milk can occur if you aren’t careful or the cups are very full
May not be as aesthetically pleasing for large-breasted women

Pros of the Silicone Hand Pump

Larger collection capacity
Suction draws out more milk during letdown
Extremely useful for treating blebs and clogged ducts

Cons of the Silicone Hand Pump

Can easily get kicked off your breast by your baby while nursing (spilling milk everywhere)

Kiinde Direct-Pump System

If you need to return to work and want to make pumping easier, or find yourself exclusively pumping, you may want to consider the Kiinde Direct-Pump system. This system makes pumping a breeze because you can pump directly into storage bags. No spilt milk, you save on storage space, and you can even feed your baby directly from the bag with the nipple attachments.

Did you find this information helpful? Check out A Practical Mama’s Roadmap to Making the Most of Nesting and all of my other guides for more great pregnancy and postpartum information!