In this post, I will be recommending some awesome products to make breastfeeding and pumping easier.
I am not affiliated with any of these products or companies, I just truly like them and they have made my experience much more enjoyable.
Breast Pumps
Momcozy S9
I love this pump. It makes multitasking possible because it’s hands-free and the batteries are rechargeable.
I can literally go for walks, run errands, travel, etc. all while pumping and I don’t have to worry about staying in one place.
They don’t have a timer like most pumps do, so you will need to set a timer for any pumping under 30 minutes—on the flip side, they automatically turn off after 30 minutes of pumping.
There are multiple cycle and vacuum settings so finding the right level for you is made easy.
Definitely my favorite and most useful purchase so far.
SpeCtra S1
This is just the first pump I was recommended by the hospital to purchase and I love it. The battery is rechargeable so I don’t have to worry about finding an outlet to pump (so long as it’s charged up).
It has a light on the pump itself, making pumping at night easier to avoid turning any lights on (aka avoid waking anyone else in the house up). It also has a timer so you don’t have to keep track of how long you’ve been pumping.
Just like the Momcozy, there are multiple cycle and vacuum settings so finding the right level for you is made easy.
Nipple Butter
Mother Love
The hospital provided me with a few sample sizes of this nipple cream during my stay and it’s honestly so great that I never stopped using it.
My first few days of breastfeeding were rough—it’s a new stimulus on a very sensitive area so it’s expected that either the nipples are going to get bruised, cracked, or just downright sore.
This nipple cream provides a layer of lubricant when pumping and breastfeeding that helps avoid the above. It is also great for healing or relieving pain in the nipples.
Ice Packs/Heat Packs
Lansinoh
I love these for the sheer fact that they are multifaceted in their uses.
You can heat them, freeze them and use them as a precursor to pumping and/or feeding.
Heat can help relieve clogged ducts, whereas the cold can relieve swelling or engorgement (very common if you sleep for a few hours in a row without pumping/feeding).
Heating them up and applying them to the breast before pumping can help reduce the time you’ll spend pumping.
Overall, these have been amazing for keeping my breastfeeding experience comfortable.
Breast Pads
Cloth Pads - Kindred Bravely
These are awesome for creating a layer between the breasts and bras/shirts (whatever you plan to wear if wearing anything at all)—they soak up any milk that might drain from the breasts between feedings/pumping (because it happens to everyone).
They are also very soft.
They’re also double-sided. One side is absorbent and the other is semi-resistant so when you do have a leak, it isn’t noticeable through the shirt.
Gel Pads - Medela
These were a lifesaver during my first week of breastfeeding. I had a bruised and cracked nipple and no access to a freezer while in the hospital—these soothed any pain I had and made continuing to nurse much more bearable.
You can run them under cool water before use to get the maximum cooling effect.
They are also reusable for up to 24 hours after the first use.
Silverettes!!! - Silver Nipple Covers
These are a Godsend.
These are especially helpful if your nipples are more sore than usual and need an extra layer of protection. Sometimes you just need that extra support—I personally like to wear these between the cloth pads under my nursing bra.
I like to pop these in the fridge right before I start breastfeeding or pumping so when I’m done I can have a cooling effect when I apply them to my nipples.
It’s basically armor for your nips. 10/10 recommend. (There are so many brands, I don’t remember which ones I got specifically, but anything silver will work)!
Breastfeeding/Pumping Apparel
WeeSprout Nursing Cover
I just call this my booby poncho. It has more uses than you can imagine.
It has been so awesome for both breastfeeding AND pumping. The stretchy material makes it easy to peek in at your baby while nursing and it provides a layer of privacy.
It makes pumping more convenient if you want to be around company when it’s time to pump again.
Heck, it can be used as a car seat cover...
Also pretty cute in general. 10/10 rec.
Bearsland Breastfeeding Hoodie
This hoodie has been super convenient for pumping with my SpeCtra pump. Not as much for breastfeeding, but can still be used for this.
I’m able to unzip at the boob line, hook up to my pump, layer my nursing bra over the pump, and then zip back up. Hands-free, as long as I grab my pump, I can walk around while pumping if I need to.
Nursing Bras
I’m still looking for the perfect fit (for pumping) here, but these are definitely something you’ll need if breastfeeding. Unless you have the luxury of going shirtless, that is also feasible. And honestly, it’s preferable for comfort… free the boobies!
I like the Momcozy bras' fit, but I have had better use with the Suekaphin Nursing Bras (on Amazon).
That’s A Wrap!
I’m sure I left out a few things, but these are my top picks and most useful items so far. I want to go ahead and declare the Momcozy breast pump as my favorite and most useful purchase because it’s just that great.
All of these items can be purchased on Amazon—delivered right to your door—and are all decently priced. PLUS, depending on your insurance, you may be able to get your breast pump for free or partially covered!
Please feel free to comment below if you have certain things that worked or didn't work for you and add to the “mommy blog”. 😇
Until next time!
#WAGMI
Your friend,
- BowTiedHeifer
Disclaimer
I am not a licensed personal trainer or pre/postnatal specialist—these are simply my personal experiences and things I have witnessed to work for many others. This is not legal, medical or financial advice. Please speak to a professional before starting any new programs, applying any new diet plans, or supplement protocols.