Do I need to stock up on all this stuff to make breastfeeding work?

Well my answer could easily change with my mood, or on the day but in reality, when you strip away all the hype, all you truly need is a boob (or two) a baby and some hormones (see Oxytocin and Prolactin blogs). You don’t necessarily need all those fancy gadgets that marketing insists will make things effortless. It’s easy to be tempted by the latest “must-have” items, and those costs can quickly add up. While many families love to feel prepared, waiting to see what you genuinely need can save you a pretty penny!

That said, there might be times when you feel the itch to introduce a few extra tools into the mix, and that’s absolutely okay! There are plenty of reasons why you might opt for some man-made helpers, and it’s a deeply personal choice. So, let’s explore some of the tools you might consider – or realise you can totally live without!

Pumps – definitely an investment and you’re often better off using a wait and see approach because not everyone needs one. Many hospitals will have pumps they can loan you if you need one to get things started, and for those who are wanting to pump to do a mix of bottle and breast, it’s usually better to wait for a few weeks to give baby and milk supply a chance to establish, so that gives you some time post birth to decide what you need.

Nipple Shields These silicone wonders – shaped like little sombreros – often get a bit of a bad reputation. Sure, they can occasionally throw a wrench in the breastfeeding works, but for some families, they’re nothing short of a superhero in disguise! Ideally, you’ll want to tap into some skilled support both before and during their use, especially since they come in a variety of sizes. It’s not the kind of thing you need to stock up on before your journey begins because, surprise, surprise, nipple sizes can change throughout the different stages of lactation. Luckily, we live in an age where you can grab just about anything from the supermarket or get them delivered the very next day from those online giants, so if you need one in a pinch, you’re covered!

Nipple Balms and Creams Breastfeeding shouldn’t be a painful experience! While it’s true that some nursing parents might feel a bit of hormonal transition pain in those early days, the discomfort shouldn’t last more than a few seconds if everything’s working right. If feeding is painful, you’re far better off investing in skilled support than slathering on creams and balms that might just mask the problem – or even make it worse. I’ve seen plenty of cases where that sticky lanolin stuff (yep, the stuff from lamb’s wool) has actually stopped parents from healing! Turns out, some have a mild allergic reaction, and as soon as they ditched it, things got better! Of course, this isn’t everyone’s story, but how can you tell if it’s working if you’re always slathering it on? If pasting it on does make you feel better though, go for it but be wary as there’s another issue – creams can make your nipples super slippery, which might make it harder for your baby to latch on, which can lead to… you guessed it… more pain! Sometimes, it’s better to skip the cream, dab on a little bit of breast milk (hello, human growth factors!), and focus on getting that all-important breastfeeding support instead.

Nursing covers can really boost a parent’s confidence, but they’re not a must-have – plus, many babies aren’t fans of nursing under wraps. The classic ‘one up, one down’ method (which I talk about below) using regular clothes is a fab way to keep most of yourself covered while attracting way less attention than a big old blanket draped over your shoulder. If you’re feeling a bit shy about feeding in public, hunt down a cosy café that proudly welcomes breastfeeding parents, or join a breastfeeding support group where you can practice in good company. Remember, the law has your back; you can feed your baby wherever you’re legally allowed to be! Of course, if you and your little one prefer the cover-up approach, that’s perfectly fine too. However you choose to feed your baby – out in the open or under wraps – is nobody’s business but yours!

Nursing Bras Sure, those fancy nursing bras are nice, but they’ll definitely take a bite out of your budget! And while mastering that one-handed clip up/clip down move feels like an Olympic sport (even if it’s great for quick boob access), the truth is, all you really need is a comfy, snug (but not too tight) crop top or lounge bra. A bit of support is a lifesaver when the girls are feeling extra full in those early days, but watch out for any sneaky wires or plastic bits digging in – those can lead to blockages and, hello, mastitis… ouch!

Now, if you’re curious about pumping bras, they’re brilliant for hands-free pumping but come with a hefty price tag thanks to their niche status. Instead, grab a stretchy crop top and DIY it by cutting two little holes, or check out this handy video by Kathryn Stagg on how to convert your existing nursing bra!

Nursing pillows might conjure up those dreamy images of babies snoozing peacefully at the breast, but are they really a must-have? Honestly, they often end up propping your little one a bit too high, throwing off that perfect latch. And let’s be real – what you can do with a fancy breastfeeding pillow, you can do just as easily with a good old sofa cushion! Sure, it’s nice to have a pillow you don’t mind adding a bit of baby spit-up to the design, but a trusty muslin draped over your regular cushion works just as well and keeps a few extra pennies in your pocket!

Breastfeeding clothes are delightful, aren’t they? But, like most things designed for nursing parents, they can leave your wallet feeling a little lighter. Let’s be real though, parents have been improvising for ages, ingeniously tweaking their wardrobes for quick boob access! Enter the legendary ‘one up, one down’ technique – a brilliant move that keeps your tummy snug and warm while the milk bar stays open for business! So, what exactly is this magic manoeuvre? Picture this: two layers, with the top layer pulled up and the bottom layer pulled down. Voilà! Instant access, no special wardrobe required!

Breastfeeding books are a fantastic way to brush up on the art of nursing, but with so many out there, how do you know which ones are actually worth their weight in… well, milk? First things first: check out the author – extra brownie points if they’ve got some serious infant feeding credentials. An IBCLC is the gold standard, but you’ll find some real gems written by Breastfeeding Counsellors or infant dieticians too. Next, do that classic back-cover flip and hunt for credible resources; the best books always have them! And don’t skip out on those book reviews. I’ve even spilled the beans on some of my favourites right here on the blog!

Not a bookworm? No worries! Plenty of IBCLCs are hanging out online ~(hi there!) with top-notch blogs and advice. You’ll know the info is legit when the author isn’t telling you to go against your baby’s biological needs, stick to a strict feeding schedule, or to avoid so-called ‘bad habits.’ Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as bad habits when it comes to taking care of your newborn!

Lactation teas and cookies Who doesn’t love a snack with magical milk-making powers, right? Generations have raved about these galactagogues (fancy word for milk-boosting herbs), but they’ve also found their way into some seriously overpriced goodies claiming to turn you into a milk-making machine. Here’s the kicker though: most of the time, it’s not about the cookies. A solid milk supply? It’s all about good, effective milk removal. So if your supply is stressing you out, maybe skip the expensive treats and invest in someone who can really help – like a pro who’ll take your full history and whip up a proper, evidence-based game plan. And spoiler: that plan will always start with getting that milk out!

Now, don’t get me wrong – we don’t have tons of proof that galactagogues work, but hey, some people swear by them! The real issue? Those pricey snacks usually don’t pack enough of the good stuff to really make a difference. And let’s be honest, if you’re just paying for the placebo effect, you might as well treat yourself to something you know will make you feel better – like an actual cookie. Want to try the herbal route? Talk to a legit expert, like a herbalist, because some of those herbs? Yeah, they can have some wild (and not always pleasant) side effects.

Good breastfeeding support – Arguably the most essential breastfeeding must-have! Knowing where to turn when you need a helping hand can be crucial for keeping your journey on track. Start by whipping up a list of local support groups including those run by your hospital team, explore social media channels run by trained breastfeeding pros, and get to know your nearby IBCLCs! Many of them offer nifty support packages like “IBCLC in my pocket,” so you can message them for guidance instead of twiddling your thumbs. Some even have gift voucher schemes – perfect for a baby shower gift, right?

In a nutshell, you don’t need a bunch of fancy gadgets to breastfeed. Got a breast (or chest) and a hungry baby? Boom – you’re all set! Sure, every journey is different, and some parents might need a little extra help along the way, but predicting that ahead of time is nearly impossible. Splashing out on pricey equipment before your little one even arrives might end up being more effort (and cash) than it’s worth.

If you want to feel super prepared without emptying your wallet, hit up your local library and grab a couple of evidence-based books. Oh, and definitely scout out local support networks ahead of time – it’s always good to know where to turn if (or when) you need a little backup! That said, if snagging a gadget or two boosts your confidence and helps you kick off your journey, go for it! Just don’t let the hype pressure you into buying stuff you might never use.

Further Reading/Resources:

Lactation Cookies/ Milk Making Teas – Facebook Post by Lucy Ruddle IBCLC

Increasing Milk supply – Breastfeeding network

Nipple Cream – Facebook Post by Lucy Webber IBCLC

Nipple Shields Good or Bad?

Do I Need a Breastfeeding Pillow?