August is National Breastfeeding Month. Research shows that there are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby; however, breastfeeding and pumping can be challenging for many women. In honor of National Breastfeeding Month in hopes to help ensure a successful breastfeeding journey for nursing mothers, we are compiling a list of essential breastfeeding and pumping products and accessories that can help make nursing easier for both mothers and babies.
National Breastfeeding Month
National Breastfeeding Month takes place every August. National Breastfeeding Month is important because it helps raise awareness about the benefits of women breastfeeding their babies. Babies who are breastfed receive vital nutrients that can promote your child’s development, lower their frequency of contracting colds and viruses, and help to increase their IQ, long-term. In addition to the many benefits of breastfeeding for babies, there are several advantages for mothers as well including weight loss and saving money on purchasing formula.
READ MORE: To The New Breastfeeding Mom Who’s Struggling to Get Through the Day
10 Items a Nursing Mother Needs
Breastfeeding Starter Set
Whether a mom is new to breastfeeding or has been down that road before, a Breastfeeding Starter Set is recommended when beginning to nurse. This kit has items that will help women both start and continue breastfeeding when they face common challenges associated with nursing. This set includes:
- 2 – 5 oz. Bottles
- 2 – 8 oz. Bottles
- 2 – NaturalWave Silicone Nipples
- 30 – Breastmilk Storage Bags
- 4 – Bottle Caps
READ MORE: Breastfeeding With Flat or Inverted Nipples
Breastmilk Storage Bags
For women that pump in addition to breastfeeding, breastmilk storage bags are a necessity. The Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags allow you to store your breastmilk in a safe, sterilized, leak free bag that can be frozen. These bags contain ounce measurings on them so you know exactly how much breastmilk you are using as well as a dedicated section to record important information such as the date and time you pumped the milk. Breastmilk can be pumped directly into the bags or poured in when complete. These storage bags can stand upright or lay flat for compact storage.
Breastmilk Storage Bottles
The Breastmilk Storage Bottles are not just a place to keep pumped breast milk. These bottles are compatible the Lansinoh double electric breast pump and the Lansinoh manual breast pump. They can then fit the Lansinoh Natural Wave nipple so you can also feed your baby from them. The storage bottles come in a 4-pack of 5 ounce bottles that can store milk in both the refrigerator and freezer.
Manual Breast Pump
Although an electric breast pump is a necessity for mothers that pump frequently, all pumping moms should keep a manual breast pump on hand as well. A Manual Breast Pump is ideal for being on the go in a situation or location where you are unable to use your electric pump. The ergonomic easy-express handles make this pump easy to use while reducing hand fatigue. Included with the manual breast pump are two sizes of ComfortFit flanges, a breastmilk storage bottle, a NaturalWave nipple, and a cap and collar.
Nursie Breastfeeding Pillow
Nursing can become tiring and uncomfortable for mothers and a nursing pillow will help ease those pains. The Nursie Breastfeeding Pillow is unlike traditional nursing pillows that go around your waist. Instead, the Nursie slides onto the arm to create a comfortable position for mother and baby while nursing and the soft and light weight material make this pillow easily portable for on-the-go moms.
Hands Free Pumping Bra
For many women, pumping can become a chore. They find themselves stuck to a chair, holding their pumps in place while they drain their breasts for 30 minutes or more several times a day. The Hands-Free Pumping Bra allows you to multi-task while pumping by securely holding the pump flanges in place so you don’t have to. The adjustable Velcro back panel will ensure a proper fit as your breasts change size according to milk production while the four-way layering support system will help create a tight seal.
READ MORE: 7 Ways to Make Time for Yourself When Exclusively Breastfeeding
Washable Nursing Pads
Nursing mothers know that unexpected leaking can happen any time day or night and it is best to be safe and wear a pair of nursing pads to keep their clothing dry. Using Washable Nursing Pads are not only cost-efficient but prevent waste. The inner layer is soft and comfortable against the skin while the outer later is ultra-absorbent and quick-drying. These nursing pads are machine washable to be used over and over again. The set includes 4 washable nursing pads and a mesh washing bag.
Breastfeeding Bottles
One of the best bottles for breastfed babies is the Lansinoh Bottle with Natural Wave Nipple. This bottle is designed to allow babies to easily transition from breast to bottle and back without causing nipple confusion. The Natural Wave Nipple is made of 100% soft, flexible silicone and the Air Ventilation System helps to reduce colic by decreasing the intake of gas.
Breastmilk Collector
All nursing moms know that breastmilk is like gold. You don’t want any wasted, spilled, or spoiled. It can be frustrating for breastfeeding moms when their child is nursing on one breast and their other is leaking milk that is going to waste. The Breastmilk Collector is a genius device that can be used on your non-nursing breast and collect up to 4 ounces of breastmilk. The included strap and secure suction allow you to use the breastmilk collector hands free so you can focus on your little one nursing.
READ MORE: Conquering the First Weeks of Breastfeeding
SHOP:
Breastfeeding Starter Set | Breastmilk Storage Bags | Breastmilk Storage Bottles | Manual Breast Pump | Nursie Breastfeeding Pillow | Hands Free Pumping Bra | Washable Nursing Pads | Breastfeeding Bottles | Breastmilk Collector
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Lansinoh | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
Diaper Bag or Pump Bag
Lastly, you are going to need something to carry all of your breastfeeding and pumping products around. Just because you are out and about doesn’t mean the nursing or pumping stops. The Mina Baie Stevie Backpack is a convertible diaper bag that can be worn as a backpack, shoulder bag, or cross-body. Made from soft, vegan leather, the Stevie is a stylish bag that can easily hold baby and nursing items without looking like a diaper bag.
With a spacious center compartment that has 8 internal pockets, all your nursing products can not only fit but can be kept neatly organized while on the go. There is an insulated bottle pocket to store breastmilk at a safe temperature and the water resistant lining makes spills easy to wipe clean. Additionally, the built-in padded laptop sleeve and luggage sleeve allow the Stevie to not only be used on a day to day basis but also makes it convenient for traveling.
SHOP:
Stevie Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Mina Baie | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
[td_smart_list_end]
Learning more about the benefits of breastfeeding is important all year long. However, National Breastfeeding Month is a great reminder to support all nursing women throughout their breastfeeding journey and provide them with some of these products to help with common challenges.
WANT TO READ MORE?
For more breastfeeding tips to read during National Breastfeeding Month, check out 7 Ways to Handle Breastfeeding Challenges.
Photo Credits: Sasha Staton
