I am all about sharing life, motherhood & breastfeeding hints with one another!
I am guessing you are too, if you are here reading this blog and wishing for some recommendations, camaraderie & sharing of similar likes.
It's so cool to me that we get to walk alongside other as mamas while building one another up by simply sharing what has worked for me, you and the mama across the room.
Meanwhile, when it doesn't work for one but does for the other - it's ALL OKAY because as long as baby is happy and mama is surviving, that's all that counts! Its only an added bonus when a product steps in to save the day when you think you've done everything you can to remedy a situation.
So... here by popular demand is a blog completely devoted to my personal favorites - in hopes that you find a product, two or five ;-) that make your breastfeeding life easier, more fun and a bit more predictable to navigate! I have personally used, tried, loved and lived with these products... they aren't just attractive buys, they are tried and true and worth the look.
Within each product recommendation, I give you a short blurb as to where you can buy, how much it will be, what I LOVE about the product and any hints or tips for use once you snag your next new try!
NONE of this is sponsored and nobody has asked me to promote their product. They are simply just products I've found through trial and error, via recommendations from other mom's and things I believe in as a nurse because I've seen, heard or experienced firsthand the benefits and seen the sensible aspect of each product along the way.
Enjoy & ask questions should you want or need more detail!!
Comfort Products
Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Rings
Found at: Target, Walmart, Amazon
Price: $10
Why I like it:
-->Extremely helpful w/ engorgement, clogged duct, mastitis
-->Can be used cold or hot
-->Fits easily in your nursing or sports bra
-->Reusable & easily cleaned for further uses
All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO Cream)
Found at: Prescribed by your OB/Gyn Doctor - then sent to your local compounding pharmacyPrice: Depends on your insurance- $30 usually
Why I like it:
-->Works better & faster at repairing skin during early days of breastfeeding
-->Contains antibiotic ointment, corticosteroid, antifungal & Ibuprofen (all in very small doses)
-->Safe for baby to nurse soon after application, if needed
-->Lasts a long time
--> This is the miracle nipple ointment - I wish ALL patients
got a script for this after delivery (Don't be afraid to ask for it!)
Bamboobies Nursing PadsFound at: Bamboobies website, Amazon, Target
Price: $12-17 (Varying package sizes)
Why I like it:
-->Reusable, washable, eco-friendly
-->Comfortable to wear in bra and all day long
-->Cute & stylish - always makes a mama feel better!
-->Cloth rather than disposable material
-->Holds a lot in - no surprise leaks during work or away from home
BONUS: Use your FSA money on these - they're eligible!
 |
| LaVie Massager |
LaVie Lactation Massager
Found at: lactationmassager.com (LaVie website) or
now, *NEW* on Target's website (FSA Eligible)
Price: $17.95 for Roller and $34.95 for Massager
Why I like it:
 |
| LaVie Roller |
-->Frees up those tired fingers and hands from having to massage something out that is
otherwise painful when using the tips of your fingers
-->Massager uses vibration which is
known to be very effective in
breaking up clogs within ducts
-->Cute colors, design and idea
Home Use Products
The Boppy Pillow
Found at: Target, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon
Price: $32-39
Why I like it:
-->Enhances comfort for mom while nursing baby
-->Keeps baby perfectly positioned & relatively hands free during nursing session
-->Long lasting (same pillow lasted through all 3 of my babies!)
-->Easily washable
-->Interchangeable nursing covers - cute, fun, gender specific!
-->Can be used from newborn all the way through end of breastfeeding journey & beyond
-->Helps to keep baby sitting/stable when becoming more mobile
Comotomo Bottles
Found at: Walmart, Target, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon
Price: $12-24 (Dependent on size & how many bottles)
Why I like it:
-->Bottle mimics what it is like for baby to remove milk from a breast
-->Innovative design and silicone product
-->Easy to wash, dishwasher safe
-->By pressing back of bottle, stimulates
"letdown reflex" like feeling for baby
-->Cute colors for either gender
-->NO LEAKS!
-->Holds 4-10oz dependent on bottle size
purchased
Haakaa Pump
Found at: Target, Buy Buy Baby, Walmart (online) and Amazon
Price: $13 (extra $ for the cute flower stopper)
Why I like it:
-->Easy and effective way to remove milk from the breast
-->Manual pump operated via suction to the breast
-->No additional stimulation provided to breast in early days of breastfeeding where trying to avoid stimulation producing additional engorgement
-->Collects extra milk in bottom of bottle for storage & use later
-->Comfortable to use & easy to operate
-->Silicone, easily washable
-->VERY popular product in the mom world right now! MUST HAVE
Found at: Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby
Price: $15-25
Why I like it:
-->Designated area to dry all the baby parts you don't want touching your other dishes (clean or not!)
-->Innovative parts to store bottle lids and other easily lost pieces
-->Keeps bottles and components in place via the "grass" stems
-->Dries and does not mold due to design
-->Does not take up too much space on counter
-->Very cute & eye catching design/colors
Found at: Buy Buy Baby, Amazon
Price: $6-11
Why I like it:
-->Allows for easy freezing of breast milk for breast milk popsicles when you have a teething baby
-->Easy to wash
-->Silicone product
-->Easy for baby to hold and feels good on their gums
-->Can be used for fruit, mashed veggies or other types of food exploration
The Pumping Life
31 Lunchbag Tote
Found at: Your best 31 gifts rep (hopefully you know one!)
Price: $18
Why I like it:
-->Cute and customizable
-->Thermal for transfer, temperature regulation until arriving home
-->Stores your milk, pump parts and pump bags comfortably
-->Handles long enough to wear on your shoulder
-->Long lasting
-->Can also use a normal lunch tote, but I've found 31 truly has the best set up
Lansinoh Simple Wishes Hands-free Pump BraFound at: Walmart, Target, Buy Buy Baby & Amazon
Price: $28-40 (depending on which store)
Why I like it:
--> Very comfortable and has adjustable velcro in back to accommodate different breast/chest sizes
-->Zips in the front for ease of taking on/off
-->Easy to fit pump parts in to as opposed to putting pump flange on breast and then zipping bra up over the flange & then connecting bottle/remaining pump part after bra application
-->Washable, does not wear & tear due to washes
--> Long lasting - has lasted through all 3 babies for me thus far!
-->Allows for hands free pumping which is important in order to be able to eat, drink and do other tasks while pumping when needed/desired
Plastic Breastmilk Storage BinFound at: Target, Walmart, Amazon
Price: $10-20
Why I like it:
-->Easily stores many bags of breast milk within freezer to maximize storage capacity
-->Helps to store oldest milk at the front for use first
-->Contains milk within one section of freezer to ensure safe
storage away from other freezer food components
-->Keep milk flat for increased storage room
**Hint: If budget is tight, save a 12 pack coke cardboard box - cut off the top, wrap the remainder of the box in wrapping paper and tape securely to have the same sort of concept for freezer storage!
Up & Up Breastmilk Storage BagsFound at: Target
Price: $6 (50 bags) & $12 (100 bags)
Why I like it:
-->Best generic brand buy I've ever made!
-->Have tried most all the pump bag brands, this one is the BEST
-->No leaks, very durable plastic, feels and is sturdy
-->Holds up to 6oz of milk per bag - maximizes storage
-->Cost effective when so many are utilized for a working mom
-->Has storage info area at top of bag, indicates: Date, time & amount pumped
Mom Style
Found at: latchedmama.com
Price: ~$30
Why I like it:
-->No more expensive than any other nursing clothes or typical, non nursing clothing
-->Cute, fashionable for current times
-->Makes nursing easy while wishing to remain covered based on their design
-->Ships and arrives quickly
-->Has anything from nursing tops to pajamas to a dress for a
wedding!
Milk Snob Nursing Cover
Found at: Milk Snob website, Target, Buy Buy Baby
Price: $32-36
Why I like it:
-->Multi functional: nursing cover, carseat cover, shopping cart cover
-->Cute prints and very quality, soft fabric
-->Stretches around duration of carseat for protection from weather or wandering strangers hands
-->Complete coverage and privacy while nursing
-->Breathable and adjustable to ensure baby is not too hot or unable to get air while nursing
-->Not hot for mom while breastfeeding in a warm environment but covers baby enough in a cold environment
-->Easily washable and remains good quality even after multiple washes
Apps You Need
The Wonder Weeks App
Found at: Your Apple or Android app store
Price: $3.99
Why I like it:
-->Each baby endures developmental milestones that cause certain times of challenge with sleep, feeding and coping mechanisms
-->This app will provide a "leap alarm" to remind you that the reason baby is acting funny may be due to a leap coming up or already
occurring
-->Explains in detail what each developmental leap consists of, symptom wise
-->Provides a notes section and checklist for what specific things your baby individually deals with during that leap
-->Interactive calendar to show how long and far into the leap you are & when it will be over
-->Discusses how to help you and baby cope with each leap and what this leap is doing to his/her brain to help them grow and develop as they need to!
Baby Feed Timer App
Found at: Your Apple or Android app store
Price: FREE
Why I like it:
-->Helps to organize and document feeding times on each breast for those lazy, sleepy eaters
-->Reminds mom which side baby ended last feed on so that switching breasts is regularly occurring
-->Keeps track of wet/dirty diapers, sleep time bottles
-->Shows graphs so that mom can being to understand babies norms, patterns and trends so that a routine can be developed
-->Has a night time setting for a darkened screen - app can still be used but not wake baby up or stimulate too much wake time vibes for mom when looking at a bright screen
Which one is your favorite?
What are you picking up next?
What do you have that you already love?
Tell me in the comments or run back over to Facebook or Instagram to answer these questions to motivate a fellow mama to try something out she may be on the fence about buying!
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