If you’re reading this, you’re either about to embark on your breastfeeding journey or you’re already knee-deep in the milk-soaked chaos. Let me start by saying this: you do NOT need every fancy gadget and overpriced contraption the world is trying to sell you, but there are a few things that can really make your journey successful. I am really blessed and so grateful that I have A LOT milk, enough milk that my son got lekker chunky and I was also able to donate around 10L over my breastfeeding journey to Milk Matters. I am still breastfeeding actually my son is now 17.5 months – more about that later!
Here is a list of the few things that I really found helpful .
1. Nursing Pillow – The MVP of Early Breastfeeding Days
In the beginning, when I was figuring out latch angles, arm positions, and how to avoid drowning my newborn in a milk tsunami, a good nursing pillow really helped. It supported baby, my back, my arms, and honestly, sometimes my legs. Without one, it does feel rather awkward trying to hold up baby and hold boob in the right position and anything else I was trying to do while feeding. I used mine every single feed for the first few months.
2. Haakaa – The Magic Milk Catcher
If you’re blessed with a strong letdown, the Haakaa is your best friend. While baby is latched on one side, this little silicone genius suctions onto the other and collects all that liquid gold that would otherwise be wasted. I only learnt about this when my baby was about 8 weeks old. A lot of milk did go to waste in those weeks.
3. Nipple Cream – Because Your Nipples Deserve Better
Look, those early days can be very painful. For me, the first 2 week were really tough. My baby and I were still learning, which means sometimes he’ll latch on just wrong enough to make me scream. We would practice the right latch over and over. However, my lactation consultant found me this AMAZING nipple cream, it is actually a resurfacing balm and it is completely natural. It soothes, heals, and might just save your breastfeeding journey. I used it every time there was pain.
4. Snacks – ALL the Snacks
Breastfeeding hunger is next-level hunger, well it was for me. I thought pregnancy cravings were bad, but postpartum hunger? That was a whole other story entirely. I had snacks stashed EVERYWHERE—next to my bed, the lounge, in baby’s room, my office, I would also take snacks in a bag when ever I left the house. Think protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, biltong, crackers, yogurt and honestly, a little bit of chocolate (because why not – in moderation ).
5. Water Bottle with a Straw – Stay Hydrated, Mama!
Breastfeeding makes you thirsty!!! You’ll soon realize the importance of a water bottle that doesn’t require hands. Get yourself a good insulated bottle with a straw so you can sip while feeding, because let’s be real, putting baby down just to grab a drink is NOT happening.
6. Comfortable Breastfeeding Bras
A good nursing bra should be supportive and comfortable but be too tight around your waist. As much as possible, get bra’s that are full Cotton. No wires, easy clips, and breathable fabric. Trust me, your boobs will thank you. This is a great brand – Carriwell. I got mine from Woolworths and love them! I still wear them today.
7. Small Towels – Because Breastfeeding can be messy
I cannot stress this enough: small towels are amazing You’ll need them for:
-Spit-up
-Milk spills
-Food spills
-Leaking (because sometimes, both boobs decide to let down at once)
-Furniture
-Wiping sweat on those very hot days
8. The Harvest Table Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Shake – Chocolate
I personally loved this one! When you’re running on fumes and need a quick, nutritious boost, this shake is a game-changer. Plus, chocolate. Need I say more?
9. Breast Pump – But Don’t Rush to Buy One
You might need a pump eventually, but hold off on buying an expensive one right away. Borrow one from a friend or test a few before investing. I used the Tommee Tippee “this one”, and it worked great for me, but for my next baby, I’d probably consider a double hands-free pump—because pumping while chasing a toddler sounds like an extreme sport.
10. Breastmilk Freezer Bags: Budget-Friendly is Best
If you’re planning to store milk, because you have to go back to work or be away from your baby for more time than you’d like, then milk storage bags are great to use for freezing. Don’t get caught up in the pricey ones. I found Jolly Tots bags from Checkers to be the most affordable, and they did the job perfectly. I also used this brand from time to time – > Vital
11. The Most Important Essential – A Supportive Husband
Let’s be real—breastfeeding is beautiful, but it can be exhausting, and sometimes painful and overwhelming. The best thing you can have is a loving, supportive husband who takes care of you while you take care of baby. Someone to bring you snacks, refill your water bottle, tell you you’re doing an amazing job when you’re running on two hours of sleep, and remind you that you are, in fact, a superhero in gym pants with a mom bun.
Final Thoughts
You really don’t need much to breastfeed successfully—just a few essentials, a whole lot of patience, and a husband who knows how to make a good cup of tea. Don’t fall for the marketing traps, and don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. The greatest piece of advice I got is this “breastfeeding is like learning to ride a bicycle, you and baby are both learning , so keep practicing and you will get it right”
You’ve got this, mama!
Would love to hear about your game changing breastfeeding essential in the comments 🙂
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