Breastfeeding must haves for new moms
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Let’s start with a truth every new mother deserves to hear: breastfeeding is hard. While my work as a nurse practitioner taught me that breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby, my experience as a mom taught me that the journey to provide it is demanding, beautiful, and worthy of all the support you can get.
So when I talk about breastfeeding must haves for new moms, I don’t just rattle off products. I think about those bleary-eyed nights, the cracked nipples, the endless thirst, and yes...those moments of bliss when your baby latches and settles right against your heart.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the items that truly make a difference—from physical comfort and pumping gear to night-time survival and emotional support. Let’s talk about what you actually need.
In this article
Top breastfeeding must haves for new moms 1. Essentials for breastfeeding comfort 2. Must-haves for pain & discomfort relief 3. Must haves for pumping milk 4. Gear to keep you organized 5. Hydration & nutrition support 6. Your night-time survival kit 7. Functional & comfortable clothing 8. Emotional & professional support Final thoughts: Support is the ultimate must have FAQs: Your breastfeeding questions answered Related articles
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Top breastfeeding must haves for new moms
Here’s the truth: you don’t need every gadget on the market. The aisles (and Amazon pages) are packed with shiny things, but only a handful of items truly make breastfeeding smoother. Think of them as your nursing “starter kit” that complements your wider postpartum must haves. This list is about comfort for your body, tools to make feeding and pumping easier, and a few organizational hacks to keep your sanity intact.
1. Essentials for breastfeeding comfort
A supportive nursing pillow
Regular pillows slip, flatten, or just don’t hit the right spot. A dedicated nursing pillow cradles your baby and brings them up to breast level, saving your neck, back, and shoulders from misery.
Boppy Nursing Pillow
This supportive pillow keeps your baby at the right height, easing strain on your back and shoulders. It’s firm, versatile, and later doubles as a tummy-time prop.
Soothing nipple cream
Cracked, sore nipples are almost a rite of passage, but they don’t have to derail your journey. A good nipple cream creates a healing barrier.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
Trusted by moms and safe for babies, this cream soothes cracked nipples and protects delicate skin without needing to wipe off before nursing.
Absorbent nursing pads
You’ll be out at Target one day when...bam...your shirt shows two big wet circles. Leaks are normal, and nursing pads are your secret weapon.
Lansinoh Stay Dry Nursing Pads
Discreet and highly absorbent, these pads prevent leaks from soaking through clothes. An essential for outings and overnight comfort.
2. Must-haves for pain & discomfort relief
Pain can be one of the biggest hurdles in the early days of breastfeeding. While a lactation consultant is your best resource for fixing the root cause (like a poor latch), these tools provide immediate relief and support healing.
Lansinoh Hot and Cold Breast Therapy Packs
An all-in-one solution for common aches. Use them warm to encourage let-down and relieve clogged ducts, or use them cold to soothe pain from engorgement and swelling.
Silverette Silver Nursing Cups
A cult favorite for a reason, this is a cream-free solution for healing sore nipples. Made from pure 925 silver, these cups use natural anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and repair damaged skin while protecting against friction between feedings.
Medela Contact Nipple Shields
A temporary lifesaver for breastfeeding through significant pain or latch difficulties. This thin barrier protects sore nipples, allowing them to heal while your baby can still feed effectively. Best used with guidance from a lactation consultant.
Momcozy Warming Lactation Massager
Relieve clogged ducts and speed up your let-down with this targeted massager. It combines gentle heat and vibration to improve milk flow and ease tenderness from engorgement. It’s also waterproof for use in a warm shower and fits inside your bra for hands-free relief.
3. Must haves for pumping milk
Even if you plan to exclusively nurse, a breast pump is a lifesaver for relieving engorgement, building a freezer stash for emergencies, or preparing for a return to work.
A Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
A hospital-grade pump known for quiet yet powerful suction. Its rechargeable battery makes it perfect for home and travel.
Medela Pump in Style Pro Breast Pump (2nd Gen)
A reliable pump loved by moms for decades. Portable and efficient, it’s a workhorse for building a freezer stash or pumping at work.
A hands-free pumping bra
Balancing flanges with your elbows is a circus act. A hands-free bra lets you multitask (or just relax) while you pump.
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra
This adjustable bra holds pump flanges securely, freeing your hands so you can relax, scroll, or sip coffee while pumping.
Reliable milk storage bags
Spilling pumped milk is devastating. You need freezer-friendly, spill-proof bags.
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
Lay-flat design saves freezer space, while double-sealed tops prevent heartbreaking spills of your liquid gold.
4. Gear to keep you organized
Organization is key to reducing the mental load. A simple system for your "liquid gold" makes all the difference.
Skip Hop Insulated Breastmilk Cooler
A compact cooler that keeps milk cold on the go. Ideal for daycare drop-offs or pumping at work.
Vtopmart Breastmilk Storage Container
Keeps milk bags upright and organized by date, reducing stress during middle-of-the-night feeds.
5. Hydration & nutrition support
If you take only one thing from me: drink water. Your body needs extra fluids to produce milk, and you will feel an intense thirst the moment your baby latches.
Stanley Quencher 40oz Tumbler
Big feeds mean big thirst. This tumbler keeps water ice-cold, making it easier for breastfeeding moms to stay hydrated day and night. A true breastfeeding must have for new moms.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Nursing can leave you drained—literally. These electrolyte packets replenish what your body loses, supporting energy and milk supply. A simple, tasty boost for breastfeeding moms.
Milkmakers Lactation Cookie Bites
Snackable and delicious, these cookies contain oats and flax, ingredients long linked with supporting milk production. They’re perfect for keeping hunger at bay while breastfeeding.
Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk Tea
This gentle herbal blend (with fennel and fenugreek) is a time-honored favorite for moms wanting to encourage milk flow and relax with a warm cup of tea during feeds.
6. Your night-time survival kit
Middle-of-the-night feeds feel endless. A well-stocked bedside station makes them much gentler.
Parker Bedside Baby Diaper Caddy
Keep burp cloths, nipple balm, diapers, and snacks within reach for nighttime feeds. No scrambling in the dark.
Hatch Rest Baby Night Light & Sound Machine
Soft light and soothing sounds make 2 a.m. feeds calmer for both mom and baby.
Burt's Bees Baby Infant Burp Cloths
Soft, absorbent, and generously sized, these organic cotton burp cloths protect your clothes during messy feeds. They wash well and last, making them a practical breastfeeding must have for new moms.
CHITA Power Recliner Nursery Chair
A supportive, cozy chair makes all the difference during long nursing sessions. This recliner glider offers smooth rocking, swivel comfort, and a power recline. Ideal for feeding, soothing, and bonding with your baby.
7. Functional & comfortable clothing
Breastfeeding clothes don’t have to be frumpy. The right pieces help you feel like yourself again while offering easy access.
Kindred Bravely Sublime Sleep Nursing & Pumping Bra
This ultra-soft, wire-free nursing bra is designed for all-day comfort and easy access while feeding. It stretches with your changing body and is one of the most loved breastfeeding must haves for new moms.
HOFISH 3-Pack Seamless Pregnancy & Nursing Bras
Affordable yet comfortable, these bras feature drop-down cups for easy feeding, supportive straps, and a snug but stretchy fit. A budget-friendly choice that still feels good postpartum.
Konssy Muslin Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding
Made from 100% breathable cotton, this top-selling nursing cover is designed for comfort and connection. Its key feature is the rigid hoop neckline that stays open, providing airflow and allowing you to maintain eye contact with your baby, all while ensuring privacy.
Bearsland Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Tops
Stylish and functional, these nursing tanks are perfect for layering under cardigans or wearing alone. With discreet openings and soft fabric, they make breastfeeding easier both at home and on the go.
8. Emotional & professional support
Breastfeeding is emotional. Some women love it, others struggle, and some feel trapped. All of those feelings are valid. This is the most important "must have" that isn't a product.
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): If you are struggling with latch, pain, or supply, a lactation consultant is an invaluable resource.
Address discomfort early: Pain is a sign that something needs adjusting. For practical tips, read our guide on how to manage breastfeeding pain and discomfort.
Support groups: Find a local new mom group or a dedicated Facebook group to connect with others who just get it.
Final thoughts: Support is the ultimate must have
This list of breastfeeding must haves for new moms isn't about collecting gadgets; it's about gathering tools that provide comfort, confidence, and calm during a demanding time. The right pillow can save you from physical pain, while an organized pumping station can save you from mental stress.
For me, these essentials were the support system that allowed me to focus on bonding with my son. And when you’re sleep-deprived and healing, that feeling of being supported is priceless.
FAQs: Your breastfeeding questions answered
What are the absolute breastfeeding must haves for the first weeks?
A nursing pillow, nipple cream, comfortable nursing bras, and a giant water bottle. Start with these four essentials and add other items as you discover your specific needs.
Do I really need a nursing pillow?
You can use regular pillows, but they shift easily and often don't provide enough support. A dedicated nursing pillow is ergonomically designed to save your posture and prevent back pain.
How many nursing bras should I buy?
Start with at least three: one to wear, one in the wash, and one as a backup for inevitable leaks.
What’s the best breast pump for new moms?
The Spectra S1 and Medela Pump in Style are both highly-rated, hospital-strength pumps. Check with your insurance provider, as they often cover the cost of one pump per pregnancy.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Breastfeeding and Nutrition
La Leche League International (LLLI) – Breastfeeding Support and Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Breastfeeding Guidance and Resources
The content on Awaiting the Stork™ is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional to address your unique health needs and circumstances.
Content contribution & expert reviewed by
Mindy Motta, FNP-C
Mindy is a seasoned OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Awaiting the Stork™. After overcoming her own years-long fertility journey, she now blends clinical expertise with heartfelt empathy to offer new mom advice and evidence-based support for every stage of motherhood. Mindy’s mission is to nurture confidence, connection, and clarity for women stepping into motherhood’s many joys and challenges.
