If you didn’t know, we’re currently in the midst of Black Breastfeeding Week and wrapping up National Breastfeeding Month. While breastfeeding support and knowledge should be shared year-round, it’s great that there is an opportunity for the benefits of this practice, as well as conversation about the needs of moms of all kinds, including the marginalized, to be centered in August.
In addition to our Need to Feed guide, which highlights all the things Black nursing moms should know, we also wanted to offer some recommendations for products that can help on a breastfeeding journey. From massagers to ease out clogged ducts to accessories to help nursing moms pump when they return to work, these are seven items that will help keep moms comfortable, ensure babies are fed, and most importantly, extend your efforts to breastfeed.
As you adjust to a nursing routine, you’ll spend a lot of time needing to find somewhere to put your full, sometimes painful breasts while you try to balance a number of tasks for your baby and yourself. One of the most comfortable bras on the market is the Everything bra from Bodily. It’s a clip down nursing bra that’s so cozy, it can be worn throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and when you just want a light option to lounge in on a Sleepy Saturday.
Available at Bodily
There’s nothing wrong with carrying around a Thermos filled with boiled hot water with you when you go out to warm up your little one’s bottle, but just know, there are other options out there. A good one is the Baby’s Brew bottle warmer. This gadget is available with chargers to fit the mouth of all kinds of popular bottles so you can store cold milk from the fridge directly into your go-to baby bottle, and then turn it upside down and insert it into the Baby’s Brew to warm it up. The Baby’s Brew is small enough to fit in your baby bag and is just a lot more convenient.
Available at Baby's Brew
Leaking is inevitable, especially if your breasts can sense when your baby is crying — or they get too full and you’re away from home. Conceal too much spillage, especially when out in public, with help from some nursing pads. There are disposable options, but why be wasteful? These washable ones from Lasinoh were a must-have for me in both of my breastfeeding journeys.
Available at Amazon
Carrying a breast pump around as a busy mom on the go is no joke! You need the right equipment to make it happen. The Minimalist Breast Pump Bag from One Pumped Mama carries essentials along with your heavy duty pump (thanks to the removable breast pump pouch) and its accessories. What makes this product even more awesome is the fact that it comes from a Black-owned brand!
Available at One Pumped Mama
Not every nursing mama will have nipples on fire from breastfeeding or pumping all times of the day and night, but for those who deal with that (I sure did!), get yourself some real relief. The nipple balm in this set is soothing enough, but the saline spray for cracked nipples is unbeatable. I used it before and after pumping sessions and the discomfort would go away almost immediately.
Available at Amazon
You’re going to have company in the early weeks and months of nursing a baby (even when you don’t want it), so a nursing bra won’t be enough around the clock. You also will want to wear tops that will help to conceal any leaking that might happen. Get a cozy top with some support and some removable leakproof padding in this tank from the BlissFit brand. It’s a must while pregnant and postpartum.
Available at Knix