My go-to products and tips as a breastfeeding mom

Breastfeeding can involve a lot of sitting—especially during those early days when it feels like you just finished nursing and somehow it’s already time to nurse again.

There were a few products that helped me physically during the early weeks, but I also quickly learned that making breastfeeding easier meant setting myself up to be comfortable. A good chair, plenty of water and something I could eat one-handed made those constant feeds so much more manageable. 

Here are some of the products and little things I found most helpful.

Medela hydrogel pads

The early days and weeks of breastfeeding can be uncomfortable, to say the least, while your body adjusts. Baby’s latch can take a major toll on your nipples as you both learn to navigate this new skill. 

Medela hydrogel pads were one of my favorite things to have on hand. They’re cooling, reusable and provide a protective layer for sore nipples between nursing sessions.

Especially during those first weeks, the cooling feeling was so nice. 

Earth Mama nipple butter

I also used Earth Mama nipple butter along with the hydrogel pads.

I would apply the nipple butter underneath the gel pads for some extra soothing and protection.

Another thing I appreciated: you don’t have to wipe it off before nursing. When you’re feeding a newborn around the clock, eliminating even one extra step is helpful. Both the gel pads and the nipple butter were recommended by my own doula and I swear they were the thing that saved my nips ;) You’re welcome.

Comfortable nursing bras

Comfort was my biggest priority with nursing bras, especially when I was spending so much time nursing and sleeping in them.

I really loved the Cake Maternity Milk Bamboo Sleep Bra. It’s soft and comfortable enough for sleeping but still easy to nurse in.

This is definitely an area where I’d choose comfort over having a huge collection of different bras. Find a couple that you genuinely like wearing and buy more of those. Keep in mind that your breasts will change over the course of your feeding journey so you want to have a bra that can accommodate that fluctuation. 

Set up a comfortable place to nurse

One of the most useful things I did wasn’t buying a breastfeeding-specific product. It was making sure I had a comfortable place where I could settle in for a while.

A supportive, comfortable chair makes a big difference when you’re spending hours every day nursing.

I also kept a tablet and headphones nearby. Newborn nursing sessions can be long, and while sometimes you’ll just stare at that sweet little face, other times you might want to watch something, read or listen to a podcast while you’re stuck in one spot. This also comes into play if you’re pumping. 

Keep whatever you use within reach before you sit down. Once you have a sleeping or nursing baby in your arms, the item sitting six feet away might as well be in another room.

Stock up on one-handed snacks

Breastfeeding makes you hungry and it’s important to fuel your body, not only to nourish your baby but to allow your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. 

Keep easy snacks nearby that you can actually open and eat with one hand. This is not the season for snacks that require a plate, fork and two hands to assemble. Also, mix in options with protein and healthy fats to keep you satiated longer.

Having something ready to grab was especially helpful during those long newborn feeds.

Get a big water bottle—with a handle

The thirst that comes with breastfeeding is no joke.

I liked having a large water bottle so I didn’t have to refill it constantly, but there’s one detail I think is worth considering: get one that’s easy to pick up.

A bottle with a good handle is much easier to grab with one hand when you’re holding or nursing a baby. You also don’t want to be awkwardly trying to pick up a giant slippery water bottle and worrying that you’re going to drop it on your baby.

Again, the smallest details suddenly become important when you only have one free hand.

Make things easy for yourself

You don’t need an elaborate breastfeeding station filled with dozens of products.

Intentionally planning your space with a few key items that help you stay comfortable, fed, hydrated and entertained can make those early weeks much easier.

Keep the things you use regularly within reach. Have snacks ready. Fill your water bottle before you sit down. Find a comfortable bra and chair. And give yourself permission to make this season as easy on yourself as you can.

If you’re a new mom in Ketchikan and have questions about breastfeeding, postpartum life or any of the products I’ve shared here, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m not an expert—just another mom who has been through it and is happy to share my experience or help point you toward local support and resources.