Essentials for Nursing Moms
As a first time mom-to-be, you might be looking forward to breastfeeding your baby. At the same time, you may be feeling unprepared or nervous. While breastfeeding can come along with many rewards, both for you and your little one, it can also be a very challenging time.
Being proactive by reading books, taking courses and having the phone number of a good lactation consultant in your back pocket is a great idea.
It's important to also be prepared with items that can help you throughout your breastfeeding journey, particularly in those first few months.
Here are some of our Healthy Moms' favourite items:
The Essential Nursing Dress from Sonday the Label is the perfect gown to wear when you transition from your 3rd to 4th trimester. It's made from super-soft Modal and cotton that is ideal for mom and baby's sensitive skin. It's designed with a thoughtful v-neck so you can pull down and nurse with ease - and includes a handy back pocket for phones and soothers. Wear this dress day and night for ultimate comfort in your first weeks and months after Baby arrives.
Little Tree Wellness & Apothecary understands first hand that breastfeeding for many new mothers can be challenging and full of learning curves. Their nipple salve will help ease your discomfort, soreness and pain, making this journey more enjoyable for both you and baby. Feel soothed and comforted with the natural healing properties of organic botanicals and plant-based oils. Nipple Nourish Salve is the perfect herbal ally to add to your postpartum well-being.
>>Be sure to also check out their incredible Lactation Tea!
3. Large Water Bottle with Straw Top:
When you are nursing for hours and hours, you need to stay hydrated! But this can be challenging while nursing if you need 2 free hands to open your water bottle. That's why a large bottle like this 32 ounce size with a straw top is a life saver! Namaka Bottles are made from food-grade stainless steel, fully insulated and BPA-free. It will keep beverages hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours so you can enjoy every last sip.
>>Add on this straw top for one-handed opening/closing.
Nursing pads are inserted into your bra to prevent breast milk from soaking through your shirt, preventing those awkward situations. These Organyc nursing pads are thin, discreet and made with 100% certified organic cotton inside and out, giving you the unsurpassed absorbency you expect and the sensitive skin protection you deserve.
5. Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle:
If you are looking to increase your milk supply, St. Francis Herb Farms can help! Their Fenugreek-Blessed Thistle Capsules bring together two companion herbs, making for a classic synergy that promotes milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
>>Also check out St. Francis' Breast Oil. A topical herbal oil blend that stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid from the breast tissue and is excellent for women dealing with mastitis or a breast abscess.
On the subject of supplements, be sure to continue with your prenatal vitamins while nursing! mykind Organics Prenatal from Garden of Life is designed for women during pre-conception, pregnancy and lactation—all in a convenient, once-daily tablet. Made exclusively with over 30 organic foods and herbs, just one tablet daily provides 19 essential vitamins and minerals, including non-constipating food-sourced iron.
The Ballet Nursing Bra from Bravado designs is the perfect complement to Sonday's Essential Nursing Gown. The soft v-neck design allows for easy access to nursing and can be worn all day and while you sleep. It pulls over your head, so no need to fight with any closures or clasps. Available in multiple colours and sizes, the Ballet will be your BFF for years to come.