6 Things Every Nursing Mama Needs
Choosing to breastfeed your babies is such a labor of love and probably the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do as a mom. I hope you can use these tips and pieces to help simplify you life and make this journey a little bit easier. You’ve got this, mama!
1. A good nursing bra.
We all know how hard it can be to find a good bra that offers comfort and support, and when you’re a nursing mom your selection gets even smaller. So, it’s that much more important to find a bra you love, and then buy a few of it!
My favorite bra has been this one from Motherhood Maternity, and I’ve worn in through nursing both of my children. It has a good amount of lining, is comfortable, and gives good coverage and support. Here are a couple more I own and would recommend:
2. A nursing tank that goes under anything.
I know it’s easy enough to just pull up a regular tank top, but it definitely isn’t comfortable! That’s why you need a nursing tank. I love them because your stomach is still covered when you’re nursing, and it’s really easy to “get everything out” and put it away!
I usually end up wearing tank tops under most of my blouses anyways, so it makes sense to have a nursing tank too.
3. Comfy nursing pajamas.
Whether you’re a brand-new mama or 6 months in, I believe a nursing nightgown (or two) is completely worth it! When you’re getting up a few times a night to nurse your little one, it’s nice to have easy access and then be able to get back to bed quickly.
I’ve found a bunch of pretty patterned pajamas that will help make a nursing nightgown a little more fun 🙂
4. A button down shirt/dress for easy access.
This is probably my #1 tip for any nursing mama, and that is to wear button down clothing as much as possible! It’s so easy to just unbutton a little, unsnap your nursing tank, and feed your baby.
There are so many beautiful button-down blouses and cute shirt dresses, that a nursing mama doesn’t need to sacrifice style!
5. A hands-free pumping bra.
Chances are if you’re a nursing mama, you’re also a pumping mama! I’ve gone back to work after having both of my children, and pumped. Now don’t get me started on whether or not I “like” pumping (I really don’t, but of course I’m doing it) but I have found that making a small investment in a pumping bra has really been worth it. Whether I’m pumping at work, at home, or in the car, my hands are completely free! It’s been so nice to not sit and hold the bottles for 15 minutes while I pump, and I love being more efficient.
But let me warn you, a pumping bra isn’t the sexiest thing you’ll ever wear 😉 I just put mine on, over my regular bra after I’ve clipped it down. It’s easy!
6. A lightweight blanket to cover up.
I am proud to be a breastfeeding mama and don’t feel the need to hide myself when I’m nursing. If I’m at home I don’t think twice about covering up, but if I’m out in public I do like a certain level of privacy.
These Aden + Anis linen blankets have been my absolute favorite. They are really big, so it’s easy to drape it over my shoulder and my baby while I nurse. They also keep me covered while I put everything away. The blankets are a lightweight muslin, so my baby girl can breathe just fine. I love the fabric and they’re perfect for summertime!
Now that Charlotte is 1, I don’t nurse her in public very often, but these Aden + Anis blankets are now the ones she loves to cuddle and sleep with.
I hope you find these tips useful, and good luck on your breastfeeding journey! It’s tough but so worth it. Let me know in the comments below if there’s anything else you’d like to see!