A Lactation Consultant’s Top 10 Products to Help with Breastfeeding

“A key to having a successful breastfeeding journey is a great foundation of knowledge and support,” says Duhaney. “Taking a breastfeeding course before giving birth can help prepare you for what to expect while breastfeeding your new little bundle of joy.”

Milky Mama’s Breastfeeding 101 is an accessible, informative course developed by Duhaney. The course is on-demand so you can take it whenever and wherever, right from the comfort of your own home. It’s designed to help prepare, educate and empower parents to have a successful breastfeeding journey and answer some of the most common questions they might have. “It will leave you educated and empowered to breastfeed like a boss!”

Whether you’re going to be home with your little one, back at work or a combination of the two, a powerful, efficient breast pump is a must-have for most breastfeeding parents. “It’s always a good idea to have a small stash of breast milk in the freezer. A breast pump can come in handy in case of emergencies, or just for when you want to go out for a date night,” Duhaney says.

The Spectra S1 is one of her favorites because of its hospital-grade suction and rechargeable battery. It features adjustable suction and a night light, and it can be used for up to about three hours before you’ll have to recharge. You may be able to get this pump for free through insurance or for a reduced price.

Breastfeeding, especially in the beginning, can be rough on your nipples. It can cause soreness and sensitivity due to the increased stimulation. A good nipple cream can help heal and soothe.

“My favorite is Earth Mama’s Organic Butter. I love it because it’s organic, lanolin-free, and doesn’t need to be wiped off between nursing sessions.”

“Although nursing in public is legal in all 50 states, some nursing parents may feel a bit uncomfortable nursing in public. If using a cover provides you with more comfort, go for it!” says Duhaney.

A cover like this one from Copper Pearl is her top choice because of its versatility. “It can be used as a nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, high chair cover or infinity scarf,” she says.

Lots of breastfeeding parents also use bottles to feed their little ones. A bottle is helpful if you’re returning to work, going out for a few hours or simply want a break from nursing. But you’ll want to make sure you select the right one.

“Choosing the right bottle is vital to ensuring that going from breast to bottle and vice versa is a breeze,” notes Duhaney. “One of my favorite bottles is the Dr. Brown’s Options+ because of its graduated nipple shape and slow flow. This ensures baby maintains a deep latch on the bottle and helps to prevent overfeeding.”

Engorgement is something that lots of breastfeeding parents experience after giving birth, according to Duhaney. These great breast packs (with an even greater name) are a game changer.

“Booby Tubes are great because they can be warmed to deliver moist heat or cooling comfort to your breasts before, during and after nursing. Warmth can be very useful when soothing and relieving discomfort from engorgement, treating clogged ducts, and promoting your letdown reflex. Cold can be useful when trying to decrease swelling and tenderness during the weaning process,” says Duhaney.

And unlike lots of other breast packs, Booby Tubes are gel-free. They’re made from an organic cotton shell and filled with natural flaxseed.

“When you are tired from your new duties as a parent, having a nursing pillow can be a lifesaver!” says Duhaney. “It helps to give your arms a break while still supporting baby in the right position to nurse.”

My Brest Friend is Duhaney’s pick for the best breastfeeding pillow because it provides a firm base of support without creating a gap between you and your baby. The wrap-around design helps it to stay in place, and the arm and elbow rests provide relief for your shoulders, arms and back.

Two words: easy access!

“Nursing bras allow for quick and easy access when trying to nurse your hungry little one,” Duhaney says. “Choosing one with soft, breathable material will be your best bet. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid bras with underwire if possible, as these can lead to clogged ducts.”

Duhaney loves the Rock Candy bra from Cake Maternity. It’s soft and seamless and makes your nursing sessions comfortable and easily accessible. It features molded fabric cups, removable contoured foam pads and high elastic content for excellent stretch memory.

“Leaking breast milk on your clothes or waking up to soaked sheets is no fun,” notes Duhaney. She recommends stocking up on breast pads—especially these reusable ones from Bamboobies.

“Reusable pads are a great choice because they’re eco-friendly, super thin yet ultra absorbent,” she says. These are made from a soft fabric blend that both feels good against your skin and won’t stick to you when wet. The heart shape is cute, but also serves a purpose: it helps the pads avoid bunching under your shirt. And they get softer after each wash.

Lots of breastfeeding parents are surprised by their letdown—that’s what happens when your baby starts nursing and your breasts sense that it’s time for the milk to flow.

“Even if they had heard the term or read about it beforehand, many breastfeeding parents have told me that they did not think about the fact that both breasts will be letting down simultaneously,” says Duhaney.

That’s where milk collectors come in. Unless you have twins or are tandem feeding with an older child, one side of your chest will be leaking quite a bit of milk while your baby is latched to the other side. Milky Mama’s Milk Collector is a silicone breast “pump” that suctions onto your breast to catch that flowing milk. It’s also a great way to save for your freezer stash. No more wasting that precious liquid gold!

Whether you’re planning on exclusively nursing, exclusively pumping, or a mixture of both, hand expressing colostrum for the first few days after giving birth is a great way to kick start your milk production. The Haakaa Silicone Colostrum Collector is a great tool to collect, store, and feed your precious liquid gold to your little one.

If you plan on pumping at any point in your breastfeeding journey, a great pumping bra is a must! I love the Lactamed Simplicity Hands Free Pumping Bra because it provides full access to your breast tissue so that you can properly perform hands on pumping to maximize your pumping session. Plus, you can take it off for after your pumping session instead of having to wear it all day.