Nursing Essentials

lanolin // shield // tanks // nursing pads // camelbak // nightlight

Lanolin: This stuff might as well be gold to new mamas. Those first two weeks of nursing are...umm..brutal? That's being kind honestly. Applying lanolin before and after every nursing session eventually got my ladies to toughen up. Maybe nursing will be a breeze for you - either way keep this on hand. It's better to have it then run out to buy it after baby has arrived.

Medela Nipple Shield: This is an item I had heard about and wish I had bought "just in case". As I said in my postpartum post my nipples ran the gamut as far as pain goes. Cracking, bleeding, losing layers of skin...on day two at home I had David (bless his heart) run to Target and get me a shield. The first time I used it - it filled with blood. To which my lactation consultant said "that's okay" Yikes! But then the next day my milk came in. I still use this even though I probably shouldn't but it's made nursing pain free and so much easier for both me and Presley.

Nightlight: When I first started doing the late night feedings I would turn on a light in Presley's room. Not a bright one, but bright enough that it would cause those little doll eyes to open right up. I learned that if I only have the nightlight on it helps her know it is still nighttime. It also helps my blind as a bat self navigate the house without my contacts in.

Nursing Pads: You can get these in disposable or washable it's all up to you. I prefer the disposable ones because I don't want to be washing my pads all the time (which if you buy more than two sets you can avoid that problem entirely). I often pump a bottle in the morning for Presley's night feeding. It seems to fill her up more and allows David to interact with her and mama to get to bed a little earlier! I find that because I usually skip that big night feeding these pads are a must for the next morning!

iPhone/Cell phone/Charger: Whenever I sit down to nurse and realize I don't have my iPhone on me I panic. You're going to be sitting for awhile so make sure you have everything you need. I use this time to catch up on social media, read my favorite blogs (I am reading! Just not commenting as much due to needy newborn!) and watch Netflix. My sister and I started Scandal while she was in town and I was able to kill seasons one and two within two weeks. #noshame

Nursing Tanks: I live in these most days and they are my favorite for sleeping in. In fact I just went and purchased five more - I might as well make the investment since I am hoping to nurse until Presley is one. These run in price from $25 to $45. I have some of each and think they all work just fine. The ones that I am not crazy about are the Target ones - the clasps just are not as well made. I also think my chest size is not made for them.

Camelbak: There is something about hearing your baby slurping down milk that makes you incredibly thirsty. Like parched, in the desert, need water now. I always try and fill up my water bottle and leave it where I know I will be nursing. Trust me on this one!

Another invaluable thing to a new nursing mom is support. I can't tell you how many of you awesome ladies, my mom, my siblings, facebook La Leche groups helped so much. It's always nice to know you are not alone in your struggles - and it's awesome to have some cheerleaders along the way. 

Also don't forget to enter my Mini Boden giveaway for your chance to win a Baby Boden Gift Set. Winner will be announced on Monday morning!