Between the baby registry and maternity clothes, most moms-to-be are “shopped out” as the due date nears.  But before you meet baby, don’t neglect to set the stage for a positive breastfeeding relationship.  It’s priceless!  Here are the essentials you’ll want to invest in as you gear up for breastfeeding.

1.  Quality nursing bras.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard customers regret buying cheap nursing bras.  Lactating breasts are tender and heavy.  They’ll be working hard, so get yourself some support!  When you find a good bra, buy 2.  Milk leaks will have you reaching for a clean, dry bra quite often in the first few months.  I recommend Bravado’s original nursing bra for total comfort throughout engorgement and at night, and Bravado’s Body Silk Seamless for shape and support during the day.

2.  Breast pads. Most women leak… a lot.  Disposable nursing pads are reliable and easy.  However, they use the same questionable absorbent gel as disposable diapers.  A more natural alternative is cotton or wool washable pads.  I suggest you get some of both.  You can wear washables at home and disposables when you need total protection (and a pad that doesn’t show even through tight clothing).  Always start out with just 1 pack of whatever you buy to make sure you like how they fit first.

3.  Nipple care. If this is your first baby, count on breastfeeding being a little (or a lot) painful at first.  Yes, it’s worth it, but it’s not necessarily the easiest road.  Don’t wait until you’re feeling desperate – have some nipple cream and soothies pads on hand before baby is born so they’re ready to help you through the hard times.  It seems to me that just about everyone appreciates these products!  Other solutions like booby tubes and breast shells are more mama-specific, so buy as-needed.

4.  Nursing pillow.  No, you don’t need a nursing stool, but you will be glad to have a nursing pillow.  True, you can make due with a few regular pillows, but considering the frequency of breastfeeding, a specially-designed nursing pillow is warranted.  Breastfeeding pillows offer firm support to keep baby at breast-height and encourage proper posture for mama (ie no back-ache!).  Be sure that the pillow you buy is NOT filled with polyurethane foam.  Our organic Blessed Nest pillows are a customer favorite.

5.  Privacy.  This last category is definitely optional.  If you do desire privacy when breastfeeding, you might consider nursing clothing or breastfeeding cover-ups.  I personally prefer cover-ups, like our Bebe au Lait nursing covers, just since they’re more cost-effective.  If you’re already breastfeeding and feel that you can’t nurse in pubic, you really should give nursing clothes and a Bebe au Lait a chance.  Combining the two is a super-effective way of covering all your bases.

Wishing you many blessings!