Recommended Supplies for Feeding & Lactation
For General Positioning Support & Comfort:
My BrestFriend Nursing Pillow (with organic cover)
When you prefer an upright position for nursing, a properly fitting, flat-topped nursing pillow can make all the difference.
When you prefer an upright position for nursing, a properly fitting, flat-topped nursing pillow can make all the difference.
Adjustable Bamboo Nursing Stool
This stool adjusts to several different angles, allowing you to use it in both upright and reclined positions. If your nursing chair doesn't have it's own ottoman, this can dramatically in improve your comfort and positioning.
This stool adjusts to several different angles, allowing you to use it in both upright and reclined positions. If your nursing chair doesn't have it's own ottoman, this can dramatically in improve your comfort and positioning.
Glider by Nurture&
If you have the resources for a premiere level glider, this is the one to look into. They really seem to have considered all the issues nursing parents run into, including postpartum recovery-friendly electric control, separate head and lumbar supports, and it goes back far enough for comfortable and effective laid-back nursing.
If you have the resources for a premiere level glider, this is the one to look into. They really seem to have considered all the issues nursing parents run into, including postpartum recovery-friendly electric control, separate head and lumbar supports, and it goes back far enough for comfortable and effective laid-back nursing.
Dairy Fairy Rose All-in-One Nursing & Pumping Bra
My clients rave about this brand! It's so much more convenient to wear a bra that can comfortably offer you good access for nursing (without limiting milk flow by applying pressure in the wrong places), as well as easy hands-free pumping. This version doesn't have an underwire, and looks super comfy.
My clients rave about this brand! It's so much more convenient to wear a bra that can comfortably offer you good access for nursing (without limiting milk flow by applying pressure in the wrong places), as well as easy hands-free pumping. This version doesn't have an underwire, and looks super comfy.
Dairy Fairy Ayla All-in-One Nursing & Pumping Bra
This is the same loved brand as above, and offers the same benefits of full access for nursing plus easy hands-free pumping, but contains an underwire for additional support (and is pretty cute too). My client said this one made pumping at work a breeze, and she totally loved it.
This is the same loved brand as above, and offers the same benefits of full access for nursing plus easy hands-free pumping, but contains an underwire for additional support (and is pretty cute too). My client said this one made pumping at work a breeze, and she totally loved it.
For Sore Nipples:
Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads
Clients report that these pads ease their nipple pain between feedings, and can be used on their own or in combination with your preferred nipple balm or salve.
MotherLove Organic Nipple Cream
This salve has excellent ingredients, and is a client favorite as an herbal alternative to the commonly used lanolin products.
This salve has excellent ingredients, and is a client favorite as an herbal alternative to the commonly used lanolin products.
Silverettes
I was dubious at first, but these things seem to have some good evidence backing them up, and really work! Note the two sizes so you can make sure it fits you well, and I recommend getting the "O-Feel" silicone ring as well to reduce pressure on the surrounding tissue (especially during engorgement or for larger chests).
I was dubious at first, but these things seem to have some good evidence backing them up, and really work! Note the two sizes so you can make sure it fits you well, and I recommend getting the "O-Feel" silicone ring as well to reduce pressure on the surrounding tissue (especially during engorgement or for larger chests).
Mamivac Nipple Shields
When the standard 24mm Medela nipple shield doesn't fit you correctly, these are the often a better option. They have two different shapes and a few sizes, with a larger option than other brands offer.
(Please consult a Lactation Consultant before using a nipple shield.)
When the standard 24mm Medela nipple shield doesn't fit you correctly, these are the often a better option. They have two different shapes and a few sizes, with a larger option than other brands offer.
(Please consult a Lactation Consultant before using a nipple shield.)
Medela Nipple Shield
This is the standard 24mm shield that most hospitals give their clients. They are available smaller as well, but the 24mm Medium is the largest they offer.
(Please consult a Lactation Consultant before using a nipple shield.)
This is the standard 24mm shield that most hospitals give their clients. They are available smaller as well, but the 24mm Medium is the largest they offer.
(Please consult a Lactation Consultant before using a nipple shield.)
Medela TheraShells
(for Sore or Flat/Inverted Nipples)
These shells come with two different sizes, so you can use the same kit for either need. For sore nipples these can take the pressure off in between nursings, and for flat or inverted nipples these can be used prenatally or postpartum to draw your nipples out gently over time.
(for Sore or Flat/Inverted Nipples)
These shells come with two different sizes, so you can use the same kit for either need. For sore nipples these can take the pressure off in between nursings, and for flat or inverted nipples these can be used prenatally or postpartum to draw your nipples out gently over time.
Organic Sunflower Lecithin
For parents who are prone to plugged ducts and/or nipple blebs, lecithin can reduce the frequency and facilitate the clearing of these frustrating and uncomfortable plugs. (Please consult a Lactation Consultant if you are experiencing chronic plugged ducts or other issues, and for dosage.)
For parents who are prone to plugged ducts and/or nipple blebs, lecithin can reduce the frequency and facilitate the clearing of these frustrating and uncomfortable plugs. (Please consult a Lactation Consultant if you are experiencing chronic plugged ducts or other issues, and for dosage.)
Klaire Labs Breastfeeding Probiotic
If you are prone to mastitis or other more mysterious breast/chest pain, then this may turn the tide. We finally are getting more research on the microbiome of the breast/chest, and evidence shows that this particular strain can make all the difference. It's also helpful for baby's digestion, and does pass through into the milk.
If you are prone to mastitis or other more mysterious breast/chest pain, then this may turn the tide. We finally are getting more research on the microbiome of the breast/chest, and evidence shows that this particular strain can make all the difference. It's also helpful for baby's digestion, and does pass through into the milk.
For Pumping & Bottle or Finger Feeding:
Pumpin' Pals Breastpump Flanges
These are an awesome alternative that fit most pumps and offer a totally different shape and fit. Most clients report increased comfort while pumping, and sometimes increased output as a result.
Pumpin' Pals Breastpump Flanges
These are an awesome alternative that fit most pumps and offer a totally different shape and fit. Most clients report increased comfort while pumping, and sometimes increased output as a result.
Freemie Pump Flanges
If you need to pump hands-free, this is the way to do it! Unlike pumping bras and dangling bottles, these fit inside a bra and can be worn while you live your life. A great combination with a rechargeable Spectra pump so you can really unplug! (You may need adaptors to make it work with your pump, but these are easily found on Amazon. Spectra actually makes their own version now, which you can find here!)
If you need to pump hands-free, this is the way to do it! Unlike pumping bras and dangling bottles, these fit inside a bra and can be worn while you live your life. A great combination with a rechargeable Spectra pump so you can really unplug! (You may need adaptors to make it work with your pump, but these are easily found on Amazon. Spectra actually makes their own version now, which you can find here!)
Medela Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS)
An SNS can be a breast/chestfeeding-friendly method of offering baby human milk (pumped or donated) or formula, while allowing them to still suck on the finger or breast/chest. These come in two sizes:
An SNS can be a breast/chestfeeding-friendly method of offering baby human milk (pumped or donated) or formula, while allowing them to still suck on the finger or breast/chest. These come in two sizes:
The Medela Starter Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) with 80ml Bottle has one tube and holds less milk; it is an affordable way to get started, and works well for both finger & breast/chest feeding.
For those who plan to use the SNS long term for breast/chestfeeding, the Medela Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) with 150ml Bottle & Dual Tubing allows for easy set-up before settling in to feed baby, has separate tubing for each side, and holds a larger volume.
For those who plan to use the SNS long term for breast/chestfeeding, the Medela Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) with 150ml Bottle & Dual Tubing allows for easy set-up before settling in to feed baby, has separate tubing for each side, and holds a larger volume.
{New} Dr. Brown's Wide-Neck Bottles w/improved Nipples
This brand's wide-necked nipples have recently been updated to a much more nursing-friendly shape, and they're my 2nd favorite.
(See below for my top pick, the Pigeon nipple, which has a similar but shorter shape for those little mouths).
You have many choices, depending on if you want plastic or glass bottles, and if you want to keep it easy with just buying one set or if you're up for buying the slowest nipples separately. Take a look below and see what fits your needs best!
This brand's wide-necked nipples have recently been updated to a much more nursing-friendly shape, and they're my 2nd favorite.
(See below for my top pick, the Pigeon nipple, which has a similar but shorter shape for those little mouths).
You have many choices, depending on if you want plastic or glass bottles, and if you want to keep it easy with just buying one set or if you're up for buying the slowest nipples separately. Take a look below and see what fits your needs best!
If you prefer glass bottles, you now have a choice of these adorable designs, or bottles with silicone sleeves. Please note that both of these options come with nipples that will be too fast for your newborn, so you'll need to buy the Preemie Nipples separately.
If you'd prefer to just get a set, and are happy with plastic bottles, then this set should meet your needs for a good while.
Pigeon Bottles, Slowest Flow Nipples, & Other Compatible Brands
The Pigeon bottle nipple is my current favorite. It has a similar shape to the wide-neck Dr. Brown's, but a shorter nipple for those little mouths. You can buy a box of slowest flow nipples and combine them with the plastic or stainless steel bottles they fit well with, or buy glass bottles that already have the right nipple (size SS). See below for each option in more detail:
The Pigeon bottle nipple is my current favorite. It has a similar shape to the wide-neck Dr. Brown's, but a shorter nipple for those little mouths. You can buy a box of slowest flow nipples and combine them with the plastic or stainless steel bottles they fit well with, or buy glass bottles that already have the right nipple (size SS). See below for each option in more detail:
Pigeon Bottles with Newborn Nipples
These glass bottles come with their slowest flow nipples, so this would be all you need for a good while. This set is plain glass, and this single has a silicone coating over glass.
These glass bottles come with their slowest flow nipples, so this would be all you need for a good while. This set is plain glass, and this single has a silicone coating over glass.
Lansinoh MOmma Bottle
For a breast/chest-like experience in a plastic bottle, this is a great option. Their 'slow flow' nipples are still very fast though, and this brand does not offer a preemie-flow option, so I recommend this one for over 3 months or if baby is used to a fast flow. If you wish to use it with a newborn, the Pigeon nipples fit perfectly! (see below)
For a breast/chest-like experience in a plastic bottle, this is a great option. Their 'slow flow' nipples are still very fast though, and this brand does not offer a preemie-flow option, so I recommend this one for over 3 months or if baby is used to a fast flow. If you wish to use it with a newborn, the Pigeon nipples fit perfectly! (see below)
Pura Kiki Bottles
These bottles are all stainless steel and silicone, with absolutely no plastic! The nipples they come with work fine for older babies, but I'd recommend the Pigeon Nipple (see below) for a slower flow and shape more appropriate to a young infant. Bonus feature of these bottles... when you're ready to try sippy cups or straws, you can buy those inserts to replace the nipples, and keep using these bottles for years more.
These bottles are all stainless steel and silicone, with absolutely no plastic! The nipples they come with work fine for older babies, but I'd recommend the Pigeon Nipple (see below) for a slower flow and shape more appropriate to a young infant. Bonus feature of these bottles... when you're ready to try sippy cups or straws, you can buy those inserts to replace the nipples, and keep using these bottles for years more.
Pigeon Nipples (slowest flow)
These nipples are my current favorite. They are super breast/chestfeeding-friendly, non-toxic silicone, and fit the Lansinoh bottle (if you prefer plastic), the Pura Kiki bottle (if you prefer stainless steel), and the Pigeon bottle (if you prefer glass)!
These nipples are my current favorite. They are super breast/chestfeeding-friendly, non-toxic silicone, and fit the Lansinoh bottle (if you prefer plastic), the Pura Kiki bottle (if you prefer stainless steel), and the Pigeon bottle (if you prefer glass)!
Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer
This is an amazing warmer design, with multiple functions and the option to leave a bottle of water warming at all times (very useful for keeping water warm for making formula as needed). It includes timers, is easy to adjust settings and gets great reviews.
This is an amazing warmer design, with multiple functions and the option to leave a bottle of water warming at all times (very useful for keeping water warm for making formula as needed). It includes timers, is easy to adjust settings and gets great reviews.
Bottle Sterilizer & Dryer
This sterilizer holds six bottles plus nipples and other small parts, is super easy to use (just remember to add water!), and dries everything when it's done. This is huge, as it means nothing will mildew or mold while it sits there waiting to get put away.
Silicone Bottle Brush Set
I am such a fan of brushes like these. They're silicone so there's no mold or mildew growing on them, you can sterilize it as needed, and the set gives you the options you need to reach into tall bottles, narrow nipples, and tiny 'colic prevention' holes in the small parts.
I am such a fan of brushes like these. They're silicone so there's no mold or mildew growing on them, you can sterilize it as needed, and the set gives you the options you need to reach into tall bottles, narrow nipples, and tiny 'colic prevention' holes in the small parts.
For Supporting Milk Supply:
(Please consult with an IBCLC if you have any concerns about your latch, milk supply, or are experiencing any pain or difficulty with your breasts or breastfeeding.)
Herb Lore
Herb Lore is a phenomenal company, with herbs for everyone and all stages of life. I refer frequently to their herbs for milk supply, teething and tummy help for babies.
Herb Lore is a phenomenal company, with herbs for everyone and all stages of life. I refer frequently to their herbs for milk supply, teething and tummy help for babies.
Euphoric Herbals
If you are looking for nipple salves, thrush treatment or milk supply boosters, Euphoric Herbals seems to have it all!
If you are looking for nipple salves, thrush treatment or milk supply boosters, Euphoric Herbals seems to have it all!
Fullscript
If you're looking for an easy way to get multiple supplements for a reduced rate, Fullscript is a great place to look. You can find some of my favorite products here, and creating an account is super easy.
Fullscript is an online dispensary that I really trust - much more than amazon! If you create an account through this link, you'll receive a lifetime savings of 15% off each order (and 20% off if you want to set it on autoship).
Please do consult with the appropriate provider for your situation before purchasing, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
If you're looking for an easy way to get multiple supplements for a reduced rate, Fullscript is a great place to look. You can find some of my favorite products here, and creating an account is super easy.
Fullscript is an online dispensary that I really trust - much more than amazon! If you create an account through this link, you'll receive a lifetime savings of 15% off each order (and 20% off if you want to set it on autoship).
Please do consult with the appropriate provider for your situation before purchasing, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Recommended Reading:
The Nursing Mother's Companion
An excellent reference book for any nursing parent, this book will address most common challenges and is a great resource.
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
If you've watched your friends and family experience challenge after challenge with their breastfeeding, this book can offer a helpful foundation for understanding the instincts the help us succeed, and how we can avoid some of the common pitfalls that nursing parents often face.
If you've watched your friends and family experience challenge after challenge with their breastfeeding, this book can offer a helpful foundation for understanding the instincts the help us succeed, and how we can avoid some of the common pitfalls that nursing parents often face.
The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk
If your milk supply could use a boost, this book is a great resource.
(Please consult a Lactation Consultant if you have any concerns about your milk supply or your baby's ability to transfer milk effectively.)
If your milk supply could use a boost, this book is a great resource.
(Please consult a Lactation Consultant if you have any concerns about your milk supply or your baby's ability to transfer milk effectively.)
Hearthstone Midwifery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as an affiliate program with Euphoric Herbals. I would never refer a client to an item that I didn't fully believe in, and offer these listings in order to better support clients in sorting through the overwhelming abundance of options as they prepare for this next important stage in their lives.
If you have feedback about any item listed here, please let me know!
I am constantly updating these lists based on client experiences, as well as my own,
and would love to hear what you have learned.
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