Supplies for Feeding & Lactation

Recommended Books & Supplies for 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.

My BrestFriend 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.

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.

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.)

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.)

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.

Non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin
For women 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 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.

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 a couple of adaptors to make it work with your Spectra or Medela pump, but these are easily found on Amazon.)

Medela Starter Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) with 80ml Bottle
For a breastfeeding-friendly method of offering baby pumped or donated breastmilk, or formula, while allowing them to still suck on the finger or breast, this is an excellent option.

Medela Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) with 150ml Bottle & Dual Tubing
For those who plan to use the SNS for breastfeeding, this is a great option. It allows for easy set-up before settling in to feed baby, and holds a larger volume.

Medela Haberman Feeder with 80ml Bottle
This is the only bottle I know of that does not flow until the baby sucks, and allows you to choose how easily it flows to strengthen their sucking skills without frustrating or overwhelming them. If your baby is still working on their suck-swallow-breathe organization and chokes easily on other bottles, then this one may be a great trainer bottle until they can handle a steadier flow from one of the bottles below.

Lansinoh MOmma Bottle
For a breast-like experience and a smoother transition, this is a great option. (If you are exclusively breastfeeding, then I recommend waiting to introduce a bottle until breastfeeding is well established - usually 4-6 weeks.). The 'slow flow' nipples are still very fast 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 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 Bottle
These glass bottles come with the nipples that I like best, though they are a faster flow that you can use later so I'd still recommend buying the slower flow below if you're offering the bottle in the first few months, or if your baby is used to a slow flow. They don't have silicone sleeves, which is a bummer, but clients seem to like them.

Pigeon Nipples (slow flow)
These nipples are my current favorite! They are super breastfeeding-friendly, non-toxic silicone, and fit both the Lansinoh bottle (if you prefer plastic), the Pura Kiki bottle (if you prefer stainless steel), and the Pigeon bottle (if you prefer glass)!

Joovy Glass Bottle
Another good option are the Joovy bottles. They are also very breast-like, and are in many ways the best of all worlds with silicone nipples and glass bottle options. (If you are exclusively breastfeeding, then I recommend waiting to introduce a bottle until breastfeeding is well established - usually 4-6 weeks.). The 'slow flow' nipples are still very fast, and I recommend the size 0 below if you're introducing these before 3 months.

Joovy Nipples (size 0)
If you are loving the Joovy bottles but the flow is still a little fast for your babe, Joovy makes a 'preemie' nipple that flows at a much more newborn-friendly rate.

BabeBay Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer
This is an amazing warmer, with multiple functions and the option to leave a bottle of water warming at all times. A safety feature shuts it off if water level ever gets too low.

BallaBebe Bottle Sterilizer
I LOVE this sterilizer. It holds six bottles plus nipples and other small parts, is super easy to use (just remember to add water!), and best of all, it 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. Love it.

Innobaby Bottle Brush
I am such a fan of this brush. It is silicone so there's no mold or mildew growing on it, you can sterilize it as needed, it holds soap pretty well as you're washing (unlike some other silicone brushes), and the tip is perfect for getting the nipples clean.

For Supporting Milk Supply:

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Euphoric Herbals Galactogogues
If you are looking for nipple salves, thrush treatment or milk supply boosters, Euphoric Herbals seems to have it all! (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.)

Recommended Books & Supplies for Lactation

For General Positioning Support & Comfort:​

For Sore Nipples:

For Pumping & Bottle or Finger Feeding:

For Supporting Milk Supply:

Recommended Reading:

For General Positioning Support & Comfort: