Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding choices you can make, but it can also be challenging. As a momma on a budget I was adamant that I would not buy things that I didn’t NEED. Only the breastfeeding essentials would make it on my list.

Even breastfeeding can rack up cost if you let it. There are dozens upon dozens of products out there geared at breastfeeding, and the advertising knows how to pull on our heart strings. Out of desperation, or lack of knowledge, moms all over the world buy these products like crazy. The majority of them are not needed.

If you’re able to breastfeed your baby (some may not have that option) then it’s not only good for your baby, but for your budget. In my mind you didn’t need anything but a baby and some boobies, but come to find out there are a few things you really do need as a breastfeeding momma. These items can make some of the challenges of breastfeeding much easier which means you’re more likely to keep breastfeeding.

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1. Breast Pump

Even if you’re a stay-at-home-momma, these are nice to have. They not only will help you find relief if and when you get engorged, but they help stimulate milk production for your little one, and it’s always nice to have a little stash of milk for whenever you’re away from your baby. I’ve personally tried a few of the different brands with my favorite being the Spectra . There are quite a few models, but the they all have the same high quality suction that does not cause discomfort like some other pumps.

Also, most insurances cover breast pumps. Check with yours to see which brand and models are covered.

2. Extra Pump Parts

Certain pump parts need to be replaced over time and others can get lost or broken. The worst feeling ever is going to pump only to find that you are missing one, tiny little piece. Talk about panic in a momma at work with swollen boobies! It’s good to always keep a backup set of extra parts just in case of events like this. They’re not very expensive and can be a lifesaver.

Also, make sure you have the correct flange size for your pump. If you feel like you’re not pumping efficiently or if you’re having pain while you pump this may be why.

3. Milk Storage Bags

Proper milk storage is a must and whether you’re popping the bags in the fridge or the freezer for later use, you want to know there will be no spills and the milk is sealed properly. Both the Madela and Lansinoh brand do a wonderful job with this. The madela brand do connect directly to the Madela pump eliminating the need to dirty a bottle, but be cautious because they can fall off or spill easily. I prefer the Lansinoh brand for the price and how well they seal.

Many moms use a system called the Kiinde Twist. If you’re looking for convenience they say this is the best system out there. You pump, freeze, warm, and feed the baby all with the same bag. The bags insert in to their special bottle system making them a system even dads can’t mess up!

*For those extra frugal moms: try freezing your milk in ice cube trays then storing them in freezer storage bags to keep it fresh. For the average tray, each cube is about an ounce.

4. Breast Pads

I’m sorry if I’m the first one telling you this, but your boobies are going to leak. The amount ranges from person to person, but you don’t want to be caught with milk stain rings on your clothes. I once walked around with stickers on my scrubs to cover the areas. Luckily, I worked in peds, but you can bet I wasn’t caught without breast pads after that day.

If you don’t like the idea of buying disposable breast pads, I know I can add up, these Bamboobies reusable breast pads are washable, durable and a one time purchase. They even have the overnight ones. Yes, you leak more at night. Don’t worry it improves the longer you nurse.

**In case of emergency: feminine pads cut down to size are just as effective. Yep, we’ve all run out of breast pads at some point and paper towels just don’t cut it…*

5. Nipple Balm

I’m also sorry if I’m the first to tell you this, but breastfeeding can hurt a bit. In the beginning it is likely for your nipples to get sore, red and even cracked. They will get better the longer you breastfeed, but an in the mean time nipple balm will be your best friend. Apply as often as possible.

*Frugal mommas: if you or your baby are sensitive try organic coconut oil. I swear that stuff works for everything!

6. Cooling Pads

In the beginning your breasts may get engorged and sometimes uncomfortable. Cold can help relieve some of the engorgement while hot can relieve mastitis or a clogged duct. The Lansinoh Breast Therapy does both and is a reusable pack that you can put in the freezer or the microwave.

You can easily use an ice pack or heating pad, but these pads fit perfectly around the breast and can slip in to your nursing bra.

*Frugal mommas: Try these DIY breast cooling and heating pads. 100% honesty, a bit too much work for this momma, but maybe if I had done it BEFORE baby had come they would be worth it.

7. Breastfeeding Bra

Though you can get creative, and you will as babes gets older, you need at least 2 quality nursing bras in the beginning. They just make life so much easier and a quality bra will last which you need since you’ll be washing these so frequently. Why two? For that same reason. In the early days babes will nurse A LOT and nothing makes you feel yuckier than having to put on the same milky nursing bra from the day before. So do yourself a favor and just splurge for 2 in the beginning. By a year in to breastfeeding you won’t care if you’re wearing a nursing bra, a sports bra, or a push up, you’ll make it work. Which is why I only suggest 2. No need to spend extra money!

If you don’t feel like spending the premium price for a good nursing bra (I get it), you should still have a few bras designed specifically for nursing. These are also comfortable nursing bras that won’t break the bank at 3 for $30 and you can wash, wear and even dispose of them if things get too crazy. Another option is to get professionally fitted and then order your bras from Amazon for much much cheaper. That way you don’t compromise fit and quality. Don’t try to guess your size. We’re never the size we think we are when it comes to bras.

8. Nursing Outfits

This doesn’t have to mean clothing made specifically for nursing. Though I did find that I LIVED in my nursing tanks for the first 3 weeks after babes was born. You just want clothing that makes breastfeeding easily accessible such as sundresses, the double tank method, and loose fitting tops.

You might have some clothes in your closet that will work for this, but some of us are in an odd size post baby where pregnancy clothes are too big and pre-pregnancy clothes are just too small. Buy yourself a few booby accessible outfits to get you started. You won’t regret not having to fight with your clothes when babes needs to be fed.

9. Breastfeeding Cover

Whether you choose to cover up or not is 100% your choice. In the beginning while you’re trying to get the coordination of feeding babes down without sitting with your nipple out for minutes on end, it can be nice to have a little cover to help you. Plus this 4-in-1 cover doubles as a carrier cover, a blankie and a shirt for mom! Budget win!

*Frugal mommas: Do you already have a large scarf or shawl? These items can double as nursing covers!

10. Water Bottle

Oh the thirst!!! I have never been so thirsty in my life as when I’m breastfeeding. Do yourself a favor and invest in a large water bottle. Keep it full and close to you at all time. Not only does it help with that insatiable thirst, but it will keep your milk supply up.

This water bottle from GO Active is stainless steel, insulated, and has a convenient straw and one hand access. Trust me, convenience is everything when you’re a momma.

11. Snacks

Second only to the insatiable thirst is your appetite while you’re breastfeeding. Keep some sort of snack close by at all times. It’s ok, we’re all ALWAYS hungry. Keep yourself from getting hangry by planning ahead. Something simple like a protein bar, nuts, or a cheese stick is ideal.

12. Cooler

If you’re planning on pumping at work or anywhere away from home this is a must. Nothing large or fancy, just something that can hold your clean parts and milk.

I found the one below on Amazon for less than $15. If you have one at home though, use it!

13. Carrier Bag

My original view, being on a budget at the time, was that you don’t need a specific breast pump bag, and 14 months in I still have not purchased one. HOWEVER, I will say that is one regret that I have. I have tried various totes, purses and bags that I owned and none have been functional enough to make carrying my breast pump and accessories a comfortable experience. I’m still pretty envious of my friends sporting the Sarah Wells Lizzy Breast Pump Bag, but would never splurge quite that much on a bag I may only use for a limited time. There are a lot more affordable bags though. One of my favorites is the Bananafish Charlotte Breast Pump Bag which fits most breast pumps and has plenty of room for accessories as well as diaper bag or personal items. All pumps are different shapes and sizes (check out this new Spectra. Where was that when I was ordering mine?!) so it’s important to find a bag that fits your needs.

Everyone and every baby is different, so you may find there are other things you may like for your breastfeeding journey. Though I would love to say that all you need is your breast and your baby, no matter how frugal you are you will come to find that some items are necessities.

Some other items you might find useful but are not considered essentials.

Extra Milk Collector.

This item almost, ALMOST made my must have list. A breast milk collector is different from a breast pump. This is a little device that you use while you’re nursing your babes. You attach the device to the other breast and it catches that spontaneous letdown thereby saving precious milk. Moms have reported collecting 1-4 ounces of milk in theirs! There are a few options. The one I heard absolute rave reviews about, and even bought one for my sister in law, was the Haakaa. This little silicone buddy just suction cups right to your breast and creates the tiniest amount of suction to save the milkies. There are other products available such as the Lacti-Cups which appear to be a bit more flush to your breast and claim you can wear them under your clothing “unnoticed”. I will give it to them that they appear more streamline, but I can’t vouge for them as I have never used them personally.

Both are washable and reusable and save you that extra bit of milk that baby needs. I never took the plunge and bought my own. It may have saved me a little hassle, but they are definitely not a NECESSARY item.

A breastfeeding pillow.

I tried both the Brest Friend as well as the Boppy. Though they were both decently comfortable, I found them bulky for use outside the home, and at home a firm pillow worked just fine.

Nipple Shields.

These can be helpful for a few reasons. If you have inverted nipples it provides the baby a better way to latch, and if you have sore, cracked nipples it provides some protection for you. They’re reusable and do come in multiple sizes.

Breastfeeding Reminder Clips.

These are little clips you attach to your bra and they remind you which breast the baby fed from last. In the early days of breastfeeding your mind will be a little sluggish and it’s nice to have a reminder. Personally, I used a hair tie on my wrist instead of purchasing the clips and swapped it with each feeding to remind me which breast babes used last.

Silicone Pads.

These pads are intended to help heal the nipple when it is dry, cracked or bleeding. They are reusable up to 4 uses and stick directly to your skin. They help shield the nipple from the irritation of your bra or shirt. Even though I was dangerously close to buying these, I found that extra nipple balm and my nursing pads worked well to prevent further irritation. Although not proven to decrease healing time like the silicone pads, they simply weren’t an item I was willing to pay for.

What are your breastfeeding essentials? Which items can you just not live without and which do you think are a waste of money? Comment below!

Breastfeeding can be challenging, but thankfully many items have been created to make the process easier and more comfortable for both mom and baby. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding reach out to your local lactation consultants or even friends and family. There is so much to learn when you are first starting out and so many things that are just impossible to know if you haven’t experienced them before. Keep up the strong work mommas!

Want more helpful tips or just a little mommy motivation? Check out these other posts from Living Life Loving Us.

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Breastfeeding Essentials – A Budgeter’s View