For soon-to-be moms who plan on breastfeeding, it’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the huge number of breastfeeding products on the market today. Technically, all you really need to breastfeed your baby is, well, breasts! But there are a handful of items out there that truly can make your experience go more smoothly. From a new mommy who’s tried and tested dozens of nursing accessories over the past two months, here’s a list of the keepers:

1. Boppy pillow. This pillow is a lifesaver when trying to hold a floppy newborn in a nursing position for any length of time. It’s comfortable for baby and takes a load off of mom’s back and shoulders.
2. Pre-fold cloth diapers. Cute, colorful “burp cloths” have nothing on these for absorbency. Repurpose and use them to tackle even the worst spit-up and milk leak messes. Don’t be caught without one of these within arm’s reach!
3. Reusable nursing pads. Disposables are okay, but they create a lot of trash and can often be irritating to your skin. It’s better to invest in a few pairs of soft, washable pads like Bamboobies. They’re not only shaped like cute little hearts, but they’re made from anti-microbial organic bamboo and absorbent inner hemp, and they have a waterproof backing.
4. Cooling gel nipple pads. I recommend Lansinoh Soothies or Medela Hydrogel Pads, which stick right on and are an instant relief for sore nipples. You can reuse them several times to protect your skin from rubbing against or sticking to clothing. They can be a little pricey but certainly help get you through that rough first week of nursing.
5. Comfortable bras, and plenty of them. Stay away from underwires during the first few weeks. Support is crucial, but you also need softness and stretch to accommodate for engorgement. It’s likely you’ll have to throw several bras into the hamper a day, so the more you have, the less laundry you’ll have to do!

With these fabulous five nursing necessities, plus great support from your family and an accessible lactation consultant, you will survive the learning curve of breastfeeding. From there, it’s smooth sailing!

- Guest Blogger Alyssa (www.shesmommafied.com)