🥛 Breastfeeding & Pumping Essentials

I didn’t know what I was doing. Honestly, I still don’t totally know what I’m doing. I got caught up in the hype of “doing it all”, breastfeeding exclusively, pumping, storing, cleaning, all while trying to feel like myself again. I was burnt out.

There were days I’d be crouched in the shower with clogged ducts, just trying to massage out the pain. Other times I’d be hunched over a bowl in the bathroom, leaning over warm water, basically naked, milking myself like a feral dairy cow. Not glamorous, but very real. I was desperate to relieve the pressure and just get back to some version of “normal.”

Whether you nurse from the boob, pump because you need a break, or go straight to formula, I see you. We did it all. And this part of motherhood? It’s weird. It’s beautiful. It’s emotionally draining. Hopefully some of these reviews help make it a little easier for you, wherever you’re at.

Milk Catchers & Pumps

✅ Haakaa Silicone Pump

This tiny silicone pump changed my life. Pop it on the other boob while nursing and it catches every drop. No wires, no fuss. Took some trial and error, but once I got the hang of it, it became a daily staple.

✅ Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump

I really didn’t think I’d like this. I was all about the wearable, portable electric pumps in the beginning. But after about 2 months, I realized how fast and easy this little manual one was. It transitions quickly, it’s super intuitive, and honestly, it just gets the job done. It’s efficient and low-fuss, and I’ll 100% be using it again for baby #2.

✅ Milk Storage Bags

We went through these fast. I just poured Haakaa milk straight into them and froze them flat. Easy, efficient, and way cheaper than fancy reusable containers.

Nursing Support

✅ Stretchy Nursing Bras

Don’t overthink it. These are stretchy, comfy, and cheap, perfect for the million boob-outs you’ll be doing. I thought I could make my old bras work. I could not.

I used these basic ones during my first pregnancy and had zero issues. They were easy, no-fuss, and totally did the job. But for baby #2, I’m trying to upgrade a bit.

The Larken Relaxed Nursing Bra is suuuper soft and way more comfortable for everyday wear. If you’re down to spend a little more, they’re worth it. I still have the originals too, both have their place.

✅ Cold/Hot Breast Pads

Engorgement is real, and these were my go-to when things felt too full or sore. I kept them cold most of the time, but they also help if you need to heat things up for letdown.

✅ Nipple Cream

Don’t wait until you’re cracked and crying. Just buy this early. I used it constantly in the beginning, and it made a huge difference.

✅ Nursing Pads – Washable + Disposable

I didn’t realize how insane the leakage would be. A friend gave me my first set of washable nipple pads, and I loved them so much I bought more. They were perfect for sleep, no extra waste, super soft, and held up really well overnight. That said, I didn’t love how they looked under clothes when I had to be on Zoom or leave the house. That’s when I switched to the disposable stick-on kind. Both had their purpose, and either way, it was nice not having milk stains on everything I owned.

❌ Silver Nipple Cups

These are raved about… but not by me. They trapped moisture, irritated my skin, and gave me rashes I definitely didn’t need. Some moms swear by them, but they weren’t for me.

You can find my FULL Amazon Baby Registry List HERE.

*Links above are amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually use and love.

We went with Amazon the first time - fast, simple, and easy to update during those 2 a.m. feedings. This time around, I’m trying Babylist. I've also browsed Target, Walmart, and other baby registry sites along the way. Every mom’s different, so try what works for your life (and your sanity).