Thank you Colson & Joe for sending me a box to review. All opinions are my own.
Breastfeeding has been quite the journey these past four months. There have been days I’ve absolutely loved it, days I’ve thought about quitting, and everything in between. It took a lot of effort and will power to continue breastfeeding. Right from the get-go we had latch problems, cracked nipples, clogged ducts, and a really hard time coping after just giving birth. I’ve made a list of essentials that I feel like every breastfeeding mama needs in her back pocket.
Here are my top five breastfeeding essentials:
1. A great support system // I think this is my number one tip. If breastfeeding is something YOU want to do then make sure the people around you know that and can encourage you on your bad days. There have been many sleep deprived, painful days that I’ve texted my sister that I thought about quitting, she knew how important it was to me to keep going and was a huge encouragement to me in the beginning. Side note: we had to supplement with formula in the beginning due to jaundice – so I am in nooo way against formula feeding, It was just a personal goal for me to at least make it to two months. Education is knowledge, whether that comes from an experienced mama, a lactation consultant, or even a mom group. Not all mom community groups are bad, I have learned SO much about breastfeeding through them.
2. A good pump // You may not realize that you need a pump right away if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding those first few weeks, but a few days after being home from the hospital I had severe engorgement and clogged ducts that was SO painful. At the time Nathan still wasn’t latching properly so I used my pump to get rid of them both. Let’s just say I was extremely thankful to have it. Now Nathan is able to get rid of pretty much any issue I’ve had since, but I still use my pump to have milk for whenever I need to leave him. I have the Spectra S2 and love it!
3. Colson & Joe breastfeeding box // this falls under my treat yo self category. I had never heard of a breastfeeding box until I heard of Colson & Joe, and immediately was excited. I’ve seen monthly subscription boxes for pretty much everything (shaving, beauty, pregnancy, snacks, etc) you name it and there’s probably a monthly box for it, so why not breastfeeding? This is a monthly subscription box that gets delivered right to your door filled with items for you and your little one. Included in mine this month were snacks, supplements, creams, and other fun goodies. I love that it feels like encouragement in a box. The products help with lactation and making things easier on the mama which is so important for success. I think this is a fun way to have something to look forward to, and also to try out new things. I’ve already fallen in love with the lactation cookies that were in my box. You can use code – VIVIAN20 for 20% off your first box! P.S – go check out their mission statement, this is an awesome company!
4. A “breastfeeding station” // especially in the beginning weeks you need everything within arms reach. There were so many times I needed a snack, or a breast pad and couldn’t move because I had a sleeping baby on me. Thankfully my sister made me a very sweet breastfeeding station box for my nightstand filled with snacks. I ended up putting nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, and other little essentials in this box and it helped me so much! Plus, this would be an awesome gift to welcome a new mama home with!
5. An open mind // I knew going into this whole thing that I would do my best to try and breastfeed and if it didn’t work out then I would be okay with that. Everyone has their own journey, and I truly believe that it has to work for you and your little one and if it doesn’t then that’s okay!! Pretty much with motherhood in general you have to keep an open mind and go for a new route when things don’t work out like you’d hoped for, I can say that for many things so far!
Here are things that I’ve been using that have been essential to my breastfeeding journey. (contains affiliate links):
