Breastfeeding, what a wild ride it can be! No matter if you’re just starting out feeding your newborn or a seasoned breastfeeding mum, we can all benefit from some awesome breastfeeding-related products. So here’s our top picks – from an easy to release maternity bra to cooling breast pads and all the pumps and bikkies in between.
Remember we are not born actually knowing how to breastfeed – it really is a skill we learn together with our baby, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to ace it straight away!
Some helpful breastfeeding tips:
- RELAX.
- Find a comfortable place to breastfeed. You could be there for only 20 minutes or you could still be there in an hour – so make sure you’re comfy!
- For large breasted women, you might find it more comfortable to lay down on your side to feed your baby. Bigger breasts weigh a lot, especially when your milk first comes in!
- Keep warm. Keep a light throw rug nearby to keep yourself and bub warm while feeding.
- The latch is important. Pay attention to how your baby latches onto your breast. They should be taking in not just your nipple but also a mouthful of your breast. If it’s just your nipple, it’s going to hurt!
- That said, if your baby has not latched on correctly it does hurt. Slide a clean pinky finger into the corner of their mouth to break the attachment between their gums and your breast and try latching on again.
- Don’t be afraid to ‘hamburger’ press or gently squeeze your breast to make correct attachment a little easier.
- Be careful with what you eat as it passes on to the baby through your milk. It’s always handy to keep a food diary so if your bub does become unsettled, you can trace your dietary steps!
- Don’t ever assume you’re not going to leak breastmilk. Because even THINKING about leaking, is likely going to start the floodwaters.
- Finally, enjoy the process. Even the rockiest of starts can turn into beautiful breastfeeding stories. Seek help from a lactation nurse if you can, they’re AWESOME.
- And if breastfeeding isn’t for you, that’s fine too! Don’t feel guilty or beat yourself up about it. At the end of the day, fed is best!
Feeling confident and ready? Come check out our favourite and best breastfeeding picks below.
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BodyICE Woman Breast Pads
PRICE: $44.95
WHERE TO BUY: BodyICE Woman
There’s plenty of tender moments to be had on your breastfeeding journey between you and your sweet baby, but there are also literally, tender and painful moments that can be encountered along the way. Your milk coming in, blocked ducts, mastitis or engorged breasts just to name a few. BodyICE Woman Breast Pads are PERFECT for those times.
These reusable gel-filled pads are designed to fit comfortably inside your bra and around your nipples. Use them warm as a heat pack or cold as an ice pack to give each breast a reassuring, comforting hug. Just what every mama needs.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 30% OFF with code ‘MUMCENTRAL‘ until 31 December 2021. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.
Lactamo Breast Massager
PRICE: $49.95
WHERE TO BUY: Lactamo
Lactamo is a massage ball specifically designed for breastfeeding. It combines temperature, movement and compression in breast massage – that’s a world first! Breast massage and temperature have the ability to address the common breastfeeding problems – in particular blocked ducts, engorgement, and undersupply… experienced by most breastfeeding mothers. Lactamo has been hailed as a ‘potential game-changer in breastfeeding’ by one of Australia’s leading lactation consultants.
Just launched, following a successful clinical trial, Lactamo is already making ripples, taking out awards left right and centre including Australia’s Best New Business Idea 2020 at TEDxSydney. Heatable, coolable, reusable: use it before, during or after a feed. We’re pretty sure Lactamo will be your new BFF in breastfeeding! You’re welcome!
Zoe Sage 5-in-1 Multi-Use Cover
PRICE: $67
WHERE TO BUY: Zoe Sage
It’s totally OK not to be comfortable about breastfeeding when out and about in public. Often it comes with time and experience, so having something to provide privacy when the need arises is a good plan.
Perfect for retaining some modesty, feeding discreetly or keeping an easily distracted baby focussed on the job, the stretchy, lightweight 5-in-1 Multi-Use Covers from Zoe Sage are a gamechanger. They come in a gorgeous range of designs and colours, are made from certified cotton so are soft, breathable, lightweight and easy to fold away and store. Finally, they also double as a car capsule cover, trolley cover, high chair cover – even an infinity scarf for mama! Now THAT’S clever!
Cake Maternity’s Chantilly Nursing Bralette
PRICE: $59.90
WHERE TO BUY: Cake Maternity
Ladies, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort when buying maternity bras! This wire-free, stretch lace Chantilly Nursing Bralette grows with you through pregnancy and can accommodate a fluctuating bust size with ease (great for those early breastfeeding days!). The stunning plunge neckline, drop-down cups and versatile back will make this bralette a firm favourite. Available in sizes to fit B to F cups, in blush, black and blue.
Not only looking after mamas, but Cake Maternity is also looking after the planet. Aware and conscious of their environmental impact, they approach all aspects of their business holistically to ensure they have as little impact on the planet as possible. From plastic-free shipping to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100Certified materials and accessories, they’re committed to ensuring we make as little impact on our planet as possible. LOVE!
Hey Mama Lactation Protein Smoothies
PRICE: From $19.99
WHERE TO BUY: Hey Mama
The perfect daily guilt-free treat for mums, Hey Mama Lactation Protein Smoothies. They pack a superfood hit, containing plenty of protein and milk-inducing goodness (milk thistle, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast!). Not only do they fill you with amazing nutrition with every glass, they also help increase milk supply for breastfeeding mums. YUM!
Dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free, these smoothies are brilliant for a quick and easy nutritious snack. Simply shake and drink OR you can add it to fruit smoothies, pancake mixes or even stir through yoghurt. Choose from iced coffee, double chocolate, salted caramel or vanilla bean flavours – or try them all. Hey Mama, we’ve got you!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 15% OFF with code ‘MUMCENTRAL15‘ at checkout.
Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump
PRICE: $419.95
WHERE TO BUY: Medela
A double electric breast pump that’s compact, easy to use and will have you pumping MORE milk in LESS time? Yes, please! You get all of this plus more – hello, built-in rechargeable battery which lasts up to SIX pumping sessions – with the Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump!
The new, quiet, Swing Maxi pump allows you to extract milk from both breasts simultaneously to make your pumping twice as fast. PLUS, pumping both sides at the same time is proven to yield up to 18% more milk. Go, mama! The Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump also features 2-Phase Expression technology, mimicking your baby’s natural sucking rhythm, an easy to use 4-button intuitive interface and comfy PersonalFit Flex breast shield – just to name a few! It’s also really easy to clean. #WINNING
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 20% OFF with code ‘MUMCENTRAL20’ at checkout.
Back to Mom’s Natural Connection Nipple Shield
PRICE: $24.99
WHERE TO BUY: Back To Mom
Designed by a breastfeeding mum FOR breastfeeding mums, the Natural Connection Nipple Shield is the helpful hero you need in your breastfeeding journey. NOt only will it assist in establishing great latch and connection PLUS it’ll help to protect sensitive nipples from nipple trauma and teething babies!
This innovative design is different from traditional nipple shields because it allows for direct contact between the baby’s mouth and mum’s nipple – a connection that helps with keeping your milk supply up. Made from the highest quality silicone, the unique skin-like texture makes it easier to switch your baby between the nipple shield and the real-deal nipple with minimal fuss. SWEET!
Boobie Bikkies and Boobie Brekkie
PRICE: from $14.95
WHERE TO BUY: Boobie Foods
Breastfeeding unlocks a whole new level of hunger for mums – and so it should. Breastfeeding burns 500 or more calories a day, so it’s important to fuel your body right and that includes wholesome snacks.
Boobie Bikkies are made from natural and organic ingredients with no preservatives, additives or ‘unhelpful’ foods such as chocolate (which can cause an unsettled baby when passed through your milk). Nothing but goodness! Choose from vanilla, orange and cinnamon or coconut, date and seed flavoured Boobie Bikkies. Individually wrapped, Boobie Bikkies are a sensational snack to keep on hand wherever you go.
Boobie Brekkie Golden Flax with Apple and Cranberry is the ultimate addition to your breakfast routine. Packed with Omega 3 and fibre it makes for a nutritious and delicious brekkie! Eat it with milk, as a yoghurt topper or munch it straight from the box – it’s up to you!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 10% OFF with the code ‘MUMCENTRAL’ at checkout.
Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream
PRICE: $9.94
WHERE TO BUY: Medela
When starting your breastfeeding journey or frequently feeding your baby, your nipples can experience some serious OUCH! Nipple soreness, dry skin and cracks are all common breastfeeding ailments – but relief is here – in the form of Purelan Lanolin Cream!
Purelan is ethically sourced from mulesing-free farms and made from 100% natural, single-ingredient medical-grade lanolin. It provides a rich, protective layer on the skin surface and rehydrates from within. It’s completely safe for your baby, so there’s no need to remove it from your breast before feeding. Not just for nipples, Purelan Lanolin Cream is brilliant for chapped lips, dry hands, cuticles, elbows and cracked heels. It’s a MUST-HAVE for mums!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 20% OFF Medela with code ‘MUMCENTRAL20’ at checkout.
Zoe Sage’s NursElet Nursing Bracelet
PRICE: $27
WHERE TO BUY: Zoe Sage
Say goodbye to a bunched up shirt under your chin or covering your baby’s face with the NursElet Nursing Bracelet! Simply thread it through the neck hole and under the hem of your shirt during breastfeeding or pumping, to give you a clear view of what’s happening down below. No more straining your neck or excessive fabric tangles – the NursElet Nursing Bracelet will be a gamechanger for you!
When feeding is done, wear the NursElet as a bracelet, moving it from your left and right arm to remind you which breast to feed on next. Genius … no more guesswork! With several plain or printed designs to choose from, there’s a NursElet to suit everyone’s personal style too!
Nature Bond’s Ultra-Thin Disposable Nursing Breast Pads
PRICE: $21.99
WHERE TO BUY: NatureBond
Say goodbye to bulky breast pads and hello to the next generation of nursing pads for mums. At less than 1mm in thickness, these disposable breast pads are ultra-thin, feather-light and highly absorbent. NatureBond boasts the “World’s Thinnest Quick Hydro Honey Comb Quilted Lining Patented design“, with each pad absorbing up to 40 x times its weight. #mindblown
They’re also ten per cent larger than average disposable nursing pads, with each breast pad featuring a contoured shape to cup your breast just right. PLUS, every nursing pad comes with two adhesive strips to ensure they stay in place – no creeping up your bra or getting lost in sheets. Brilliant!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 20% OFF NatureBond with code ‘MUMCENTRAL20‘ at checkout.
ParentLove Baby Tracker App
PRICE: Free download with upgrade to Pro features for $14.99 (one-off fee).
WHERE TO BUY: ParentLove
Which side did you feed on last? What time was the first breastfeed of the day? Did the baby have a dream feed or not? There are SO many things to remember when breastfeeding your bub, especially so in the early days when you’re both trying to find your way! Thankfully, there’s an EASY way to keep track of it all, thanks to ParentLove Baby Tracker!
Keep all that vital information in one place (and at your fingertips) thanks to ParentLove’s Baby Tracker app. Designed to give you a deeper understanding of your baby’s overall wellbeing and feeding patterns, the app is customisable to suit your needs. Log feeding times, which breast you fed on last, nappy changes and even how long they’ve slept (or stayed wide-awake) for. The app is FREE for basic essential use however by upgrading to Pro you’ll gain access to loads of cool features to help you now and for years to come.
Cadenshae Casual Breastfeeding Hoodie
PRICE: $89.99
WHERE TO BUY: Cadenshae
A mum’s wardrobe staple, the humble hoodie shouldn’t be underestimated. We LOVE the Cadenshae Breastfeeding Hoodie – it means no more bulky fabric up around your neck when feeding or pumping and no more cold back or tum for mum! Just unzip the super discreet zip and you’re good to feed your bub in comfort!
Available in four colours and sizes XS to 3XL, there’s a style for every day of the week. Made from a cotton stretch blend fabric, there’s just the right amount of stretch in these hoodies to fit nice and fashionably snug – not too baggy, not too fitted, it’s JUST RIGHT.
So there you have it, that’s our roundup of top breastfeeding products to help a feeding mama out! Do you have a must-have breastfeeding item not on this list? We’d love to hear it!
