10 Breastfeeding Essentials Every New Mom Needs

1. Nursing Bras

Trust me, you’ll want easy access — especially during those middle-of-the-night feedings. Nursing bras are designed for quick, one-handed openings so you can feed your baby without the struggle. Look for soft, wire-free options that still give support (especially if you’re leaking or engorged!).

Mom Tip: Keep at least 2–3 nursing bras in rotation — one for wearing, one for washing, and a backup.

Shop GXXGE 4Pack Nursing Bra for Breastfeeding on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Nursing Bras for Breastfeeding on Amazon

Shop Suekaphin 5PACK Nursing Bra on Amazon

Shop HBselect 5 Pack Nursing Bras on Amazon

2. Nursing Pads

Leaks happen — and they’re more common than you’d think. Nursing pads slip right into your bra and protect your clothing from embarrassing (and uncomfortable) wet spots. You can go with disposable ones for convenience or reusable pads for an eco-friendly option.

Disposable

Shop Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Ultra-Thin Disposable Nursing Pads on Amazon

Shop Frida Mom Nursing Pads on Amazon

Shop Medela Ultra-Breathable Nursing Pads on Amazon

Reusable

Shop Organic (14) Washable Viscose Derived from Bamboo Breastfeeding Pads on Amazon

Shop Kindred Bravely Organic Reusable Nursing Pads on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Reusable Nursing Pads on Amazon

3. Nipple Cream

The early weeks of breastfeeding can leave your nipples feeling sore, cracked, or even raw. A good nipple cream (like Lansinoh Lanolin) helps soothe and heal irritated skin. Bonus: most of them are safe for baby, so you don’t have to wash them off before feeding.

Shop Organic Nipple Butter for Breastfeeding on Amazon

Shop Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream on Amazon

Shop Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream on Amazon

Shop Motherlove Nipple Cream on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Nipple Cream on Amazon

Shop Tiny Human Supply Co Organic Nipple Cream on Amazon

4. Pump Wipes

If you’re pumping on the go — like at work or in the car — pump wipes are a lifesaver. They’re designed to clean pump parts when you don’t have access to a sink. Just wipe down, store, and go. Quick and clean.

Shop Momcozy Natural Breast Pump Wipes on Amazon

Shop Breast Pump Wipes by Dapple Baby on Amazon

Shop Medela Quick Clean Breast Pump and Accessory Wipes on Amazon

5. Electric or Manual Breast Pump

Whether you’re building a stash, going back to work, or just want a break (yes, that’s allowed!), a reliable breast pump is essential. ( I recommend 1 electric pump, 1 medical grade pump, and however many manual pumps you'd like.)

• Electric pumps are efficient for daily or exclusive pumping.

• Manual pumps are great for on-the-go or occasional use.

Check with your insurance — many will cover the cost of a breast pump!

Electric Pumps

Momcozy S9 Pro Upgraded Wearable Breast Pump on Amazon

Shop Momcozy M5 Hands-Free Wearable Breast Pump on Amazon

Shop Momcozy M9 Breast Pump Hands Free Upgraded Mobile Flow on Amazon

Shop Medela Swing Maxi Hands-Free Breast Pump on Amazon

Shop Willow 360 - Wearable Breastfeeding Pump on Amazon

Shop Motif Medical Luna Double Electric Breast Pump on Amazon

Manual Pumps

Shop Haakaa Manual Breast Pump on Amazon

Shop Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump on Amazon

Shop Medela Manual Breast Pump on Amazon

Shop Frida Mom 2-in-1 Manual Breast Pump on Amazon

6. Breast Massagers

These are seriously underrated! Breast massagers help with:

• Stimulating letdown during pumping

• Breaking up clogged ducts

• Relieving engorgement or tenderness

• Improving milk flow and emptying the breast fully

Many are handheld, waterproof, and rechargeable, making them easy to use during a pump session or warm shower. They’re a game-changer for moms struggling with low output, pain, or frequent clogs.

Shop Momcozy Warming Lactation Massager on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Rolling Lactation Massager with Heat on Amazon

Shop LaVie Lactation Massager on Amazon

Shop LaVie 2-in-1 Warming Lactation Massager on Amazon

Shop Frida Mom 2-in-1 Lactation Massager on Amazon

7. Portable Heaters

Warming breast milk on the go is no longer a hassle thanks to portable bottle warmers. These devices heat milk to the perfect temperature without boiling water or microwaves — ideal for travel, errands, or night feedings.

Shop Momcozy Portable Milk Warmer (electric) on Amazon

Shop BOLOLO Portable Bottle Warmer (electric) on Amazon

Shop Tommee Tippee Travel Bottle Warmer on Amazon

8. Lactation Snacks & Drinks

Many moms turn to lactation snacks, teas, or even supplements to help boost milk supply. While they’re not magic, ingredients like oats, flaxseed, coconut, and brewer’s yeast may help — and at the very least, they taste good and keep your energy up.

• Lactation cookies or bars

• Mother’s Milk Tea

• Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies

• Any Oatmeal

• Body Armor Drinks (any drink with coconut water)

• Chamomile Tea

9. Nursing Pillows

Feeding a baby every 2–3 hours can take a toll on your arms, shoulders, and back. A nursing pillow helps prop up baby and gives you better posture while feeding. It’s beneficial during those long cluster-feeding sessions.

Shop Momcozy Original Nursing Pillow on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Exclusive Memory Foam Nursing Pillow on Amazon

Shop Boppy Original Nursing Pillow on Amazon

10. Breast Milk Storage Bottles/Jars/Bags

If you’re pumping, you’ll need a way to store that liquid gold. Breast milk storage bags are designed to hold and freeze milk safely. Make sure to label them with the date and amount — you’ll thank yourself later when your freezer stash starts growing.

Once you start pumping, you’ll need a safe and sanitary way to store your milk. There are a few great options depending on your needs:

• Storage Bags – Pre-sterilized and perfect for freezing milk flat to save space. Label each bag with date and time.

• Storage Bottles – Attach directly to pumps, ideal for storing in the fridge or feeding directly.

• Glass Jars – Non-toxic and reusable, these are great for eco-conscious moms who want to avoid plastic.

Storage Bottles

Shop Momcozy 10oz Wide-Neck Breast Milk Containers on Amazon

Shop Medela Breast Milk Collection and Storage Bottles (5oz) on Amazon

Shop Dr. Brown's Breast Milk Collection Bottles with Storage Caps on Amazon

Shop Medela Breastmilk Collection Storage Bottles (8oz) on Amazon

Shop Evenflo Advanced Breast Milk Collection Bottles on Amazon

Shop Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Cups And Lids on Amazon

Shop Nenesupply Wide Neck Mouth Breastmilk Storage Bottles on Amazon

Freezer Bags

Shop Momcozy Breastmilk Storing Bags (temp-sensing) on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Easy Pour Breastmilk Storage Bags (8oz) (temp-sensing) on Amazon

Shop Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags on Amazon

Shop Motif Medical Breastmilk Storage Bags on Amazon

Shop Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags on Amazon

Shop Philips AVENT Breast Milk Storage Bags on Amazon

Jars

Shop Wide Mouth Mason Jars on Amazon

Shop Momcozy Breastmilk Pitcher on Amazon

Shop County Line Kitchen Glass Breastmilk Pitcher on Amazon (this one has a mixer attachment)

Final Thoughts

Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different — and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But having these breastfeeding essentials on hand can make your experience smoother, more comfortable, and less stressful.

Whether you’re nursing at home or pumping on the go, you’ve got this, Mama.

(This is milk from my very first pump in 2022!)

(This post contains affiliate links. There are also a bunch of other products I recommend on here based on reviews.)