Explore our curated tools for new parents. I have resources for Mom and Dad to prepare and for their well-being after the baby arrives. Use this guide to support your transition and ensure your whole family thrives together.
Breastfeeding, pumping, and resources for Mom and Dad
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Breastfeeding Favorites
Wrist Splint
Breastfeeding Pillow
Nipple Care
CaboCréme
Breastfeeding Stool
Don't overlook the breastfeeding stool! Elevating your legs aligns baby's mouth with your nipple for a comfortable, deep latch—and helps prevent sore nipples and back pain.
For mothers who do not plan on breastfeeding and wish to dry up their milk supply, Cabocreme's Regular and Extra Strength products helps reduce milk production and ease the discomfort associated with weaning.
Together, these products offer comprehensive support for transitioning away from breastfeeding or stopping breastmilk production.
Lanolin might be the go-to recommendation, but here's the thing: it doesn't actually promote healing—it just creates a moisture barrier. Plus, it's a wool byproduct, and I've worked with many moms who didn't realize they had a wool sensitivity until they developed itchy, rashy nipples. For real relief that supports healing, try Medihoney (medical-grade honey), Healing Nipple Butter, Earth Mama Organics Nipple Butter (vegan version available here) or, Wish Garden Nursing Balm. Pair any of these with Silverettes or Rapid Relief Hydrogels for maximum comfort and recovery.
Breastfeeding pillows are indispensable for nursing mothers, providing crucial support to the back, neck, spine, and arms. They are among the top essentials for successful breastfeeding. The main purpose of these pillows is to position your baby close to your body and breasts, ensuring a proper latch and enhancing your comfort.
They are especially beneficial for mothers recovering from a C-section, as they shield the incision site and prevent direct pressure, aiding in faster healing. Some highly recommended options include Clutch Pillow, Twin Z Pillow (for twins or singletons), and My Brest Friend (singletons, twins and plus size option).
"Mommy’s wrist" or "mommy’s thumb" is officially known as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a type of tendonitis in the wrist common among pregnant women, caregivers of young children and breastfeeding.
To alleviate this, you need a splint that supports and immobilizes both the thumb and wrist (thumb spica splint). My favorites are the Armstrong Thumb Spica Splint and the 3pp Ez Fit Thumb Spica Splint.
To check if you have "mommy’s wrist," perform the Finkelstein’s Test. Here’s a link to a YouTube video showing how to do it.
Night Light
Nursing Cover
Breastfeeding Cart
Tracking Apps
Nursing Pads
For a sustainable and soft option, KeaBabies Reusable Pads are perfect for eco-conscious comfort, while Lansinoh Disposables offer the ultimate convenience for life on the go. However, please be realistic about your laundry capacity—if you don't think you can keep up with washing the reusables, stick with disposables to ensure you always have a fresh, dry pad to prevent yeast infections.
Tracking your baby’s feedings and diaper changes is essential, especially when "mom brain" makes it hard to remember the details your pediatrician needs. While notebooks work, mobile apps are far more convenient for logging on the go and sharing data with family members.
To keep everything organized and accurate, I recommend using Huckleberry, Baby Connect, Nara Baby, or Baby Tracker.
A breastfeeding cart keeps all your nursing essentials organized and easily accessible, making feeding sessions smoother and more comfortable. It allows you to have everything you need, like burp cloths, nipple cream, and snacks, within arm's reach.
A dedicated cart can also be moved around the house, providing flexibility to nurse wherever you are.
Check out this video and this video to learn how to set up your breastfeeding cart efficiently.
I believe every mom should feel at ease breastfeeding wherever they are. If using a cover makes you feel more confident nursing in public, then it's worth having one!
You shouldn't feel the need to hurry home, hide in a room or bathroom, or resort to pumping every time you're out and your baby needs to eat. I recommend nursing covers from Milk Snob, Bébé au Lait, and Itzy Ritzy -- and 2/3 are multipurpose. Win Win!
Babies are stimulated at night with all the bright lights and turning on all the bedroom lights disrupts not only you and the baby, but your partner too. It's best to have an adjustable portable light by your bedside or wherever your feeding to keep things calm and low lit while still being able to see what you're doing. This is also super helpful for diaper changes!
There's so many options but the Jolywell Light is one that a lot of families us
Night Light
Nursing Cover
Breastfeeding Cart
Tracking Apps
Nursing Pads
Babies are stimulated at night with all the bright lights and turning on all the bedroom lights disrupts not only you and the baby, but your partner too. It's best to have an adjustable portable light by your bedside or wherever your feeding to keep things calm and low lit while still being able to see what you're doing. This is also super helpful for diaper changes!
There's so many options but the Jolywell Light is one that a lot of families us
Night Light
Babies are stimulated at night with all the bright lights and turning on all the bedroom lights disrupts not only you and the baby, but your partner too. It's best to have an adjustable portable light by your bedside or wherever your feeding to keep things calm and low lit while still being able to see what you're doing. This is also super helpful for diaper changes!
There's so many options but the Jolywell Light is one that a lot of families us
Night Light
Babies are stimulated at night with all the bright lights and turning on all the bedroom lights disrupts not only you and the baby, but your partner too. It's best to have an adjustable portable light by your bedside or wherever your feeding to keep things calm and low lit while still being able to see what you're doing. This is also super helpful for diaper changes!
There's so many options but the Jolywell Light is one that a lot of families us
Breastmilk Storage Bags + Bottles
Once you’ve finished pumping, proper storage of your breastmilk is essential.
These bags are convenient for saving larger quantities for future use or emergencies and make it easy to donate any extra milk. Breast milk storage bags are a must-have for any breastfeeding mom. Some great options include Medela Pump Bags, Lansinoh Storage Bags, Nuliie Silicone Bags, Motif Bags, Breastmilk Storage Container, Freeze Flat Breast Milk Storage Bag, Momcozy Storage Collection Bottle
My other favorite storage bottles are the ones that come with your pump! Just buy extras on Amazon.
Lactaction Consultant
A lactation consultant can significantly improve your breastfeeding journey if you're facing challenges. If you have serious issues, schedule a visit with a local IBCLC. They can either see you in their office or come to your home for a personalized consultation.
Major Tip: See a lactation consultant at 36 weeks! It's important to address any potential issues before the baby arrives. Breastfeeding is a skill that requires practice, and early guidance can help you feel more confident. With an IBCLC's help, you may also be able to start expressing milk early to boost your supply levels.
Click here to see my favorite LC's and click here to see my favorite BIPOC LC's
Great Traditional Pumps
Symphony Plus
Pumpables Super Genie
Motif Luna
Spectra Gold
Spectra S1
Traditional Pumps
Traditional Pumps
Vacuum Strength
Cycle Speed (CPM)
Suction Speed
Levels of Expression
Levels of Stimulation Mode
Price
270
Comments
270
280
330
250
38-54
38-74
26-42
40-104
40-120
adjustable
Adjustbable
adjustable
fast
ADjustable
12
15
12
16
16
12
15
12
16
16
$225.99
$279.99
$229.00
$229.00
$1,995.95
THE BEST PUMP FOR THE MAJORITY OF PARENTS, Rechargable
HAS A DUAL MOTOR TO ADJUST PUMPING SPEEDS/SUCTIONS IINDIVIDUALLY
good sUCTION, BACKLIT DISPLAY, QUIET
LIGHTWEIGHT, APP, RECHARGABLE, *SKIP THE LIQUID FLANGES IT COMES WITH AND USE SPECTRA/MAYMOM FLANGES INSTEAD*
RENT AT YOUR HOSPITAL OR LOCAL IBCLC, GREAT FOR PARENTS SENSITIVE TO STRONG SUCTIONS
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
270
38-54
ADJUSTABLE
12
12
$225.99
THE BEST PUMP FOR THE MAJORITY OF PARENTS, Rechargable
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
270
38-74
ADJUSTABLE
15
15
$279.99
HAS A DUAL MOTOR TO ADJUST PUMPING SPEEDS/SUCTIONS IINDIVIDUALLY
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
280
26-42
adjustable
12
12
$229.00
STRONG SUCTION, BACKLIT DISPLAY, QUIET
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
330
40-104
fast
16
16
$229.00
LIGHTWEIGHT, APP, RECHARGABLE, *SKIP THE LIQUID FLANGES IT COMES WITH AND USE SPECTRA/MAYMOM FLANGES INSTEAD*
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
250
40-120
adjustable
16
16
$1995.95
RENT AT YOUR HOSPITAL OR LOCAL IBCLC, GREAT FOR PARENTS SENSITIVE TO STRONG SUCTIONS
Great Portable Pumps
Ardo Allysa Double Plus
Medela Harmony Manual Breastpump
Spectra Gold Portable
Pumpables Genie Advanced
Baby Buddha 2.0
Traditional Pumps
Traditional Pumps
Vacuum Strength
Cycle Speed (CPM)
Suction Speed
Levels of Expression
Levels of Stimulation Mode
Price
315
Comments
330
270
280
250
not adjustable
23-70
not adjustable
x
72-107
very fast
fast
very slow
Slightly adjustable
ADjustable
9
10
12
x
8
6
10
5
x
8
$172.00
$150.00
$299.99
$18.79
$199.00
one of my fav Compacts, very strong, lanyard design
i love this one too! but ditch the flanges it comes with (i don't usually recommend silicone flanges)
Another great one, you cant adjust cycle speed but the suction is very comfortable, portable, has a light
This is great no-fuss manual pump that you should keep in the car! great for the on go.
This is a pretty good portable pump option if its the only pump available for insurance. Do not like the flange kit it comes with. Buy the maymom flange shields instead
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
315
not adjustable
very fast
9
6
$172.00
one of my fav Compacts, very strong, lanyard design
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
330
23-70
fast
10
10
$150.00
i love this one too! but ditch the flanges it comes with (i don't usually recommend silicone flanges)
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
270
not adjustable
very slow
12
5
$299.00
Another great one, you cant adjust cycle speed but the suction is very comfortable, portable, has a light
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
280
x
slightly Adjustable
x
x
$18.79
This is great no-fuss manual pump that you should keep in the car! great for the on go.
VACUUM STRENGTH
CYCLE SPEED (CPM)
SUCTION SPEED
LEVELS OF EXPRESSION
LEVELS OF STIMULATION MODE
PRICE
COMMENTS
250
72-107
adjustable
8
8
$1995.00
This is a pretty good portable pump option if its the only pump available for insurance. Do not like the flange kit it comes with. Buy the maymom flange shields instead
Great wearable Pumps
Zomee Fit
Lacevo S70
Willow Go
Eufy S1 Pro
Eufy S2 Pro
Traditional Pumps
Traditional Pumps
Vacuum Strength
Volume
Battery Life
Levels of Speed
Suction Levels
Price
300
Comments
300
295
280
260
46 db
46 db
52 db
45 db
46 db
6 days
5 days
3 pump sessions
4-6 pump sessions
3-5 pump sessions
3
3
15
x
9
10
7
6
12
9
$379.99
$349.99
$262.49
$349.99
$189.99
This is new with great reviews from LC's, 360 view, heat, Massage, great suction, Chargeable Case, Holds 5 oz
i love this one too! Heat, Quiet, Chargeable case, holds 5 oz
Another great option, App connected, Spill Proof, holds 5-7oz
App COntrolled, Top Mounted LCD Screen, Comes with a variety of flanges, another great option, holds 6 oz
Great option, holds 6 oz, top mounted screen, Nipple correction mode supports moms with flat or inverted nipples
VACUUM STRENGTH
VOLUME
BATTERY LIFE
LEVELS OF SPEED
SUCTION LEVELS
PRICE
COMMENTS
300
46 db
6 days
3
10
$379.99
This is new with great reviews from LC's, 360 view, heat, Massage, great suction, Chargeable Case, Holds 5 oz
VACUUM STRENGTH
VOLUME
BATTERY LIFE
LEVELS OF SPEED
SUCTION LEVELS
PRICE
COMMENTS
300
46 db
5 days
3
7
$349.99
i love this one too! Heat, Quiet, Chargeable case, holds 5 oz
VACUUM STRENGTH
VOLUME
BATTERY LIFE
LEVELS OF SPEED
SUCTION LEVELS
PRICE
COMMENTS
295
52 BD
3 PUMP SESSIONS
15
6
$262.49
Another great option, App connected, Spill Proof, holds 5-7oz
VACUUM STRENGTH
VOLUME
BATTERY LIFE
LEVELS OF SPEED
SUCTION LEVELS
PRICE
COMMENTS
280
45 DB
4-6 PUMP SESSIONS
X
12
$349.99
App COntrolled, Top Mounted LCD Screen, Comes with a variety of flanges, another great option, holds 6 oz
VACUUM STRENGTH
VOLUME
BATTERY LIFE
LEVELS OF SPEED
SUCTION LEVELS
PRICE
COMMENTS
260
46 DB
3-5 PUMP SESSIONS
9
9
$189.99
Great option, holds 6 oz, top mounted screen, Nipple correction mode supports moms with flat or inverted nipples
food delivery
Cooking is the last thing on your mind in those early postpartum weeks. Restorative Roots was born from a personal realization that cold salads and random casseroles often leave new mothers feeling depleted and sluggish.
Inspired by the principles of The First Forty Days, this service focuses on the deep, warming nourishment your body actually needs. By prioritizing nutrient-dense soups and stews, the difference is immediate—better energy, happy digestion, and a smoother recovery. Restorative Roots delivers that same postpartum magic straight to your door with meals designed to make you feel as good as you deserve to feel.
Use coupon code BRIANA for $20 off your first order of $200+
Sometimes the greatest support is simply having a nourishing, homemade meal arrive at your door. Since 2015, Kitchen Doula has supported thousands of families through the recovery and beautiful chaos of postpartum life.
Every meal is crafted with high-quality ingredients and the belief that soul-soothing comfort is just as important as nutrition. By providing warm, ready-to-eat meals you didn't have to prepare yourself, Kitchen Doula ensures your body and soul stay fed while you focus on your new baby.
Use code BRIANA15 at Kitchen Doula for 15% off your order
books
Breastfeeding Books I Love!
top picks for breastfeeding wisdom and support
Postpartum Books I Love!
If you're looking for a new Postpartum book, say less!
