Planning to Breastfeed? Here’s What to Register For

If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll need some supplies—maybe more than you anticipated! Luckily, you can register for the basics now and then add whatever works the best for you and your baby.

1. Breast pump
Whether you’re going back to work, plan on pumping exclusively, or just want to be able to store some milk for later, a good pump makes it easier to reach those goals. Medela’s Freestyle Hands-Free Double Electric Breast Pump comes with everything you need, plus a discreet black tote bag if you’re carrying it all to work and back. The pump can run on electricity or a rechargeable battery pack, and the cooler bag and ice pack are designed to let you keep six bottles of pumped milk cool until you can get them home.

2. Extra bottles and storage bags
You’ll pump right into bottles, which can be stored in the fridge or the freezer until you need them. The Medela Breast Milk Bottle Set has three 5-ounce bottles with storage caps, plus screw-on nipple caps. You can also pump directly into the Medela Pump & Save Breast Milk Storage Bags, or pour milk into the bags from the bottles—some moms find bags are easier to store in the freezer than bottles.

3. Sterilizing bags and wipes
Having a breast pump means a lot of cleaning, from the breast shields to the bottles. Medela’s Quick Clean Micro-Steam Sterilizing Bags let you sterilize breast pump parts and accessories, plus bottles and nipples, with a quick trip through the microwave. Each bag can be reused up to 20 times. You might also want to register for some Medela Quick Clean Breast Pump & Accessory Wipes to wipe down your pump between more thorough cleanings.  

4. Support pillow
A Boppy Pillow is perfect for holding your baby close to you as you nurse, without your arm falling asleep from supporting his head. It comes in handy while lounging and during tummy time too! Having an extra slipcover or two is a smart idea, so you can (try to) always have a clean one.

5. Breast therapy
Feeding your baby is so rewarding, but it’s usually not without a little pain at first, while you’re still getting the hang of it and your nipples are getting used to their new job. Lansinoh’s Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy gel packs can provide cooling relief against swelling and pain, warm relief for plugged ducts and mastitis, or even provide a little warmth to speed up breast pumping.

6. Nursing pads
Whether you’re pumping or nursing “in person” every time, you might experience a little leaking between sessions. Dr. Brown’s Washable Breast Pads go inside your bra cups to comfortably absorb any liquid without showing embarrassing wet spots. You can machine wash them and use them again and again. For heavier leaks, the Bamboobies Ultra-Absorbent Overnight Washable Nursing Bra Pads are thicker and more absorbent, perfect for using at night. Prefer disposable? Evenflo has you covered.

7. Hands-free pumping
Medela’s Easy Expression Bustier
is worth a try for busy moms who want to use their hands for other things while they pump. Your pump’s breast shields fit into holes in the zip-up bustier, which holds them securely against your chest. It’s stretchy enough that one size fits most, and machine washable of course.

8. Nursing bras
A nursing bra lets you get one breast free without having to take off the whole bra, which is perfect since your breasts will need more support than ever. Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Seamless Nursing Bra is comfortable without an underwire, Lamaze Women's Nursing Soft Sleep Bra is designed to wear overnight, and Cache Coeur's Gloss Underwire Nursing Bra has you covered if you prefer an underwire.

9. Nursing tanks
Depending on how much support you need, nursing tanks might replace bras for you for a while, since they’re just so versatile. Layer them under button-down shirts, wrap dresses, and cardigans, and you can discreetly nurse just about anywhere. Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Seamless Nursing Cami is a staple in black, white, and gray; this Gilligan & O’Malley Cotton Cami comes in 10 colors; and Medela's Slimming Nursing Cami even supports your core. If camis aren’t your look, Gilligan & O’Malley also offers a more drapey sleeveless tunic and wrap top perfect for nursing.

10. Nursing cover
Some babies don’t like to breastfeed all covered up by a tent of fabric, so if you register for a traditional cover, you might not wind up using it. Eddie Bauer’s 4-in-1 Nursing Scarf can cover you during feedings, but if your baby hates it, you can also just wear it as an infinity scarf or shawl-like wrap. Handy!