Breastfeeding can be both an amazing and challenging experience for new mums. Choosing the right gear is an important step towards a successful journey. However, with so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
That's why our baby gear experts, Elise and Deborah, have created a list of breastfeeding essentials to help new mothers navigate the challenges of nursing with confidence. From hospital-grade pumps to breast milk storage bags, each item has been carefully selected to support you every step of the way.
1. Breast Pumps
Manual Breast Pump
A manual breast pump is a great starting point for mothers who pump occasionally. It's a simple (read: less set-up and clean-up) and cost-effective option, and it also helps with breast engorgement during the early postpartum days.
The Spectra hand pump is a great option for those looking for a no-frills, manual pump to drain the odd boob here and there. Its lightweight and ergonomic design helps reduce hand and wrist fatigue, which is a plus if you develop Mummy's thumb postpartum. It's also incredibly easy to use at 3 am and even easier to throw in your handbag if your hairdresser runs over time. This pump is a very practical choice, and even if you decide to switch to an electric pump later on, it still delivers value as a reliable backup option.
Do note that the hand pump comes only with a pumping handle; you will also need these accessories to pump and collect your breast milk:
Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
If you find you need one in the first three months to build up your milk supply*, you'll most likely need to look at the hospital-grade pumps. These pumps are designed to stimulate milk production, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding when milk supply can be a challenge. A hospital-grade pump, such as Spectra S1+ and Spectra Dual S, has a more powerful motor and can express milk more efficiently than a personal pump. It's important to establish a steady milk supply early on, so using a hospital-grade pump can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey.
By using a hospital-grade pump, you can ensure that you are expressing the maximum amount of milk possible, which can also help to prevent engorgement and mastitis. Plus, a hospital-grade pump can also be helpful if your baby is not latching properly or if you're experiencing any discomfort or pain while breastfeeding. These pumps can help to alleviate discomfort and ensure that your baby is receiving enough milk.
Hospital-grade breast pumps are known to be large and bulky, making it challenging for mums to move around while pumping. Even with a hands-free pumping bra, some mothers may still feel tethered to one spot. If you're looking for a hospital-grade pump that is more portable, you can consider the Elvie Stride. It provides an efficient and comfortable pumping experience without the added bulk and weight of a traditional hospital-grade pump.
*If you're using a breast pump given to you by a friend or family member, but it's not strong enough to help with milk production, it's important to consider upgrading to a hospital-grade pump.
Portable Electric Breast Pump
If you end up not needing an electric pump until after three to four months, then you may consider a portable electric pump. Portable electric breast pumps are designed to be easy to use and transport. They are typically smaller and lighter than hospital-grade pumps, making them a great option for moms who need to pump on the go. These pumps are battery-powered or rechargeable, which means that you don't need to be near an outlet to use them. They also typically come with a carrying case or bag, making it easy to take them with you wherever you go.
Some popular portable electric pumps include the Elvie, Medela Freestyle Hands-Free, and Spectra Dual Compact. These pumps are designed to be discreet and quiet, and typically offer a variety of speed and suction settings, allowing you to customise your pumping experience to fit your individual needs.
However, it's important to note that the motors of portable electric pumps do not have the same power or longevity as those of a standard electric pump. This means that they may not be as effective in emptying your breasts as quickly or efficiently. Nevertheless, they are an excellent option for mums who need to pump occasionally or who are looking for a more convenient way to pump on the go.
2. Breast Milk Collection and Storage
Let's now shift our focus to another crucial aspect of breastfeeding - breast milk collection and storage. While breast pumps play a significant role in expressing milk, it's equally important to find the right storage solution for your expressed milk.
Colostrum and Milk Collector
The Haakaa Pre-Sterilised Silicone Colostrum Collector Set is an excellent option for new mothers looking for a safe and convenient way to catch drops of colostrum before their breast milk is produced. Made of 100% medical-grade silicone, this set ensures that no harmful toxins leach into your milk. Unlike traditional single-use syringes made of harmful plastics, the Haakaa set is reusable and offers a sustainable option for mothers. Note: Please consult your obstetrician-gynaecologist if you're expressing antenatally.
We also recommend the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump and Silicone Cap Set, which is a gentle silicone suction vessel great for resolving blocked ducts (half-fill with warm salty water, squeeze until the water is near the top, then place it over your affected nipple). This set is also ideal for letting off some steam if your breasts are uncomfortably full or your let-down is a bit strong for your baby. Please note that this pump is not typically designed to fully drain your boobs.
The Haakaa Milk Collector is another great option to catch (rather than waste) milk that leaks from your other boob while feeding your baby. This lets you collect 5-50mL of breast milk at each feed, which quickly adds up to a whole 'emergency' bottle without you actively having to pump (OMG, take my money)!
Breast Milk Storage Bags
For storing the milk that you've collected, we recommend Dr. Brown's Breast Milk Storage Bags or Tommee Tippee Breast Milk Storage Bags. These bags are pre-sterilised and double zip-lock, self-standing, freezer-safe, and drop-proof. You can use them to freeze milk collected through your Haakaa milk collectors, Haakaa pump, or Spectra hand pump. Simply toss the milk in, date it, and store it in the freezer. You'll have a whole 'spare' bottle for emergencies in no time.
3. Pumping Bra and Accessories
One of the biggest challenges new mothers face when breastfeeding is finding time to pump, especially when they have other tasks to complete simultaneously. A pumping bra can help you overcome this challenge by allowing you to pump hands-free!
Our Hands-free Double Pumping Bra is compatible with Spectra, Medela, and Hegen breast pumps. Made with soft, stretchy fabric, it provides a comfortable and secure fit which allows you to pump hands-free, so you can get busy with other errands or spend some me-time with a book.
Another must-have accessory is an adapter to pump directly into breast milk storage bags. The Maymom Adapter is compatible with Spectra, Medela, and Avent breast pumps, and it allows you to pump your milk directly into your milk storage bags without any spills or mess. It also helps to save time and reduce the risk of contamination. If you'd prefer to pump directly into your Dr Brown's glass bottles, we also have an adapter to connect the baby bottle to the Spectra pump.
4. Feeding Tools
In addition to breast milk storage and pumping accessories, it's important to have the right feeding tools for your baby.
Dr Brown's 4oz Glass Bottle makes for a great backup option. I'm a big fan of glass baby bottles (think: heating milk), and the silicone sleeve (sold separately) means the glass won't shatter when (not if) you drop it. These ones have a cool inner air vent so you don't aerate the milk as you feed the baby, helping with gassy, reflux, and colicky babies. Even if you don't use it until later, having one bottle on hand (as a Plan B) can do wonders for your mental health. We also recommend Dr Brown's Silicone Narrow Neck Nipple for vacuum-free feeding to reduce colic, spit-ups, burping and gas.
Some babies may not latch as well, or they refuse the breast or bottle. The Haakaa Oral Feeding Syringe is handy for hand-feeding the baby in those situations. It's easier than finger-feeding a baby, which you need three hands for, and it's messy and stressful.
5. Breast Care for Breastfeeding Mums
Breastfeeding can come with its own set of challenges, including dry and sore nipples. To prevent and treat this issue, we highly recommend the Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream. This cream is perfect for applying after every feed to avoid and treat dry or sore nipples.
The Medela Hydrogel Pads are perfect for emergency treatment of very sore nipples. You can wash and reuse a single pad for 24 hours and pop it in the fridge beforehand for an added soothing effect. Also, arrange a visit from a lactation consultant as crazy-sore nipples are usually a sign of latch problems when bub is breastfeeding (check out the list of lactation consultants in our breastfeeding guide for recs!).
To stop milk from leaking through your shirt, it's worth exploring Dr Brown's Washable Breast Pads. These pads are comfortable to wear and can provide peace of mind when you're not using your silicone milk collectors.
6. Cleaning Tools and Sterilisers
Keeping your baby's bottles, pump parts, and Haakaa pieces clean is essential for ensuring their health and safety. We offer a range of cleaning tools and sterilisers to make this task as easy as possible.
If you're unsure about buying a large steriliser or if you have a small kitchen and want to reduce the number of baby items, you can choose to use the Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags or Dr Brown’s Microwave Steam Steriliser Bags instead. It is recommended by paediatricians to stop sterilising baby bottles when the baby is around 4-6 months old. This allows the baby's immune system and gut microbiome to develop more naturally.
These bags fit a bottle, your Haakaa stuff and your hand pump, and will give you 100 microwave sterilisations between them. This means, if you don't start using bottles or an electric breast pump daily, until after 4-6 months, you don't have to buy a larger steriliser.
Another useful item to add to your breastfeeding toolkit is a silicone bottle brush. This handy tool is a great way to stop your bottles, pump parts and Haakaa pieces smelling like last night's dinner, lol.
Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro, we hope our curated list of essentials adds comfort and ease to your breastfeeding journey. Remember, you're not alone – we're here to support you every step of the way. If selecting products for your breastfeeding kit feels overwhelming, book an appointment with us (it's free!), and we'll sort it out for you.
