manual breast pump

I think the Medela Harmony Manual Breastpump is great for traveling and for quick pumping. I love that I can move around the house while using it, and I think it works really well. You can get it at Babies R Us at http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2409078 for $28 with a 20% off coupon (or $35 without the coupon) or at http://www.bestbuybaby.com/medmanbreas.html for $32 ($27 plus $5 shipping).

nursing pillow

I was given a Boppy pillow and used it a lot, although, for the next baby, I'm really hoping to be able to get a My Breast Friend Pillow since it allows you to walk around while the baby nurses. They're $35 at http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Pillow-Sunburst/dp/B000HZEQSU/186-5753530-4061917?SubscriptionId=1Y0XKFB8S7MD7GG73PR2&tag=wishpot-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000HZEQSU and Walmart. You can also get an extra cover for $17 at http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Slipcover-White/dp/B000HZI1XG/186-5753530-4061917?SubscriptionId=1Y0XKFB8S7MD7GG73PR2&tag=wishpot-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000HZI1XG.

I've also heard very high recommendations for Blessed Nest pillows at http://stores.blessednest.com/-strse-The-Nesting-Pillow/Categories.bok for $87 plus I think $5 shipping.

pumping bra

If you plan on pumping, a pumping bra is a great help! Here are some options:

Easy Expression Bustier for $27: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Expression-Bustier-Hands-free-Pumping/dp/B000Y1RQ0C/186-5753530-4061917?SubscriptionId=1Y0XKFB8S7MD7GG73PR2&tag=wishpot-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000Y1RQ0C. This is what I have and have gotten a lot of use out of.

Also heard good things about the Simple Wishes Bustier for $33.25 at http://www.mom4life.com/catalog.php?item=1981.

The Pump Ease for $36 plus shipping (which I can't get to calculate) is at http://www.mothersboutique.com/pumpease1.html. And a couple La Leche League pumping bras for $27-$35 at http://www.birthandbaby.com/shop/categories/1043.

sleep bra

I do have a sleep bra I like, although I only have two, and I've worn one or the other every night and many days for the past two years, so I'm about due for another. I'd love to hear any recommendations. The one I've been wearing is the Embroidered Bamboo Sleep Bra at http://www.motherwear.com/prod.cfm/cid/53/sid/6208 for $15, plus $5.95 shipping, unless you have a code for free shipping. Looks like they have very limited color selection now, though.

nursing bra

After two years, I'm still searching for a nursing bra I like, although I've been hesitant to spend as much money as I probably need to to find a decent one. Here's one I'd love to try:

http://www.mom4life.com/catalog.php?item=1398 $44.10 for the Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. Or get another 5% of if you use the newsletter link. Here's another one that might be worth trying for $27.50 at http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=15540&site=CI&cm_mmc=cse-_-amazon_ppc-_-clothing:_maternity/nursing_replenishment-_-LV-332&srccode=cii_23393768&cpncode=23-75427973-2, the La Leche Lightly Padded Softcup Counour Bra Nude. And I'm very curious about the Evanesse bras at http://www.birthandbaby.com/shop/products/1448 for $48.80.

I'd love to hear your advice and experience with decent nursing bras! This is an area that has been so frustrating for me.

Gel Pads

Ameda Comfort Gel Pads are great for those first few days of nursing nipple pain. I was glad to have them at the hospital with me. You can get three pairs for $23.95 ($8/pair) at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350313330505&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en.

LilyPadz

I'm not quite sure if these count as nursing pads, since they aren't really padded, but I love LilyPadz. They did a great job of keeping me from leaking. I did leak some when my baby was new, my milk supply was high, and I was feeding off one side, but otherwise I don't ever remember leaking with with LilyPadz. They are $19 each for a box of one pair or $16 each for a box of two pairs, plus another 5% off if you start with the http://www.mom4life.com?code=newsletter link and then search for LilyPadz. And free shipping. Each pair lasts about two to three months, depending on usage.

nursing pads

Although I found nursing pads to be absolutely necessary, I still haven't found any that I just love (absorbent, comfortable, and the right shape to not show through clothes). Here are some I've heard good things about, though. Milk Diapers are $16.50 per 10-pack ($3.30/pair) at http://www.milkdiapers.com/site/product.cfm?id=2263EB5A-3048-2AB2-02E8E45745ED84A4. Another one I've seen but haven't tried is Shapely Lace Nursing Pads for $13.40 per 6 pack ($4.47 per pair) at http://www.mom4life.com/catalog.php?item=1819. And there are many other kinds as well.

nursing cover

I loved being able to use a nursing cover while feeding when my baby was small. I didn't care if people knew I was nursing, but I didn't want to show my breasts, so our nursing cover got a lot of use. Here's an Udder Cover for $15 (plus nursing pads and a feeding-tracking bracelet) at https://www.uddercovers.com/cart.php#giftSets with code VALENTINE before 3/1/10. I also have friends who have been able to make their own. And I use the tail of my sling, extra fabric in the wrap, and a built-in nursing cover in my mei tai for cover up while nursing and carrying as well.

Milk bags

If you pump milk, then you'll probably want something to put the milk into to save it. We froze some milk cubes and just used those for her to suck on when teething or hot, but we never used a bottle of frozen milk, so I don't know what might be best. For freezing milk that I donated, I used some ice cube trays like http://www.amazon.com/Orka-Ice-Cube-Tray-Blue/dp/B000R5OLU8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1276966239&sr=8-3 for $9 each and then transferred them to freezer ziplocks, and i also used some Medela Pump & Save storage bags at http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Pump-Save-Storage-50-pk./dp/B00028XJNA/186-5753530-4061917?SubscriptionId=1Y0XKFB8S7MD7GG73PR2&tag=wishpot-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00028XJNA for $14.95 for a 50-pack.

breastfeeding book

A breastfeeding reference book that I found very helpful as questions came up was The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers for $13.57. Another helpful book is The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding for $14.40.

nursing shirts

Since I don't like to show much extra skin, I made some nursing undershirts. I bought both t-shirts and camis at Target when they were on sale for $5 in the spring, and I cut slits down the sides of most of them. Works great to turn any shirt into a nursing shirt.

water bottle

Pregnant and nursing mamas must have water on hand. While any water bottle or glass should do the trick, I especially like my Vapur bottle since it collapses down when it's empty. They're $7.50 each at http://vapur.us/store/.

Mothering Magazine

I love Mothering Magazine. It has great parenting information and breastfeeding support in it.

You can get a free one-year (6 issues) online subscription at http://mothering.com/subscribe/ by using coupon code CSUBD. The print version is $15.95 with coupon code X9GIFT.

Another great online magazine for breastfeeding is the New Beginnings La Leche League magazine at http://www.llli.org/nbdate.html!

milkmaid tea

Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Milkmaid Tea is good for increasing milk supply or getting it started, and I think it tastes good. http://www.iherb.com/Earth-Mama-Angel-Baby-Organic-Milkmaid-Tea-16-Tea-Bags/21340?at=0 has it for $5 off first order with code CIB925 4.77 + 2 shipping = 6.77 - coupon = $3.27 each for 2 (16 bags in a box).

snacks

A must for those beginning days (if not all of motherhood) is handy snacks. Here's a recipe for granola bars that I like: http://www.joyfulabode.com/2008/04/11/homemade-granola-bar-recipe-no-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-these-bars/.

Milk Share

Milk Share is a wonderful site for connecting people who have extra milk to people who need more milk. I was able to donate milk to a baby and mama in need, and it was great to know that it was going to good use. Some people cringe at the idea of using someone else's milk, but it makes a lot more sense to me than using a cow's milk for a baby. There are also resources on there for increasing your supply, if you have low milk supply. Another option for donating milk is through a milk bank at http://www.hmbana.org/.

kellymom

Figure I may as well start out with the free stuff. I love the kellymom site for great breastfeeding information Here's an article on what to expect with nursing a newborn: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nursing.html

La Leche League

These aren't in any particular order, but the first one is La Leche League. You can find groups and leaders' contact information at http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html. Great support and encouragement and help through challenges!

breastfeeding helps

I'm going to post my 25 favorite breastfeeding helpers, and I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations on them!