Breastfeeding Supply Guide: Everything You Need to Nurse Your Baby
While the true breastfeeding essentials are mom and baby (and a great lactation consultant in those early days), there are some breastfeeding supplies that can help make nursing easier.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a lot of stuff = successful parenting. Once you tune in and learn to trust your instincts, you’ll probably find parenting to come a little more intuitively.
Breastfeeding Mama Essentials
Sometimes a little tweak or tool can make all the difference to you and your baby. When you’re looking for breastfeeding supplies, opt for non-toxic materials and organic ingredients whenever possible. Many companies are women-owned, so you can feel extra good about supporting them.
Because breastfeeding is good for you, good for baby, and also good for the planet, it only makes sense that your breastfeeding supplies should be green and healthy, too.
In this updated guide, we’re sharing our favorite eco-friendly breastfeeding supplies. Each is vetted for safety, functionality, and sustainability. These non-toxic nursing essentials support your well-being, protect your baby from unnecessary chemical exposure, and align with your values as a conscious parent.
We’ve also included helpful tips for choosing what’s worth investing in, how to care for your gear, and what to do when your breastfeeding journey comes to an end.
Nursing Pillows
In the early days, positioning is key to establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship and routine. You need to be comfortable for your milk to let down. Sleepy newborns may need to be adjusted often to keep them from falling asleep at the breast, and a good nursing pillow can provide the right level of support.
Some mothers use a nursing pillow less frequently as baby gets bigger. Meanwhile my youngest and I could be found walking around the house with the My Brest Friend velcro’d to us for the first year. Sometimes it was also useful for holding a snack 😉
Naturepedic Organic Nursing Pillow
Winner of both the Good Housekeeping’s Parenting Award and National Parenting Product Award, Naturepedic’s organic nursing pillow is safe and versatile. Naturepedic has been crafting toxin-free mattresses for 20 years. Their knowledge, certifications, and transparency are the best in the industry.
We love the soft organic cotton cover. It’s filled with PLA made from non-GMO sugarcane and contains no polyurethane foam, flame retardants, or harmful chemicals. To design this nursing pillow, Naturepedic consulted the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), infant feeding educators, and nursing parents.
It fits a wide range of body types, supporting babies and parents long after the newborn days. And it comes with a waterproof, machine-washable cover. Use Greenchild15 to get 15% off the purchase of their certified organic products.
Organic Nesting Pillow
Filled with buckwheat hulls, this structured nursing pillow allows you to get your baby in a proper position. The hypoallergenic husks create spaces for air within the pillow, which naturally regulate temperature and humidity.
The outer cover is made of 100% OEKO-TEX certified pre-washed linen.
MoonWomb Organic Buckwheat Hull Nursing Pillow
We’re pretty much in love with the new natural Indigo Shibori organic cover for MoonWomb’s organic buckwheat hull pillow. Buckwheat hulls are movable yet stable so you and your baby both feel supported. The less structured shape of this nursing pillow supports and encourages many breastfeeding positions from cradle to football to even side-lying.
Nursing Bras
If your budget allows, invest in two or three really good nursing bras. Comfort is your top priority. Easy access is next on the list. Skip the underwire (this can lead to plugged ducts) – especially in the early months of breastfeeding. You may want to start with a yoga style nursing bra and move into one with more shape as your supply regulates.
Bamboobies Yoga Nursing Bra
The Bamboobies Yoga Bra is made with super-soft, eco-friendly bamboo rayon fabric. The breathable and moisture-wicking properties of bamboo fabric are perfect for an active mom or warm weather. It features nursing clasps and drop down cups for easy-access breastfeeding. The seamless design stretches to fit your changing body, while still offering light support.
Cake Maternity Bra
Who says nursing bras have to be bland or shapeless? Cake Maternity is challenging the nursing bra with their daring and sexy designs. This full cup wireless maternity and nursing bra was designed with femininity and comfort in mind. Featuring a cotton A-frame for breastfeeding and fully adjustable straps, this nursing bra is as pretty as it is functional.
Nipple Care Support
Especially if you’re a first-time mama, your nipples will need a little time to adjust to breastfeeding. Coconut oil can be extremely helpful for soothing and its anti-fungal properties can help prevent thrush. Here are a few other products you may find helpful early on or throughout your time as a nursing mother.
Bamboo Nursing Pads
Some of us can tell horror stories about disposable, plastic-backed nursing pads. The short version is: we don’t recommend them. Washable, super soft, thin Bamboobies nursing pads are discreet for everyday wear. (Meaning they don’t make it look like you’re wearing a cone bra.) And the best part for the planet and your budget is – they’re reusable.
Earth Mama Soothing Organic Nipple Butter
Earth Mama’s Soothing Organic Nipple Butter is a favorite among natural mamas because of its versatility. Buttery and botanical-rich, lanolin-free and non-sticky, it moisturizes dry skin, and brings your nipples back to their happy place. No need to wash it off before nursing your baby, because it’s Non-GMO Project Verified. And for vegan mamas, they now have a fully vegan formula. Use code GCLove20 for 20% off your purchase at EarthMamaOrganics.
Pumps and Milk Storage
If you’ll be staying at home with baby, you may not need a pump at all. But it’s nice to have at least a manual (they’re very affordable) to create a backup stash of milk or to help control your supply from time to time.
Expressing or pumping a little bit from engorged breasts can help make it easier for baby to latch on. If you need more comprehensive info on choosing a breast pump, see this guide.
Haaka Silicone Manual Breast Pump
Our readers rave about this manual pump. The Haakaa silicone breast pump can be used as a manual pump or attached with suction to passively collect milk from the opposite breast while you nurse. Both the Milk Saver (see below) and the Haakaa are extremely helpful in the early days when your supply needs regulating and leaking is most common. The Haakaa is free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates so you don’t have to worry about exposing you or baby to endocrine disruptors. Find all of their pumps and milk collectors at their Amazon store.
Medela Wearable Electric Breast Pump
Breast pumps have improved dramatically in the last few years. You can find discreet, streamlined options that make returning to work much easier.
Reusable Silicone Milk Storage Bags
Thank goodness the years of disposable plastic milk bags are behind us! These reusables are made from food grade silicone and can be used over and over again, reducing the impact of single-use plastic.
You’ll feel safer knowing they are free from endocrine disruptors like BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Dishwasher, fridge, and freezer safe, these bags can be filled and stored laying down or standing up. Pour expressed milk into the bag and firmly push in the leakproof stopper. When you are ready to use it, place the bag in warm water to heat the milk for baby.
Milkies Milk Savers
Our readers swear by Milkies Milk Savers to never waste of drop of precious liquid gold. This discreet milk-saver tucks into the opposite side of your bra to collect leaking breast milk, allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly. They’re rigorously tested to ensure zero chemical leaching and contains no BPA or phthalates.
Milk Supply Boosters
Getting into the supply and demand swing of breastfeeding can take a few weeks. Your baby’s needs will fluctuate (hello, growth spurts!) but your body will learn to adjust. It’s always reassuring to know how to increase your milk supply safely and naturally if needed.
Lactation Cookies
While you’re finding the most nutritious foods to fuel your milk-making body, it’s always fun to have a treat. Healthy lactation cookies are both useful and delicious. If you’re up for making your own, we love Mama Natural’s lactation cookie recipe.
Organic Milkmaid Tea
With fenugreek, fennel, milk thistle, nettle, and raspberry leaf, Organic Milkmaid Tea is comforting and soothing to the mind and body. Organic and Kosher, this tea was created to help encourage milk production and continued lactation.
Use code GCLove20 for 20% off your purchase at EarthMamaOrganics.
Milk Boosting Herbal Supplements
Malunggay and Shatavari are two certified organic herbal supplements from Motherlove. These nutrient-dense herbs have been found to help increase breast milk production and balance the female hormonal system. Motherlove offers a variety of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies to help you navigate the new waters of motherhood.
When Is It Worth It To Spend More on Non Toxic Breastfeeding Supplies?
As with any eco-friendly baby gear, how much you spend is really up to you. From an Attachment Parenting perspective, you and your baby will reap the bonding benefits of breastfeeding with or without extra gear.
But if you’re experiencing a discomfort or challenge (especially one that threatens your ability or affinity for breastfeeding) it’s definitely worth trying a product or tool to help.
When your budget allows, try to choose organic and toxin-free baby gear whenever possible. It makes no sense but many baby products contain endocrine disruptors and a host of toxic chemicals., which can negatively affect children’s developing brains, lungs, and nervous systems.
What To Do When You’re Finished With Your Breastfeeding Supplies
If you’re planning to have more children, save your current items (including breast pump) for when you’ll need them again. Even if you can get a second pump for a subsequent child, it’s handy to save your original one as a backup or to keep one at work.
While the consumable items can’t be passed down, be sure to reuse or properly recycle the containers.
If you’re certain you are finished with your pump forever, selling or donating your used breast pump may be an option. Closed system pumps are candidates for reuse by someone else. Open system pumps are not.
According to Exclusive Pumping, “Closed system pumps have a barrier between milk and the pump motor, while open systems do not. It’s not possible to sanitize an open system pump, even if you buy all new tubing and parts.” You can find a list of open and closed system pumps at Exclusive Pumping.
Some nursing pillows continue to have a use around your home or can be easily gifted to another expecting mama. Wear those nursing bras as long as they fit and feel comfortable. Otherwise, give them to a friend or donate if they’re in good shape.
Reusing or donating an item can help make any baby gear eco-friendly. You’re keeping it out of a landfill and helping someone else avoid buying new.
More Breastfeeding Resources
Find more articles and resources to support your nursing journey at the links below.
Breastfeeding 101 for New Moms
10 Breastfeeding Myths (and the truths behind them)
Herbs for Increasing Your Milk Supply
How to Choose a Breast Pump
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
How to Avoid Nipple Confusion
Low Milk Supply: The Causes and The Misconceptions
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for You, Baby, and the Planet
Breastfeeding Rates & How to Make a Difference
Tips for Breastfeeding Your Preemie
