What You Actually Need for Breastfeeding (From a Mom Who’s Been There)

When I was pregnant, I wanted to be prepared.

Like most first-time moms, I spent hours reading lists about what I’d need for breastfeeding; nursing bras, breast pads, nipple cream, burp cloths, and of course, “nursing clothes.” I bought some, but here’s what I learned later: you don’t really know what you’ll need until you’re in the middle of it. Breastfeeding clothes - what really works (for me and probably for you too ;))

Most “nursing wear” sounds like a great idea until you actually start using it. It’s often expensive, and you need more than you think because babies (and milk) are messy. You will probably end up wearing your normal pullovers and shirts, because it´s more convenients and they simply feel more like us.

The truth is: you don’t need a closet full of special nursing clothes. You just need a few good basics that make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable.

Below I’m sharing a few of my favorite items.

Breast pads

I’ll start with something simple that you’ll use every single day: breast pads.

My favorite ones are from Lansinoh or Livella; why? they are reusable and have super soft edges (this IS important; I find that the ones with stitched seams around the edge eventually start to fray, and that rougher border can feel irritating when your breasts are sensitive, ouch!). These are incredibly thin and can absorb a lot without feeling bulky or wet. They have a teardrop shape, which helps them fit naturally to your breast and stay invisible under clothes.They dry really fast and can be machine washed.

I recommend having minimum four pairs so you can rotate them easily.

@Livella

Tank Tops

Cotton tank tops are your best friend for breastfeeding!

The tank top can even replace the need for a bra if it’s tight enough to hold your breast pads in place. And when you wear it under a regular pullover, it also gives you a bit of extra coverage for your belly. Look for ones with a little elastane so they’re nice and stretchy; you want to be able to pull them down easily for feeding.

You don’t need them to be labeled “nursing tops.”I’ve bought about six simple cotton ones in a nude color, and they go with everything.

These are my favourite tank tops for breastfeeding: Tezenis or Schiesser

@Tezenis

Nursing clip

You can easily adapt the pullovers and shirts you already own into breastfeeding-friendly ones.

The best tip I can give you is to use the two-shirt method to create the same layered effect most nursing clothes have. Wear a stretchy tank top underneath your pullover - that way, when you lift it, your belly stays covered. With a nursing clip, you can hold the pullover in place so it doesn’t fall on your baby’s face while you feed.

It’s such a small tool, but it makes a big difference!

@shirtup mama

Nursing bras

This is probably the trickiest part and also the most personal one. It really depends on your breast size and what kind of support you need.

My advice: choose soft cotton bras. Here It’s worth spending a little more to get one that fits well and feels good, this is something you’ll wear every day, sometimes even at night.

Pyjamas or nightgowns

Feeding at night is its own adventure, and what you wear can make it a little easier. Choose pyjamas or nightgowns with buttons all the way down the front, not just two or three at the top. You’ll want to be able to open them completely to take your breast out comfortably.

Here’s a small trick I discovered: If you get cold while feeding at night, wear a fake turtleneck collar underneath. It keeps your back and chest warm without covering the area where your baby latches.

If you like sleeping in pyjamas, the ones from Pyjamam are great. You can open just the chest area while the rest of your body stays cozy. The zipper is soft and doesn’t irritate, and there’s even a little pocket inside to hold your breast pad if you prefer not to wear a bra at night. Clever and cute!

@pyjamam The ultimate list - what you really need (and how many)

You don’t have to buy everything before your baby arrives. Some of these things can easily wait until after you’ve started breastfeeding and see that everything is working well. Maybe just get one nursing bra and at first and if breastfeeding goes smoothly, you can always add the rest later.

TIP: When buying your first nursing bra, keep in mind that your breasts will grow after birth, especially once your milk comes in. So it’s better to choose one size up from your usual size and wait before buying more.

Here’s my short and honest checklist of what you will need:

• 4–8 breast pads - washable ones with soft rounded edges are best.

• 4–6 tank tops - normal ones are totally fine; just make sure they’re stretchy.

• 2 nursing bras - soft cotton ones that open to the side are usually the most comfortable.

• 1 nursing clip - small but life-changing.

• 2–3 nursing pyjamas or nightgowns 

In the end

You don’t need a whole new wardrobe or to spend a lot of money. Just a few good basics that make you feel comfortable and like yourself and a few small tools that make the experience smoother.

*All product recommendations are based on my personal experience.These are not paid links, and I haven’t been compensated to promote them.