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It’s already a few weeks into August and I almost forgot that August is National Breastfeeding Month! Before my son was born, I made a goal to try and breastfeed my son until he turned one. My son is almost two years old and still breastfeeds.
Our breastfeeding journey was not without difficulty. I was a new mom and I was sleep-deprived. There were so many things to learn about nursing and pumping. There were also a lot of supplies that I had to buy, clean, and organize.
Make breastfeeding and pumping easier for you by creating a station. When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re going to be glad that you have everything all set out for you. Recruit your husband or partner to help refresh the items in your station so everything is prepared for you to nurse or pump.
1. Get a 3-tier rolling cart
The first thing you need to set up your breastfeeding and pumping area is a 3-tier rolling cart. I used a cart like this when I finally figured a way to organize my breast pumping station.
However, I would recommend this rolling cart because it has a tabletop. The flat surface makes it easier to access pump buttons, set up pump parts, and label bottles.
A three-tier rolling cart is perfect if space is an issue at home but it provides enough storage for all of your much-needed breastfeeding items. The wheels and handles also make it portable so you can move from room to room and you are not stuck in one place.
You can use the first tier to store your breast pump and have a place to write your labels. Use the middle tier for items you use at each breastfeeding or pumping session like nursing pads, bottles, nipples, wet wipes, and pump parts. Use the bottom tier for supplies that you need but don’t use as often like a haakaa, nursing cover, and manual breast pump.
2. Storage containers
Your station also needs storage containers to hold all of the small items that can easily get lost like pump membranes and valves. Make sure that the containers you use have lids to protect it from dust.
This organizer storage box is great because you can clearly see what’s inside. It’s also stackable and multi-purpose so you can reuse it for office supplies or other items when your child gets older.
You can utilize whatever containers you have at home but make sure to carefully clean it and use it only for your nursing and pumping supplies from now on. You don’t want to contaminate your pump parts or milk.
3. Breast pump and supplies
Even though many moms like me exclusively breastfeed, we also pump milk to store in the freezer for long periods of time that we’ll be away from our babies. You can get a free breast pump from your insurance but you are still responsible to get most of your supplies.
Keep a small supply of clean bottles, nipples, flanges, tubes, and other pump parts in your breastfeeding cart. Use milk labels if you pump into bottles or write directly on the breast milk storage bags. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use masking tape as labels.
Write down the date, time, and amount to help you use the oldest milk first. I included the time to help me keep track of my pumping schedule and output when I used to pump several times a day. I also like to write the amount because breast milk expands so it’s hard to tell how much is in a bottle when frozen.
4. Hydration and Nutrition for Mom
Breastfeeding takes a lot of liquid and nutrition out of us moms. It’s important we keep ourselves hydrated and properly fed to keep our bodies healthy and to have a consistent milk supply.
Keep a bottle of water in your breast pumping cart so you always have a drink within reach. Get a cute hydro flask bottle like this. The Hydro Flask brand is awesome because their bottles keep your drinks hot or cold for a long time. Consider adding a bag of milkmaid tea to your drink to help increase your milk production.
You should also keep some snacks in your nursing station for when you are hungry. Stock up on protein bars, dried fruit, crackers, nuts, and lactation cookies to tide you over.
Don’t forget to eat regularly even if you are tired. Consume healthy foods that contain galactagogues like oatmeal and moringa to help increase your milk supply. Try my Filipino chicken soup recipe with moringa. It’s the perfect dish for breastfeeding and pumping mamas.
5. Cleaning supplies
To keep your breastfeeding and pumping station clean and safe for baby, keep the following supplies in your cart:
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Medela quick clean wipes (for pump parts, pacifiers, or other accessories)
- Burp cloths
- Napkins or washcloths
You’ll be prepared for every spit up, leak, or spill especially during the first few weeks after birth.
If you’re worried about keeping clean while nursing during this pandemic, check out this video from the World Health Organization on breastfeeding during COIVD-19:
6. Other Supplies
There are a few smaller items that you should also keep in your breastfeeding and pumping cart:
- Nipple butter: to ease cracked nipples or chaffing from pumping
- Nursing pads: to catch leaks
- Haakaa breast pump: to suction milk in the other boob while you are nursing
- Long phone charger: so you have a full battery to use your phone while feeding
- Hair tie, clip, or headband: to keep your hair out of the way
In addition, you will need something to keep track of your breastfeeding and pumping data. Your doctor will ask you for this information during baby’s checkups but it is also helpful for you to keep track so you can recognize patterns in your baby’s eating schedule and your milk output.
Download my free breastfeeding and pumping log below. This template will help you remember your last pumping or nursing sessions during those first few weeks when you are sleep deprived.
Bonus Essentials
If you have more room in your home and budget, consider these registry must-haves for breastfeeding. These items will provide you with more comfort and support as you begin your breastfeeding journey.
Rocking recliner chair
If you have space, I would get a dedicated rocking recliner chair. You can use it to pump, nurse, take a quick nap, and put the baby to sleep.
One of our friends was kind enough to give us their old recliner chair like this one since their son is older. For the first three months after birth, I spent most of my time between the recliner and bed. I also put my nursing and pumping cart right next to it so I can easily access my supplies.
If you can afford it, this recliner is a breastfeeding station must-have because it has massage functions, cup holders, and a side pocket for extra storage. Add it to your baby registry or ask your partner to get it for you as an early Mother’s Day Gift. Hint hint!
Nursing cover
Nursing covers are good to have when you are feeding your baby outside of your home and you want some privacy. Keep one with your rolling cart in case you are feeding your baby and have visitors. It can also be used as emergency burp cloths or blankets when needed.
You should also check out this multipurpose nursing cover. You can use it as a car seat cover, stroller cover, and even as a scarf.
Breastfeeding pillow
My cousin gifted us a Boppy nursing pillow and we still have it today. It helps to support you and baby while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which reduces back and arm pain. It also helps support the baby during tummy time or when he or she is learning to sit up.
If you are a plus-sized mom like me, I would recommend getting the My Brest Friend nursing pillow. The strap secures the pillow to your body so you don’t have to adjust the pillow, you, or the baby so often. The front of the pillow is flat to prevent the baby from rolling and there’s a small pouch to keep a bottle or your phone.
Create your breastfeeding and pumping station
I hope this list gives you some great ideas to create your breastfeeding and pumping station at home. Comment below if you have these items in your station or if you have suggestions to add. Please also share this list with other expecting or new moms to help them build their cart.
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