Category: product recommendations

Breastfeeding Essentials

I wanted to round up some of my most-used breastfeeding items in another installment of my breastfeeding series!

Hands Free Nursing & Pumping bra: before Theo was born, I wasn’t sure if I would be nursing, pumping, or a combination of the two. Side note: you can turn a regular nursing bra/tank into a pumping bra! But in the beginning, I really liked having the specific nursing and pumping bra and I recommend all things Kindred Bravely. Their items are high quality, and I still use my nursing/pumping bras now, even though I do not pump anymore.

Real life – only a few weeks postpartum.

Nursing Camis: these Bravado camis from Target are the best. They are slimming and fit true-to-size. I wear one every day! I will continue to wear these even when I am not nursing. I know plenty of moms who still wear them even though they haven’t breastfed in quite some time.

Electric Breast Pump: I used the Spectra S2 and loved it. In order to get my pump, I used the service provided by Aeroflow to handle my insurance claim. They take care of all of it for you, and even provide new parts every 3 months. Insurance provides an electric breast pump at no cost to you, although depending on your insurance and which pump you choose, you my have to pay a small surcharge. I also purchased out-of-pocket, a Spectra S9 (portable breast pump) and I loved that pump! Also, you get a new breast pump with every pregnancy!

Nipple Ointment: I cannot stress this enough – LANOLIN SUCKS. Make sure to get a nipple ointment that isn’t lanolin based. Tubby Todd now has a nipple ointment that has a base of coconut oil, which is wonderfully moisturizing. Use this link to get 10% off!

My Breast Friend Pillow: I wasn’t sure if I should get this pillow, or the Boppy. I am glad I went with the Breast Friend! It was great to clip around your waist, and baby can rest comfortably while you support the pillow. I recommend the deluxe version of the pillow, as the slipcover on it is so soft compared to the regular version.

Nipple Shield: there are so many instances in which you might need to use a nipple shield. For me, I used it in the very beginning to help Theo latch properly. Also, since I was in so much pain in the beginning due to Theo’s unresolved tongue tie, I used the shield to help minimize the pain – it still hurt, but it helped. Side note: these come in different sizes, and you may or may not use the same size shield as you do breast pump flange.

Nipple Pads: when you first start breastfeeding, you leak. You may want to put nipple pads (either disposable or reusable) in your bra if you are out and about. They are also good to wear at night, once your baby starts sleeping through the night, your boobs will leak until they adjust.

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Disclaimer: This blog post contains the authors researched opinions as well as actual experiences, and not one of a medical professional. Please consult to your medical professional for their official opinion on items referenced here, and defer to them in case of any conflict. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Hospital Bag – Scheduled C-Section

A good friend of mine who had a scheduled c-section gave me this list of what she recommends to pack in your hospital bag!! I wrote a post a little while back about what I packed for a scheduled induction, but I wanted a perspective from someone who had a scheduled c-section as well!! There is definitely some crossover, so please be sure to check out both posts.

  • The Stars Above Target nightgowns: anything comfortable that is not on your incision!
  • Long phone charger
  • Boppy Nursing pillow: It was great to just set the baby down too even when not nursing or visitors wanted to hold her (pre-covid)
  • Colace stool softener: the first poop IYKYK (editor’s note: you definitely want to have this at home. They may not let you take your own meds at the hospital. My nurses administered my Colace while I was admitted).
  • Travel size shampoo and conditioner: most C sections you stay at the hospital for at least 48-72 hours so it was nice to have some of my stuff
  • Belly binder
  • A nursing and pumping bra: I had every plan to breastfeed, but due to latch issues (a tongue tie), so we moved directly to exclusively pumping on day 2. I didn’t know pumping bras were a thing so I just had to hold the pump to my boobs for 30 mins at a time. I’m LOLing thinking about this sight 
  • Extra pillow and blanket for Mom & for Dad
  • Cute outfit for baby: we actually did the newborn pictures in the hospital and I love them! We also brought a pretty blanket for her, so just anything you may possibly want to have pictures of!
  • Announcement board or something personalized for photos!
  • Care package for the nurses: I 10/10 recommend this. They are so sweet and so helpful. My husband brought it up when we were in our recovery room and they loved it.
  • Highhhhhhh waisted Panties: Once you’re out of the diaper. Unknown to me, even when you don’t deliver vaginally you still bleed.

What were your hospital must-haves when you had a baby? What did you bring that you absolutely didn’t touch?

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This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase using an affiliate link.

Toys for your Toddler that Celebrate Diversity

It’s important to us to expose Theo to people and things that he doesn’t see every day in our house. Since we don’t get out much, the best way to do this is to offer diverse books, toys, and TV shows in our home. Here are some of our favorite toddler-friendly toys that celebrate diversity.

Fisher Price Doll House: this doll house has little people who are both white and people of color. I personally wish they would sell a dollhouse with a mixed race family!

Baby Doll: this particular baby doll can be found in a variety of skin tones and they are also anatomically correct which I think is very important as well as you and your little one learn about body parts!

Little People Community Helpers: I love this pack of community helpers. Everyone is diverse, and it’s a great opportunity to talk about the different helpers our little ones will encounter.

Stuffed Dolls: this set of 5 stuffed dolls is perfect for snuggling, and I love that they represent a variety of different skin tones. It’s perfect for a toddler who is learning to play pretend with babies!

Wooden Puzzle: this puzzle from Discovery Toys is amazing and represents many differences, including one wearing glasses and a little girl in a wheelchair.

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This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.