When I had my first baby, I knew the hard stuff would be labor, giving birth, sleep deprivation, and figuring out how to leave the house with an infant. Like most naive and eager soon-to-be moms, I assumed breastfeeding would be the easy, “natural” part.
I had no idea just how physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding it would be. Nothing could have prepared me for the hours-long cluster feeds, the cracked nipples, the triple feeding schedules, the endless pumping sessions (not to mention painstakingly washing the pump parts). I definitely didn’t expect to be Googling things like “one boob produces more milk than the other” at 2 a.m.
Now, three kids in, I’ve nursed in the NICU, on a plane, out to dinner, in the Whole Foods parking lot, while making my two other kids dinner, and on the sidewalk of a random street mid-walk. I’ve pumped in the middle of Zoom calls, through mastitis, and while trying to sneak in a few hours of sleep before a deadline. I’ve lived the full spectrum, from feeling like a superhero whose body is producing literal gold to sobbing in frustration when it all felt like too much to handle.
Out of all of my motherhood experiences, breastfeeding has taught me the most. It’s also taught me that feeding your baby is so far from one-size-fits-all. It’s taught me that you shouldn’t feel ashamed, embarrassed or alone or without support during the process. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, combo feeding or just trying to keep your nipples from falling off, there are products that can actually make this wild ride a whole lot easier.
That’s why I put together this mega breastfeeding guide—so all moms can have a one-stop shop full of all the *actually* helpful, mom-tested nursing items I’ve used or wish I’d known about sooner organized by category.
Whether you’re five days in or five months deep, this guide is for you. Scroll on for the best of the best—breast pumps, feeding accessories, nursing wear, hydration helpers, and everything in between. Your boobs (and your baby) will thank you.
Breast Pumps That Don’t Suck (Except When They Should)
Whether you’re exclusively pumping, building a stash before heading back to work, or just need a break from the latch-and-pray routine, finding the right pump is a game-changer. Here are the most reliable, mom-loved options out there:
Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump — $390
With my first baby, I was a slave to the plugged-in pump. I swore that if I ever nursed again I would opt for the in-bra kind and Willow was my pick of the litter. It provided me with an unbelievable amount of freedom, which seriously came in handy when I had to care for my toddler while making milk for my baby. It’s 100 percent in-bra, hands-free, app-controlled pump, quiet, hospital-grade…all the things!
BabyBuddha 2.0 Breast Pump — $210
With 21 settings—including soft stimulation and a long-pull mode—this little pump works hard so you don’t have to. I’m a huge fan of its hospital-grade strength all wrapped up in a sleek, ergonomic design. Whether you’re navigating cluster feeds, commutes, or just carving out a quiet moment for yourself, this one’s got your back (and your letdown).
Motif Luna Breast Pump with Battery — $131
Don’t let the size fool you—the Luna packs a serious punch. It’s lightweight, cordless, and built to keep up with real life, whether you’re pumping at midnight or between meetings. Designed to help you express more milk in less time, it comes with smart features like a quiet motor, built-in nightlight, and automatic shut-off—because multitasking isn’t a luxury, it’s your default.
Motif Aura Glow Wearable Breast Pump — $199
The Aura Glow is built for the rhythm of real motherhood—with modes that mimic cluster feeding and everyday pumping, plus a built-in nightlight so you can check output without flipping on every light in the house. It’s leak-proof, low-profile, and lets you pump without pressing pause.
Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump — $85
The Signature Pro is budget-friendly, reliable, and refreshingly simple—with 3 pumping styles, 8 suction levels, and a closed system that keeps things clean. It’s the kind of pump that shows up for you, day in and day out.
Lansinoh Discreet Duo Wearable Breast Pump — $160
Here’s another pump with hospital-strength suction but minus the cords and clunky setup. With 9 suction levels and up to 100 minutes of use, this wearable pump fits into your day—whether you’re at your desk, on a walk, or anywhere in between.
Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump — $12
There’s a reason so many moms have loved the Haakaa manual pump through the decades. It’s quiet, compact, and easy to use when you need a quick session or an emergency stash. Toss it in your diaper bag and forget about it—until you’re really glad it’s there.
MAM Manual Breast Pump — $25.73
A little pricier, but convenient in that it manually pumps your milk right into a bottle to feed to your baby, this is another go-to for moms who want comfort, control, and a low-tech backup option. It’s ergonomic, quiet, and includes a MAM anti-colic bottle.
Nipple Care That Doesn’t Hurt (But Heals What Does)
Breastfeeding can be beautiful—but let’s not sugarcoat it: it can also hurt, leak, swell, and make you feel like your body isn’t your own. These are the products that saved me (and my nipples) through the toughest moments. From soothing gel packs to hydration helpers, consider this your breastfeeding recovery kit.
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter — $14
This one’s in our holy grail category. Organic, lanolin-free, and made with olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa, it soothes cracked nipples without needing to wipe it off before nursing. If you’re bleeding, peeling, or flinching every latch, start here.
The Honest Company Honest Mama Calm Your Nip Balm — $13
Here’s another great nipple balm option for when your girls need some serious TLC. Packed with calming, organic ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and shea butter, it’s made to soothe even the most tender skin. It’s gentle, safe, and fragrance-free—so no worries about harsh chemicals near your sensitive spots. Plus, it’s easy to apply without feeling greasy, making it the perfect post-feed relief.
Silverette Nursing Cups — $60
Yes, they look like little alien thimbles., but hear us out: these Italian-made silver cups work with zero creams, just wear them in your bra between feeds and let silver’s natural anti-inflammatory powers do their thing. Especially good for cracked, raw, or bleeding nips.
Momcozy Hydrogel Nipple Pads — $25
For when your nipples feel like they’ve been dragged across gravel, these hydrogel pads are cold, soothing, and straight-up magical. Pop them in the fridge for bonus chill. Just don’t moan out loud in public. (Or do.)
Organic Nursing Pads — $16 (14-pack)
Disposable nursing pads might work in a pinch, but these buttery-soft reusable ones are where it’s at. They’re contoured, absorbent, and kind to sensitive skin—unlike those crunchy little paper ones that feel like sandpaper on your soul.
Lansinoh Nipple Shields — $6
For when your nipples are too sore for even the lightest latch or your baby’s struggling to latch correctly. These silicone shields create a barrier that lets you nurse more comfortably while still giving baby the goods. Plus, they come with a convenient case to keep them clean between uses—because you’ve got enough on your plate already.
Yoomi Breast Aid™ — $30
This HOCL gel-based treatment is a game-changer for sore nipples. Hydrating, cooling, adhesive-free, and totally safe for baby—no washing required. Think of it as a hug for your nips when breastfeeding gets rough.
Lactation Aids That Actually Help (No Magic Pills, Just Real Support)
While there’s no magic pill for milk supply, these lactation aids are designed to support your breastfeeding journey by promoting relaxation, soothing discomfort, and offering gentle, holistic assistance. Whether it’s teas, supplements, or other remedies, these products are here to make the process a little more manageable.
Bodily Organic Lactation Latte — $108 for a 3-pack
A warm cup of milk-boosting goodness that doesn’t taste like a supplement. One cup a day is all you need to support supply with this blend of organic galactagogues. Feels like a treat, works like a charm.
Mommy’s Bliss Lactation Hydration Drink Tablets — $8
Drop one of these berry- or lemon-flavored tablets in water and boom—hydration, electrolytes, and lactation support in one fizzy sip. No dairy, no soy, just what your body actually needs.
Ritual Essential for Women Postnatal Multivitamin — $39
I started taking these after my third and wished I had them in my arsenal sooner. They’re made with traceable ingredients, gentle on an empty stomach, and include everything from omega-3 DHA to iron and biotin to help you recover, re-energize, and support milk production—all without that chalky vitamin aftertaste. It’s one of the few things I remembered to take that actually made me feel like I was doing something for me.
Frida Mom 2-in-1 Lactation Massager — $18
Technically a lactation massager, but this vibrating wonder also brings blessed relief to tender breasts and sore nipples. Especially helpful if you’re dealing with clogged ducts or just need something to help your milk move already.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk Tea — $24 for a 6-pack (96 bags)
I drank this almost every day in those early months—not because I was chasing a miracle supply boost, but because the ritual of it grounded me. It’s made with fennel, fenugreek, and other herbs traditionally used to support lactation, and the flavor is earthy and comforting (especially with a splash of oat milk and honey). Whether or not it moves the needle on ounces, it gave me a reason to slow down, breathe, and do something nourishing for myself—which, honestly, was half the battle.
Feeding Essentials: Bottles, Storage, and On-the-Go Solutions
Pigeon PPSU Wide Neck Bottles — $34 for a 2-pack
These bestsellers are designed for babies and boobs. The visual latch-on line helps your little one achieve a deep, comfy latch, and the anti-colic vent system keeps gas and fussiness to a minimum. The soft, breast-like nipple makes the breast-to-bottle transition smooth and intuitive.
Ember Baby Bottle System Plus — $100
If you’re OK with going high-tech with your bottle warmer, you won’t be disappointed by Ember’s baby bottle system. It comes with two 6 oz bottles, a Smart Warming Puck, and an Insulating Dome that makes sure your baby’s milk is heated to the perfect temp every single time (it heats up fast too!). It pairs with the Ember Baby app to track feedings and baby’s growth and you can take the puck on the go so you can warm your baby’s bottles from anywhere.
Philips Avent Premium Fast Bottle Warmer — $50
This is a great budget option that does a great job and heats bottles in just three minutes. It utilizes water-bath technology to prevent hot spots, while the one-piece, leak-proof design makes cleanup easy.
Comotomo Baby Bottle Bundle — $60
I used these bottles with all three of my breastfed babies, and they were a lifesaver. The vented base helped reduce gas and reflux, and the nipple felt soft and natural—like me. They’re super easy to wash, too, which is a plus!
OG Breastmilk Chiller by Ceres Chill — $68
Ditch the ice packs and leaky coolers. This sleek chiller keeps up to 20 oz of milk cold for 20+ hours—no power needed. You can pump directly into it, convert it to a bottle or sippy, or use it as your own water bottle later. (Game. Changer.)
Willow Portable Breast Milk Cooler Bottle — $39
This sleek, stainless steel cooler from Willow keeps breast milk cold for up to 24 hours—no clunky ice packs or giant cooler bags required. It’s insulated, reusable, and made to slip into your diaper bag without a second thought. A must-have for pumping moms who are always on the move.
Willow Milk Bags — $29 for 48-count
If you’re using the Willow pump like me, these pre-sterilized bags let you pump directly into them—no transferring, no mess, no wondering if you lost an ounce in the shuffle. You seal, store, and stash them in the fridge or freezer right away. They’re spill-proof and sanity-saving, especially when you’re pumping around the clock and need everything to just work.
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags — $21 for a 120-count
I used these with my first baby before I became a Willow fanatic (I use their milk bags now!). They freeze flat, don’t leak, and have a double zipper seal that actually stays shut. They also hook up to most pumps if you’re in a rush and want to skip washing extra bottles. Simple, no-frills, and just work.
Motif Wet-Dry Bag — $11
Pump, rinse, repeat. This waterproof bag keeps used pump parts, wet clothes, or swimsuits separate from the rest of your stuff—and clips onto your stroller or diaper bag for easy carry.
Willow Breast Pump Carrying Case — $60
I used this carrying case with my Willow pump and it made such a difference. Everything had its place, it kept my parts clean and protected, and it made pumping on the go feel way less chaotic. Honestly, it was one of those small things that made the whole routine smoother.
Hatch Restore — $170
Middle-of-the-night feeds are brutal enough without being blasted by a harsh overhead light. This soft-glow smart lamp changed everything for me. You can program gentle red light (which doesn’t mess with your melatonin), set wind-down routines, and even use calming sounds to help you (or baby) fall back asleep. A must if your nights feel endless and you’re desperate to reclaim some rest.
Nursing Clothes That Don’t Squeeze (And Actually Hold the Girls)
Bodily’s Everything Bra — $48
I wore this bra through pregnancy, postpartum, and those early nursing months. It’s soft and so light that it somehow feels like you’re wearing nothing. The one-handed clip is super secure (with a satisfying little snap), the fabric is breathable and OEKO-TEX certified, and the extra rows of back hooks meant I could adjust it as my rib cage shifted.
ThirdLove Form Fit Wireless Bra — $99 for a 2-pack
I’ve worn a lot of wireless bras over the years, and this one from ThirdLove is easily a favorite. The fit is incredible—no uniboob, no digging, just actual lift and shape without a wire. The fabric is soft with just the right amount of stretch, and the built-in cups give a natural, supported feel that lasts all day. I love that it’s designed for real bodies and comes in more sizes than most brands even attempt.
Solly Baby Nursing Cover — $54
I used the Solly Baby Nursing Cover during those early months, and it quickly became one of my go-to essentials. It’s buttery soft, breathable, and gave me just enough coverage without feeling bulky or drawing attention. I loved that it doubled as a car seat cover and folded up tiny in my diaper bag—practical, beautiful, and just easy to use when I needed it most.
Simple Wishes Zip-Up Nursing Bra — $46 for a 2-pack
If you’re not using a bra-in pump, this nursing bra is a great option for hands-free pumping. I used it with my first and loved that it was comfortable enough to wear all day, supportive without being stiff, and actually cute under clothes. It was one of those rare finds that made the chaos of new motherhood feel a little more manageable.
A Domani Cooling Sleepwear — $128
I lived in my Rest cooling PJs during my postpartum period, but have to say—they aren’t nursing friendly like this set. I haven’t tried it firsthand, but have read that the fabric genuinely feels cooling and luxe, flowing effortlessly no matter how warm you get. The criss‑cross straps are a huge plus for late-night (or early-morning) feeds.
Belly Bandit Maternity & Postpartum Nursing & Sleep Bra — $37
This seamless, wire‑free bra is made of breathable stretch‑and‑recover fabric that flexes with your body, with a wide bottom band and inner sling that gently supports tender breasts—even when milk comes in. The one‑hand clasp release makes nighttime nursing effortless, and I found it soft enough to sleep in—even on the sweatiest postpartum nights.
Magnetic Me Magnetic Nursing Poncho Scarf — $46
I used the Magnetic Me Nursing Poncho when I was breastfeeding and out in the world—and it was such a lifesaver. The magnetic closures made it super easy to get access quickly (even with a squirmy baby), and I loved that I could adjust the fit depending on how much coverage I wanted. It’s soft, breathable, and stretchy enough to double as a blanket when we were on the go.
