The initial high hopes for breastfeeding come to a screeching halt all too often with mamas starting out totally unprepared on their nursing journeys. This is a result of everything from lack of knowledge, to missing supplies and a bad attitude. Now, I’ll be the first to tell you – beyond the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding for a newborn, it is an amazing gift from God to connect with your little one and experience the joy of your body actually sustaining the life of another after childbirth. It’s truly a uniquely amazing experience. However, few mamas go in actually prepared to do this and way too many end up throwing in the towel too early without having truly given it her all. It’s not necessary and totally avoidable. So do yourself a favor and prepare to THRIVE in your first year of breastfeeding with these resources.

A quick side note for our tribe: We are all about mutually beneficial relationships here at the Newlymoms. So naturally, this article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you were to use the links provided and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). We only promote products we use, love, and/or fully support — it’s a win, win, win! If you have any questions about what we use, love and/or support, please reach out to us via our contact page.

Education Necessities

Self-guided educational resources are extremely undervalued in the parenting journey, especially those surrounding breastfeeding. The following resources each provide a different take on the breastfeeding experience, with varying “best practices” and recommendations. We, at the newlymoms, do not believe in a single best way to do anything. We believe the goal of every tip, trick and fool-proof guide should be to lead each mama into a deeper relationship with Holy Spirit, who is the one ultimately giving you the best answer FOR YOU. So take a look at these resources, read them all, and let Holy Spirit guide you into YOUR BEST PRACTICE.

1. Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding

I absolutely loved reading this book. Ina May is the nation’s leading midwife and gives a global, beautifully encouraging perspective on breastfeeding. Pretty much every hiccup you could run into regarding latching, milk supply, pain and tears can be found in this book and she believes there’s a solution to them all. Do yourself a favor and read this cover to cover.

    2. On Becoming Babywise

Understanding the important connection between your newborn’s eating & sleeping is truly invaluable as a new mama. A well-rested, well-fed baby is a happy baby and, subsequently, a happy mama. While the actual advice on breastfeeding is not nearly as extensive as the other resources on this list – understanding the eat/wake/sleep relationship will save your sanity, for sure.

SIDE NOTE: We created a FREE Printable schedule that goes along with the schedule laid out in this book. Because who wouldn’t want a well-rested, well-fed baby? CLICK HERE to subscribe for a FREE Babywise Printable Schedule

    3. Breastfeeding Help & Baby Care for New Parents

The video modules you can purchase from Kate Hale are super helpful and super easy to get through. In a little over an hour, you can learn (1) how to latch & breastfeed your baby, (2) how to understand your milk supply and (3) basic care for your infant as mom and dad. “Breastfeeding Help offers you a complete and effective technique that will teach you to deeply latch your baby and breastfeed without pain within minutes for a contented baby and an end to sore nipples.”

Nursing Necessities

1. My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow

This baby is BY FAR the BEST nursing pillow out there. Why? Because it’s not merely a pillow, which only helps so much. It actually clips around your body and adjusts to fit whatever size you happen to be at the time. It’s not just a surface for you to rest your baby on while nursing – it’s a life-saving, totally glorious posture solution that significantly eases the tension and discomfort of nursing, especially in the first few months.

    2. BRAVADO Silk, Seamless Nursing Bras

HANDS DOWN the best nursing bras out there. Crazy comfortable, super soft and unbelievably easy to adjust for nursing purposes. I still wear mine even though I’m not nursing anymore. I sleep in it and would probably shower in it if it made any sense at all – I just love them.

   3. Bebe Au Lait Premium Cotton Nursing Cover

I’ve tried a few of the nursing covers out there and this baby is the most comfortable and practical by a LONG SHOT. The stretching sling-style covers move in the wind and don’t always cover what you need them to and shirt-style covers get in the way and make it difficult to see baby when needed. Why do you even need a nursing cover? Well, I’m glad you asked. Because you need to get out, mama! And it’s not always easy to schedule errands and visits around feeding time if you need to be home whenever that time comes around. Prepare yourself by getting this amazing nursing cover ahead of time and avoid the “life is passing me by” blues of never leaving your house.

Pumping Necessities

Whether you’re planning on being a working mama or a stay-at-home one, planning to be there for every, single feed for your child will probably drive you insane. So preparing ahead of time for pumping is extremely important. These are our favorite pumping resources:

1. Medela Pump In Style Double Electric Breast Pump

Most insurance companies these days will cover breast pumps for expecting mothers. But even if yours doesn’t – this baby isn’t terribly expensive and the #1 physician-recommended breast pump brand in the US. This one is amazing and very portable – if you need it for work or an outing or whatever. Pumping is no fun no matter which way you spin it – so get the best breast pump you can in effort to make it the best experience possible.

    2. Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra

Did I mention that pumping is not the best experience? Well, it’s not. And this is just one more thing that makes it a little easier. I’ve tried a handful of pumping bras and this is the most comfortable, inexpensive and functional of them all.

   3. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags

These are super easy to use, come in easy travel pouches and hold up well during the reheating process. The labels for you to mark date, time & amount pumped are also super accessible and easy-to-read.

Attitude Necessities

1. Resolve

Is breastfeeding going to be the easiest option for nourishing your newborn? No. But are you someone who takes the easy way out? No. You’re a mama and mamas don’t take the easy way out. Mamas push through the hard times, rely on God for their strength and sacrificially love their families. Is breastfeeding the healthiest option for your new little one? Yes. So is it worth it? Absolutely. You can do this mama. And while all the above-mentioned items are incredibly important and can make a huge difference in your breastfeeding journey – not one of them will make or break it. Your attitude will.

And while breastfeeding is definitely not the easiest route to take – it is definitely the least expensive! 🙂

Right there with ya!