• Home
  • About
    • New? Start Here.
    • Meet The Co-Hosts
    • Meet The Contributors
    • In The Media
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

The Mom Hour

Happier motherhood starts here.

  • New? Start Here.
  • Podcast
    • Recent Episodes
    • Complete Archives
    • Search By Topic
  • Blog
  • Ages & Stages
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • Preschoolers
    • Big Kids
    • Tweens & Teens
  • Shop
  • Our Partners

in Blog on April 18, 2022 by Kia Hammond

These Breastfeeding Products Made My Nursing Journey Easier

For some moms, “stuff” isn’t a big part of their breastfeeding journey. Others may have a rougher start and need professional lactation support as well as help from products designed specifically for lactating women. This has always been the case for me.

In the age of the internet it can be overwhelming to see all of the “must-have” products designed for successful breastfeeding. If you do have any difficulties nursing or pumping I always recommend first seeing an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), no matter how old your baby is or what stage you are in your nursing journey. And if you are in the market for some products to make the journey a little easier, here are some of my favorites, most of which I use everyday as a breastfeeding mom! 

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

This $30 manual pump can be a life saver in so many situations and will always be my #1 favorite. It is easy to take along with you on the go, easy to put together, wash and is user friendly! It has 2 expression technology just like your electric pump and your baby’s suckling pattern. 

Pumping Spray

Pumping can be uncomfortable because of the friction between your skin and the flange. This spray is a game changer as it lubricates your flange with just one spray for a more comfortable yet mess free pumping experience. It is made with food grade organic coconut, olive and sunflower seed oils. Coconut oil also has healing and anti fungal properties so if you do have sore nipples this spray can aide in healing. I can’t remember what it was like to pump without it!

Silverette Nipple Cups

I’ve nursed two babies through tongue and lip ties which has resulted in bruised, cracked and sometimes even bleeding nipples. These are an absolute lifesaver and always my go-to baby shower gift to a first time breastfeeding mom. Silver has many healing properties- antibiotic, anti fungal and anti microbial. I would sleep with them on during the night and wake up to happier nipples when it was time to nurse again. I recommend wearing them underneath a nursing pad otherwise you might have the Madonna pointy nipple shape going on! Also remember, do not pair these with creams as they can block the silver effects. When you are finished using them you can send them back to the company and they will turn your Silverettes into a keepsake charm for you to cherish the success of your nursing journey.

Amelia Pumping & Nursing Crop Cami

Who knew it was possible to find a nursing AND pumping bra that is comfortable for everyday wear AND cute? This small women/mom owned business has forever changed the nursing and pumping bra game! Even as a bustier gal (38 DDD) this bra is comfortable and functional. Look at that lace detail, my husband even calls it’s my “sexy nursing bra” so, there are wins all around!

Imani i2 Wearable Breast Pump

I have personal experience with other wearable pumps on the market that are almost triple the price of these but no where near as comfortable or user friendly. These pumps are so comfortable with their silicone flanges. I’ve yet to have any spills or clogged ducts after using this pump. There aren’t too many pieces to wash and they’re small enough to fit inside my purse or diaper bag when we are on the go! It checks all of the boxes for a comfortable, functional, user friendly, not a hassle to wash or put together, hands free, cordless pumping option!

NipDip Nipple Cream

Can you tell I love Legendary Milk products? This nipple cream is unlike others as it is made with manuka honey and coconut oil. There is no need to wash this off before nursing baby because the honey in it is gamma irradiated so that there is no risk of botulism. It can also be used to cradle cap, diaper rash, eczema and chapped lips. 

Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow

I have always loved my Boppy pillow for comfortable positioning when nursing and use it well after the newborn stage. We even take it in the car, to the park and to the beach because I love having the support it gives! Keep in mind when using that baby should still be chest to chest with mom especially in the early weeks while establishing your breastfeeding relationship.

The Boob Bag

This accessory bag is both functional and cute as it holds all of my on the go pumping essentials so it is easy to toss into my diaper bag or purse. It is also made by another small woman/mom owned business! 

LaVie Lactation Massager

I had to exclusively pump for quite some time in the beginning of the pandemic due to offices being closed and my son not being able to get his lip and tongue-ties revised. This vibrating massager helped me to get the most milk removed from my breasts and became the best at removing clogged ducts! It is another one of those things I never leave the house without if I know I am going to have to pump! It is also water proof so paired with a warm shower is the perfect duo to help relieve a clogged milk duct.

TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs

These hot and cold packs are another favorite of mine and ones I love to gift to first-time moms! I have a pair always in the freezer and another in the cabinet ready to be warmed. Warming these up and placing either directly on your breasts before nursing or pumping or even on your flanges before pumping can help to stimulate let-down. Using them cold can help with engorgement and even mastitis.

Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads

These nursing pads are soft, leakproof, don’t leave that weird shape in your bra like disposable pads do, and they’re environmentally friendly. I’ve used the same set through two nursing journeys!

Lacteck Baby Motion Flanges

The plastic flanges that come standard with pumps can still be uncomfortable even with pumping spray, especially if you have more elastic nipple tissue. I’ve found that these silicone flanges made with a special technology that lightly compresses the nipple and areola during pumping like a baby does at the breast can in turn lead to both a better pumping experience and maximum output. There are special adapters and hacks so that these flanges fit other pumps who haven’t yet upgrades to using silicone flanges like the Spectra and Medela pumps.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mom and baby. Although it is often referred to as “the most natural thing,” it can take some time to feel confident in your journey and to establish a breastfeeding relationship that both you and baby feel good about. I hope some of these things can help make your journey a little easier, as they have done for me! 

Looking for breastfeeding support? Find an IBCLC in your area.

Related

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: babies, new mom, pregnancy

About Kia Hammond

Kia lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and four children. She’s a former postpartum/newborn nurse who loves engaging, encouraging, and supporting new moms. She left the workforce during the pandemic after years of working and being a student mother and is now adjusting to life as a stay-at-home mom.

deals from our partners



When you click through these links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and we only partner with brands we’ve used and truly love!).

« Books We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVries
Listener Questions (Vol. 38): Episode 361 »

Comments

  1. Joanne says

    April 20, 2022 at 9:01 am

    I’m years past breastfeeding but I’m saving this post for baby shower gift ideas! Thanks, Kia!

    Reply
  2. Erin says

    July 5, 2022 at 11:39 am

    I’m thankful nursing bra’s were invented it makes my journey comfortable. Also nipple creams too!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Listen + Subscribe

Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify
Subscribe in Google Podcasts
Subscribe on YouTube
Subscribe on Amazon Music

Featured Sponsor

Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR at TheEssentialCalendar.com!

Search

Recent Blog Posts

6 Kitchen Gadgets Our Team Loves

September 18, 2023 By The Mom Hour

6 Ways To Support School Learning At Home (No Flash Cards Required!)

August 28, 2023 By The Mom Hour

4 Ways To Support Your Child’s Educator This School Year

August 21, 2023 By Lisa Payne

What To Expect When Your Child Starts Kindergarten

August 14, 2023 By Joanna Martin

Is Your Preschooler Ready For The First Day? At-Home Routines To Practice Before School Starts

August 7, 2023 By Kia Hammond

more from the blog...

On Instagram

themomhour

Top 10 parenting podcast hosted by @meaganfrancis (MI) & @powersofmine (SoCal). 8 kids between us, little to grown. Happier motherhood starts here.

The Mom Hour
New episode! As busy moms and business owners we' New episode!

As busy moms and business owners we're often on the go - and, cliché as it is, almost always with a beverage in hand! In part two of our conversation about kitchen gadgets and gear, Meagan and Sarah go deep into all of the beverage products that keep our drinks hot, cold, room-temp, fizzy, cute, and spill-proof. We also get into kitchen-adjacent gear that helps us clean and organize the space where we feed our families. Enjoy!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
On the podcast this week (and next!) Meagan and Sa On the podcast this week (and next!) Meagan and Sarah share some of our favorite kitchen gadgets, cooking tools, food prep solutions, cleaning solutions, and countertop appliances. Because every home cook has a different set of needs and priorities, we opened up the question to our contributor team to find out what gear makes their lives easier in the kitchen. Tap the link in our bio to get gear tips from @stacybronec @jaymesherrod @emilyeroark @sarahelimberg and @joannerevising!

(Looking for Meagan’s and Sarah’s kitchen favorites, as mentioned on the podcast? Head to the show notes for Episode 431, which you can find in your podcast player or by tapping through Tuesday's Insta post.)
Kids are back in school and we're back in our kitc Kids are back in school and we're back in our kitchens with a bit more pep in our steps - so let's chat about gadets and gear! Join Meagan and Sarah today to hear about the Porch Microwave, the Mercedes-Benz of Coffee Grinders, how our partners' personalities lead us to unwanted kitchen appliances, and more. We share our current favorite kitchen tools for food prep and cooking - with more to come next week, too.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts (we had a delay but all is well now!) or tap this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Big transitions in family structure are never easy Big transitions in family structure are never easy. When it comes to blending families, introducing a new romantic partner as a single parent, or stepping into step-parenting, there's so much to think about. Today Meagan gets candid about her current blended family situation, following her wedding this summer and the integration of their families into a shared home. Sarah has lots of questions as Meagan shares what's going well, a few tension points, what she would do differently, and how it's going overall.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Use code THEMOMHOUR to save 10% on @theessentialca Use code THEMOMHOUR to save 10% on @theessentialcalendar this fall!

I (Sarah) had the coziest evening with my Monday-start “Busiest Time Ever” calendar last night. If the next few months already feel like they’re filling up and you can’t quite picture it all, this is a great solution!

Tap the link in our bio to shop, or head to theessentialcalendar.com/themomhour. Happy planning!
New episode! Are you a "Today's The Day!" type, o New episode!

Are you a "Today's The Day!" type, or do you prefer to ease gently into a new adventure, challenge, or season? Whether you get excited to dive into a slew of new initiatives with the turning over of that shiny, crisp edge of a calendar page (like Sarah!), or really prefer to transition on your own internal timeline (like Meagan!), this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the many upsides to a soft start (in motherhood, business, health, and more) in an effort to take the pressure off moms this fall.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy September! What are you looking forward to t Happy September! What are you looking forward to this month? Drop a comment and let us know! 👇
Raise your hand if you practiced some sight words Raise your hand if you practiced some sight words this week - or proctored a spelling pre-test - or ran through some multiplication tables? Sometimes supporting your kids' classroom learning at home looks like facts and flash cards, but we're here to remind you that there are LOTS of ways to nurture curiosity and promote learning, and many of them can fit seamlessly into family life.

This week on the blog we're revisiting a post Meagan and Sarah co-authored back in 2018 - when our kids spanned preschool to high schoool! - with six ideas for supporting school learning at home. Tap the link in our bio to read the post!
New episode! Meagan and Sarah had fun-filled trav New episode!

Meagan and Sarah had fun-filled travel in August before saying goodbye to summer. The Powers family traveled to the East Coast for a week of multigenerational state-hopping served with a side of bug bites and butt bruises! And Meagan officially opened a bookstore in Manistique, MI, right after surviving a 20-mile hike with her siblings and their spouses. Now we're back, shifting from summer-mom to school-year-mom, and sharing our "laundry basket of hopes and aspirations for Fall 2023" with all of you.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Been thinking about trying one of our sponsors? He Been thinking about trying one of our sponsors? Here's your sign! 🌈 Once a month, we like to thank our partners and remind you of their great discounts. For our special promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight OR tap on this image at the link in our bio to check out the Deals & Offers page on our website.

We appreciate when you check out our partners who support our show and use our links + codes!

The Mom Hour is sponsored by . . . 

💚 @betterhelp (10% off your 1st month!)
💧 @liquidiv (20% off sugar-free hydration amplifier!)
💅 @oliveandjune (20% off your 1st system!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
🧘‍♀️ @fabletics (2 workout bottoms for $24!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
🗓️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
🍃 @drinkag1 (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
👡 @vionicshoes (15% off your order!)
💊 @ritual (30% off your 1st month!)
This week on the blog we're revisiting @lisaapayne This week on the blog we're revisiting @lisaapayne4's tips for supporting your child's teacher and classroom this school year. Lisa is a career educator whose work takes her into multiple schools and classrooms, so she sees a lot! She's also a single mom to four kids who span elementary, middle, and high school this year.

Read the post at the link in our bio - and feel free to add more suggestions in the comments below!

Photo Credit: LinkedIn Sales Solutions via Unsplash
New episode! Sarah stopped dyeing her hair and gr New episode!

Sarah stopped dyeing her hair and growing out her natural grays last fall - almost a year ago - and Meagan is contemplating a new style! Today Meagan asks Sarah ALL the gray grow-out questions to catch up on the progress, and talks about why she might be ready for a new look herself. We also share some hair wins and hair woes from this season of life, and how it's different from early motherhood. Join us!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio to visit the show notes, where you'll find photos of the hairstyles we discussed!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Load More... Follow on Instagram

as seen on

Send us an email

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email hello@themomhour.com and we’re here to help!

listen on

looking for something?

New episode! As busy moms and business owners we' New episode!

As busy moms and business owners we're often on the go - and, cliché as it is, almost always with a beverage in hand! In part two of our conversation about kitchen gadgets and gear, Meagan and Sarah go deep into all of the beverage products that keep our drinks hot, cold, room-temp, fizzy, cute, and spill-proof. We also get into kitchen-adjacent gear that helps us clean and organize the space where we feed our families. Enjoy!

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
On the podcast this week (and next!) Meagan and Sa On the podcast this week (and next!) Meagan and Sarah share some of our favorite kitchen gadgets, cooking tools, food prep solutions, cleaning solutions, and countertop appliances. Because every home cook has a different set of needs and priorities, we opened up the question to our contributor team to find out what gear makes their lives easier in the kitchen. Tap the link in our bio to get gear tips from @stacybronec @jaymesherrod @emilyeroark @sarahelimberg and @joannerevising!

(Looking for Meagan’s and Sarah’s kitchen favorites, as mentioned on the podcast? Head to the show notes for Episode 431, which you can find in your podcast player or by tapping through Tuesday's Insta post.)
Kids are back in school and we're back in our kitc Kids are back in school and we're back in our kitchens with a bit more pep in our steps - so let's chat about gadets and gear! Join Meagan and Sarah today to hear about the Porch Microwave, the Mercedes-Benz of Coffee Grinders, how our partners' personalities lead us to unwanted kitchen appliances, and more. We share our current favorite kitchen tools for food prep and cooking - with more to come next week, too.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts (we had a delay but all is well now!) or tap this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Big transitions in family structure are never easy Big transitions in family structure are never easy. When it comes to blending families, introducing a new romantic partner as a single parent, or stepping into step-parenting, there's so much to think about. Today Meagan gets candid about her current blended family situation, following her wedding this summer and the integration of their families into a shared home. Sarah has lots of questions as Meagan shares what's going well, a few tension points, what she would do differently, and how it's going overall.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Use code THEMOMHOUR to save 10% on @theessentialca Use code THEMOMHOUR to save 10% on @theessentialcalendar this fall!

I (Sarah) had the coziest evening with my Monday-start “Busiest Time Ever” calendar last night. If the next few months already feel like they’re filling up and you can’t quite picture it all, this is a great solution!

Tap the link in our bio to shop, or head to theessentialcalendar.com/themomhour. Happy planning!
New episode! Are you a "Today's The Day!" type, o New episode!

Are you a "Today's The Day!" type, or do you prefer to ease gently into a new adventure, challenge, or season? Whether you get excited to dive into a slew of new initiatives with the turning over of that shiny, crisp edge of a calendar page (like Sarah!), or really prefer to transition on your own internal timeline (like Meagan!), this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the many upsides to a soft start (in motherhood, business, health, and more) in an effort to take the pressure off moms this fall.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy September! What are you looking forward to t Happy September! What are you looking forward to this month? Drop a comment and let us know! 👇
Raise your hand if you practiced some sight words Raise your hand if you practiced some sight words this week - or proctored a spelling pre-test - or ran through some multiplication tables? Sometimes supporting your kids' classroom learning at home looks like facts and flash cards, but we're here to remind you that there are LOTS of ways to nurture curiosity and promote learning, and many of them can fit seamlessly into family life.

This week on the blog we're revisiting a post Meagan and Sarah co-authored back in 2018 - when our kids spanned preschool to high schoool! - with six ideas for supporting school learning at home. Tap the link in our bio to read the post!
New episode! Meagan and Sarah had fun-filled trav New episode!

Meagan and Sarah had fun-filled travel in August before saying goodbye to summer. The Powers family traveled to the East Coast for a week of multigenerational state-hopping served with a side of bug bites and butt bruises! And Meagan officially opened a bookstore in Manistique, MI, right after surviving a 20-mile hike with her siblings and their spouses. Now we're back, shifting from summer-mom to school-year-mom, and sharing our "laundry basket of hopes and aspirations for Fall 2023" with all of you.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Been thinking about trying one of our sponsors? He Been thinking about trying one of our sponsors? Here's your sign! 🌈 Once a month, we like to thank our partners and remind you of their great discounts. For our special promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight OR tap on this image at the link in our bio to check out the Deals & Offers page on our website.

We appreciate when you check out our partners who support our show and use our links + codes!

The Mom Hour is sponsored by . . . 

💚 @betterhelp (10% off your 1st month!)
💧 @liquidiv (20% off sugar-free hydration amplifier!)
💅 @oliveandjune (20% off your 1st system!)
🎨 @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
🧘‍♀️ @fabletics (2 workout bottoms for $24!)
☑️ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
🗓️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
🍃 @drinkag1 (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
👡 @vionicshoes (15% off your order!)
💊 @ritual (30% off your 1st month!)

Copyright © 2023 · Life, Listened
Development by Cipher