Breastfeeding mamas of newborns soon discover that their main function in life is limited to one thing: nursing.
We eat, breathe, and sleep nursing in those early weeks. And there is nothing worse than spending 15 minutes to get baby to latch on, feeling that let-down start, and realizing that you don't have a bottle of water nearby (oh! the thirst!). Or a book. Or a snack.
So breastfeeding mamas of newborns also soon realize that they need what is fondly referred to as a "breastfeeding basket."
This is a basket of essentials and goodies that is always fully stocked and within arm's reach of the nursing pair. If nursing typically occurs in more than one location, get more than one basket if it's too difficult to cart it from room to room.
This is an excellent way for a breastfeeding mama's partner to support her during those first weeks. Help her make her basket, put special goodies in there to surprise her, and help her keep it replenished every day. She will be so grateful (even if she forgets to say so)!
A breastfeeding basket also makes a wonderful baby shower or mother blessing gift, and it's one that several friends can help compile for the expecting mama.
Below are the items I like to keep in my breastfeeding basket (yes, my basket is rather large!). Feel free to leave your own suggestions and preferences in the comments.
Breastfeeding Basket Essentials
For Mama (nursing gear, entertainment, communication, food and drink, personal care items):
- Nursing pads
- Nursing aids (Lanolin, rice pack (which will need to be heated before you sit down!), etc.)
- Nursing pillow
- A few items to occupy older children (books, crayons/paper, activity bags, etc.)
- Book/Magazine
- Remote
- Phone
- Notebook/pen (for writing down all the cute things baby does)
- Water, water, and more water!
- Snacks (granola bars, lactation cookies)
- Chapstick
- Nail file/clippers
- Lotion
- Cloth wipes/tissue
- (And somewhere nearby: Camera, Laptop)
For Baby (diapers, clean-up, clothes):
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Wipe Spray (and any other diaper necessities - i.e., rash cream, etc.)
- Burp cloth
- Extra outfit
What is in your breastfeeding basket?
Dionna is a lawyer turned work at home mama of her amazing son,
Kieran, and a beautiful new daughter, Ailia. You can normally find
Dionna over at Code Name: Mama where she shares information, resources, and her thoughts on natural parenting and life with little ones.
