One very important part of preparing for your new little one is preparing to breastfeed. By preparing, you can feel much calmer and in control when the time comes, thus making it a more enjoyable and successful experience. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to prepare.

Purchase Clothing You Can Breastfeed In 

In order to make breastfeeding easier, you should consider purchasing some clothing that are easy to breastfeed in. Thankfully, there are so many options now for tanks, tee shirts, and hoodies that are nursing-friendly. These tops have hidden slits in them that allow you to breastfeed your baby without ever having to remove any of your clothes.

These tops are so convenient when you are nursing in a public location, such as a restaurant, the park, church, etc. They can also allow you to start nursing your baby much faster, which can reduce a lot of stress for you when you have a hungry baby who wants to nurse right away. 

If you are baby wearing, these tanks can snap down for easy nursing access and make baby wearing and breastfeeding much more possible.

Sometimes being a new mom, it's harder for some to adjust to nursing in public spaces. The fears and concerns are real, and clothing that offers privacy can certainly relieve the anxiety and nerves for mothers just getting used to it. 

Make preparing for breastfeeding easier by packing your hospital bag with nursing friendly tops like this mom in her Cozy Nursing Hoodie.

Bun's Ribbed nursing tanks are stretchy for wearability during pregnancy and well into postpartum, creating coverage and comfort for nursing in public.

Visit With A Lactation Consultant 

Another great way to prepare for breastfeeding is to meet with a lactation consultant or take a lactation class before you give birth. A lactation consultant is a professional breastfeeding specialist who will let you know what to expect in terms of your milk coming in, pumping, helping your baby get the right latch for the first time, showing you how to hold your baby when nursing, and much more. They can also answer all of your questions and put a lot of your worries at ease.

Set this up at the hospital you give birth in because most of the time, a lactation consultant will come visit.  You can start breastfeeding within the first hour of giving birth and it will be essential for you to garner as much support and expertise as possible to be off to the right start. Discuss that this is part of your birth plan to breastfeed. 

Prior to this, you can attend a group breastfeeding class taught by a lactation consultant or you can choose to have a one-on-one consultation. Taking a lactation class before the baby arrives can boost your confidence and give you the much needed knowledge to prepare you for your nursing journey.  If you so desire, you could meet with the lactation consultant again after you've had your baby for even more help hands-on help with nursing your baby.  Many have mommy meet up lactation support groups that are even free to attend. 

It's just not always that easy and doesn't always come naturally for many.  Reaching out can be very empowering and even relieve potential for PPD. 

Talk With Other Breastfeeding Moms 

Some of the best advice that you can get in terms of preparing to breastfeed is from other moms. You can join a mom group in your local area, or even find one online. You could also do something as simple as calling up some of your friends who breastfeed and discussing with them some of your questions and concerns. 

Ask them what they are eating. What is their schedule. How long did it take them to get the hang of everything. 

The support of other moms can also come in handy when your baby arrives and you begin to actually breastfeed because they will be there to encourage you and help you as you begin your breastfeeding journey with your little one.

Keep in mind, everyone has a different experience. Take everything with a grain of salt and use this opportunity to be selective and gather all kinds of information to make your best judgements for what would work best for you. It's okay if someone has less than positive advice to vent to you, but then move on to the next support person that can offer more useful and encouraging words to you.

Purchase The Appropriate Supplies

There are a few different nursing supplies that you can purchase that make nursing more convenient for you and more enjoyable for you and your baby.

• One thing that you may want to consider purchasing is some soothing cream for your nipples. In fact, start now, well before you give birth!  Every time you moisturize your growing belly, do the same to your nipples.
• Well moisturized skin and nipples will save you heartache from pain and dry, cracked nipples.  Use 100% shea butter, natural oil, or lanolin. These creams are safe for your baby and you can easily spread them on your nipples after your baby is done nursing.
• If you have inverted or flat nipples, you may want to consider purchasing a nipple shield, just in case your baby has a hard time latching on. This can help them to get better suction at first and then you can stop using the shield once they have a good latch.
• A nursing pillow is a great thing for you to buy because it puts your baby at the perfect height for nursing. It also allows your arms to rest because they don't have to hold the baby up.  We would say that this is a mama must have!
• Nursing pads. Your breast will leak, so keep these handy.  Be sure you have a bra or sports bra ready as well.  Something without wires is best, to avoid clogged milk ducts and further complications.
• Call your insurance for your breast pump! Do this a month away from the due date.  Your insurance should provide the pump fully covered, but this can depend on your insurance so make this part of your to do list.
• Don't forget those game changing nursing tank tops and hoodies for ultimate ease, convenience, comfort, and style.

Summary

In order to prepare to breastfeed your baby, it is important that you purchase the appropriate clothes for breast feeding, you visit with a lactation consultant to learn more about the process of breastfeeding and what to expect, that you talk with other moms for first hand experience and advice, and that you purchase the appropriate supplies for nursing.

To learn more tips about preparing to nurse your baby, you can visit us here. 

As you prepare for the day you bring your newest family member home, people will start asking you where you're registered. After all, the birth of a baby is one of the most joyful events ever, and people want to contribute to the celebration. 

But what should you put on your baby registry? There are so many baby products out there that it can be hard to narrow down what you need. Especially with your first baby, how do you know what's really important? Instagram and social media moms that post everything they just got their baby can make it difficult to see what is realistic for your needs and what are more luxury extras.

Don't get clouded in your choices.  Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the items you will use and love.

Make a Universal Baby Registry

There are plenty of stores that promise they have everything you need for your baby. And while they probably have lots of the things on your list, there are lots of different options out there. Sites like myregistry.com , or babylist.com let you pull together items from many different stores to create one list that encompasses exactly what you want. This way you can include products from small boutique stores you love, instead of only the standard products you find in big box stores.

What about Big Items?

You may jump on the opportunity to put high price tag items on your list! This can be a fail, or a win.  Consider who your guests are and it may be better etiquette to place items on the registry that are a very good mix of lower priced and a few high priced if you have some people you know will want to make a big purchase for you. 

Items like an expensive stroller travel set should really be purchased on it's own, unless you feel that your chances of having it bought on the registry are good to go.  Also, having more low-mid priced selections is considerate and gives your guests options and they can purchase several things.  

If you have someone who is just itching to spoil your new baby, then feel free to put more expensive things on your baby registry. New grandparents may love the idea of buying the crib that will hold their first grandchild. Some stores offer a discount on items from your registry that weren't purchased, so it may be worthwhile to add things you're going to buy anyway. A few of the bigger items to add are:

• crib
• crib mattress
• car seat
• stroller travel set
• jog stroller

At least these high priced items are real necessities, making them useful and appealing choices. 

Clothes

This part is so much fun. Tiny baby clothes are just adorable. People will advise you not to waste money on baby shoes, because they are useless and they usually won't stay on very well. They're totally right, but baby shoes are also ridiculously cute! If you want to indulge in a few, go ahead. You probably don't need a whole wardrobe though! Choose 1-3 pairs of shoes in various sizes. Neutral colors and ones that claim they have great staying power (like with snaps) are best. 

Do also ask for clothes in different sizes. Those newborn outfits are going to be too small before you can even believe it. You'll want a range of sizes from newborn up through 12 months. 

• 6-8 onesies
• 6-8 snug jammies or sleep gowns that snap or zip closed
• 5-6 outfits for pictures or outings
• a few sweaters or jackets
• 6-8 pairs of socks
• no-scratch mittens or onesies with mittens

You may have heard of having a layette, which is a newborn wardrobe and accessories.  Yep, you will need a layette, but no need to go overboard on it because you won't know how long it's going to be used for until the baby is born. 

So again, choose a few newborn but go mostly for a range of sizes up to one year.  Your babe could grow out of newborn onesies within weeks!

Mom Life Tip: Since you will have wide range of items for different age times, go get some organizer containers, label them by age phase, and store the appropriate clothes and gear in each applicable one till it is needed. 

Baby Gear and the Must Haves

There are so many things that come with taking care of a baby! Here is a summary of musts to make your life a little easier, which includes some extras you will eventually need down the road. 

• baby monitor especially if you live in a multi-level home
• 4-6 bibs
• 5-7 burp cloths 
• diapers (again, ask for these in a range of sizes not just newborn)
• consider cloth diapers (better for the environment)
• bassinet (bedside bassinet like the Halo, for easy feedings at night)
• baby bathtub
• rectal thermometer and forehead thermometer
• baby nail clippers
• swaddle blankets and baby hat(s)
• changing pad (you don't necessarily need a changing table) but you should have a pad
• travel changing pad
• flushable wipes...lots and lots of wipes!
• bottles (a set with different nipples and cleaning supplies is best) If you are breastfeeding and pumping consider something like Munchkin Latch bottles so baby can switch back and forth from mom to bottle.
• premium microwave sterilizer bags for the bottles/bottle parts
• bottle warmer
• rock n play / bouncer so you can set your baby down
• playmat, activity gym
• ear and nose cleaner (the NoseFrida is great)
• sound machine 
• a few developmental toys (black and white contrasting toys)
• table chair for when baby can sit up (this is awesome because it can take place of a high chair and is portable)
• for later you need outlet covers, toilet lock, cabinet locks, knob covers, furniture guards, and gates as necessary
• baby food storage
• cool mist humidifier (a warm mist breeds bacteria!)
• diaper pail and liners
• soft washcloths and make sure you use different ones for diaper area versus body/face (if you already have some then omit these)
• gentle laundry detergent (just ensure everything is washed well and look out for skin sensitivities with baby)
• pacifier if you decide
• baby carrier / sling / wrap
• baby body wash and shampoo, lotion - Go organic and natural with as little irritants as possible. Baby just doesn't need to be over soaped and lathered.

Extras: Now these are not necessities, but some parents really like them and they could be nice to have.

• wipe warmer
• newborn lounger (these only last a few months)
• changing table
• vibration mat
• fancy diaper bag
• sounds machines/soothers
• nursery decor and storage baskets
• bath kneeler
• breath / heart monitor like the Owlet

We left out these items because they are distracting or can be hazards: crib bumpers and extras, comforters, used cribs or carseats, car seat mirror, any clothing with small sewn on parts/trims/cords.

Bedding

Here is a tip that you'll be grateful for after some amazing diaper fail at 2 AM: When you put a sheet on the crib, put a mattress pad down first, then a fitted sheet. THEN (this is the genius part) put down another mattress pad and another fitted sheet. This way, when the sheets need to be changed in the middle of the night, you can just pull off the top fitted sheet and mattress pad, and the second set is ready to go. Make sure the fitted sheets are snug on the mattress and won't slip off. 

• 4 crib washable mattress pads and protectors
• 4 fitted sheets
• 4-6 lightweight receiving blankets
• 2 heavier blankets or car seat covers

Again, don't let your baby sleep with blankets, bumpers, toys, etc. It's a safety hazard! Basically it needs to be just baby on the mattress. #BareIsBest

Breastfeeding Gear

If you're planning to breastfeed, there are a few items you'll want to have. You don't need to register for a breast pump, because your medical insurance will cover that. You will want some gear, though, and a basic wardrobe of nursing clothes. Here are a few things that will come in handy for breastfeeding.

• breast pads
• milk storage bags
• lanolin / coconut oil / nipple cream
• nursing pillow / nursing bra / pumping bra
• wide strap nursing tank 
• nursing hoodie
• nursing sweaters and a nursing tee that you can wear bump, breastfeeding, and beyond

Ensure nursing journey success with a designated space, water bottle handy, and a comfortable glider chair. 

Setting up the nursery or a space in your bedroom can be a happy way to spend time while you wait for your baby. A baby registry helps the people who love you share in that joy. Happy shopping and showering!

Get further prepared for the arrival of your bundle of joy with our Third Trimester Checklist.

Continue to care for yourself with our Survival Guide for the Third Trimester here. 

'Tis the season to start turning your thoughts to all the possibly unprepared new mothers in your life. Okay, so any season is technically birth-giving season, but no matter whether you are headed to the baby shower of your best friend, or thinking of a Christmas gift for your sister-in-law who is ready to give birth, there is one present that can never go wrong for the expecting new mom - a breastfeeding basket.

If you experienced never receiving one, a breastfeeding basket is filled with all those goodies that you wish you did have when nursing.

During those precious first few weeks of life, a mom's life is pretty much only about changing diapers and breastfeeding all-the-time. When a baby is attached to you almost 24/7, having all those little conveniences within reach is more useful than all the onesies in the world that new mothers usually get at a baby shower.

A new mom will get plenty of diapers and common baby shower gifts so we're doing this our way...essentials but with lots of fun mixed in!

What to Include in a Breastfeeding Basket

It starts with the Basket

When you choose the basket try for one that she can continue to use like a cute weaved storage basket, maybe one she can store some of the baby's toys in and then the basket will be around for a very long time.  A picnic basket is also sweet and creative for future times when taking her baby to the park.  This way she doesn't have to throw away that easter egg hunt looking basket you might have chosen at first.  

Instead of tissue paper to stuff the basket, try some recycled kraft paper or if you can do it, use turkish hand towels, burp towels, or Aden & Anais muslin swaddle cloths to cushion the bottom of the basket (she'll use all that stuff).  

No plastic cellophane is necessary if you are gifting this in a smaller setting.  You can easy place everything in there neatly, tape the items down if necessary, and a cute burlap bow is the perfect last touch.  Use a vintage hang tag as your card with a little handwritten note.

While steps should be taken to give a breastfeeding basket a little personalized flair, every breastfeeding basket should have at least a few of the following:

A Water Bottle 

Nursing is thirsty work. It is like that newborn is sucking all the liquid out of your body or something. One of the more useful gifts you can include is a big water bottle that she can keep right by her nursing spot.

It should also be a water bottle that is easy to open with one hand, or try some of our favorites like the ones by Swell and YETI. These keep drinks really cold and the ice doesn't melt.  They are high quality to last for a long time, have nice designs, are sure to last and she can always throw them in her diaper bag for when she leaves the house.

Nursing Pads 

New mothers leak. Many of them leak a lot. Throw in a few nursing pads so that they won't have to change shirts every hour.

Nursing pads come in reusable and disposable, as to which to include, that is completely up to preference.  Disposable are pretty great because she needs them and also you may not know what kind of reusable ones she will like.  

Breast Cream 

This might be one of those more awkward items, but as lovely as it is to think of your friend's newly chapped nipples, a hidden tube of breast cream in their breastfeeding basket will be sure to provide them some wonderful relief later down the line.

Give a small jar of coconut oil as an idea! Coconut oil works wonders for everything so this may be a perfect add on.  Also an organic natural option is Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter!  Go for Lansinoh as a basic option.

A Nursing Hoodie 

You know what is infinitely more useful and never included in the literal mountain of baby clothes you get at a baby shower? Quality clothes for breastfeeding mom. Especially because she may not be thinking of this or better yet, she hasn't discovered the awesomeness of it.

Being able to unsnap some buttons with one hand, and be ready to nurse or pump is so much easier than having to take half your shirt off. If she is going to be babywearing and breastfeeding she will also really need good nursing tops that can access the breasts easily while the baby is in the wrap.

So whether it is a cozy nursing hoodie or a easy to use nursing tank top, be sure to include some clothes for mom. They are the best gifts.

anekantsquick's selection is not only fashionable, but functional with classic styles that are perfect for everyday use.  Yummy soft tee shirts, stretchy tanks, and uber comfy hoodies...this is basically thee ultimate mom uniform.  Your mom to be will be swooning over the softness and the styles that don't scream nursing top. In fact all the pieces transition from bump, breastfeeding, to well beyond for long lasting uses in her closet.

While basic colors are very much needed, adding a splash of color is always fun like blue for a boy or pink for a girl.  Grab a gift certificate if you're not sure what to choose.

Yummy Snacks 

Who doesn't appreciate the gift of snacks? No one, that's who! Throw in some healthy snacks as a basket filler. This can be granola bars, nuts, cookies, or anything that is both tasty and portable. Having individually sealed packages never hurt either, open containers are how you get ants.

We love those farm/local/fresh stores like Trader Joes where they have a great selection of chia nut bars (milk booster!), individually packaged almond snacks, and dried coconut and fruit snacks. All great quality, natural, and again...milk boosting magical.

Another trendy and neat gift option is an Instacart or grocery delivery service gift card.  Mom won't have to move a finger except to answer the door and she can order all her groceries online. How cool.  How seriously convenient.

A Book 

Nursing is occasionally really tedious, so it is helpful for new moms to have something they can do during it. While it might be tempting to include a baby book, mom probably has about a dozen coming to her from other sources. Also, no Frozen books please because you know we all know every song to that movie hahaha.

A book with big print is probably best as it can occasionally be really awkward to nurse and read at the same time.

If you know they love the beach try a coffee table book with gorgeous beach photos.  If they love fitness try a few copies of Oxygen, Self, and Women's Health.  Maybe they love food so something based on great restaurants in their city may be nice.

There are also lots of hilarious "mom books" out there like Can I Sit on Your Lap While you're Pooping?  Yep. Gotta just love that one.

A few more optional Add ons:

Wipes aka pronounced (WHY-PEEZ)

Cocoa or Shea Butter Stick

Amazon gift card so she can download some music or an ebook

Milk Boosting Tea

Lactation cookies or a written recipe

More diapers

Dry shampoo

A Tip on what not to Include:

Save your money on the Nursing Pillow - Nursing pillows are a pretty popular gift for baby showers, so you might want to leave the nursing pillow out of your breastfeeding basket lest your new mother friend ends up with half a dozen of them.

She really only needs one or two, and needs a high quality one instead of lots of lesser quality choices.  However, if you have talked it over with the ladies and no one is getting her one, it is a pretty useful thing to have one of but most likely she'll receive one.  The best nursing pillows are up there in price so leave this optional piece out unless you want to add in a high quality one which she will surely love.

Ultimately, a breastfeeding basket can be customized to the new mother's needs, making it the perfect gift. It peels away just one layer of stress, making nursing the peaceful bonding experience between mother and child that it should be.  Use this list for your inspiration to choose items to go in your gift that fit your budget.  She won't forget your sweet and generous gesture and will be thanking you for it every time she needs to nurse, which is every second of the day practically.

Are you the mom to be? Share this article with your significant other. 

All products we suggest or highlight are purely Non sponsored and just love because we like them!

Shop stylish Bun Cozy Nursing Hoodies

Shop Bun "Softie" Nursing Tee Shirts

Know a new mom to be? You might want to share with her New Mom Necessities for Packing Your Hospital Bag