Before having a baby, I figured breastfeeding was NBD. I mean, you put a kid on your boob and bam! Done. Then I actually *had* a little breast leech (said with love!) and realized: Holy shit, BF is no joke. Not only is it time-consuming, anxiety-inducing, and life-controlling, but it can also be painful! And beautiful! And stressful! And awesome! Add in the whole “society puts endless pressure on new moms to be a constant tap for their babies” thing, and you’ve got yourself quite the guilt combo on top of the raging hormones and night sweats and sleep deprivation new parents are already dealing with. Love that for us!
That said, plenty of moms choose to breastfeed — or give it the ol’ college try — in order to give their kiddos those boobie bennies. Whether you love the act or it makes you want to throw your pump against the wall (hi, it’s me), having the right products can be the difference between keeping the juice flowing and closing up shop. Ofc, fed is best, and if BFing isn’t for you, it’s not for you! But if you’re looking for the best tools to keep the tit tap open, you've come to the right place.
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Behold: The 8 Best Milking Recs Around |
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Hate that when you finally get a sec to yourself, you have to spend it sitting down + tethered to a machine? Same. The Elvie Stride changes all of that with its hands-free, app-controlled design that lets you get shit done while getting your milk on. It’s quiet and discreet enough that you can pump while — you guessed it — striding around the block (or just groaning around the house). |
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These little miracles came highly recommended by my OB/GYN when I was flirting with mastitis, and within a few days of taking these easy-to-swallow supplements, I was pain-free *and* had better output. They’re also an actual must to keep engorgement pain at bay when it finally comes time to wean (...and you don’t feel like popping pain meds or shoving cabbage in your bra on the reg.) |
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Another weaning essential, these multi-use therapy packs do it all and then some when your boobies hurt like a mother. You can freeze ‘em to help with engorgement pain or warm them in the microwave to promote let down. My advice? Get two pairs and keep one set in the freezer so you can sleepily reach for them whenever you ~accidentally~ skip a pump sesh. |
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Insurance might cover a portion of your actual pump, but all the replace parts? Those typically come out of your own damn pocket. And if you're not looking to shell out $20+ every time you need some new duckbills (AKA 1x a month if you're EBF), some generic valves and silicone membranes (like these that work w/ most Spectra pumps) are totally the move. |
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Positioning a little human to suckle is, oddly kinda tricky, (even though, hi, it's like what babies are all about) but this nursing pillow turns strained maneuvering into something slightly less awkward and vastly more comfy. It comes in a bunch of different designs to match your aesthetic + you can also use this for tummy time and to prop the lil milk monster up as he/she gets older. |
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If you're not a fan of constantly smearing nipple butter/cream all over yourself (or if that doesn't get the job done), these handy silver cups are kinda incredible at preventing and easing cracks, chaps, and pain. Don't ask me how they work — just read the thousands of reviews from moms who SWEAR these bbs kept them from throwing in the BFing towel. |
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Getting all the little lumpies out of your boobs can give even the most dexterous moms carpal tunnel. These massagers fit into your bra and can be used while nursing/pumping to increase flow and production, not to mention fend off any clogged ducts. They heat up, are easy to change, and — dare I say feel kinda...good? Sry!!!! |
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I was the queen of pumping in the car, the bar (yes really), or on-the-go, but the one thing I always forgot was something to clean my pump parts with after sloshing around in the backseat. No more water bottles and takeout napkins! These food-grade wipes can clean all those parts (plus bottles, pacifiers, spoons, etc.) for stress-free (and germ-free!) feeding. |
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Take the Stress Outta Your Cycle In partnership with Thinx |
Anyone else *constantly* on edge when their period is about to start? You either have to (ouch) preemptively use a dry tampon, (ugh) walk around with a bulky pad, or (maybe worst?) accept the fact that your clothes are about to get ruined. Yeah, no thanks. Say hello to worry-free leak protection with Thinx for All — reusable underwear that absorbs up to 5 regular tampons’ worth of flow. All you have to do is slip ‘em on and go about your day. Work, relax, do your thing — the comfy cotton design has you covered, no matter where you’re at in your cycle. Starting at only $17 on thinx.com, your period just got a whole lot more convenient.
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Sharing the good, the bad, and the hilarious stories all moms will understand. |
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"I forgot my pump charger at my parents' house, and things were getting pretty desperate on the engorgement front. I was in so much pain, I made my husband...lend me a hand. He took one side, I took the other, and together, we milked me until I wasn't in excruciating pain. Not exactly in our marriage vows, but it was kinda romantic in a totally bizarre way."
Want to share a moment, story, or piece of advice that only your mom friends would understand? We're listening. You may even be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Anon, duh. |
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Bluey’s Hammerbarn Shopping Playset In partnership with Moose Toys |
It’s never too early for kids to learn the true joy of retail therapy. Now they can experience the fun of shopping with some of their favorite TV pals, Bluey and Bingo, with the Hammerbarn playset. This huge playset has nine different areas for kids to enjoy, and even a working elevator they can ride through the four different levels. Why leave the comfort of your home to stand in line at a mall ‘For Real Life’ when your kids can experience the fun of shopping with the Hammerbarn playset. Your kids will love exploring each level while you shop online. This fall we’re shopping as a family with Bluey’s Hammerbarn Shopping playset.
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Everyone Is Obsessed With These Sold-Out UGG Platform Slippers, So I Found The Best Dupes |
I’ll be the first to admit, I get swindled by almost each and every Instagram ad that comes my way. Yes, I might have a bit of a shopping problem, but when it feels like every single ad in my timeline knows me I can’t help but at least check out the product. Lately, I’ve been bombarded with the UGG Tazz slippers, specifically in the ‘Mustard Seed’ shade, on both Instagram and Tiktok. You know where this is going…the temptation was getting a little too real. But of course, once I decided that I suddenly wanted these sky-high fuzzy slippers, or that I needed them, they were sold out everywhere. And I mean everywhere! The only place that has them in stock is a resale website, which of course hiked up the price.
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A Coffee Table Book For The Whole Fam |
A coffee table book but make it kid friendly. Designed in a minimalist yet playful style with a focus on developing shape recognition, Todd. is ideal for early learners. Hand-drawn shapes and their names are displayed on durable board book pages, and the vibrant linen cover makes it the perfect piece to display when company comes over. Todd. will complete your space and help your little ones identify shapes. Pre-order now before it's released on 10/10.
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| We did it! GOOOAAAAALLLLL! |
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What A Mom Wants newsletter is written by Rachel Varina. When she's not entertaining you here you can find her on Twitter @rachelvarina and Instagram @rachelvarina. |
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