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Breastfeeding Support for New Moms: Gentle Tips & the Must-Haves That Help

everzencove
Apr 8
8 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

EWG ratings checked October 2026.


Hi mama! Breastfeeding can be beautiful. It can also be really hard, especially in those first few weeks. Latch struggles, sore nipples, worrying about supply... if you're in the thick of it right now, you're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. You and your baby are both still learning.

Below are the breastfeeding must-haves for new moms that make feeds easier, plus gentle, practical tips for the hard days. One quick note: I'm a mom sharing what I've learned, not a medical professional. For anything that feels off, your IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), pediatrician, or provider is your best resource.

Close-up view of a breastfeeding pillow with a soft fabric cover
Close-up view of a breastfeeding pillow with a soft fabric cover

Breastfeeding Must-Haves for New Moms (What You Actually Need)

You don't need a cart full of gear. Most lactation checklists boil down to something like this:

Find these and more in the breastfeeding & pumping shop.

How these picks were vetted: EWG rates personal-care and cleaning products, so the nipple creams and pump wipes here carry EWG scores. EWG doesn't rate gear, clothing, or teas, so for those I checked other certifications and safety claims on each maker's own site: the haakaa is 100% food-grade silicone and BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free; the Boppy pillow is JPMA Certified to the federal nursing-pillow safety standard; and Mother's Milk tea is USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. The Kindred Bravely bra has no third-party certification. It's here because I wear it and love it, not for a safety seal. Nothing EWG grades D or F is on this list.


Common Breastfeeding Challenges: Latch, Supply Worries, Sore Nipples & Engorgement

Many moms run into at least one of these:

  • Latching difficulties: A shallow latch can hurt, and it's frustrating for both of you.

  • Low milk supply worries: A lot of moms worry they aren't making enough, even when baby is getting plenty. Diaper counts and weight checks are good clues, and your pediatrician can help you read them.

  • Sore nipples: Some tenderness early on is common. Pain that keeps going often means the latch needs a closer look, so check in with your IBCLC.

  • Engorgement: Breasts that feel very full, hard, or swollen (especially as your milk comes in) can be uncomfortable and make latching harder.

If one of these sounds familiar, the tips below are a good place to start.


11 Gentle, Natural Breastfeeding Tips

1. Get Expert Help Early

One of the best things you can do is see a lactation consultant, ideally an IBCLC. They can watch a feed, check the latch, and give you a plan for your situation. Many hospitals, pediatric offices, and insurance plans offer lactation support, so ask.


2. Breastfeeding Aids: Nursing Pillow, haakaa & Pump Wipes

A few tools can make feeds more comfortable:

  • A nursing pillow: A Boppy Nursing Pillow can bring baby up to breast height and save your back and arms during marathon newborn feeds. Boppy says it's JPMA Certified and made without flame-retardant chemicals. For supervised feeding only, never for sleep.

  • Nipple shields (with guidance): Shields can sometimes help with latch problems, but they're best used with an IBCLC's guidance. The wrong size, or using one for too long, can affect milk transfer and supply.

  • A milk catcher: A haakaa Manual Silicone Breast Pump on the other side while baby nurses catches letdown that would otherwise soak your bra.

  • A breast pump: Pumps can help you build a stash and keep up supply when you're apart. Comparing pumps? Read the Spectra S2 Plus vs. Momcozy S12 Pro vs. haakaa comparison.

  • When to use a haakaa: In the early weeks, while your supply is still settling, many IBCLCs suggest using a haakaa passively (with little or no squeeze), because the extra milk removal may contribute to oversupply. If you already have oversupply, check with your IBCLC before using one.

  • Fragrance-free pick for pump parts on the go: Dapple Breast Pump Wipes (EWG A, fragrance-free) are handy for cleaning parts when you can't get to a sink. Everything else? Here are baby-safe cleaning products for the rest of the house.


3. How to Soothe Sore Nipples: Nipple Butter vs. Lanolin

While you and your baby figure out the latch, a little gentle care helps. Lanolin-free butter or lanolin? It mostly comes down to preference (and whether you're sensitive to wool):

If you have cracked or bleeding nipples, or pain that isn't getting better, please reach out to your IBCLC or provider.


4. Nourishing Foods for Breastfeeding Moms (What the Evidence Says)

Eating well supports your energy and overall health while you're feeding. A few easy favorites:

  • Oats: A cozy, filling breakfast. Lots of moms swear by them for supply. The science is limited, but they're a great source of energy and fiber.

  • Leafy greens: Spinach and kale are rich in vitamins and minerals.

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds and flaxseeds have healthy fats and protein, and you can eat them one-handed.

In general, milk supply depends most on milk removal: frequent, effective feeding or pumping. Food supports you, but it can't replace that. If supply worries you, talk to your provider or IBCLC.


5. Stay Hydrated

Keep a big water bottle wherever you feed. Drinking to thirst is generally enough. Many moms find they get extra thirsty during letdown, too. I use the Hydro Flask 40 oz Travel Tumbler (I have one in pink and one in teal). It's stainless steel, it keeps water cold for hours, and the handle and flexible straw make one-handed sips easy while nursing.


6. Make Space to Relax

Stress and tension can make letdown harder and feeds less enjoyable for some moms. Small things help:

  • Deep breathing: A few slow breaths before a feed can calm your nervous system.

  • Mindfulness or meditation: Even a couple of minutes of focusing on the present can ease anxiety.

  • Gentle stretching or yoga: Nice for the tension in your neck and shoulders, once your provider gives you the OK.


7. Find Your People

Other moms can be a huge help. Look for a local breastfeeding support group (La Leche League is a great place to start) or an online community where you can share the wins, the struggles, and the middle-of-the-night questions.


8. Does Mother's Milk Tea Work? An Honest Look at Lactation Teas & Herbs

You'll hear a lot about herbs for milk supply. Here's the honest picture:

  • Fenugreek: It's one of the most popular, but the research is mixed and largely anecdotal. It can cause tummy upset (for you and possibly baby) and a maple-syrup body odor. It may lower blood sugar, so check with your provider if you have diabetes or take blood-sugar meds. It may also cause allergic reactions in people allergic to peanuts, chickpeas, or other legumes, and it can interact with blood thinners like warfarin.

  • Blessed thistle and fennel: These often get used alongside fenugreek, but there's very little good evidence that they boost supply.

  • Lactation tea: Some mamas love a cup of Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother's Milk Tea as part of their feeding routine. It's USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, and it contains fennel and fenugreek, so the same cautions apply.

Teas and herbal supplements affect everyone differently, so they work for some moms and not for others. Please check with your IBCLC or provider before trying any herb, especially if you have a peanut or legume allergy, diabetes, or take blood thinners. If supply is a real concern, a lactation consultant can help find the root cause.


9. Experiment With Positioning

The right position can make a big difference in comfort and latch. Try the cradle hold, cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying (a lifesaver for night feeds) and see what works for you and your baby.


10. Watch for Early Feeding Cues

Feeds go easier when baby is calm, so try to catch the early hunger cues:

  • Rooting or turning their head toward your breast

  • Sucking on their hands or fingers

  • Smacking lips or making sucking noises

Crying is a late hunger cue. Responding early can make latching a lot easier.


11. Be Patient With Yourself

You're both still learning, and the early weeks are usually the hardest. Ask for help early and often. Try different things. It tends to get a little easier every week. For the diaper changes in between feeds, here are the non-toxic baby essentials I'd start with.


Small Gifts for Breastfeeding Moms

Shopping for a nursing mama? These small, practical gifts get used every single day:

Breastfeeding Must-Haves FAQs

What do I need for breastfeeding?

Less than you might think: a couple of nursing bras, nursing pads, a nipple balm or cream, a supportive pillow, and a big water bottle. A breast pump is only a must if you'll be apart from baby or need to pump for another reason, so it's worth asking your IBCLC.

Is nipple cream necessary for breastfeeding?

Not always. Some tenderness in the early days is common, and many moms find a nipple butter or cream makes them more comfortable. If you have pain that doesn't ease, or cracked or bleeding nipples, see an IBCLC, because the latch is often part of the answer.

Nipple butter vs. lanolin: which is better?

Neither one is "better" for everyone. It mostly comes down to preference. Lanolin (like Lansinoh) comes from sheep's wool, so skip it if you're sensitive to wool. Lanolin-free options like Earth Mama Nipple Butter and Motherlove leave it out entirely. All three rate a 1 on EWG Skin Deep.

When should I use a haakaa, and can it cause oversupply?

Many moms use a haakaa on the other side during a feed to catch letdown. In the early weeks, many IBCLCs suggest using it passively, with little or no squeeze, because extra milk removal while supply is settling may contribute to oversupply. If you already have oversupply or aren't sure, ask your IBCLC before using one.


Do you need a nursing pillow?

You don't strictly need one. Regular pillows or a rolled-up blanket can work. Still, many moms find a nursing pillow helps bring baby to breast height and saves their back and arms during long newborn feeds. Personally, I like my nursing pillow plus a blanket for extra comfort wherever I need support. Use it only for supervised feeding, never for sleep.

Still getting ready for those early weeks? Grab my free First 40 Days: Non-Toxic Postpartum Prep Checklist, and I'll send it straight to your inbox.


The Bottom Line

How you feed your baby is yours to figure out, and you deserve support while you do. However it ends up looking, fed is what matters most. Lean on your lactation consultant, your people, and your gut, and give yourself a lot of grace.

You're doing an amazing job, mama. Truly.


With love,

Elisa at Ever Zen Cove



EWG ratings checked October 2026. Prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price. This post is for general information and isn't medical advice. For your own feeding plan, talk to your provider or IBCLC.

 
 
 

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