Top 6 Breastfeeding Essentials from a Mom of 4
- Reagan O'Connor
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 55 minutes ago
Breastfeeding Essentials I Actually Used (After Four Babies)
Breastfeeding has looked different for me with every baby. I’ve experienced cracked, bleeding nipples, supply challenges, colic, NICU pumping, and finally a smoother start with baby #4. After four kids, I’ve learned which products genuinely make the breastfeeding season easier — and which ones just add clutter.
These are the breastfeeding essentials I actually used and loved, especially in those early weeks when everything feels new, tender, and exhausting.
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1 Passive Milk Pump (Milk Collector)
A passive milk pump is a milk collector that applies gentle suction to the breast to collect milk. It’s not electronic, doesn’t require cords or batteries, and is incredibly easy to use.
These are especially helpful in the first month or two of nursing, when milk supply is regulating and letdowns are strong.
Why They’re So Useful
Catch letdown without extra effort
Start a freezer stash effortlessly
Great for oversupply in early weeks
You simply place the milk collector on the breast you’re not nursing on. As your baby nurses on one side, the other side collects milk.
I found passive milk collectors invaluable during the first six weeks of breastfeeding.
What I Used (and What I Use Now)
With my first three babies, I used a Haakaa — and while it worked, it was bulky and awkward.
Thankfully, there are better options now.
My favorites:
Boon Trove <- Click to check prices on amazon
Elvie Curve <- Click to check prices on amazon
Some other notable options I have not personally tried:
They’re slimmer, easier to wear, and much less likely to get kicked off by a baby.
Ceres Chill Milk Storage Cup
The Ceres Chill Milk Storage Cup has truly changed the game for nursing and pumping — both at home and on the go.
Every night, I prep my Ceres Chill with ice, and as I collect milk using the Boon Trove or Elvie Curve, I pour the milk directly into the Ceres Chill. It sits right on my nightstand, which means I don’t even have to get out of bed to store milk in the middle of the night.
That alone has made nighttime nursing and milk collection so much easier.
Why I Love It
Keeps milk cold for hours
No need to immediately refrigerate
Perfect for passive milk collection
Ideal for pumping on the go
I’ve also used the Ceres Chill while out of the house. When I took kids #1 and #2 to see Elf at the Fox after baby #4, I pumped during the show and emptied my milk straight into the Ceres Chill. The milk stayed cold and perfectly good until we got home.
It removes so much friction from pumping — especially when you’re out, tired, or managing multiple kids.
Who It’s Best For
Nursing moms using passive milk collectors
Pumping moms who don’t want to run to a fridge
Moms who pump overnight
Anyone who needs an easy, reliable on-the-go milk storage solution
If you’re collecting milk consistently in the early weeks or pumping away from home, the Ceres Chill makes the entire process simpler and more sustainable.
Hydrogel Cooling Pads
With babies #1, #2, and #3, I ended up with cracked, bleeding nipples as we navigated breastfeeding. With baby #4, we got his latch right early on, so I didn’t experience the same level of trauma — but even with a good latch, the first couple weeks were still uncomfortable.
They say breastfeeding done right shouldn’t be painful. In my experience, there’s always some level of discomfort while your nipples adapt to being someone’s constant food source.
Why I Love Hydrogel Pads
Instantly soothing after nursing
Eliminate friction from nursing bras
Cooling, pain-relieving sensation
These were my favorite thing to put on after a nursing or pumping session.
My favorites:
Frida Mom Hydrogel Pads <-Click to check amazon price
Medela Hydrogel Pads <-Click to check amazon price
Comfortable Nursing Bras (Day + Night)
In my opinion, the two most important things in a nursing bra are comfort and support — and unfortunately, those don’t always go together.
The bras I wear during the day are not what I want to wear at night.
I normally don’t like sleeping in a bra at all, but during the first couple months of nursing, if your breasts aren’t supported, you can wake up leaking and completely soaked.
Learn from my mistake.
Daytime Nursing Bra
Kindred Bravely Sublime Contour Bra <- Click to check amazon prices
Momcozy <- click to check amazon prices
These are my favorite daytime bra. They offer:
Real support
Comfortable structure
Easy nursing access
The Momcozy bra is also a little more flattering under shirts, and provides the same level of comfort!
Nighttime + Pumping Bra
Larken Pumping Bra <-Click to check amazon prices
This bra deserves special mention.
It is:
Extremely comfortable
Not tight around the bust
Made from the softest material
Before my Elvie hands-free pump arrived at the hospital, I was using a hospital-grade Medela pump in the NICU, and this was my favorite bra to wear there.
Now that I’m no longer using it for pumping, it’s still my favorite weekend and nighttime nursing bra. I simply pull the top portion down to nurse.
Important disclaimer:
My breast size while nursing is larger than my normal size, but not what I’d consider “extremely large.” I know someone with a very large bust who found this bra wasn’t supportive enough for pumping.
👉 If your breasts are small to large, this bra is great.
👉 If they’re very large or heavy, you may want something with more structure.
My Larken bras- perfect for nursing, pumping, and snuggling!
Boppy Nursing Pillow
The Boppy pillow is a breastfeeding staple, especially in the newborn stage.
When babies are tiny, having a pillow to bring baby to breast instead of hunching yourself down is essential. This saves your back and makes nursing far more comfortable for both of you.
As babies get bigger, they need less support from the pillow — but in those early weeks, it’s a must.
A bonus? There are now so many fun and pretty Boppy covers that you can reuse the same pillow with different babies and swap covers to match nursery vibes.
10/10 recommend having two boppy pillows in your most common nursing areas- I keep one in my bed and one in the nursery.
Here’s our boppy's journey with us through four kids, and a new cover after baby 3… and an honorable mention to my son at age 3 nursing his baby.
A Good Water Bottle (Non-Negotiable)
Holy thirst, Batman.
Nothing prepares you for how thirsty breastfeeding makes you. For me, the thirst hits the moment my milk lets down.
And despite my best intentions, I always forget to set my water bottle down before getting settled to nurse.
Thank God for patient husbands who refill water bottles.
My Favorite: Owala 40oz Water Bottle <click to check price on amazon
This bottle is gold for breastfeeding moms.
Why I love it:
Handle for easy carrying
Straw lid
Locking top (toddler-proof)
Spill-resistant
Fits in a car cup holder
It’s perfect for:
Nursing sessions
Car rides
Stroller cup holders
Getting out of the house postpartum
This photo almost fully sums up this blog- wearing a Larken bra, my Owala on my nightstand, my purple Ceres Chill, baby on the Boppy, the top of the boon trove catcher just barely visible and the Elvie Curve hanging out next to it… and an empty bowl of dairy free ice cream… because postpartum breastfeeding hunger is REAL!
Final Thoughts
After four babies, I’ve learned that the best breastfeeding gear doesn’t need to be trendy — it needs to be comfortable, functional, and supportive of real life.
These are the items I consistently reach for, especially in those early weeks when rest, healing, and simplicity matter most.
If you’re building your postpartum setup, I hope this helps you spend wisely — and feel more supported along the way.
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