Breastfeeding Survival Basket

You know...because I could talk about breastfeeding for the rest of my life! :D If you want to get a glimpse on my advice for surviving breastfeeding, read that here!

A few years ago I decided to put together a basket as I prepared for a baby shower, that included all of the practical things needed when breastfeeding, that most people don’t even think about when it comes to a new babe, let alone gift! But considering how important these items are to a new mama who is embarking on a journey that is such an intense learning experience for both her and her babe, it has become my #1 go-to gift for baby showers. I have SO much fun putting them together for all of my friends as they prepare for babies! Whether it’s baby number one or seven, breastfeeding is a new learning experience with each baby, as each journey is SO different! So, here’s a kit that makes the most nervous soon-to-be mama less nervous about the journey that lies ahead!

THE BASKET

I get creative with the baskets based on the gender of the baby, nursery theme or preferred colors if I know them. The basket is obviously meant to be the “wrapping” for the gift, but it is supposed to also double as a diaper caddy! Diaper caddy’s are meant to be placed around the house to have quick access to diapers and wipes, and anything else needed for changes. (Post coming soon on these)

WHAT’S INSIDE

BREAST/NURSING PADS: For leaking milk! The first time you wake up and have a soaked shirt/bra, or the side that’s not feeding has a let down, you’ll never forget these again ;) These are meant to soak up any milk that leaks when you don’t want it to. These come with adhesives on the back, but I personally never use them. I like to be able to take them out when feeding and if it’s dry, use the same one again. If it’s soaked up some milk, I will remove it when ready to feed and then replace it with a new one when I’m done!
SOOTHIES GEL PADS: For sore, cracked nipples. Sometimes in those first couple weeks, your nipples can get sore and cracked from feeding. If you’re experiencing pain and cracking, I advise again to find an IBCLC near you and address the issue. This is NOT normal and something you should just battle through. Cracked nipples are a sign of improper latch and can and should be helped! In the meantime, while you heal, these guys will be your best friends!
NIPPLE SHIELDS: Latch support. These are especially helpful with babies born premature who haven’t quite developed the muscles necessary to have a strong suck. Also for someone who has inverted nipples to help baby have a deeper latch. These are attached to the nipple and give a more firm and enlarged area for baby to latch. They are also helpful for a baby with a shallow latch, to not latch improperly and cause pain and cracking for mama. In the earliest days, babies are sleepy and often can fall asleep halfway through a feed. Sometimes this can cause baby to lose their proper latch and when they are triggered again to wake and suck, they’ve developed an improper latch that can be painful, and these can help with that.
COCONUT OIL: For healing. When I went through my worst days with Charlie (you can read that here), my routine for healing included applying coconut oil, then the soothies gel pads, and then a nursing pad. I applied coconut oil after each feed to try to help my bloodily cracked nipples to heal. It helped a lot, and felt good as soon as it was applied to relieve some pain, discomfort, and sting!
NURSING TANK! My holy grail of all nursing friendly apparel! I have LIVED in these things since the day I became a mama and they are seriously the comfiest things ever! I include one of these in every basket, and though it’s usually the highest priced item, it is something I cannot live without, so it’s worth it to bless each of my friends with one as well! These can be worn alone or also under another shirt (I’m an under over type nurser...I’ll explain another day).
LACTATION COOKIES: To promote milk production! The most important ingredients in lactation cookies are oatmeal and brewer’s yeast! I personally just make your typical oatmeal cookie recipe, and add 4tbsp of brewer’s yeast to the dry ingredients! They are SO yummy I could seriously eat an entire batch in a day! But for these baskets, convenience and shelf time win, and I get these lactation cookie bites! They’re the perfect boost for those first couple days in helping to promote a good foundation for your milk supply!
WATER/CANDY: {not pictured} I just realized I forgot to get these items for this basket because I made it just to document! Haha But I will usually get a cold water bottle and some kind of candy to add on the way to the shower! I tell mama, this is for you to always make sure you DRINK enough water and EAT enough calories! :) {This might be my most important advice for a new breastfeeding mama}
OUTFITS: Arguably my favorite part? I always add in an outfit or two for the new baby, because how do you NOT shop for the tiniest clothes? :D These are something that change from basket to basket of course based on boy/girl, season, and I usually like to get size 6 months+ because often times mama won’t get many clothes in those sizes! I mean, who can pass up buying something in newborn size because it’s soooooo cute and tiny! Haha But sticking to my practical gift, I like to get an outfit that’s a bit bigger, since it’s less popular! ;)

Ideally, the items that seem “scary” won’t actually have to be used! I always hope that my friends who I’ve given these baskets, don’t have to use the nipple shields or soothies gel pads! This to me actually proves that breastfeeding is going well, their baby is latching well, and they aren’t cracked and sore! I get them, because if you do need them, they’re nice to have! But I often tell my friends, if you’re needing these items, tell me! I will do whatever I can to come over and help you with any issues you’re having! I have SO much fun putting these baskets together because it takes me back to those days with a fresh new babe straight from heaven, in my memory! It changes everything, seeing my friends light up when they get that “practical” gift at their shower, because most people don’t think along those lines when gifting! I mean, no one can pass up buying ALL the cute outfits, but the practical items are important too! :)

Anyway, if you have a friend who will be having a baby soon, and you want to put together a basket like this one, I’ve linked everything for you below! If you’re like me, and like to buy things in person, you can find everything in this basket at Target! (Of course)