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Breastfeeding is beautiful, but it definitely comes with its practical challenges—especially when it comes to getting dressed. Whether you’re nursing at home, running errands, or trying to look put-together for a family event, having breastfeeding-friendly clothes makes life so much easier.
My Breastfeeding Essentials
Over time, I feel like every breastfeeding mom ends up building her own little collection of essentials—the things that make feeding easier, less stressful, and a whole lot more comfortable. These were my must-haves, especially in those early months when life felt both magical and chaotic at the same time.
1. Nursing Bras
If you’re looking for a good-quality nursing bra, these are the ones I swear by. I bought them when I was pregnant with our twins, wore them through 18 months of breastfeeding, and now—three babies later—they still fit really well!
2. Nursing Pads (use code MERRYMADDEN for $5 off)
I also highly recommend these nursing pads. They stay put, they’re reusable, super absorbent, and they don’t bunch up. A friend gifted me disposable pads, and I honestly thought they’d be a lifesaver in the newborn days since it meant one less thing to wash. But the adhesive kept sticking to my skin or folding onto itself, and I’d still end up leaking through my bra. These reusable bamboo nursing pads have been so much easier—and way less frustrating.
3. Haakaa
This simple little silicone pump might be one of my favorite breastfeeding tools ever. When I went back to work after having our twins, I’d pump exclusively with the Haakaas at work. (Read more about pumping with Haakaas here). You just suction it onto the opposite side while nursing, and it catches all the letdown that would otherwise be wasted.
4. Large Water Bottle
Staying hydrated makes a huge difference in your energy as breastmilk is mostly water, it is important to rehydrate your body. I’m the kind of person that needs a water bottle around to remind myself to drink water. Having a large water bottle (or two) around the house in an easy to grab location is a great way to make sure you are staying on top of hydrating your body.
5. Burp Cloths
I kept burp cloths in every room, in my diaper bag, in the car—basically anywhere I might sit down to feed. You always need one when you don’t have one, so having them stashed around the house saved me more times than I can count.
6. Lactation Snacks
One of my favorite postpartum memories is when my sister-in-law spoiled me with all the best lactation snacks. I had a little corner set up in our bedroom for nighttime feeds, and I kept a whole container of treats there just for those late-night nursing sessions. Breastfeeding twins took so much energy, and I remember feeling starving in the middle of the night. Having those snacks right within reach was such a simple thing, but it made those long nights feel a little cozier and a lot more manageable.
Here’s a list of the best snacks:
- Lactation cookies this is the best recipe I have found so far!
- Aussie bites They typically have these in stock at Costco.
- Boobie bars
- Munchkin lactation cookies
- Heavenly hunks
7. A Comfortable Nursing Pillow
I didn’t realize how much a nursing pillow would save my back, arms, and shoulders until I tried feeding without one. My Brest Friend has a twin nursing pillow which really helped breastfeeding in the early days when I was trying to figure out tandem feeding! I still use it for baby #3 as I love the extra space. Whether you prefer a firm pillow or a soft, flexible one, having that extra support makes cluster-feeding sessions so much easier.
Why I Love Breastfeeding-Friendly Clothes
I think you’ll love these breastfeeding-friendly finds because you can wear them during pregnancy, postpartum, and long after. I don’t like having a huge rotation of clothes to keep up with, so when I buy something, I want it to be versatile and long-lasting—and all of these have been exactly that.
Comfy Hoodie
When I had our twins, this hoodie was perfect for winter. It’s incredibly soft and warm. I wore it around the house constantly and honestly didn’t even bother wearing a shirt underneath most of the time.
My 3 Favorite Breastfeeding Dresses
OUGES Womens Summer Maternity Nursing Dress
This black dress is hands-down one of my favorites. It’s cute, casual, and has snaps at the shoulders that make breastfeeding so easy. I wore it everywhere—from the zoo to my sister-in-law’s bridal shower. I still remember stopping to nurse between the giraffes and cheetahs because baby boy needed some “mayday milkies” (gotta love newborn cluster feeding!).
OUGES Womens Spring Hidden Zipper Nursing Dress for Breastfeeding
This dress is special because I wore it for our baby #3 pregnancy announcement. It has discreet zippers on each side, and you’d never know it’s a nursing dress at all. So flattering and so functional.
OUGES Fall Maternity Maxi Dress
And then there’s this maternity dress… which I actually bought after baby was born. I wanted something nice for church, and because of the roomy fit and easy-access neckline, it’s perfect for breastfeeding too.
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