One of the beautiful things about breastfeeding is that it can be, in theory, completely free.  But let’s face it, that would be way too easy.  Here is a brief list of things that I, as a breastfeeding mom absolutely cannot live without. 

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• Lansinoh Disposable Breastfeeding Pads- Sorry! I know that these are not the most environmentally friendly choice, but these are a must.  I leak every time I feed, and in between feedings, and given the choice between being wet all day and using these pads, well, you know what I choose!  I have tried the reusable ones and some other brands, but these are the only ones that protected me from having a wet shirt, and also kept me from horribly painful cracking. (get these at Walmart, Walgreens)
• Lansinoh Pure Lanolin- In case you did not take my advise and get the Lansinoh Breastfeeding Pads, you might want to grab a tube of this.  This stuff is a lifesaver if you ever get cracked or dry nipples, or if your baby decides to bite a hole in you.  Yeah, it happens, and you do not want to be without this stuff.  It is seriously a miracle cure.
• Hand Pump and bottle for collection and feeding- You may or may not need a hand pump.  I found the pump really useful to relieve engorgement the first couple of days after my milk came in.  You will find that you feel like you may explode those first few days, and hand expressing can damage the tissue in your breast and is not very effective if you don’t do it correctly.  An inexpensive hand pump does the trick, and you can use it later in case of emergency, or if you just want to let someone keep the baby for a little while.  For everyday use, though, I would recommend investing in a hospital quality electric pump.  I always recommend Medela.  They have safe, quality products.
• Breastfeeding Bras-I would say buy at least three.  They need to be larger than your current bra size in the cup and in the rib area.  I usually buy one before the baby comes, and then get more once the engorgement stage is over, because that is most likely the size you will need for several months.  Just remember, you want support, but you won’t want the bra to be too tight, because that can cause plugged ducts.
• Breastfeeding Clothes- You don’t have to go out and buy anything special for breastfeeding, but you may want to keep a few things in mind.  Two piece outfits with separate top and bottom are essential.  I won’t even tell you the story about me wearing a dress to church one Sunday when I was breastfeeding my middle son.  Bad move! You may, if you are modest like me, want to bring a shawl or cover to lay over your shoulder and the baby’s head while you are feeding in public.  They also have the cutest things called Hooter Hiders out these days, but even just a baby blanket will do.
• A Rocker or Glider- This, again, is not necessary, but is nice.  I have used mine for over three years now, and it is just a great place for me and the baby or toddler to rock and relax.  I even have a little rocking ottoman that goes with it so I can put my feet up.  I can’t imagine life without it!
• Boppy Pillow- I almost forgot about the Boppy Pillow.  This has become really more like a piece of me.  I have used the same one for two babies now, and I never feed without it.  It is such a great help, so you don’t have to strain your arms and back while feeding.  I love, love, love, the Boppy Pillow.

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Wow, I really thought that there was going to be a lot more.  That is not bad at all.  Especially if you take into consideration that all you really need is your self and your baby in order to breastfeed successfully.  These little items just make it all that much easier!  I hope this helps, and if you have any items that you have loved and could not live without as a breastfeeding mom, please feel free to share in the comments section below.