With my first baby, I was beyond surprised with how much time I spent just nursing in those first couple of weeks. It took both of us, baby and I, quite some time getting the hang of breastfeeding.
But honestly, it was great because I always had an excuse to rest for a moment when I needed it. And boy did I need it. There were times when I thought I could literally fall asleep standing up I was so tired!
So not only was it nice to be able to just sit and rest while nursing, many times I would not want to get up, or even move much, because once baby was latched on, I didn’t want to risk him coming unlatched! As I said, it took us awhile to get the hang of things and latching was one of the main things that took some time to master.
So keeping a breastfeeding basket nearby made those first few months when baby wants to breastfeed constantly so much easier, and helped me to make resting a priority.
So what did I have in my breastfeeding basket? Here are some things I included, as well as some new ideas I’ve thought of:
Reading Material
The Bible, devotionals, and magazines were the main things I had in the basket for reading materials. I liked to have things that could be a short read in case baby got fussy or I got tired. Whatever you enjoy reading is what I would recommend having in your basket.
Scripture Cards
Moms in all seasons of life need God’s Word for sustainability, encouragement, and peace. Scripture cards are a quick and easy way to read God’s Word and implant it in your heart. I like to pick a few cards at a time and just focus on those scriptures for a week or so, reciting them over and over in my mind as I rock and nurse my sweet babe. Or sometimes I will say them aloud to the little one in my arms.
I have made some printable scripture cards for pregnancy and labor, but they are actually perfect for any season of your life when you need the reminder and reassurance that God’s got you!
Water Bottle
When nursing you will be surprised how thirsty you can get. By having water ready to go within reach you lessen the number of times you need to call for help or interrupt your nursing baby so you can quench your thirst. Plus, drinking water regularly, especially while nursing, is a good health habit to have.
Snacks
Another thing you will notice is that breastfeeding can make you hungry too. Fill your basket with healthy, high protein snacks (snack/protein bars are great for this) that you can enjoy while nursing your baby.
Diaper Changing Supplies
Supplies for a diaper change are essential to keep in your nursing mother’s basket. This will make that change easier so you can relax and not get up and going until you and baby are ready. Add disinfecting wet wipes to clean your hands after changing baby and maybe a plastic grocery bag for the dirty diapers.
Basic Hygiene Items
Basic hygiene items you need often are a great addition. Think tissue, hair ties, lotion, lip balm; having these handy will make your life easier while nursing. You want to see to your own comfort or you will not enjoy nursing your baby. If you have anything you take regularly like tums to help with heartburn leftover from baby be sure to include those as well. If you use essential oils, have your favorites in the basket too.
Breast Pads and Nipple Cream
Breast pads and nipple cream are vital for your breastfeeding basket. Breastfeeding can be less than comfortable in the beginning. Keeping tools like a Tricare Breast Pump for your nursing comfort will raise your chance of success.
Remote Control
If your usual nursing spot has a TV in the same room, having the remote control within reach could be helpful. Whether you want to catch up on some of your shows or put the TV on to occupy your other children, having the remote nearby is a good idea.
Cell Phone
While I would encourage you to use the time you nurse your baby as some relaxing downtime, sometimes that is not always going to be the case. And that’s okay. Moms are busy people that wear many hats and perhaps you need to answer some emails, schedule appointments, or make your meal plan for the week (there are some great apps for that). Or maybe you just want to check out and surf social media or play a game, and that’s okay too. It’s also handy to have your phone nearby in case you need something and can’t get up (of course this would only work if your husband is at home or older children have their own phones).
What items do you think would be helpful and handy to have in a breastfeeding basket?
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Awesome, thanks for the chance
Love this
This basket is a great idea!!!
This is such an awesome idea!
Thanks so much for this nice giveaway!
I honestly couldn’t think of anything to add. I never had a breast feeding basket.
It’s been a long time since I was a breastfeeding mama, but for me, the breastfeeding basket was a bunch of toys, dvds, puzzles, coloring that my 2 year old could play with ONLY when I was nursing the baby. It was a super special treat that kept her happy and occupied while I nursed.
These look like very nice basket ideas.
I made a breastfeeding basket for my sister when she had her baby. She loved it.
Thank you for these giveaways – fantastic opportunity! I also want to thank you for the many resources you routinely offer. I’ve used some of your stuff all year in our homeschool – both educational resources and planning resources. Thank you!
I enjoyed breastfeeding. Great ideas.
What a great giveaway! Thanks.
I am so excited for this give away!! Thank you!
What a great way to find new resources and blogs! Not to mention, maybe win a prize 🙂
grabbed a few recipes from your instant pot giveaway post. thanks!
That is a wonderful gift basket. I’ve breastfed eight babies and the only person that was supportive was my husband.
love it
Wow, this is amazing and thanks for this opportunity, would love to win this for my daughter whose baby is due next month!
Great ideas for a nice and practical gift.
What great ideas. I’m thinking about the next baby shower gift. Wish I had thought to make myself one when mine were little.
I really hope that this Mother’s Day my family shows their appreciation. It seems like Mother’s Day is like any other Sunday, but I get a meal at a restaurant.
Thank you for the basket ideas and also for the giveaway opportunity!
Thank you for offering this! I have always wondered if Avila in your name is after St. Teresa of Avila?
Happy Mother’s Day Sarah!
May the Lord continue to bless you and encourage your servant’s heart. 🙂
My daughters and I are really enjoying going through your Scripture writing plan.
God’s Word is so comforting!
Love, Pam
“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life.” Psalm 27:1
I love this. Your scripture cards are a wonderful tool I’m currently nursing my third baby. One more things I like to have nearby is a charger for my phone. When I’m nursing is pretty much the only time I’m still, so it’s a good time to charge up. I also keep a book for my toddler, in case I have company. Thanks for the encouragement and giveaway!
Love this Breastfeeding Basket idea!
This is amazing!! Thank you!
What a great idea! Thank you for so many ideas I can share with my friends.
Love these idea’s! Thanks for sharing. As a busy Mom it can be easy to lose the wonder of breastfeeding in the reality of everyday life. If we have another little one, I’m gonna implement some of these ideas. Great idea for a new Mom gift, as well. Thank you for the giveaway too! 🙂
I so wish I had thought of a breastfeeding basket when I nursed. That’s just genius!
I always enjoy making gift baskets specifically for new moms and/or moms-to-be; you have some great ideas, thank you!
Thank you so much for such a great giveaway. Personally, I’d love a gift card to Hobby Lobby! ☺
I would add something for the suckling babe to play with as he nurses.
I love the idea of the basket! And I love Hobby Lobby! 😊
I love those printable scripture cards. That is a neat idea and something you can always look back at..
This is such a good idea and I’m going to make one or my sister when she has her baby in a couple of weeks!
This is one of the most helpful things I was ever advised to do post-baby. Don’t forget to add your breast pump materials (or keep the kit right next to the basket, preferably with your electric pump plugged in already, if you have an electric) along with clean bottles, etc, especially if you’re pumping before/after feeding! 🙂
I’m 10 years beyond my breastfeeding years, but I wish I would have thought about this idea with my kiddos. Now it is something I can share with younger friends.
I am long since finished breastfeeding, but my niece is getting ready to have her first born. I will share this with her 🙂