August is
National Breastfeeding Month, a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and better understand the benefits of breastmilk and nursing. 2024’s National Breastfeeding Month’s theme is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive,” which emphasizes the importance of protecting and supporting this primal practice by making the world a friendlier place for nursing parents. Today, we’re covering the best natural breastfeeding products that help support both mothers and babies.
While there are many ways to sustain and nourish young babies that are not exclusive to breastfeeding, there are certain obstacles and challenges posed specifically by nursing that mothers may face. Luckily, there are countless natural products to make breastfeeding easier, from dietary lactation support to on-the-go cleaning solutions. Here are some of the best natural breastfeeding products to help mothers have a more comfortable experience while nourishing their little ones.
Breastfeeding Benefits
Breastfeeding has been a common practice for providing nutrition and supporting growing babies
since the beginning of the human race. Here are some of the many
benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers:
Nutrition
Breastfeeding not only provides sustenance to babies but also offers specific
vitamins, antioxidants and minerals to support their growing needs. Additionally, breast milk contains
antibodies that aid in a strong immune system and can help to protect babies from illnesses.
Convenience
Breastfeeding doesn’t require extra supplies or ingredients and can be done anytime and anywhere. This can make feeding a baby on-the-go a much more convenient experience for parents, as it doesn’t require extra bottles or supplies.
Sleep
For nursing mothers, breastfeeding releases sleep hormones such as
oxytocin. Studies show that nursing has been linked to reduced sleep disturbance and can increase sleep by
up to 45 minutes per night.
Lower risk of health complications
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of several health complications for nursing mothers, such as
type 2 diabetes,
cancer and
high blood pressure. Additionally, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of
postpartum depression and anxiety.
For many mothers, breastfeeding may not be an option. Whether milk supply is limited or a mother chooses not to because of personal reasons, there is
nothing wrong with using formula instead. If you currently use or plan to use formula to feed your little one, check out these
natural baby formula products.
12 Breastfeeding Essentials from Vitacost
Now that we’ve covered how breastfeeding can benefit you and your baby, here are some of the best natural breastfeeding products.
These ultra-thin disposable nursing pads are thinner than a coin and lighter than cotton for ultimate comfort. Although they’re designed to feel lightweight and convenient, they’re made with six absorption layers to prevent leakage for five hours of lactation. Their anti-spill 3D design is breathable, moisture-wicking and fits the chest shape to provide comfort, protection and peace of mind.
A nurse and herbalist designed these breast packs from Earth Mama to make breastfeeding an easier experience for nursing mothers. These gel-free packs are spiral-shaped and made with an organic cotton shell filled with natural flax seed. In addition to easing breastfeeding discomfort, they can be used as a cool pack for bruises, bumps, ballooning feet and ankles or as a warm pack for aching muscles, upset ears or stomach cramps.
Momcozy’s breast pump wipes are designed to simplify nursing. Made with non-toxic ingredients, these wipes use natural grapefruit essence and baking soda for a gentle yet effective cleaning solution to rid breast pumps of all residue. In addition to cleaning breast pumps, these wipes are the perfect solution for sanitizing pacifiers, toys, high chairs or other baby items on the go.
Earth Mama’s organic nipple butter is dermatologist and clinically tested for irritation. It’s safe for sensitive skin and is made without parabens, lanolin, petroleum or artificial preservatives. It’s 100% USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified. Formulated with nourishing ingredients like calendula, this cruelty-free and plant-based formula is safe for nursing and helps to soothe and hydrate dry, irritated skin.
Made with gentle and skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, calendula and coconut, Burt’s Bees’ soothing nipple cream is made from 100% natural origin. Safe for breastfeeding, this enriching formula is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free and made without added fragrance, taste or color.
This lactation support supplement from Gaia Herbs uses marshmallow root, raspberry leaf, fenugreek seed and fennel seed to enhance nutrition in breast milk and support healthy lactation and improved milk flow. These alcohol-free liquid phyto-caps are 100% vegetarian, dairy-free, easily digestible, lab-tested for purity and are made without gluten-containing ingredients.
WishGarden’s Milk Rich Supply Booster supplement is formulated with fennel, fenugreek and nettle to support milk production. It’s gluten-free and vegan and comes in an easy-to-use pump top bottle for convenient lactation support.
Zahler’s PostnatalFlow tablets use over 20 herbs including red raspberry, stinging nettle, milk thistle and fenugreek seed to offer breastfeeding and postnatal support. These dairy-free, soy-free, kosher and non-GMO tablets support healthy milk production.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (also known as brewer’s yeast) is a dietary supplement containing microflora, which supports proper digestive tract functioning and may help to increase breastmilk supply. Nature’s Answer Brewer’s Yeast uses advanced botanical fingerprint technology and is soy-free, non-GMO and vegan.
This organic caffeine-free herbal tea from Traditional Medicinals promotes healthy lactation for nursing mothers. The tea uses a blend of fennel, coriander, fenugreek, blessed thistle and anise to promote breast milk supply. The Mother’s Milk herbal tea blend is sweet with a licorice flavor and uses organically farmed or wild-collected herbs sourced from ethical trading partnerships. This tea is non-GMO Project Verified, USDA organic and kosher.
Save money and reduce single-use plastic pollution with Momcozy’s reusable milk storage bags. They’re BPA-free, eco-friendly, foldable and freezable for convenience. These multi-use storage bags can be used for liquids, mushy foods, ice packs or hand warmers. They’re designed to be 100% anti-leak with a strong seal and can be stored flat or upright.
Momcozy’s milk storage bags are BPA-free, non-toxic and made without bisphenol A or phthalates. These temperature-sensing bags are designed to stand independently, using double zip sealing technology to prevent spills and protect your breast milk. With their temperature indicator, data record area and self-standing design, these milk storage bags are a win-win.
