The Anatomy of a Nursing Basket - Must Have Breastfeeding Supplies!

Hi There! My name is Gretchen and I share all about my little life over at That Mama Gretchen. I'm expecting my second baby in August and am thrilled to be sharing about one of my mama favorites as a part of the Baby Shower Gift Guide!

Whether you are a new mama or a seasoned one, a nursing basket is an absolute must! Wouldn't you agree? Wait? You're wondering what a nursing basket is? Well, let me enlighten you :)

A nursing basket is a nook of must-have breastfeeding supplies. You see, when a nursing mama snuggles in to feed her baby she will inevitable need a few things within arms reach. Here's a peak at my own nursing basket ...

1. Disposable nursing pads - You leak, you spray, you need to keep your bra dry. Enough said. 
2. Burp clothes - I like to keep at least 2 close by. One to layer under baby's chin to catch dribbles and another to lay over my shoulder for actual burping. 
3. Reusable nursing pads - When I'm having a home day I much prefer to use a wool/bamboo reusable nursing pad. It isn't leak proof (at least not for me), but it does help me to save money and be a bit more green so I use them as often as I can.
4. Lanolin or nipple cream - Talk about a must! Nip ouches are no fun and must be remedied ASAP. Sample sizes are perfect for nursing baskets, Motherlove is the best in my opinion :)
5. Reading material - When baby drifts off to sleep I often take advantage of the quiet. Sometimes I stock my basket with a novel or devotional, but with this baby I'll be starting off with house research and Tribes.
6. A chic basket, tub, or other container - My basket is from Michaels and it perfectly fits a sideways box of nursing pads.
7. Water - Drinking lots of water is crucial to keeping up milk supply, plus, as soon as I let down I immediately get thirsty. Hence the whopping 24 ounce cup. Just don't forget to refill it before you sit down! Been there, done that, no bueno.
8. Coconut oil - You know those little make-up sample containers? Once mine are done I fill them up with coconut oil and tuck them everywhere! My nursing basket is no exception. Coconut oil can be used for everything ... nipples, cradle cap, and more. Stock up!
9. Lotion - I need lotion like I need water. Nursing makes my hands feel super dry so I usually lotion up at some point during nursing snuggles.
10. Chapstick - Yep, just like water and lotion, I gotta keep my lips hydrated. The pomegranate scent from Yes to Carrots is my new obsession. 
11. Hair accessories - I've made it a habit to pull my hair back while nursing. I don't like it falling in my face and when baby gets older I don't like it being pulled!
12. Snacks - Nursing mamas need to eat 300-500 more calories/day in order to maintain a healthy milk supply. Unfortunately this doesn't mean extra cookies (well, unless they are lactation cookies). I usually opt for a high-protein granola bar as my nursing basket snack.

What else do you like to keep in your nursing basket? 

Please share!

And, a few other tips ... 

• I highly recommend having a basket on each floor of your house or in every room you frequently nurse in. I have two - one near the couch and one next to my bed. All these supplies are also stocked in my diaper bag so I'm ready to feed the little one when I'm on the go.
• Restocking your nursing basket is a perfect activity for older children or sweet husbands :) Print up a little checklist and allow your family to take an active role in taking care of you and baby.
• Nursing baskets make a lovely and personal gift for all the sweet mamas in your life. Talk about a memorable baby shower gift! Even better, after baby is born, why not deliver a nursing basket when you pop in the visit mama and baby?

Want to take a peak at some other mama's nursing baskets? Below are a few resources. If you have blogged about your nursing basket don't hesitate to leave your link in the comments. I'd love to check it out!

• Keeper of the Home - The Nursing Basket: A Breastfeeding Mother's Help 
• Raising Arrows - Mama's Nursing Basket 
• Unruly Things - The Nursing Basket 
• Code Name: Mama - What to Put in a Breastfeeding Basket 

Exciting things are happening with That Mama Gretchen. She's building a house, welcoming baby #2, running an Etsy shop, and blogging all about her passion for birth and natural parenting ... all while chasing a toddler and trying to get dressed everyday. Stop by for a visit, she'd love to have you!