How To Create The Perfect Breastfeeding Station

Are you a new mom and planning on breastfeeding your little one? Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of breastfeeding! In the early weeks, you’ll spend a lot of time breastfeeding (hello cluster feeding!). Thus, you’ll want a spot in your house to dedicate to breastfeeding that is comfortable and inviting. Enter the breastfeeding station!

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What is a Breastfeeding Station?

A breastfeeding station is a dedicated spot in your home that is just for breastfeeding! It’s a stress-free environment that has all the essential breastfeeding supplies nearby. Thus, you can focus on relaxing and bonding with your new baby.

Once you create a breastfeeding haven, you’ll look forward to spending your time there. And trust me, you’ll be spending lots of time as a breastfeeding mother. And because you are comfortable, you can concentrate on making your breastfeeding journey a successful one. Especially at the beginning, you will be working on getting the correct latch and the best nursing position.

Even with extended breastfeeding, our breastfeeding station was a comfortable place for both me and my little ones as they grew older.

mom nursing small baby on a glider in a breastfeeding station

Where Should You Set Up a Breastfeeding Station?

You can set up your breastfeeding station anywhere! Ideas include the nursery, your bedroom, or even the living room. Or even better, have many stations. Choose a spot where you are the most comfortable. But also think about the late-night feedings and where is most convenient to travel to in a sleep-deprived state.

Avoid choosing a spot that is directly below an air vent or fan. But, if it cannot be avoided, you can always buy a vent redirector, if necessary. We have these in all our rooms to prevent direct airflow.

Also, choose a spot that is near an outlet. This is for many reasons. You can use the outlet to charge your phone because you’ll be spending a good amount of time there. An outlet is also great for placing a night light. This is for when you need to change a diaper in the middle of the night or working on latching or the right position at 2 am. Finally, if you also use your breastfeeding station to pump, you may need an outlet for your breast pump.

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Breastfeeding Station Essentials

Now that you have chosen the perfect location for your breastfeeding station, let’s make it functional with a few essentials.

Glider or Rocker

A comfortable chair is the most important item in your breastfeeding station. After all, you’ll be spending hundreds of hours in this chair. Thus, spend some time (and money) on making sure it is the most comfortable chair your butt has ever touched.

Test drive each glider or rocker before buying it or adding it to your baby registry. Look for one that has a wide seat (to fit a nursing pillow), a high back, and armrests. You may also prefer a glider that reclines, rocks, or swivels – or all three! And while not necessary, an ottoman is a great feature for you to rest your feet on.

Nursing Pillow

A nursing pillow is also an essential item in a breastfeeding station. Even if your butt is sitting in the comfiest glider in the world, holding a small baby for hours on end can become a literal pain. A nursing pillow can relieve some of the strain on your arms, back, and shoulders. Popular nursing pillow brands include the Boppy Pillow or My Breast Friend.

It will also let you achieve the best nursing position with baby elevated to the right height. This way, you will have comfortable nursing sessions for both you and the little one.

Other Essentials

Once you outfit a breastfeeding station with the perfect glider and nursing pillow, all other items are nice to have but are not necessities. These items include a phone charger, a night light, a small trash can, and a breastfeeding caddy.

breastfeeding caddy on rocking chair with nursing pillow to make the perfect breastfeeding station

What is a Breastfeeding Caddy?

You’re probably wondering, what in the world is a breastfeeding caddy? This is a portable caddy that can transport to wherever you are nursing. You will soon realize that once baby gets hungry, it’s time to eat. No ifs, ands, or butts. Thus, you may find yourself nursing in your living room on the couch instead of your dedicated breastfeeding spot. And that’s okay!

A breastfeeding caddy will make sure you still have the nursing essentials that you or a loved one can grab no matter where you are in the house.

breastfeeding caddy helps a nursing mom nurse anywhere in the house

What to Include in Your Breastfeeding Caddy

Here is a list of items to think about when creating your breastfeeding caddy. Add in all, some, or things that are not even listed. You make your breastfeeding caddy any way you want it. You may find that you’ll change things as you go through your breastfeeding journey. Your needs can also change as your little one gets older, so your breastfeeding essentials will change over time.

Water – consider a water bottle with a straw for easy drinking
Snacks – healthy snacks, easy to open with one hand (these lactation brownie boobie bites are a perfect size!)
Hand sanitizer – to keep those germs away
Silicone breast pump – to capture milk that leaks from the opposite side
Milk storage bags – for storing extra milk from pumping or the silicone breast pump
Nipple shields – to help with elastic nipples
Blanket – in case you or your little one gets cold
Burp cloths – great to have on hand for spit-ups or spills
Extra diaper and baby wipes – babies somehow always poop while eating
Pacifier – helps soothe baby back to sleep
Nipple cream – a lifesaver in the early days of cracked and sore nipples
Nursing pads – to prevent leaking all over your nursing tank
Hair tie or hair clip – to hold back your hair while you gaze lovingly at your baby
Lip balm – to prevent chapped lips when you’re nursing
Nursing cover – just in case you have guests over
LED press light – for those middle-of-the-night nursing sessions

A silicone breast pump is the perfect item to catch the let-down from the opposite side while baby nurses. It’s a great way to build a freezer stash of breast milk!

Breastfeeding Station Tips and Tricks

Now you know how to create the perfect breastfeeding station. Plus you have an idea of what to include in your breastfeeding caddy. Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep up with your station during your entire breastfeeding journey.

Stock Regularly

There’s nothing worse than trying to change a baby’s diaper after a 2 am feeding session and you realize there are no diapers in your caddy! Stock your breastfeeding station and caddy regularly. Once you’re about to run out of an item, add it to your shopping list.

Be Flexible

Don’t be surprised if you may have some feedings at different places. This is why the caddy is so essential! It creates a portable breastfeeding station that can travel to wherever you are.

Also, as time goes on, you may find that your breastfeeding needs will change. You will have to change up your breastfeeding station based on those needs. For example, as your baby grows bigger, a nursing pillow is no longer essential as you can nurse just fine without it!

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Make it Comfortable for Dad

While you’re creating the most awesome breastfeeding station, don’t forget about dad! Or other caregivers for that matter. Once you introduce a bottle, it’s so nice to have others feed the baby while you nap or shower, or both (lucky mommy!)! Thus, include dad when deciding on a glider. It’s a good idea to ask what his favorite snacks are to add to the breastfeeding caddy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Stations and Caddies

What is a breastfeeding station?

A breastfeeding station is a dedicated area or space that is set up to provide comfort, convenience, and privacy for nursing mothers. It typically includes essential items and amenities to support the breastfeeding process.

Why do I need a breastfeeding station?

Having a designated breastfeeding station helps create a nurturing and comfortable environment for both you and your baby. It provides a dedicated space where you can relax, bond with your little one, and have all the necessary supplies within reach, making breastfeeding sessions more convenient and enjoyable.

Where should I set up my breastfeeding station?

The ideal location for a breastfeeding station is a quiet and private area of your home, such as a corner of your bedroom, a nursery, or a cozy nook in the living room. It’s important to choose a spot that allows you to feel relaxed and undisturbed during breastfeeding sessions.

What are the essential items for a breastfeeding station?

The essential items for a breastfeeding station include a comfortable chair or glider, a nursing pillow, a side table or tray for holding supplies, a water bottle, breastfeeding pads, nipple cream, burp cloths, and a dimmable lamp for soft lighting. You may also want to have a small storage unit or organizer to keep everything organized.

How can I make my breastfeeding station comfortable?

To make your breastfeeding station comfortable, choose a chair or glider that provides proper back support and is cushioned. Add soft pillows and a cozy blanket for extra comfort. Ensure the lighting is adjustable, as dim lighting can create a soothing atmosphere. Keep the temperature of the room pleasant and have a fan or heater nearby, depending on the season.

How do I keep my breastfeeding station organized?

To keep your breastfeeding station organized, consider using storage containers, shelves, or drawers to store supplies neatly. Labeling containers or using dividers can help you easily locate items. Establish a routine of regularly restocking your station with essentials to avoid running out of necessary items during breastfeeding sessions.

Can I personalize my breastfeeding station?

Absolutely! Personalizing your breastfeeding station can add a touch of warmth and comfort to the space. You can include personal items like photographs, inspiring quotes, or calming decorations. Choose colors and designs that resonate with you and create a soothing environment that promotes relaxation and bonding.

How long should I use a breastfeeding station?

The duration of using a breastfeeding station varies from mother to mother. Many find it helpful throughout their entire breastfeeding journey, while others may transition to more flexible breastfeeding locations as their baby grows older. You can continue to use your breastfeeding station for as long as it serves your needs and provides a comfortable space for nursing.

Can a breastfeeding station be set up in a small space?

Yes, a breastfeeding station can be set up in a small space. Even if you don’t have a dedicated room or much space, you can create a breastfeeding corner by utilizing a comfortable chair, a compact side table, and a few storage solutions. With careful organization and smart use of space, you can create a functional and cozy breastfeeding station in a small area.

Final Thoughts on Your Breastfeeding Station

Breastfeeding can be stressful. Especially in the beginning as you’re working on latch issues, supply, and positioning. Take some of this stress out by creating a dedicated breastfeeding station. This is a spot where you can get away, relax, and bond with your baby.

Our breastfeeding spot was the one place in the house where we could go and just focus on our nursing journey. My babies probably felt my anxiety and heart rate go down as we both settled into that oversized rocker and cuddled.

Did you have a breastfeeding station? If you’re pregnant, will you create one in your home? What items did you or will you include? Comment below! I would love to hear what made your breastfeeding station so comfortable and unique!

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