Written By: Bethany Duvall, IBCLC

Nobody hands you a manual for what your body is about to do postpartum. One day you’re pregnant, the next you’re Googling “why are my breasts rock hard” at 3am while your tiny human sleeps on your chest. Welcome to the fourth trimester. 

Here’s the thing, breastfeeding is natural, but natural doesn’t mean you automatically know it all or that it’s comfortable, especially in those early days. I once heard someone describe it as being natural like walking and talking, not natural like breathing. So, there’s still some things to work out even when your body knows what to do. And while you absolutely don’t need a cart full of products to breastfeed successfully, knowing what tools exist means you’re not caught completely off guard when discomfort shows up. Consider this your no-pressure, here’s-what’s-out-there-guide. Take what’s useful for you, and leave the rest. 

First, let’s talk about what’s actually happening. Your body just did something amazing, and in the following days, it’s going to keep doing amazing things. As your milk transitions in the first couple of days (what some people refer to as milk coming in), engorgement is common. Your body is still figuring out how much milk to make, and it often overshoots at first. Nipple soreness can also be very common in the early days, especially as you and your baby are learning. And leaking? Completely normal, albeit a bit inconvenient, and worth being prepared for. Most of these things ease with some time, support, and a little patience. Discomfort early on is common, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong and it’s never a sign that you’re failing. 

Now let’s talk about some tips to help with some of these discomforts. Cool it, literally. 

When engorgement hits, cold can be your best friend. Applying cold packs after feeds or pumping sessions can help reduce swelling and inflammation, bringing relief without stimulating more milk production. Adding more milk is exactly what you don’t want when your body is already overdoing it. Speaking of more milk, cold therapy can also be helpful for managing inflammation due to oversupply, without complicating things further. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s updated clinical protocol #36 also actually recommends cold over heat for breast inflammation, which is a shift from older guidance. 

A few things to keep in mind: brief, targeted application after feeds works best. And cold packs with a soft cover matter more than you’d think when you’re already dealing with tender skin. Cold therapy is a comfort tool, not a substitute for care. If you develop a fever or symptoms that are worsening, loop in your provider or IBCLC sooner rather than later. 

Heat has it’s place, just not where you might think. Heat gets a lot of credit in breastfeeding advice circles, and it does have a role, just a more specific one than most people realize. Brief warmth applied before a feed or pumping session can help encourage letdown and support milk flow, making the whole experience more comfortable and efficient. That’s genuinely useful. 

One thing worth knowing about is Raynaud’s Syndrome, a vasospasm condition where blood vessels can constrict, causing pain and sometimes color changes. It’s frequently mistaken for thrush or a latch issue, and it’s more common than people realize. Warmth after feeds can help with symptom relief. If this sounds familiar, bring it up with your IBCLC or provider. It’s underdiagnosed and very treatable. 

One thing heat is not great for is inflammation. Prolonged heat on engorged or inflamed breast tissue can actually make swelling worse. So, when in doubt, reach for cold first.  

Nursing pads: Because leaking through your shirt at the store is a right of passage nobody warned you about. Nursing pads create a barrier between leaking milk and your clothing, and keeping moisture away from already sensitive nipples actually matters for comfort and skin health. 

Disposable nursing pads are a great grab-and-go option. No washing, no hassle, just use and toss. They’re a great option for your hospital bag. Reusable bamboo nursing pads are a longer game option. They’re soft, gentle on sensitive skin, and naturally moisture-wicking, not to mention washable. This makes them more sustainable and cost-effective over time. Neither is better than the other, they just serve different moments. And if leaking turns out not to be much of a thing for you? That’s completely normal too. Every body is different. 

Hydrogel Nipple Pads: The underrated thing worth knowing about. If there’s one item on this list that tends to catch moms off guard with how much they love it, it’s hydrogel nipple pads. Sore nipples while you and your baby are getting the hang of breast feeding can be really uncomfortable. Hydrogel pads are cooling gel pads designed to soothe irritated or damaged nipple tissue, and the relief is pretty immediate. Beyond the cooling comfort, they support a moist wound healing environment, which research supports as more effective for skin recovery. They can be used between feeds for ongoing relief, and they’re just as helpful for pumping moms dealing with friction-related soreness as they are for nursing moms. 

A few notes on these: follow the instructions for use and replacement frequency. If you’re dealing with significant cracking, bleeding, or any signs of infection, reach out to your IBCLC before relying on these alone. They’re a comfort tool, and sometimes what looks like nipple damage is actually due to a latch or flange issue worth addressing. You might not need these, but if you do, you’ll be really glad you knew they existed. 

So, do you actually need all of this? Short answer: no. Long answer: also no, but with a caveat. People have been breastfeeding babies for thousands of years without these items. None of these products are required for a successful breastfeeding journey. What they offer is comfort, convenience, and a little extra support during moments that can be hard, and there’s real value in that. 

If you’re building a registry, adding one or two of these items is worth considering. Not because you’ll definitely need everything, but because having options when you’re exhausted and uncomfortable beats frantically ordering something at midnight. Explore what works and set aside what doesn’t. And if you’re already in the thick of discomfort, these tools might offer some meaningful relief while you work on the underlying cause with a professional. 

Your comfort matters in this season. Your experience matters. Reaching for a comfort tool or asking for help is not a sign that breastfeeding isn’t working, it’s a sign that you’re paying attention and taking care of yourself. If you’re navigating challenges that go beyond what a cold pack or nursing pad can fix, an IBCLC is one of the most valuable resources you can access. Products help, but the right support can make all the difference. 

And if you want to explore all of these tools? You can find it here in the Complete Breast Care Bundle from Motherhood.

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) for personalized support.

Sources: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022 (Mitchell et al.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breastfeeding: Frequently Asked Questions. cdc.gov