How to Create a Breastfeeding Station or Nursing Station

How you feed your newborn baby is one of many decisions you’ll make as a new parent. Many women choose to breastfeed their little ones, but for new moms, breastfeeding can seem (understandably) intimidating. Learning tips and tricks from experienced parents can help set you up for success.

Tip #1: Create a breastfeeding station.

If you’re pregnant and considering breastfeeding or just gave birth and want to continue breastfeeding, we can help you create a nursing station to make each breastfeeding session a little bit easier.

Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed—or both—it’s helpful to have a feeding station that keeps you organized and makes feeding times enjoyable for both you and your baby. When you can dedicate a comfortable and relaxing spot for feeding sessions, you and your little one and use it as an opportunity to create a positive bonding experience.

While the benefits of breastfeeding are clear, it’s not an option for every new mom.

Medical conditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences can make bottle feeding the best choice for some parents. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding breastmilk or formula are all healthy ways to nourish your baby and help them grow.

Regardless of how you feed your baby, all families can benefit from setting up a station to help feeding times run smoothly. Just keep in mind there will be some variation in the supplies needed to stock your station.

Every breastfeeding mom has been stuck in a chair with her baby latched and suddenly remembered there’s something she needs right now. Then she has to decide, Should I try to go get it or sit here without it?

When you plan ahead to have everything already within arm’s reach, you won’t need to worry about forgetting anything and you can look forward to the best breastfeeding experience possible.

Here are some breastfeeding essentials you’ll want to have ready to go in your nursing station.

• A nursing pillow to properly place your baby in a feeding position. The Feeding Pillow is made of 100% cotton for a soft feel on your baby’s skin and comfortable support for you. When you’re feeding your new baby every two to three hours, your arms and back will get a much-needed rest with your pillow carrying some of the weight.

• Nipple cream for new moms with sore nipples. Breastfeeding can be painful when your newborn is learning how to latch and your postpartum body is reeling with hormone changes. Nipple cream can help soothe dry, cracked nipples. Always contact your doctor for help if your pain lasts throughout the feeding session or is unbearable as it could be a sign of a more serious issue.

   

• Breast pads or a haakaa will keep you dry when your nipples start leaking during a breastfeeding session. The breast pads or nursing pads create a barrier in your bra to soak up breast milk. The gravity suction of the haakaa will collect the breastmilk should you want to save it for later.

   

  A Haakaa is a silicone manual breast pump that uses natural suction to collect breast milk while you're breastfeeding on the other side. It's known for its simplicity and portability.

   

• A full water bottle is always necessary while you’re breastfeeding. Not only does drinking water help with your milk supply, but you’ll likely feel the need to quench your thirst.

   

• Leave a phone charger plugged in close to your nursing station. Breastfeeding sessions can last a long time or lead to an even longer contact nap, so a phone with a full battery can help keep you occupied or allow you to multitask.

   

  Equipped with a built-in USB charger, The Glider offers a unique advantage, allowing you to keep your phone charged during extended use. This means you can always seize the moment to photograph your baby's cute antics without any interruptions.

• A burp cloth or baby wipes that you can grab quickly to clean spit-up messes will help you avoid a complete outfit change.

   

• One-handed snacks are a lifesaver for new parents. Since you’ll be sitting in this spot frequently throughout the day—and night—have some easy–to–eat snacks nearby to refuel while feeding your baby.

   

• A nightlight in the room will give you visibility for night feedings while the room stays dark enough to keep your little one sleepy in the middle of the night. Consider getting one that also doubles as a sound machine.

   

• A nursing caddy, bin, or basket on the floor or side table keeps your space neat and organized. A specific container for your feeding station gives you easy access to all of your breastfeeding supplies.

   

• An extra pacifier can make for an easy transition to the crib if your baby likes to dream-suckle at the end of a breastfeeding session.

   

• Hair ties or clips will help keep breastfeeding moms safe from little hands grabbing fistfuls of long hair.

   

• Nail clippers are great to have around during nursing sessions so you can trim those tiny fingernails while your baby is sitting still and distracted.

   

• A blanket thrown over the back of your glider or seating area adds an extra layer of coziness to your breastfeeding space. You can easily pull it down over yourself as you snuggle with your baby while you feed them.

There are endless possibilities to personalize your nursing station with the breastfeeding essentials that work best for you. Turning this into a bottle-feeding station could include things like an extra bottle, water, and a formula dispenser for when your baby is a little more hungry than you expected.

If you’re a mom that’s always on the go or working outside the home, it can be helpful to keep a breastfeeding basket or bag specifically for times when you’re out of the house.

Maybe it’s a smaller version of the nursing station you have set up at home so you can easily breastfeed your little one in any situation. Or you could pack up your breast pump and supplies to take with you while you’re away from your baby and need to pump and save breastmilk for later.

A personalized breastfeeding station ensures comfort and helps the mother to turn every feeding moment into a unique one. There are different types of ideas that can be interesting for breastfeeding moms. Here are some of them:

This space is a highly popular choice. A Cozy Feeding Corner transforms your breastfeeding area into a charming nook. With soft cushions, gentle lighting, and soothing hues, it provides a pacifier atmosphere. Consider adding a stylish rocking chair to complete the experience, turning this corner into a comforting retreat where comfort and style converge.

Harmonious tones seamlessly weave through this thoughtfully designed decor, establishing a connection with a dedicated breastfeeding station. Soft hues and serene accents define this space, fostering a tranquil ambiance for breastfeeding sessions. Elevating the experience, the distinctive touch of an ottoman brings both comfort and style, making it a standout feature in this maternity decor.

One of the most beloved decor styles among mothers, the Nordic palette, embraces serene green or blue tones. Envision a calming retreat reminiscent of a tranquil sea. The unique touch is a glider, seamlessly blending comfort and style, turning this maternity space into a cherished haven for the little one.

The Modern Mama Lounge is a vibrant space designed for moms who appreciate lively surroundings, featuring a captivating modern palette. At its core is the gliding ottoman, seamlessly merging style and functionality, providing a contemporary retreat for relaxation and joy.

For those who resonate with a Boho style, this option invites you into a realm of eclectic serenity. Picture a space where vibrant patterns and earthy tones seamlessly intertwine, creating an atmosphere of laid-back tranquility. The glider takes center stage, becoming a distinctive symbol of both comfort and free-spirited elegance within this bohemian haven.

Designed for those who prefer neutral tones like whites and beiges. Imagine a peaceful sanctuary where these muted colors blend effortlessly, creating a serene atmosphere. The central piece, the glider plus, brings added comfort and versatility, making this corner an ideal space for calm breastfeeding moments.

There are many ways to comfortably breastfeed your baby. It may take some practice or trial and error to learn which breastfeeding positions you and your baby like best. Try out these nursing positions in your bed or chair to see what works well for you.

Deciding whether to breastfeed on a chair or in bed hinges significantly on personal comfort and preference. A chair, notably one equipped with adequate back support, can foster proper posture, mitigating back and neck strain and elevating the comfort level during breastfeeding sessions.

In contrast, breastfeeding in bed presents an opportunity for a more relaxed stance, simplifying nocturnal feedings and enhancing bonding through skin-to-skin touch.

Nurture& offers a collection of seating that accommodates various nursing positions. The Glider has a power recline and adjustable head support to hold you in the perfect position to breastfeed comfortably.

The best place for your breastfeeding chair is in a quiet room with enough space to store the essentials of your breastfeeding station. Your nursery, living room, or bedroom could all be practical places to set up your breastfeeding station centered around the chair of your choice.

Choose a chair that fits the aesthetic you want in the room, but also has the features you prefer, like rocking or gliding, reclining or stationary, and electric powered or manual. Your breastfeeding chair should be built to incorporate comfort, safety, practicality, and style all in one, like this collection of premium gliders made with new parents in mind.

You’re going to feed your baby anyway, so you might as well make it as comfortable as possible!