When I was nearing the end of my pregnancy, SO many people asked me about my feeding plan. Seems super personal, but I think people are just on autopilot for what to ask pregnant people. My answer was always "we will see" because I wasn't sure how my body would respond and in my mind, I was giving future me plenty of grace if it didn't work out. I listened to a lot of podcasts about both breastfeeding and formula feeding to keep an open mind - I completely agree with the statement that "fed is best".
Since I was open to breastfeeding, I began by looking for a pump. Search your insurance company and breastfeeding supplies - most cover the cost. This will typically pull up the specific page for the links to where you can request to order supplies. I used the store Yummy Mummy and ordered the Spectra S2 pump and storage bags at no additional cost. I recommend to do this early on to allow plenty of time for shipping. The bags they sent me were my favorite from all the ones we tried (Abana brand). They held up great in the freezer, were super easy to pour in and out of, and stood upright well.
One thing I didn't do, but wish I had, is sterilize all my parts ahead of going to the hospital and take the pump with me. I went into labor at 37.5 weeks, so we were not 100% prepared, and I ended up staying in the hospital 4 days so by the end, I was so uncomfortable when we were about to leave. It would have been super helpful to have the staff at the hospital help me as well with how to use it and what size flange was needed.
Once I ordered the pump, Nest contacted me to schedule with a lactation consultant (covered by insurance). I HIGHLY recommend this. Each meeting was very informative and easy to make time for because they were virtual meetings. It was helpful to have someone to discuss preparing to try to nurse, then preparing to return to work, and adjusting volume once she started eating solids. We also discussed upcoming traveling and she shared a lot of helpful hints - such as freezing the oldest milk at a hotel or home before you fly back (so it somewhat defrosts to be ready to use), and store in an insulated bottle the fresh milk to freeze once you are home. I also asked honest questions like "is this supplement ok?" - it kind of feels like there is less information available and more restrictions when you are pumping than when you are pregnant!
I decided to purchase a wearable pump when I was returning to work so I wasn't packing such a large bag and it ultimately made pumping much easier. I purchased the double Mom Cozy S12 but typically only used one at a time. Having a second pump helped with keeping parts charged and clean. It did include a 1 year warranty, and I did have to replace the main battery for each of them within that time frame - so I was glad for the coverage! It made traveling (especially by plane) much easier as well. There are much more costly options, but I found this one did everything I needed! It also came with the adjustable flange sizes. The Ceres Chill made traveling and storing fresh milk (especially when flying) so much easier! I dedicated an entire post for tips about pumping and traveling.
It felt wasteful to store milk in the plastic bags only to throw them out the next day. I purchased two 32oz glass jugs with a lid to store milk in the fridge and would rotate between them every few days to clean. At the suggestion of my lactation consultant, I would place pump parts with the fresh milk in the fridge to cool down before mixing with already cool milk.
I researched several nursing bras but ended up going with the Auden brand at Target ($16.99 and sometimes are on sale). I purchased several in black, white, and pink. I would go through several in a day, it was helpful to have options. I found them to be comfortable too!
For the hospital and pajamas, any type of clothing that buttons in the front is a must. I purchased two button night gowns from Amazon (similar to this) to have at the hospital and also rotated through my Eberjey pajamas. It made pumping or nursing so much easier! Anything with buttons though, there are a lot of brands that promote being hospital friendly nursing and charge so much more.
One thing I did that my lactation consulatant recommended was to freeze dry some of my milk. I used Milkify and recommend it to anyone that at any point has an oversupply. Freeze drying you milk lasts several years, but more importantly, when we travel it is much easier to take 1-2 of the powder packets than to overpack frozen or cold milk. I only did 40 ounces but found the instructions were very easy to follow and I trusted the process to send the frozen milk.
I never used a milk catcher but several friends I know used the Haakaa lady bug and loved it. It probably would have been beneficial early on when I was leaking (I just used a pad liner).
One thing I purchased but never ended up using was a handpump. I thought it would be good to have out and about, but just never used it.
I am not certified to speak in terms of nutrition and what I think helped me - I met with a sports nutritionist when I was preparing to become pregnant (I had an imbalance of hormones), during my pregnancy, and 2 weeks postpartum. She shared information about how to fuel myself properly which I think supported my supply. Something specific for me was to embrace carbohydrates and full fat dairy again. Also, she stressed the importance of hydrating so I was constantly drinking water and would supplement with a liquid IV or something similar.
Last thing is to try to find time to take care of yourself - regardless if you are nursing or pumping. Rest, fuel, and hydration were so important during the past year for me. I hope some of these tips make it a little easier navigating this unfamiliar terriority!