What Should I Have in My Breastfeeding Station?

Setting up a breastfeeding station might sound like one more thing to add to your endless new-mum to-do list, but trust me—it’s worth it. When you’re up in the middle of the night, and everything you need is right by your side, you’ll thank yourself. I’ve worked with so many new mums as a neonatal nurse, and I’ve seen firsthand how creating a comfortable, well-stocked breastfeeding station can make all the difference in those early days. The mums who had everything organised always looked more at ease than those trying to scramble for burp cloths at 2 a.m. Let’s set you up for success.

At a minimum, your breastfeeding station should have a comfortable chair, a nursing pillow, burp cloths, water, and snacks to keep you going. You can also add nipple cream, nursing pads, and a lamp for nighttime feeds. Having everything in one spot makes breastfeeding easier for both you and your baby.

What Is a Breastfeeding Station and Why Do You Need One?

A breastfeeding station is essentially a dedicated space where you can comfortably nurse your baby with all your essentials within arm’s reach. It might seem like a small thing, but when you’re feeding every couple of hours, you’ll quickly realise the value of having everything in one spot. From nipple cream to your phone, it’s the little things that can make breastfeeding feel more manageable, especially in those early weeks when you and your baby are still figuring it all out.

Like getting your hospital bag ready, you should have your breastfeeding station ready well before your due date. A well-set-up breastfeeding station can help you feel more organised and relaxed, which makes for a smoother breastfeeding experience. And since you’ll be spending a lot of time there, it’s worth making the space as comfortable and convenient as possible.

What Are the Essential Items for a Breastfeeding Station?

Comfortable Chair or Seating

Why It’s a Must-Have: Breastfeeding sessions can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more if you're cluster feeding, so having a comfortable chair is key. You’ll want something that supports your back, neck, and shoulders, especially in those early weeks when you’re still adjusting to frequent feedings. A rocking chair or glider can be a great choice, but any sturdy, comfortable chair will work as long as it gives you the support you need.

Nursing Pillow

Why It’s a Must-Have: Positioning is everything when it comes to breastfeeding, especially during the first few weeks when you and your baby are still learning. A good nursing pillow helps lift your baby to the right height, reducing strain on your arms and shoulders and encouraging a proper latch. If you already have a maternity pillow from pregnancy, like the one we offer at Butterfly Maternity, you’re in luck—it easily converts into a nursing pillow. Simply add the nursing cover, twist the pillow to create a wedge, and tie it up for stability. It’s a great investment for first-time mums.

Water Bottle

Why It’s a Must-Have: Breastfeeding is known to make you thirsty, so keeping a large water bottle nearby is essential. Staying hydrated helps with milk production and keeps you feeling good during those marathon feeding sessions.

Burp Cloths

Why It’s a Must-Have: Let’s be honest—babies are adorable, but they can also be a bit messy! Burp cloths are essential for catching spit-up and drool, saving you from changing clothes every hour. Keep several in your breastfeeding station so you can grab them easily without having to leave your chair.

Nursing Pads

Why It’s a Must-Have: In those early days, leaking is common between feedings, especially as your milk supply adjusts. Having nursing pads on hand at your station will help keep you dry and comfortable, so you don’t have to deal with any unwanted surprises.

Nipple Cream

Why It’s a Must-Have: Nipple cream is one of those items that many mums don’t realise they’ll need until they’re in the thick of it. Sore or cracked nipples are common in the early stages of breastfeeding, and having nipple cream within reach offers quick relief.

What Additional Items Can Make Your Breastfeeding Station More Comfortable?

Snacks

Why It’s a Nice-to-Have: Breastfeeding burns around 500 extra calories and can leave you feeling hungry. Having healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or fruit at your station means you can stay nourished without having to interrupt your feeding routine.

Phone or Tablet

Why It’s a Nice-to-Have: Long feeding sessions can feel endless, so having your phone, tablet, or e-reader/Kindle nearby lets you catch up on shows, read articles, or dive into a good book. You can also use it to log your baby’s feedings in a tracking app. Just make sure to have a charger close by as well!

Breast Pump

Why It’s a Nice-to-Have: If you plan on pumping, having your breast pump and accessories in your breastfeeding station will save you from searching around for parts at the last minute. It can also help if you need to pump right after a feed to build up your supply.

A Lamp or Nightlight

Why It’s a Nice-to-Have: Nighttime feedings are inevitable, and having a soft lamp or nightlight can help create a calming environment for both you and your baby. You’ll be able to see what you’re doing without fully waking up yourself or your little one.

Electrolyte Drink Mix

Why It’s Nice-to-Have: Breastfeeding requires lots of hydration, and plain water might not be enough. Keeping an electrolyte drink mix at your station helps keep you hydrated and replenishes lost nutrients, especially during those long night feeds.

Essential Oils or Diffuser

Why It’s Nice-to-Have: A calming scent like lavender or chamomile diffusing in the air can help relieve stress create a relaxing environment for both you and your baby, making breastfeeding sessions more peaceful—especially during the night when you’re both tired.

Bluetooth Speaker

Why It’s Nice-to-Have: A small Bluetooth speaker allows you to play calming music, a podcast, or even some white noise which has been show to help with increasing breastfeeding success. It helps make the time pass more enjoyably and keeps both you and your baby relaxed.

Puzzle Book or Adult Colouring Book

Why It’s Nice-to-Have: If you enjoy engaging your mind or relaxing with a bit of creativity, keeping a puzzle book or adult colouring book at your breastfeeding station gives you something calming to focus on while nursing.

Warm Blanket or Throw

Why It’s Nice-to-Have: Nursing can sometimes feel a bit chilly, especially during nighttime feeds. A warm blanket at your station ensures you’re cosy and comfortable, helping you focus on your baby rather than the temperature.

How to Use a Maternity Pillow as a Nursing Pillow

If you’re still pregnant and already have a maternity pillow, there’s no need to buy a separate nursing pillow. Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® transitions easily into a nursing pillow with just a few simple steps:

1. Add the Cover: Slip on the specially designed nursing cover.

2. Twist the Pillow: Once the cover is on, twist the pillow into a wedge shape.

3. Tie it Up: Tie the pillow securely to create a stable surface for breastfeeding.

This pillow that can be used as both a pregnancy pillow and nursing pillow is a practical solution, offering the comfort and support you need before, during, and after birth. It’s perfect for saving space and making your breastfeeding station more efficient.

Shop our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® and nursing cover here. 

FAQs

How Many Nursing Pads Should I Have at My Breastfeeding Station?

It’s best to have several nursing pads ready, especially in the early days when leaking is more frequent. Having extras ensures you’ll always feel comfortable and dry.

Do I Need a Separate Breastfeeding Station in Every Room?

Not necessarily, but having one in the room where you’ll be spending most of your time makes things easier. You can also set up mini-stations with essentials in different rooms if you prefer flexibility.

Do I Need a Breastfeeding Station Even If I Decide to Bottle Feed?

Not all mums are able to breastfeed. Still, having a dedicated feeding station can be beneficial even if you’re bottle-feeding. It provides a comfortable, organized space for you and your baby, making feeding time more relaxing.

Can I Use My Pregnancy Pillow for Breastfeeding?

Yes! If you have a pregnancy pillow like ours, it can be transformed into a nursing pillow with the addition of a special cover. This saves you from buying two separate pillows. 

Should I Restock My Breastfeeding Station Every Day?

It’s a good idea to restock daily, especially with water, snacks, and fresh burp cloths. This keeps everything organised and ready for your next session without the need for last-minute scrambling.

Closing Thoughts

Setting up a well-stocked breastfeeding station will make feeding time so much easier for both you and your baby. Having the essentials—like a comfy chair, nursing pillow, and water bottle—at your fingertips ensures you’re prepared for those long sessions.

If you’re looking for the perfect versatile solution for your breastfeeding station, our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® and nursing cover work together seamlessly to provide the comfort and support you need during every feed.. Check them out here. 

 *The shape of the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a registered trade mark of Weekly Sales Pty Ltd