There are thousands of apps to choose from and many seem to do the same thing. Over the years, I have used quite a few. Some got the boot within 2 minutes of being downloaded because they were so bad and others surprised me.
When it comes to breastfeeding you may not think about apps but using an app to stay organized can actually be quite helpful. When you are recovering from giving birth, sleep deprived, and overwhelmed caring for this brand new life, the last thing on your mind is remembering which breast you ended on the previous feeding. Trust me, you will hardly remember what you did 10 minutes prior much less a few hours.
Breastfeeding apps can help you track which side you last fed, how long your baby nursed, how many dirty diapers they had (yes, your doctor asks this), how long they slept, what meds are safe to take, and much more!
To help save you some time, I have narrowed my list of favorite breastfeeding apps to five. So let’s get to it!
latchME – FREE
Rate #1 breastfeeding app in 2015 by Parent Magazine and for good reason. I love this app! LatchME allows you to connect with other moms in your area and thus share information, tips, and resources. Every time you share on the app, more moms are connected with valuable information. It really is a village!
Some of the great features of latchME include:
- Find and book an expert for a home visit.
- Ask other moms and professionals questions via their chat feature.
- Watch videos for step by step instructions on things like proper latching.
- Easily find local support groups in your area.
- Locate comfortable and convenient places to nurse while out and about.
- Read other mother’s stories and experiences with breastfeeding.
- Find information on products for milk supply, milk storage, and nipple pain.
- Find breastfeeding-friendly stores!
Click here to read my #1 recommendation for Lactation Supplements!
Glow Nurture – FREE
This technically is a pregnancy app but what I love about it is that it takes you from pregnancy and birth to the “4th trimester” and breastfeeding. This is one of my favorite pregnancy apps as well so to be able to continue on the same app once your baby is born is a huge plus!
Need a pumping or nursing schedule? Click here – We have you covered!
iBaby Feed Timer – $4.99
This is a paid app but so worth it! It tracks just about everything from breastfeeding to sleeping. One of my favorite features is the fact that you can track which side you breastfed from last. So many times I would forget or try to use something on my wrist to keep track but I always ended up forgetting.
LactMed – FREE
This app is a must have for all moms. It is a database of drugs and dietary supplements which tell you the effect they may have on breastfeeding. Thinking of popping a few aspirin or Ibuprofen? Want to take a dietary supplement but aren’t sure if it is safe? The app is easy to use and has a search feature so you can plug in what you are looking for making it fast and simple.
Some key features of LactMed:
- Part of National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET)
- Easy search feature
- Helpful links to breastfeeding resources
- Alternative suggestions when applicable
- Detailed drug info and class
- Details on effects of meds on breastmilk and infants
Breast Milk Calculator – $2.99
This is an app I used often, especially when my baby was small. It will tell you how much milk a baby is getting per feeding and per day. It was developed by a nurse practitioner and lactation consultant. This can be a great resource for moms who will be returning to work or need to bottle feed.
Key features of the Breast Milk Calculator:
- Calculates how much milk to leave for a sitter
- Calculates how much breastmilk baby gets if using a feed tube at the breast
- Changes baby’s weight from pounds/ounces to kilograms and back
- Works with both formula and breastmilk
Want information on using a feeding tube/supplemental nursing system? Click here!
Do you have a favorite breastfeeding app? Have you used any of these? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
Happy Nursing!
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I’ve been using and love baby tracker. It it’s easy to use and free. You can upgrade to the premium version to get charts of your feeds/diaper changes.
Thank you for the feedback! I like the Baby Tracker too! I have not used the premium version so thank you for sharing your experience. Sounds like it has some bells and whistles that are worth the upgrade!
I would have never guess that there were apps for breastfeeding. But why not? There are apps for everything and these seem to be useful. I like the Glow Nurture one. I think because you can use it right from the start of your pregnancy, once you get to the breastfeeding stage you already know how the app works and you can easily find the information you need. Being familiar with it would be an advantage. Thanks for the info
I agree with you on the Glow Nurture app. Being able to use it through pregnancy and beyond is a great feature. I am a creature of habit so having the option to use the same app is a huge plus in my book!
I think I want to try LactMed the next time around when I’m nursing. With my first boy, one time I had chocolate right before breastfeeding and it made him throw up. That told me right there that everything surely has a risk of getting in my milk. Is it up to date on current research with updates? The Glow Nurture sounds good too. There are so many resources that seem to stop at birth and don’t focus on what’s happening after baby is born like this one does. Thanks for this!
Yes, everything that I have read about the LactMed app shows that it is updated with current research. How often? I am not sure how quick updates makes it in there but it is up to date as standards go. The US National Library of Medicine recognizes it as a database on drugs and lactation.
And I agree with you on the Glow app. The fact you can follow the same app from pregnancy and beyond is a huge plus in my book!
Breastfeeding Central is another good one, it’s a breastfeeding guide and help finder that was rated 2016 Parenting App of the Year. Even has a ‘save’ feature so you can make a favorites folder.
Yes! I have tried Breastfeeding Central as well. Great app! Thank you for pointing it out!