I have a love-hate relationship with my breast pump. I knew it was so necessary to have in order to go back to work and continue to breastfeed each of my children, but after a few months of having to pump with each child, I was SO over it. That being said, my breast feeding experience did get better and better with each kid, and I was by far the most prepared with my last one. Here are the things that I would consider “must haves” to make it through 12 months of pumping and working:
1. Double Electric Breast pump
I have tried different brands of electric breast pumps, but the Medela Pump in Style has by far worked the best for me. My first experience with a Medela pump was 14 years ago while breastfeeding my oldest daughter and going to school. I have gotten newer versions of this pump as they have come out, but have only needed to use 3 different pumps over 14 years and 5 children. Only one failed on me, and I received a quick replacement delivered to me from Medela at no cost!
I was lucky enough to use a Medela Symphony Hospital-grade pump in a few different instances – when my son was in the Cardiac ICU after heart surgery, during residency on hospital-based rotations, and at medical conferences. It’s an awesome pump that definitely did wonders for my supply, but it’s crazy expensive! If you can afford the $2,000 price tag it’s well worth it. Some women can also qualify to rent one in special circumstances.
I read rave reviews about the Spectra S2 pump while I was pregnant with my last child, and I was able to get one for free through my insurance. Luckily, I still had my Medela pump because my output with the Spectra was much less. It was definitely quieter, but that was really the only benefit I got out of it.
I was on the fence about buying the new Medela Sonata pump with my last pregnancy as well. I am not sure if much of the pumping technology itself has changed compared to the Pump In Style, but it is marketed as quieter, and it’s “smart” features are what cause it to stand out. The pump can connect to the My Medela app to keep track of pumping sessions. I decided to stick to what I knew with my Medela Pump In Style, and saved myself the $400, without any regrets.
2. Spare parts
Medela sells spare parts for its electric pumps in stores. I have forgotten my entire pumping kit or different parts of it many times Luckily, while in residency I was able to get spare parts from the hospital. But, as a working mom, I have had to stop and buy them when I’ve forgotten them at home and was too far away to pick them up. After a few times of this, I finally decided to leave a spare kit in my desk at work (duh!), and it came in handy! The same goes for most other breast pumps.
3. Kiinde System
I was just introduced to this system with my last pregnancy, and I wish I had it all along! I am a HUGE fan! It allows you to pump, store, and feed your baby all from the same pouch. It saves a lot of bottle-washing and milk-spilling, since you don’t have to pour from one bottle to another. The pouches are also comparable in price to any other breast milk bags I have used, but are SO much sturdier! My husband will tell you that I have CRIED in the past over breast milk that has leaked out of bags that were torn during thawing (YES, I have cried over spilled milk!). The pouches can also stand on their own. I have had NO issues whatsoever with my Kiinde system, so it’s a MUST on this list. These are my favorite Kiinde products.
4. Hands-free bra
A hands-free bra was helpful to use during my pumping sessions at work, so that I could still get work done while I pumped. I will honestly admit that I also used it while driving (yes, pumping and driving is a thing!). Of course, I recommend having a blanket or jacket on hand so that this can be done discreetly, but it can be a huge timesaver!
5. Car adapter/Battery Pack for pump
A car adapter also came in handy with car pumping. It kept my pump alive while away from an outlet. Pretty self-explanatory.
6. Cleaning supplies
For me, this included hand sanitizer, soap and a small brush to clean my pumping parts after I pumped, and the Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam bags. I love the steam bags because I was able to sterilize my pumping parts after just about every pumping session, just by using the microwave.
7. Hand pump
Helpful to have, just in case your electric pump goes awry, or you forget your pump at home – like I did when my husband and I went away to Key West for the weekend, and left my middle daughter with my parents while I was still breastfeeding! I was without a pump, and 4 hours away from my baby. We made a quick stop for a cheap hand pump and accessories, and I made it through the weekend!
8. Snacks/water
As a busy mom, it’s hard to find time to do anything, especially eat! I knew that I had to set aside time to pump, so I always had snacks and water on hand during those 20-minute pumping sessions. That way, I knew I’d have time to eat something. Same goes for breastfeeding. It’s helpful to have snacks/water housed at your breast feeding spots to refill yourself each time.
9. Picture of your baby
While pumping, if I wasn’t also trying to get work done, I would look through my phone at pictures and videos of my baby. It has been proven to improve let-down and supply while pumping, so I highly recommend it. It just reminds you why you’re doing what you’re doing!
10. A cooler, ice pack, and bag to put it all in
Speaks for itself. You don’t want to have to lug all of this around separately. It’s also helpful to keep everything in one spot so that you don’t forget anything.
Most breastfeeding moms, myself included, would much rather directly feed their baby than to have to pump. But, when going back to work, unfortunately, you “gotta do what you gotta do”. The goal is to keep your baby healthy and fed. Hopefully the items in this post will help you to stay prepared for long-term breastfeeding success.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase, I may earn a commission (at no cost to you!). I only link these products because of their quality and my awesome personal experience with them, not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. Rest assured, I will never suggest a product I don’t 100% believe in.
My Resource Library has a helpful printable of my Top 10 Things You’ll Need While Pumping and Working. You can get access to it below. You’ll also receive my newsletter, which provides weekly encouragement, lessons learned, and tips on making it through this journey as a working wife and mom. Here’s to a great pumping experience!
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