I have learned so much more about nursing in the past 3 months. So much more than any textbook could have ever taught me. I can't believe I was even allowed to educate people about it before I experienced it because I feel like I probably failed them miserably. I am by no means an expert on breastfeeding, but I DO have some awesome friends, family, and nurses who have helped me out and taught me a lot as well as just learning as I go. I hope I can be a better support for moms who choose to go this route now that I at least know a little bit about what I'm doing!
I thought I would start with what is in my pump bag. Now that I'm back at work, I primarily pump and I have a limited amount of time so it's important that I have everything ready to go. I'm not saying this will work for everyone, but this is what works for me!
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| Most of these products available at Medela |
My pump is the Medela Pump In Style Advanced. It is expensive and I actually had a different one picked out (due to price), but then I found out my insurance would cover a pump so I was able to get this one. I think they probably all get the job done just fine!
It comes in this super
Obviously, I take all the necessary pump parts. Most are shown in the picture with the bag. I have spare pump parts (which I HIGHLY recommend).
Starting Top Left --
Milk Storage Bags - I went a little crazy buying breastfeeding products because Babies R Us was having a big sale and I knew it was my last chance to stock up before baby came and I was just a little out of control. I bought different types of storage, but ultimately this is what I have been using. **The amount that it shows you have pumped on the bags does not equal the same amount when you put it in a bottle - disappointing...**
Hands-Free Bra - Best.Purchase.Ever. I HATED holding the parts while I pumped and now I can accomplish two things at once. Multi-tasking is my middle name and especially now that I have limited time to get anything done at home and I'm super behind at work. When you are pumping, you'll do anything to make it more convenient and quick. Just make sure you get one that is compatible with your pump (I assume they are pretty generic, but I could be wrong!) Also, don't forget that you might just need one larger than you would anticipate ... breastfeeding turns you into Pamela Anderson. :)
Quick Steam Bags - These sanitize pump parts. The truth is, I don't need them. We have a sanitizer, but these are just so quick and easy. Also, I would suggest NOT buying any .. with every medela product you buy, you get at least one or two of these bags and you can use them up to 20 times.
Battery Pack - The area I use to pump at work does not have a plug-in, so I use the battery pack. This is also nice when travelling. Remember to always have extra batteries on hand. The battery pack was included with my pump.
Cooler Bag and Bottle Ice Pack - Every morning, I fill this with Trice's ready-to-go bottles for daycare. Then it goes to work with me and I stick the bottles or bags in it and keep them in the fridge at work. I usually take two empty bottles to pump into and then I use bags. It's nice to have bottles compatible with your pump so you can just hook them right up to it. This was also included with my pump.
Breast Pads - I keep some extras in my bag just in case! You never know when you might need them...
Lanolin Cream - I used the tube the hospital provided. I only needed it for like the first week after Trice was born, but now that I am pumping more than nursing I have been using it every now and then.
Quick Clean Wipes - My pumping area is no where close to a sink, and half the time the sink is being used by the cooks so I use these right away and then wash the parts when I can.
Washcloth - I always have a little hand towel or washcloth packed.
Sharpie - So I can label the storage bags with the date and Trice's name (I don't want other babies stealing my milk...) They do make labeling lids for the bottles, but I didn't want to spend even more money so I just use a dry erase marker on the lid. It's worked for me so far!
I'm always looking for ways to make this process easier so if any of you nursing mommy's out there have other items that you love, let me know!
Happy Pumping!
I'm ALL for Medela! It's the brand of pump we used while in the NICU with Caitlin. I loved the ease of the machine and that it didn't irritate my breasts. I have an Evenflow pump, but I hate (HATE) it. I haven't used it since the first week I got home with Caitlin. I was fortunate enough to use an older pump that my sister-in-law loved. (not sure of the brand... it was old). By the time Rosalie came along, I had no use for a pump. She breastfed flawlessly and everything was fantastic! I went to a WIC appointment and was told that since I was exculsively breastfeeding, I got a free Medela pump! I was BEYOND excited! I started pumping with it almost immediately (after I got home, of course!)! It held up, but after I had Vivian, I was having issues with the pump. I entered a giveaway on Medela's website and ended up winning the grand prize package! So now I have a new pump, new products, and more! I used the pump with ease and comfort! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Medela! I recommend it to all new mothers! I know they are expensive, but I encourage Mothers to research into ways to get one cheaper (insurance, through WIC, etc.)
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