Pumping breast milk is a fantastic way to keep up with feeding your baby, even when life gets busy. But, let’s be real—having the right gear can make or break your pumping experience.

Whether you're new to pumping or just looking to streamline your routine, here’s a rundown of the 10 must-have items that will make pumping a breeze.

Read more about the underrated benefits of pumping HERE.

1. Breast Pump

Let’s start with the obvious: a breast pump. Whether you go for a manual, electric, or wearable option, the key is to find one that fits into your life comfortably. If you’re always on the go, a wearable pump could be your new best friend—pump discreetly, anywhere, anytime.

I personally use the Zomee Fit Wearable Hand Free and I absolutely love it. I’m not affiliated with them in any way—I just find it incredibly convenient. If you're considering getting one, Amazon often has great deals.

Remember, every mom is different, and there’s no single pump that works perfectly for everyone. It’s important to find a pump that’s the right fit for you, one that efficiently removes your breast milk.

Also, keep in mind that pumping can be uncomfortable at first, and it might take some time to find the right settings—such as suction, speed, and fit. These settings may also change over time or even during a single session.

2. Breast Pump Parts

Your pump is only as good as its parts. You’ll need flanges, valves, membranes, tubing, and backflow protectors to keep it running smoothly. It might sound like a lot, but trust me, keeping these in good shape will make sure you’re getting the most out of your pump.

Regularly changing your breast pump parts is essential for maintaining efficiency and hygiene. I recommend checking your pump and its parts at least every three months to ensure everything is functioning well. Ask yourself, "Is my pump still as efficient as before?"

As a general rule of thumb:

• Replace valves and membranes every 2-4 weeks.
• Replace breast shields every 6 months.
• Replace tubing every 3-6 months.
• Replace backflow protectors every 3-6 months.

If any parts show signs of wear, damage, or decreased performance, replace them sooner. Always refer to your pump's manual for specific guidelines.

3. Breast Milk Storage Bags/Containers

Now that you’ve successfully pumped, it’s time to store that liquid gold in a safe and reliable way. Choosing the right storage solutions is key to maintaining the quality and safety of your breast milk. Opt for BPA-free storage bags or containers specifically designed for breast milk, and make sure they’re easy to label with the date and time of each pumping session. This helps you keep track of your milk’s freshness and ensures you’re always using the oldest milk first.

If, like me, you freeze or donate your breast milk, Nuulie’s disposable storage bags are an excellent option. They’re durable, easy to seal, and perfect for long-term storage. Plus, they’re designed to minimize leaks and spills, giving you peace of mind that your hard-earned milk is safe.

When it comes to storing your milk, it’s important to keep it in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is most stable. Avoid storing milk in the door, as the temperature can fluctuate when the door is opened frequently. I personally love using storage bins to keep my milk bags organized and to ensure my fridge and freezer stay neat and clutter-free. These bins make it easy to find and access the oldest milk first, so nothing goes to waste.

If you have any questions about the proper storage times for breast milk, especially for healthy babies at home, click here, and we’ll send you the official guidelines directly to your inbox for free. This way, you can always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips, ensuring your baby is getting the best care possible.

4. Nursing Pads

5. Hands-Free Pumping Bra

6. Nursing Bras

A good nursing bra is truly worth its weight in gold, especially when you're incorporating wearable pumps into your daily routine. The right nursing bra can make all the difference in your comfort, convenience, and overall breastfeeding experience. When you’re using wearable pumps, it’s not just about having a bra that’s easy to nurse in—it’s about finding one that’s comfortable, supportive, and designed to hold your pumps securely in place so you can go about your day with confidence and ease.

First and foremost, comfort is key. You’re likely wearing your nursing bra for long stretches of time, so it’s important that it’s made from soft, breathable materials that feel good against your skin. The last thing you want is a bra that digs in, causes irritation, or makes you feel restricted. 

Support is equally important, particularly when you’re using wearable pumps. These pumps, while convenient, can add a bit of extra weight to your bra, so it’s crucial that the bra provides enough support to keep everything in place. Look for a nursing bra with a sturdy, yet flexible band and wide, adjustable straps that help distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back. 

Another feature to consider is the fit. A well-fitted nursing bra should accommodate your changing breast size as you nurse and pump throughout the day. Many nursing bras come with adjustable hook-and-eye closures and stretchy fabrics that adapt to your body’s fluctuations, providing a snug yet flexible fit. This is particularly important when you’re using wearable pumps, as a bra that’s too tight or too loose can affect the effectiveness of the pump and your comfort level.

7. Nipple Cream

Pumping can be challenging on your nipples, especially in the early days when you’re still getting the hang of it. The constant suction can cause irritation, dryness, and even soreness if your skin isn’t properly cared for. That’s why having a good nipple cream on hand is absolutely essential. A high-quality nipple cream, like the one from Frida Mom, can soothe and protect your skin, providing much-needed relief and helping to prevent damage. 

I’ve found that using nipple cream regularly makes a world of difference in my pumping experience. While I don’t necessarily apply it after every pumping session, I make sure to include it in my nightly routine. After my last pumping session of the day, I gently apply the cream to ensure that my breast tissues stay soft and hydrated overnight. This practice helps maintain the elasticity of the skin, which is crucial in preventing damage from the suction of the pump.

By applying nipple cream before bed, I give my skin the opportunity to heal and rejuvenate while I sleep, so it’s ready for another day of pumping. This nightly ritual has been a game-changer for me, reducing discomfort and keeping my skin in good condition, even during periods of frequent pumping. 

8. Cooler Bag with Ice Packs

If you’re pumping on the go, a cooler bag with ice packs is an absolute must-have. This essential accessory ensures that your milk stays fresh and safe until you can store it properly in a refrigerator or freezer. Cooler bags are especially useful for moms who need to pump at work, while running errands, or during any outing where you'll be away from home for an extended period. 

I personally pump on the go quite often, and I can tell you from experience that it requires a good deal of organization. When you're juggling a baby’s bag along with your pumping gear, everything needs to be carefully thought out for maximum effectiveness and practicality. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Pre-Pack and Plan Ahead: Before you leave the house, make sure your cooler bag is pre-packed with everything you need—ice packs, storage bags, bottles, and any additional accessories like a sharpie for labeling. This saves time and ensures you’re not scrambling to find things when you need to pump.

2. Keep It Compact: With your hands full of both baby and gear, the last thing you need is a bulky bag that’s hard to carry. Opt for a compact, lightweight cooler bag that’s easy to transport along with your other essentials. A bag with a comfortable shoulder strap or a backpack-style design can make all the difference in keeping you hands-free and mobile.

3. Timing Is Everything: If you know you'll be out for a long stretch, plan your pumping sessions around when you’ll have access to a private space. Some cooler bags are designed to fit discretely inside a larger diaper bag, allowing for quick and easy access when it’s time to pump.

4. Don’t Forget the Pump Parts: Keeping all your pump parts organized is crucial when you’re on the go. I recommend using a separate compartment or pouch within your cooler bag to store clean pump parts, and another for used parts, so you don’t mix them up. This keeps everything hygienic and ready for your next session. And if you use wearable, don't forget the batterie. 

With the right preparation and tools, pumping on the go can be smooth and stress-free. It’s all about being organized, staying efficient, and making sure you have everything you need in one place. That way, you can focus on your baby and your day, knowing that your milk is safe and fresh, wherever you are.

9. Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your pumping gear clean is essential for ensuring your baby's safety and maintaining the quality of your milk. To make sure everything stays hygienic, it's important to have the right cleaning supplies on hand. Stock up on essentials like sterilizing bags, a good bottle brush, baby-safe dish soap, and a drying rack. These tools will help you keep your pump parts and bottles in top shape, ready for each session.

While it's not necessary to sanitize your pump parts after every use, it's a good practice to do so at least once a day. Regular cleaning with dish soap after each session is usually sufficient, but a daily sterilization routine can give you extra peace of mind.

Personally, I like to use a sterilizer each morning to give my breast pump parts a thorough cleanse. For the rest of the day, I stick to deep cleaning with dish soap, making sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue before allowing the parts to air dry completely. This routine keeps everything clean and safe, ensuring that each pumping session is as hygienic as possible.

Final Thoughts

Pumping doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right tools in your corner, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. These 9 essentials will not only make pumping easier but will also help you focus on what matters most—nourishing your baby with the best you’ve got.

If you’re ready to take your pumping experience to the next level, boost your milk supply and ensure that you can manage exclusive breastfeeding beyond the initial months, all while balancing your personal and professional life, make sure to join the the Pumping by Design interest list.

By joining the list, you'll receive updates on when enrollment opens for the first time. Don’t miss out—this inaugural launch will be something truly special as we will work very closely together, ensuring that it's a resource that really answer all of your needs. All at the most affordable investment you could ever make on yourself and your baby.



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