What to Pack in your Pumping Bag
Pumping Bag Essentials for Breastfeeding Moms
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, chances are you’ll need to know what to pack in your pumping bag at some time or another. Whether you work, travel, or simply spend an evening away from your baby, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep making that mama’s milk while you’re away. Not only does pumping while you’re away from your baby help you keep your supply up, it’s going to keep you comfortable as well (engorgement is not fun). So, before you leave the house, here’s what to pack in your pumping bag.
Breast Pump
Obviously you’re going to need your pump! But make sure you have the cord and the tubing so that you can actually use the darn thing. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is settle in for a good pumping session just to find that you’ve forgotten an essential part. Always double check that you have everything you need. If you haven’t gotten a pump yet, make sure to see if you qualify for a free one through your insurance company. Just fill out this simple form and the pros at Aeroflow Breastpumps will take it from there!
Hand Pump
I always kept a hand pump in my pumping bag for those “just in case” moments. What if you forget a part or piece (there are so many to keep track of). What if you wind up spending more time on the road than you expected? What if you have a meeting out of the office? There are endless scenarios where you might not be able to use your electric pump. Having a manual pump in your bag can be a lifesaver.
RELATED: WHY YOU NEED A MANUAL PUMP
Extra Pump Parts
Always keep a baggie of extra pump parts in your bag. Again, you never know when you might forget something.
Bottles and Lids
Make sure you pack enough bottles and lids depending on how long you plan to be gone. If you’re going to be gone for eight hours, and you know you’ll have to pump twice, pack four bottles.
Storage Bags
If I was going away for the weekend, I would just go ahead and pack a few storage bags so I didn’t have to pack so many bottles (that way I could just reuse the same two bottles). It’s always nice to have a few stashed in your pumping bag in case you forget a lid. The Medela bags are one of my favorites, but I also love these bags from Idaho Jones that have encouraging prints on them. Sometimes, it’s the little things that encourage you to keep going.
Cooler
I loved my medela cooler for traveling. The ice pack it comes with perfectly fits around the bottles so that you know nothing is going to tip over. The only downfall is that it only holds four bottles. This was usually plenty of space for me, but if you need something bigger, this one can carry up to six.
Nursing Pads
Always stuff a few extra nursing pads in the pockets of your pumping bag. You never know when you’re going to need them (or forget them in the first place).
Snacks
I know I’m not alone when I say breastfeeding made me insatiably hungry and thirsty. Pack a couple snacks in your pumping bag to keep you going throughout the day.
Related: The Breastfeeding Snack Recipe Ebook
Wet Bag
This wet bag is a must have for pumping moms. If you don’t want to wash your pump parts between every nursing session, simply put them in this wet bag, and store them in the fridge. This will make it so that bacteria doesn’t grow on your parts and you can use them again without washing. The wet bag is also great to have just to store your used parts so that milk doesn’t get all over your pumping bag.
Hands Free Pumping Bra
Make the most of your pumping time and get a hands free pumping bra. You can pump from both sides at the same time and you can use your hands for something else. I have this one and I love it! It’s adjustable with Velcro so you can make it as tight as you need (you don’t just have three different size options like a regular bra). It keeps the flanges in place and I can easily be doing something else while I’m wearing it.
Paper Towels
It’s always nice to have a couple paper towels in your pump bag so that you can wipe up any drippings or wipe down your pump parts. This little pack is the perfect size for your pumping bag.
Pumping Signs
Okay… pumping signs are a must, but it is nice to have something to put on the door if you have to pump at work. Unfortunately, I’ve been walked in on at work and it’s not a pleasant experience. You can grab some “do not disturb” door signs in the Ultimate Pumping Bundle. The bundle also includes a pumping log, breast milk inventory log, milk storage guidelines printable, and a pumping bag checklist! You can check out the entire bundle here.
Pumping isn’t easy, especially when you have to do it outside the comfort of your own home. But, having a perfectly packed pumping bag can make all the difference. If you’re planning on returning to work after baby, check out The Ultimate Back to Work Pumping Class! I returned to work part time after Weston was born and did not work in a traditional setting. This course teaches you everything you need to know about expressing enough milk, making a plan with your employer, building a freezer stash on maternity leave, and more! I absolutely loved it and think it’s the perfect way to prepare yourself for the transition back to work.
Related:
- Breastmilk Storage Tips and Hacks
- 21 Pumping Hacks for Breastfeeding Moms
- How to Build a Freezer Stash
Pumping Bag Must Haves
DISCLOSURE: Coffee and Coos is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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