Lactation Connection will be celebrating 30 years serving nursing mothers in 2023. It is hard to believe how time flies! When I started this business in 1993, the only quality breast pumps were the ones you had to rent and hands-free pumping bras were non-existent!
The good news is that moms today have great choices in breastfeeding products so if you are a new mom or mom-to-be, here is a list of essentials for nursing and pumping today!
1. High Performance Breast Pump
There are quite a few good breast pumps on the market, but the most innovative are not the wearable breast pumps. We have seen those come and go for example a company called WhisperWear. The reason wearable pumps don't stand the test of time is that they have to operate on regular batteries which until we get a better portable power source reduce the suction as the batteries weaken so until technology catches up, you are better off with an electric breast pump that plugs in or uses a lithium ion rechargeable battery. Breast pump vehicle adapters for your car also work well because they are using your car battery as their power source.
Our favorites are the Spectra Synergy Gold and Synergy Gold Rechargeable Breast Pump. If you are looking for a hospital grade which means it lasts longer than one baby or need it for a corporate lactation room, the Spectra S3 Pro or the Ameda Pearl breast pump are the most cost effective durable medical equipment breast pumps.
2. Hands Free Pumping Bra Accessory
In our multi-tasking world, hands-free pumping bras are a must have. The best ones are not necessarily a bra and holder in one, but a hands-free bra accessory such as Simple Wishes, Motif Hands-Free Pumping Bra and Bravado Clip and Pump. The first two go over any nursing bra that is pulled down so you can wear your favorite bra and easily put on before pumping. The Bravado Clip and pump attaches to any one hand breast pump clip for pumping.
3. Breast Pump Tote and Cooler Bag
While it might seem like a luxury, a breast pump tote where you can keep your pump protected and ready to travel is essential especially if it has room for or has a cooler compartment included. You will want a cooler with hard ice so that it keeps your milks cold for 8-10 hours while you are working and traveling to and from work. We have noticed moms prefer a breast pump backpack style to allow hands free. If you already have a bag to use, make sure to get a great breastmilk cooler tote that holds up to six bottles and three hard ice packs.
4. Breast Pump Parts Air Dry Bag
While a ziplock bag might be your first instinct, the realization that yeast grows in warm moist environments should deter you from using a ziplock bag to store and dry your breast pump parts between cleaning and use. Pumpin' Pal Air Dry Bag is a draw string bag, but we have found that moms prefer the zipper style from Breastmilk Bandit. The Breastmilk Bandit Store and Dry Bag also includes a carabiner clip so you can hang to dry or attach to your breast pump carrying bag.
5. Breast Milk Storage Bags
There are many styles of breast milk storage bags that get the job done. Some of our favorites include the Motif Breast Milk Bag with pour spout and the Spectra Simple Store Bags with the ability to feed right out o the bag. Other popular bags include the Ameda Pump and Protect Bag as well as the original Spectra Breast Milk Storage Bags.
6. Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bag
The microwave steam sterilizer bags are not only a must for those who have a microwave at work, but make sterilizing at home so much easier. Just add water and pop in the microwave! This eliminates the risk of sterilizing on the stovetop and making your pump parts cloudy or worse yet forgetting about them and ending up with a melted mess.
7. Extra Parts for your Breast Pump
Working moms love having extra breast pump parts so they can just dump them in their dry bag and sterilize everything at home. We recommend having 6 breast shields and valve sets to make this easier. Both valves and diaphragms aka backflow protectors need to be replaced every 6-8 weeks as older parts don't function as well and can reduce the suction thereby reduce milk supply. Before you buy extras, make sure you have the correct breast flange size and if your pump brand does not have what you need, check out the Pumpin' Pal options.
