Must-Have Pumping Supplies

No matter what pump you have, there are some must have pumping supplies. Of course some of the items will vary between different brand pumps, but these are some of the basics.

Some of the most common pump models are:

Hospital Grade

Medela Symphony

Ameda Elite

Personal Use

Medela Pump in Style Advanced (starter kit – pump only)

This pump is commonly offered through insurance.

Pump in Style Advanced with Tote

Medela Freestyle

Medela Swing 

Ameda Purely Yours

Spectra S1 (advertised as hospital grade)

Now, what else do you need?

Hands free bra – Simple Wishes is the best. You can it on Amazon. It really does fit sizes small to extra large.

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra

Extra set(s) of flanges (if you use medela, the one piece ones are easier to keep up with) Medela parts are sold almost everywhere – Target, Walmart, drugstores, and Babies R Us. Part of the reason their pumps are so popular, the supplies are the easiest to find.

Medela One Piece Flange

Ameda Flange

Extra valves and membranes. The membranes (white flap piece on medela) should be replaced every 3 months or so (to improve suction) and they tear easily. Always keep extras on hand. Also extra valves may be handy (you never know when one will roll under a cabinet and you won’t be able to retrieve it while you’re cleaning your parts – speaking from experience ).

Ameda Valves

Medela Valves (and membrane)

Extra bottles – you can buy cheap Gerber or Evenflo bottles that will fit your pump. Also, Dr. Brown bottles should fit.

Gerber 5 oz. bottles

Drying rack – you will be washing bottles and pump parts. No way around it. I liked the Boon Grass drying mat for home and found the Munchkin drying rack that folds flat to be the best to keep at work.

Boon Grass drying rack

Munchkin Drying Rack

Great Cooler that is big enough to put your pump parts in. (You don’t have to wash them if you keep them cold in between pumps – i.e. in the fridge). If it’s a lunch bag type cooler you can put it in a shared fridge at work and no one will be the wiser! I prefer a soft-sided cooler, but you may already have something else that works!

I used this bag, and it was the perfect size to hold all my stuff, and had an outside pocket (J World Lola Lunch Bag) Found at Amazon or Target online.

Ice packs. I really like the Medela ice pack that is shaped to fit 4 bottles against it. However freshly pumped milk can be kept at room temperature for a few hours without spoiling.

Medela Ice Pack

Milk freezer bags. Lansinoh and Target (up and up) are the best because they can freeze flat (which takes up the least amount of freezer space). Medela bags are awful (although they do make an attachment to put them on the pump while you are pumping but it is very hard to use.) Do not try to measure the liquid in the bags, it won’t be accurate because they are flexible.

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags

Know Your Pump Parts

Oh my gosh! Pumps have so many parts! Get to know your pump parts because you will be using them a lot! You may also want to order an extra set to use when you travel, go to work, or so you can always have one clean. I kept my second set of parts at work.

Here’s an overview of the main pieces for two popular brands of pumps, Medela and Ameda.

Medela

Flange – the cone shaped piece that goes on your breast. Also called a shield. These come in different sizes (the diameter of the tube based on nipple size). The standard size is usually 24mm.

Medela makes one piece and two piece flanges/shields. The two piece ones usually come with the pump, but the one piece ones are easier to keep up with and clean.

Freestyle

Valve (On Medela, the yellow piece) – yes it comes off. New pump parts are notoriously hard to get apart. Push the flat surface of the valve and try to rock it back and forth to get it off if it is stuck.

Membrane – the white flat disk. Replace regularly – every 3 months or so. It will improve suction.

Tubing To connect your breast pump to the shields. You can order extra tubing through Medela, or a brand called Maymom carries on Amazon. Some of the accessory kits also have an extra set of tubing.

Freestyle tubing

Ameda

Flange – the cone shaped piece that goes on your breast. Also called a shield.

Diaphragm – cup shape goes into the top of the flange.

Membrane – duck-bill shaped piece that goes on the bottom of the flange (where it connects to the bottle)

Tubing To connect your shield to the pump where the motor is.

Read more at Medelabreastfeedingus.com and Ameda.com

15 Pumping Tips for New Moms

The Top 15 tips to Help Moms with Pumping

1. You don’t have to wash your pump parts every time you pump.

If you pump multiple times a day, just store your parts in the fridge (in a zip top bag, or cooler bag) and wash at the end of the day. This is a HUGE time saver.

2. Ask to pump at the hospital.

You will get a free pumping kit (probably medela). And you can get the lactation consultant to check the fit of the flanges and get familiar with the pieces.

3. Get a hands free bra.

The highest rated, Simple Wishes. Seriously, pumping is no fun, so if you have your hands free to look at facebook or pictures of your baby on your phone time goes much faster and you stress less about how much you’re pumping. Or you can work on a computer or laptop, or even pump while your driving or doing your makeup! Multi-tasking mama!

4. Massage!

This may sound strange, but you will get more out faster. Just gently squeeze, and push your fingers from the outside of your breast towards the nipple. Google videos or images for helpful instructions.

5. Use the “let down button.”

This is common on Medela pumps. It stimulates a baby’s quick sucking motion to get your body to “let down.”  It may even work after the initial let down (usually  the longest one) to get your body to let down a second time. Other pumps may have a speed control, quick light suction will simulate a let down.

6. Don’t stress about how much is coming out!

The average woman pumps ½ – 1 ounce per hour between feedings or pumpings. The average woman will pump 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours on a normal pumping schedule. Yes, some women pump more. But if this is how much you pump, it is enough!  If you are pumping in between two feedings 1 ounce is a totally normal amount to get.

7. The cheap Gerber, Evenflo, or even Wal-mart (parent’s choice) bottles fit most standard pump flanges.

Don’t spend extra money stocking up on Medela or Ameda bottles. Dr. Brown standard bottles also fit if you use those.

8. Store and freeze breastmilk in breastmilk storage bags (they are sterile).

Do not use regular zip top bags. Lay them flat to freeze. This is huge for saving space and for organization. Then you can store them stacked upright. This will take up less freezer space, and they will thaw faster. The highest rated bags are Lansinoh.  Target (up & up) also makes very similar bags. I did not like Medela bags.

9. Measure your milk in a bottle before pouring it into the storage bag.

Bags are nearly impossible to get an accurate measurement on because they change shape.

10. Most women need to pump for 15-20 minutes

to get mostly empty (you are never really “empty” your body keeps making more milk).

11. You don’t need to sterilize your bottles or pump parts every day

(unless you have a preemie, or otherwise immune compromised baby). Just hot soapy water will do. If you do need to sterilize, the microwave sterilizer bags are great!

12. Learn your pump.

You don’t have to turn it up to the highest suction to be effective. It shouldn’t hurt (once you get used to it). It may hurt a little the first time you try pumping.

13. Know how long milk is good.

You will see various guidelines for how long breastmilk “lasts.” The most common is 6 hours room temp, 6 days refrigerated, 6 months frozen (regular freezer – longer in a deep/chest freezer). Always do the smell test if you’re not sure. If it doesn’t smell bad, it’s probably ok, but again, use common sense.

14. Pump and dump is not a real thing.

I repeat, do not pump and dump, SAVE THE BREASTMILK. Unless you need to pump to relieve engorgement there is no reason to do it. Pumping will not get the alcohol out of your body. Alcohol is metabolized out of breast milk at the same rate it is metabolized in your blood. If you are safe to drive you are safe to nurse or pump (and save the milk!!!). Alcohol is metabolized at the rate of one drink per hour for the average person. Just wait until you aren’t feeling a buzz, and then feed or pump. But you know your body best

15. Have at least two sets of pump parts

That way you always have a clean set ready to go. Or keep your second set at work, or as a back up. Or if you visit family often, keep a set there.

Spectra Breastpump Review

I paid $95 to get a Spectra S1 through my health insurance with my second child. I could have received the S2 for free, but mainly chose the S1 to have the rechargeable battery. Otherwise they appear to be the same. You can buy a Spectra S1 for approximately $220 on Amazon and the Spectra S2 for approximately $125.  For comparison you can get a Medela Pump in Style Advanced (PISA) starter kit (just the pump) for about $150 (I also own a Medela PISA). I was not compensated in any way for this review, I just wanted to share my experience with this pump, specifically as it compared to other Medela pumps I have used.

The Spectra pumps are advertised as “hospital grade” but that is not a regulated term, so I only take it to mean that it is a closed system (milk won’t get into the pump itself) even though I never had that problem with my Medela personal pump, which is not considered “hospital grade.” In comparison, the Medela and Ameda hospital grade pumps are approximately $1,500.

The Spectra pump has worked great for me, and I have many things I like about it.

What I like about the Spectra

The biggest thing I like is that it is gentler than other pumps I have used. It has a vibrating motion instead of just a strong tug. I also really like some of the features that it has. My favorite is the timer – I hate watching the clock when I pump, and also forget when I started, so having a timer is great.

The Spectra pumps also have two modes 1) a quick light mode for letdown, and 2) a longer stronger mode for pumping. The best part is both modes are customizable and you can adjust the speed and the strength. This is huge, because the Medela pumps I have used are really too fast. I can adjust the speed to more closely mimic my baby’s suckling, which is long and slow. I have been able to get great output, noticeably more than I did with a PISA and comparable to what I get using a Medela Symphony (hospital grade) at work.

Another nice feature is the built in night light. There are two brightness settings. This is so awesome for middle of the night pumps. Luckily at 6 months postpartum I am not doing many of these, but in the early days or if I was exclusively pumping, this would be amazing. Another aspect of the pump that isn’t necessarily a “feature” but is an awesome bonus is it is so quiet. I can watch tv while I pump without turning up the volume.

Some of the things I don’t like about the Spectra

The Spectra S1 and S2 have “backflow valves” right behind the flanges which keep milk from getting to the actual pump. It is an extra piece to keep up with, and the membranes inside could tear or deteriorate, which would require them to be replaced. One of my only complaints about the pump related to these backflow valves. I am not sure if it’s related to the design of the flange, or just that the pump is more powerful, but milk does get into the backflow valves, and I didn’t realize it and mold started growing. Ew! I can just open them up and wipe them off when I am done to prevent this, but it is an extra annoying step.

There are only two other negatives to me: the bottles and the size. The bottles the fit the flanges are not ideal. They are “wide mouth” and don’t fit many other bottles. The bottles also only have a half thread to screw them on, so they are not super secure on the flanges. I haven’t had any accidents, but some very close calls with the bottles coming off. But, because I am aware of it, I check to make sure they are secure. There are a few ways to remedy this. You can use a wide to narrow bottle connector, or there is a converter piece made by Maymom that you can use Medela flanges with the pump and backflow connectors. I bought a converter, but I ended up just using the Spectra flanges and bottles since I only pump with it once or twice a day. It’s not a huge hassle to just transfer the milk.

The other negative is the size. It is about 8 inches round on the base, and does not fit will in bags for travel. It also weighs about 4 pounds. This is a comparable size to the Medela PISA, but because its round, it is just a little harder to fit in a bag for travel. (The Medela PISA is rectangular). I have carried it in a backpack, which fit fine.

Overall, I am very glad I got a Spectra pump. While I don’t use the portability aspect of the S1 all the time, it is nice not to always have to have a power source. I would highly recommend any mom look at getting either of the Spectra pumps if they are planning on breastfeeding and pumping.

Pros:

Gentle pull (huge Pro!)

Timer

Quiet

Adjustable speed AND strength

Nightlight

Rechargable battery makes it very portable (S1 only)

Cons:

Backflow valves are hassle and can collect milk and grow mold

Bottles do not fit securely and are a less common size (not compatible with Medela bottles/parts)

The round shape is a little unwieldy

 You can read more about Spectra’s pumps at http://www.spectrababyusa.com/

Hands Free Pumping Bras

What is a hands-free bra? It’s a bra you wear to hold your pump shields in place against your breasts so you can pump without holding your pump.

If you are pumping at work, or exclusively pumping, a hands free bra is a must have!

You can even pump while you drive (or ride) in a car! It takes some coordination, but once you get everything set up – you are good to go. You can just throw a nursing cover over everything and no one can see anything. Please wait until you are at your destination to unhook everything if you are driving. Pumping in the car while my husband drove was a lifesaver on a few occasions.

Most pumping bras you will only wear while you pump. But there are also some nursing/pumping combo bras.

So what are the options? What is the best hands free pumping bra?

Best all around – Simple Wishes. Soft material and the totally adjustable sizing make this the best all around pumping bra. It really fits size small to extra-large. You can take off your bra, or flip down the cups if you’re wearing a nursing bra, and just put it on over top. The pump flanges slide through slits in the fabric that holds the pump very securely. It also held up well after being washed.

Runner up – Medlea Easy Expressions same basic design as Simple Wishes, but not as highly rated. It is also sized, so you have to buy your size (based on a size chart). Comes in white and black.

Simplest – LactaMed Simplicity For the minimalist. This is really just some elastic bands. One around your body, and one around your neck. Insert the pump flanges and tighten. It’s (a) cheap and (b) doesn’t take up much space.  However, this never really worked for me because it didn’t hold the flanges tight enough against my breasts, but it may work well for other women.

Dairy Fairy – Still want to feel a little sexy? That’s the appeal of this bra. It’s the most normal-looking pumping bra – and it even has lacy detail. It is sized, so that can be tricky as your breasts change size while breastfeeding. I have not tried this bra.

Another Simple pumping only bra – PumpEase – Also this one is pretty cute. I tried one of these and even though I used the size guide, it was a little too small, and I gave it away. Similar fit to the Simple Wishes, but not quite as adjustable. A little bit harder to get the pump flanges in and out through the slits.

Best All in One Nursing and pumping tank  – Rumina  it doesn’t provide a ton of support if you are bigger chested though. I wore nursing tanks under almost all my outfits, so this made it super easy for me. It holds pump flanges well – kind of similar to the Simple Wishes. The cups are not padded, but there are a few layers, so I felt covered, but sometimes would wear nursing pads underneath just to make sure everything was smooth. (No headlights!) The material is good quality, soft, and pretty thick. Although with the seam in the front, I did not want to wear this under and open cardigan or jacket.

All in One Nursing and Pumping Bra Rumina  A pumping bra you can wear as a nursing bra or regular bra. This is made of the same soft material as the tank. It is not padded, and doesn’t provide a ton of coverage (in thickness/padding), but there are multiple layers. Again, I would wear nursing pads underneath to make sure nothing was poking out.

So there you have it! Lots of options. It may take some trial and error to find what works for you. If you’re not too sure, I would start with the Simple Wishes.