During my pregnancy I knew I wanted to and need to pump (when I returned to work), but I didn’t realize how complicated it could be, and how I would need a lot more than just my pump to be successful.
Water Bottle
I wanted to make sure I was drinking a gallon of water each day, so I purchased and gallon size water bottle. Each morning I would fill it up and then use it to refill my smaller water bottle. It really helped me keep track of my intake each day, and water is essential to breastfeeding and pumping.
Lactation Tea
This Chai Spice Lactation Tea was not only beneficial for my supply, but it also tasted delicious. I would add a little coffee creamer to it, and I had to make sure I only had one cup a day or I would get engorged.
Boon Lawn
This drying rack is not only so stinking cute, but absolutely perfect for drying alllllll the things that come along with pumping. Occasionally I would run the entire thing through the dishwasher, but it never got gross from all the wet items I continuously dried on it.
Formula
My NICU baby started off on formula. We used the Ready to Feed Similac because they are so much easier to travel with, especially when formula is not your go to feeding style. We got off to such a rocky start breastfeeding that during each feeding time I would attempt to nurse, then my husband would feed my baby formula (or pumped milk) while I pumped. We had to do this for about a week until baby finally latched. Sometimes I would be in so much pain from nursing that I’d use formula too. When I started leaving my baby, I didn’t have a lot of pumped milk stashed so we also used formula for those times as well.
Milk Snob
Snob it up ladies, my Milk Snobs literally revolutionized my breastfeeding and pumping journey. It covers up everything and it so soft and stretchy, whether you’ve got a baby or a pump underneath it.
Medela Pump
This Medela Pump is awesome. I started out with a Lansinoh Pump, but the Medela is so much easier to use, and travel with, plus it is so much more efficient.
Car Adapter and Cover
I purchased the car adapter to go along with my Medela Pump. When I returned to work I would pump in the car during my 30 minute commute. Pumping in the car really boosted my supply. I used this pumping bra to remain hands free. This nursing cover helped me cover up everything without interfering with my seatbelt.
Small Cooler
I purchased this small cooler because it would be easy to lug around when I returned to work. It held everything I needed to pump at work everyday.
Medela Ice Pack
I used this Medela Ice Pack in my cooler bag when I returned to work. I recommend having two of these in case you forget to refreeze it one day. It fits perfectly between the bottles, not taking up extra space. It is also dishwasher safe!
Extra Pump Parts
Keeping everything ready and clean can get very overwhelming. I recommend have extra pump parts so you don’t have to constantly wash something after you use it.
Lansinoh Bottles
Lansinoh Bottles are essential for breastfed babies. They are clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion. The design of the bottle and nipple enable baby to use the same feeding actions they use while breastfeeding. I love how few parts these bottles have, while also reducing air intake. They are also BPA and BPS free.
Breastmilk Bottle Warmer
The Kiinde Kozii is a bottle warmer specifically made for warming breastmilk. The Kiinde Kozii creates a flowing warm water bath to quickly and gently thaw and warm breast milk according to CDC and USDA guidance. You don’t have to add water each time you use it. It has a timer that lets you know how much time is left before the milk is ready. When the time is up, the warmer shuts off and completely removes the heat source from the milk, which means you don’t have to worry about overheated milk. Kozii can be used for breast milk, formula, storage bags (frozen or thawed), liner bottles, plastic, glass, and food jars.
Hand Pump
The Lansinoh Hand Pump has two modes to stimulate and express, for for milk in less time. It is great to use when you don’t have enough time for a true pumping session. It is BPA and BPS free.
Haakaa
I had never heard of a Haakaa until my second child was born, but how I wish I had it wish my first. I found that the best way to use it was while I was actively nursing my child. I would place it on the opposite side as my child and it would fill up without me having to do anything extra.
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