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I was scared to go back to work because I was afraid that me taking a break to pump would distrupt patient flow. That wasn’t the case, thankfully. When I went back to work, my employer was super supportive about breast pumping that patient flow was never a problem.
I know that’s not the case in most work places, so I’m grateful my employer is fantastic about it. (May be the norm since there are 4 of us pumping!)
Did you know you have rights as a breastfeeding mother? Also known as Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law, it would be a great idea to read over and make sure your employer is aware of your choice to pump, read more here. Essentially, your employer is required to give you time to pump. Kellymom has an awesome blog post that lays it all out for you.
My first day back to work, I brought a HUGE bag of my pumping stuff. Extra equipment, bottles, etc. I didn’t know what I was going to need! So I brought everything…just in case!
Anyone else guilty?
As work days went by, I realized what I REALLY needed and adjusted my essentials. So what do you really need?
Pumping Bag Essentials
- Pump (with tubing and membranes): This is required. If you’re going to pump, you will need your pump! I chose the Medela Freestyle. Unknowingly that I would be an exclusive pumper, this became a godsend. Because I’m always on the move, this portable style fits my lifestyle. Plus, it looks like a cute little egg. Make sure you pack your charger! Some women did more research when it came to choosing the perfect pump for them. I didn’t. Might be a good idea to find out what your insurance will cover as well.
- Nursing Cover: There are so many cute options for nursing covers, but my favorite ones are the 4 in 1 style. The ones that are car seat covers, high chair covers, nursing cover, and scarf! Why? Because it disguises as many options and feels so soft! I have a few styles so I keep one in my pumping bag and one in each diaper bag. Because, you never know when you will need one! This is my favorite one, use TERRI25 for 25% off your purchase. I have the peach floral, bows and babes, and the gray/white design!
- Hands free bra: Can you say gamechanger? Because I’m a multitasker at heart, this bra became life. Especially at home, I was able to hold Isla in my lap (when she was still a newborn) and pump, or do house chores, and at work I am able to do work at the computer while pumping.
- Bottles: Medela and Dr. Brown Bottles fit perfectly with my pump. I pump right into the medela bottles and then transfer the milk into the Dr. Brown bottles to store in the fridge. Don’t forget extra bottle caps!
- Wet/Dry Bag: I use this wet/dry bag with staging pad to store my parts in the refrigerator at work. It also comes with a staging pad to put my parts on while I’m taking down, putting together, and cleaning party. Plus it discreetly hides my pumping equipment. I don’t wash my parts between pumps at work, I choose to refrigerate. (Interested in why I do this? I’ll talk more about it in a future post!)
- Storage Bags : Just in case you forget bottles. Or if you prefer to pump directly into bags to transfer easily into your freezer stash. This is my favorite storage bags.
- Cleaning Wipes : I don’t use these often, but I have them on hand when I need to clean a part immediately and I don’t trust the water and soap around me. You can also use these wipe to clean other things, such as counter tops, toys, etc.
- Snacks: Because you’re burning A TON calories, you NEED snacks! I just leave my lunch sack in there! I usually load up on granola bars.
- Water: Hydration forever. Make sure you are constantly drinking water. Without it, it can affect your milk supply. Plus, once I start pumping I am immediately thirsty.
Interested on why I chose to exclusively pump? Read here!
What do you keep in your bag?
