Life
The life of a breastfeeding mom who also pumps is never dull. From actually nursing your baby, to scheduling extra pumping sessions, to finding products to help you store your breast milk, and all of the millions of other things you do, the last thing you need is to worry about buying a laundry list of unnecessary products you won't actually use.
Granted, pumping requires you to purchase a few more things than nursing alone does, but the products you do invest in will be well worth the cost, saving you both time and effort.
As a mom who only pumped when I needed to, I can't understand the stress and foresight that it must take to pump exclusively, pump while at work, or even just "more than occasionally." But even in my limited pumping experience, I can attest to the benefit of investing in the essentials. For me, that meant a high quality pump and storage bags that were safe and effective. For other moms, the list of essentials might be much longer.
However often you plan to pump and store your milk, it's important to make sure you're using the right tools to not only store your "liquid gold" effectively, but safely as well, ensuring that pumping doesn't slow you down one bit.
1
Breast Milk Freezer Organizer
Breastflow Milk Storage Organizer, $11, Amazon
This spring-loaded breast milk organizer from The First Years will not only keep all your frozen pumped milk all together, it will help you keep track of which milk is oldest, by placing the newer milk in the back.
2
Milk Saver By MyMilkies
Milk-Saver, $30, Amazon
Breast milk is called liquid gold for a reason, and no mom wants a drop of it to go to waste. With the Milk-Saver by MyMilkies, you'll never waste a drop of it again. The saver collects milk on the breast you're not nursing on, so that you can store it, without pumping. They're reusable, portable, and small, allowing you to make use of every drop.
3
Bottle And Cooler Set
Medela Set, $20, Amazon
If you plan to pump even occasionally, a bottle set and cooler like this Medela set is a must.
4
Freezer Storage Bags
Breastmilk Storage Bags, $11, Amazon
If you plan to freeze your breast milk, many moms love the convenience and slimness of freezer storage bags. You can pump directly into the bag, pop it in the freezer with the date it was pumped and you're all set.
5
Breast Milk And Bottle Warmer
Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer, $49, Amazon
The Kiinde Kozii bottle warmer insures that your bottles and bags are warmed safely, keeping all the nutrients intact.
6
Breast Milk Storage Trays
Breast Milk Storage Trays, $9, Amazon
For smaller portions, freezing your breast milk in storage trays like these breast milk storage trays from So Easy ensures you don't waste any milk that your baby doesn't drink right away and comes in BPA free containers with lids to keep out any outside bacteria.
7
"Milk-sicle" Tray
Nuby Fruitsicle Trays, $9, Amazon
For teething babies, freezing your milk in popsicle trays like these Nuby trays from Bed Bath and Beyond provides relief from pain and extra nutrients.
8
Deep Freezer (Or Lots Of Extra Freezer Space)
igloo Chest Freezer, $169, Jet
For mamas who exclusively pump, having a separate deep freezer for their milk might make sense so you can save space for other food and keep your milk organized and separate.
9
High Quality Breast Pump
Medela Pump In Style Tote, $216, Amazon
And finally, before you can do any storing, you'll need to pump your milk. Investing in a high quality breast pump will save you time and will ensure you're pumping as much milk as you can whenever you need to. If the cost steers you away, look into getting one covered by your insurance.
