Hey friends, with baby number two just weeks away I am in full blown nesting mode… Luckily with having two under two I have most of the baby products I know we will need. But I am re-upping on some breastfeeding/pumping items. I figured I would share my thoughts on and essentials for exclusively pumping.
First, I was WAY happier exclusively pumping than breastfeeding. We did not have any issues with latch, or my supply, but I just liked the routine that EP (exclusively pumping) gave us. I would recommend that everyone trying pumping once your home from the hospital. I am so glad that our Pediatrician recommended it!
My husband and I own our own business and both work from home, so EP was easily possible with our schedules. I think it brought dad and baby closer together too 🙂
I exclusively pumped from 10 months with our first, and had enough to supply him for just over a year. If we had more freezer space I probably could have weaned a little earlier… We used my parents and in-laws freezers for a few months too. lol
I 100% plan to EP again with our second. I am currently cleaning, sorting, and organizing my old pumping supplies. I am also making a checklist of what I have and will need. Some of my supplies are perfectly fine to use again (ie: breast pump) but things like the bottles and parts I want new.
I am also going to try out some new silicone flanges this time, and some easier to remove duckbills.
Okay, before I get too technical I want to share my essentials list for exclusively pumping:
BREAST PUMP – You probably qualify for a free one through your insurance, use The Breastfeeding Shop to see if you do/what options are available to you. I used them this time for a pump and loved how seamless they made it.
Hospital Grade Breast Pump – I would start with something like this when trying pumping, if you end up liking it, THEN I would invest in a portable pump.
I used THIS adapter to pump in the car, before I got a portable pump.
Portable Breast Pump – Great for the car, chasing a toddler, and doing the dishes. When EPing you do not realize how much time you spend tied to a pump, so at least with this one you can be hands-free! This is also the only portable pump I have found that has GREAT suction.
Manual Pump – A new to me product I am excited to try! This has amazing reviews. I am hoping it will help while I am out running errands or just need a quick session.
PUMP PARTS – Most pumps come with all of the parts needed, if you end up EPing it is nice to have multiples so you are not washing after every session.
Duck Bills – These are pink, so cute. But also have pulls tabs, which make disassembly much easier.
Silicone Flanges – I have not used these angled and silicone flanges yet, but I have heard amazing things from other pumpers. They are supposed to be more comfortable, and adapt to a lot of the pumps on the market. I am excited to try these!
Collection Bottles – As an exclusive pumper I need a larger bottle than the standard 4/5 OZ. These are from Amazon and were great when pumping with my first.
Pump Spray – This product is new to me, but I am excited to see if this helps ease the pain of pumping (especially in the beginning.)
There are plenty more accessories you can get for your pump, most are pump-specific. I suggest extra parts because it really does make life simpler when you are not constantly washing dishes!
SUPPLEMENTS – Not necessary by any means when breastfeeding or pumping, but I found them helpful in making sure my body had all the rights nutrients it needed to support baby and I.
Pumping Princess – helps with supply and a whole lot more. You can read all about it here.
Sunflower Letchin – I took one of these a day to help with clogged ducts, and followed the bottle instructions if I felt one coming on. It was a game changer once I discovered these.
PUMPING ACCESSORIES
Pumping Bra – A hands-free bra is the best way to use your double pump. It cuts down on your pump time by half (because you do not have to hold one pump on at a time.) I have tried a dozen of these and my Kindred Bravely one is the best. Comfortable, supportive, and does not stretch out over time. This time I actually purchased their tank top version too.
Nipple Measuring Tool – This came in so handy when trying to figure out what size flanges I needed. Did you know that each side can be different?! If you see a lactation consultant, they can help you with this too, but this is a cool tool to have on hand at home.
Catch Cups – I will be wearing these (especially in the beginning) to catch any milk that leaks between sessions.
Breast Care Kit – I picked this up to have on hand incase I do get a clogged duct. It comes with a massager, heat pads, and a few masks for moisturizing the breasts.
Nipple Butter – still very much necessary when pumping! I will usually apply this at night (or when I have the longest time between sessions.)
TIP: I like to keep separate baskets with my hospital pump & supplies, portable pump & supplies, and supplements. There is a time and place for each of these and I like to have everything organized to shorter my time setting up the pump.
***If you purchase any items from Legendairy Milk I do have a code for 15% off for you ~ SARAHV15
This time around I also plan to pump directly into these bags, so we can use this Kiinde bottle system with the baby. We love Comotomo bottles, but I am hoping the Kiinde system will cut down on parts to wash.
If you are curious about a pump schedule you can find some on Pinterest, but I would certainly contact a lactation consultant to help you. I spoke with one a few times with my first and it thoroughly helped me navigate the process.
You can shop most the products I talked about in this post here:
As a friendly reminder, this post was not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
happy pumping,
Sarah
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