Like so many hard working mamas out there, I also have a full-time job outside of my home. And since I decided to breastfeed my baby even after going back to work, that means I'm also a proud, pumping mama.
I'm a teacher, which mean that, like so many of you, I don't get long, luxurious breaks to pump. I've learned to be super organized to make the best use of the time that I have. Today I decided to share with you exactly how I pack my pumping bag with my breast pump and all my accessories.
Posts in my Perfectly Packed series include affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
THE BAG
I have been looking for a cute pumping bag for a LONG time without success. There are a lot of cute ones out there- and they all cost so much money! The bags in my price range were incredibly ugly. So I started looking for a bag that wasn't actually a pumping bag, but that I could use as a pumping bag. It took me a long time, but I finally found it!
When you're looking for a great pumping bag, flip it over and take a look at the bottom. You want an extra-wide base so your pump and an insulated cooler can both sit flat on the bottom.
SUPPLIES
I've basically narrowed it down to 11 things that I need to bring with me each day. Here they are:
1. Breast pump: connected and ready to go- When I pack my bag, I attach everything I'll need, including all of the pump pieces and the bottles I'll pump into. This saves time when I get to work and helps me make sure that I'm not forgetting anything essential.
2. Extra bottles: I pump three times a day, and I bring three extra bottles with me each day. (A total of five, including the ones attached to the pump.)
3. A water bottle: Stay hydrated, baby!
4. Extra pump pieces: It's hard to see, but I keep an extra set of pump pieces in my bag at all times. Once I had one of the little pieces tear halfway though the day, and I couldn't finish pumping. Turns out that every piece- no matter how small- is actually really important, so now I keep extras on hand just in case!
5. Bottle lids: One for every bottle, plus an extra one just in case.
6. Cleaning wipes: More on how I use these below.
7. Wet/dry bag: I don't wash my pump parts during the day. I just don't have time to/don't want to. What I do is wipe everything off with cleaning wipes, toss the parts in the wet part of the wet/dry bag, and throw it all in the refrigerator to keep everything nice and sanitary until I'm ready to use it again. I use the same parts all day, then I wash and sanitize them when I get home. I use the dry part of the wet/dry bag to store extra bottles and lids.
8. Hands-free pumping bra: This is a game. changer. Without one of these, you won't be able to do anything while you pump. This is the one I've used for 2 years now, and it's still going strong. Tip: If you're trying to decide between sizes, go with the smaller one because it's stretchy.
9. Snacks: I don't know about you, but I'm hungry all the time these days!
10. Insulated bag/cooler with ice packs: I have two: One for me at work, and the other to send the milk to daycare the next day. It's just the right size for 6 Ameda or Medela bottles.
11. Nursing cover: I don't usually use this, but it's handy if you're worried about pumping somewhere you might get walked in on- eek!
I'm lucky enough to get to pump at my desk where I can keep working on my computer while I pump, but you might want to include a book or your phone so you have something to do.
Update:
After my second baby, I had to pump in a room that was super far away from a refrigerator. So I brought in this mini-fridge. And when I say mini, I do mean mini. This little guy is designed to hold 6 cans of Coke. Which means it also held about that many bottles of milk. ;) Perfect!
PACK IT UP:
PRINTABLE CHECKLIST
Be sure to download your handy-dandy checklist here.
Also, before you go, don't forget to check out my other posts in the Perfectly Packed series and read my list of essential breastfeeding supplies.
