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If you have read any of my previous posts, you know that I was determined to do anything I could to make nursing easier on me. I wanted my baby to have breastmilk and I was working full time. When it came time to register, I found the nursing and pumping aisles to be so intimidating! I had no idea what I needed!
Once I started nursing, I learned about so many amazing products from coworkers, friends and lactation consultants that I would have never known to put on my registry! These items ended up being game changers when it came to nursing and especially pumping at work.
I have compiled a list of my must-have items that made my life easier and less anxious when it came to feeding my babe! I recommend putting these on your registry or if you are already past that phase and getting ready to head back to the office – these items are sure to help!
- My Brest Friend
The first item on my list was the most essential piece to successful nursing! I was really struggling with positioning my son to latch without it being painful. I was so stressed and really felt like it shouldn’t be so difficult! I made my first trip to the lactation consultant (who was a LIFESAVER – if you have not gone or are afraid to, do it!). Anyways, the first thing she did was give me a new positioning pillow called “My Brest Friend”. Let me tell you, it quickly became my BEST FRIEND! I even shared this pillow with my cousin who was a nursing rockstar and even she couldn’t believe the difference.
What is great about it?
- The lactation consultant likes the flat surface. It isn’t as rounded and puffy as a boppy pillow and it made all the difference in proper placement of my son.
- I loved that it has a belt to keep it in place. If I needed to jump up and grab something, or walk around the room for any reason while I was trying to get set up to nurse – this was still attached to me and easy to adjust to proper height.
- It has a little pouch to hold small items. This was awesome for my phone. Let’s be honest, I surfed the web quite often when I was nursing and the baby fell asleep. It helped to keep my phone from falling off the pillow or chair and into an unreachable place.
In my opinion, this is the BEST nursing pillow out there and a MUST have.
Price: $45 Link: https://amzn.to/4fTbnV2
2. A Pump Bag
If you are a working mom and need to pump while at the office, I highly recommend investing in a nice pump bag. I kept all items in this bag and only took out the parts that needed to be cleaned when I got home. You want your bag to have space to easily access the essentials and keep things organized and sanitary. You can search around for other options, but in my opinion this bag has it all!
What is great about it?
- The separate space for the pump itself. I loved that I didn’t have to totally take it out every time, I could just open the side. I also loved that it felt more sanitary to have it separate from everything else. It is also easier so you don’t have to pull everything out to access the pump itself. I also love that this has access from both sides of the bag, so I can also place the cooler bag in there as well.
- Organization pockets to make sure everything has its place and can be easily accessed.
- I also included a link for a similar backpack option if you prefer that style.
- Best part: IT’S AFFORDABLE!
**Some of my coworkers even liked to have 2 bags – one to keep at work and one to have at home. (just a thought)
Tote: Price: $35 Link: https://amzn.to/4103l8o
Backpack: Price: $40 Link: https://amzn.to/4fGuTUW
3. Pump Cleaning Wipes
This was a hard concept to grasp! I was so concerned with everything being sanitary! But I have to say this was the BEST option for my situation. I was working in corporate offices, in a male dominated industry. The only place to wash pump parts was in the lunch kitchen, which was down a few hallways and very communal. I needed my pump parts to be clean without access to a sink! These are made by Medela and did the trick until I could get the parts home and sanitized.
What is great about them?
- convenient clean up in situations without access to water
- Quick cleaning without waiting for parts to dry
- You can easily keep them on hand in your pump bag and throw them away when you are done!
These will save you so much stress and time when pumping away from home!
Price: $20 (3 pack) Link: https://amzn.to/3CLSmpe
4. Disposable Changing Pads
These have so many uses and were such a life saver! Especially during and after Covid when I became a germ freak! Sometimes when I pumped at work the pumping rooms didn’t feel super clean. One situation I had to go into a room that was clearly not maintained – it was disgusting! I was so happy to have these on hand! I laid this out on the table and kept my parts on this to provide a sanitary surface. I usually used one a day and threw it out after my last pump. I also always kept these in my diaper bag and put them over the restroom changing tables and just threw it out with the diapers. Yes, I had a reusable mat for changing, but sometimes (especially when traveling) the restrooms were not clean and this just felt more sanitary! They also came in handy for blow outs as well.
What is great about them?
- A sanitary surface to lay out pump parts when setting up and cleaning
- Easy disposal and clean up for pumping, diaper changes and germy situations
- Easily folded up and packed in a diaper bag or pump bag
You won’t regret having them on hand!
Price: $18 Link: https://amzn.to/3ASLPZd
5. Bottle Cooler
Absolutely necessary if you plan to pump! I used this one made by modela and it was the perfect size for a typical work day! I really feel like the typical work day doesn’t need storage for more than 4 bottles.
What is great about it?
- Keeps freshly expressed breast milk cool without having a refrigerator on hand
- Compact size and holds the perfect number of bottles – also doesn’t take up too much space in a pump bag
- I love the curved ice pack to perfectly hug the bottles!
Price: $30 Link: https://amzn.to/3V8IvQt
6. Nursing Cover
If you plan to nurse in public at all, you are going to want a nursing cover. As I mentioned, I struggled with positioning so it was hard to wear a cover that was confining. Also, some of the trendy stretchy covers are cute but not breathable. I felt like it had to be hot for the little guy under there! This particular one has so many features including a clip to hold your shirt up (handy for pumping too!)
What is great about it?
- It has a ring around the top to keep the apron design open for airflow and visibility.
- It drapes over your body and your baby instead of the stretch confining material.
- It includes a clip to roll up your shirt and keep it out of the baby’s face.
- Comes in pretty neutral colors.
Price: $18 Link: https://amzn.to/3Z7kn1M
7. Sanitizing Bags for Bottles and Pump Parts
These are such a time saver! You just put all the clean pump parts or bottles into the bag with a little water, seal it tight and put it in the microwave. This sanitizes all of your pump parts and bottles.
What is great about it?
- Saves so much time by avoiding the boil time to sanitize and cleaning pots.
- They can be used multiple times before they recommend disposing.
- So convenient!
Price: $20 (3 boxes – yes, you will use them!) Link: https://amzn.to/3Z2vx80
Hopefully these products will help you add to your registry list or simplify your pumping and nursing routines! I know they helped ease some of my anxiety and made me feel more comfortable.
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