I'm planning to pump at work. I want to make sure I buy the right things.

Question

Anyone have tips on best/most important equipment to purchase?

Anonymous · Answer

I hated the bag that came with my pump- the only thing it could really hold was the pump, cooler bag, and maybe a book or a water bottle. Look into getting an aftermarket bag, like a Nurse Purse or something.
Also, get as many spare sets of flanges/bottles/whatever as you do dishes. The medela parts, at least, are dishwasher safe; so if you do dishes every night you don't *really* need a spare set. We did dishes every night and I still had/needed the spare- just to rotate through.
Have a set of backup tubing and whatnot, beyond the in-rotation sets, in case something breaks down.
I had my travel set (that stayed in my work bag) and then a pump I just left at home (same model), to save the hassle of packing/unpacking/etc. Rarely used the home one. 
Be prepared that the flanges might not 'fit'- don't be afraid to try out a few different sizes. 
Also, if your work schedule is unpredictable (or if you have occasional long days), pick up some stick-on heating pads for your boobs. They will help you deal with clogs and pain. Sunflower lecithin (orally) will supposedly help with prevention too.
Keep some wipes in your bag, just in case, and some spare nursing pads. I liked the bamboobies (they don't show under the bra so much and are comfortable), but the disposables are fine in a pinch.
Get an all-in-one bra (pumping, nursing, wearing) if you can stand it.  Dairy Fairy and Simple Wishes made them back in the day. I hated having to change. Complicated necklines are also your friend- between the pads and the bras, something's always wrinkled in the base layer, and it's easier to pretend it's not there if you have something like a drape-neck going on.

Anonymous · Answer

A good no hands pump bra, lactacion cookies, reusable water bottle, nipple cream, bags, medala pump and extra flanges and pump bottles. I pump at work 4-5 times daily

Anonymous · Answer

I travel for work and found I used a nursing cover more often while pumping and traveling than I did with the nursling. Also, I always tried to keep a hand pump in my purse, as a backup. I preferred the Medela Harmony for the manual.
Otherwise, for pumping during the day, definitely double electric pump. Buy spare parts (extra tubes, membranes).

Anonymous · Answer

I would recommend buying an electric pump. I bought the Medela  brand with extra accessories that I left at work. Expensive but worth it.  Mini cooler bag with ice bag bc I never thought the fridge at work was cool enough. Invest in botton down blouses and sweaters and front clasp bras. Hope this helps.

I'm planning to pump at work. I want to make sure I buy the right things.

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