Whether you’re exclusively pumping, heading back to work, looking to boost your supply, build your milk stash, or just want your coparent to give a bottle, pumping can be a great breastfeeding tool—and a major chore. Beyond a great medical grade pump, these seven breast pump accessories will help make pumping more comfortable and efficient, so you can focus on your baby instead of stressing about uncomfortable sessions.
Reliable Milk Storage Bags
These are similar to Ziploc bags, but they’re usually rectangular-shaped and have space to write the date and number of ounces pumped on them. Lansinoh Storage Bags are tried and true (i.e., durable, leakproof, and compact).
Cooler Bag and Ice Packs
If you plan to transport your milk, you’ll need an insulated bag and ice packs to make sure it stays cold. Certain brands make bags especially for this, but if we’re being honest, any cooler bag and standard ice packs will do the trick. We also love this Breastmilk Chiller Reusable Storage Container that you can pump directly into.
Freezer Organizer
Congrats, your milk stash is accumulating! The downside is that it’s taking up precious freezer space. Some moms prefer to keep milk organized using bins like these, while others opt for an entirely separate mini freezer. Pro tip: When freezing your milk, lay bags horizontally so they freeze flat, and then stack them in opposite directions.
Very Supportive Bra(s)
Some pumps have specific bras that are designed to be worn with them, but you can also find a brand-agnostic pumping bra like this one that zippers, or these crowd favorites from Larken and Kindred Bravely. Just be sure to look for something that is comfortable, you’ll be wearing it a lot!
Bottle Drying Rack and Brush
To clean your bottles and pump parts, you’ll want to use a gentle soap (we like Seventh Generation since it’s clean and plant-based) and a separate brush. For drying, this simple, space-saving rack will come in handy even when your kids graduate to solids.
Haakaa Silicone Pump
In the early days of breastfeeding—before your milk supply regulates—the Haakaa can suction on to one breast and collect milk that would otherwise be lost in a nursing pad, while you’re nursing on the other side. It can also provide gentle relief (without overstimulating like a pump might do) if you find yourself engorged.
Manual Pump
For the times when you need quick relief but don’t want to whip out your electronic pump, a manual, hand-held pump does just the trick. One mom in our network carried this one from Medela in her evening bag and successfully used it in a bathroom stall during a wedding reception. It wasn’t glamorous, but it did the trick!
Remember to check with your doctor or a IBCLC before using any pumping equipment.
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The Local Moms Network Ultimate Baby Guide 2024
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