Mamas, let’s chat about pumping.
I love that it allows me the convenience of expressing all that liquid gold for my babies.
But it used to take me so much time to gather all my supplies and get ready to pump.
Our time is so valuable! And there never seems to be enough hours in the day.
One way that you can make sure to maximize your time is by having everything organized when it’s time to pump.
Having everything you need in one spot will prevent you from running around grabbing things (and where did I put my nipple cream?!) and worst of all? Also, a well-organized pumping schedule can save you from getting a headache as well.
Getting everything hooked up, starting to pump, and then realizing that you left your water bottle in the next room. Ugh!
Sooo…that’s why I’m spilling all my secrets for creating a pumping station that has everything you need to start pumping.
Pumping Station Organization
A super-comfy chair
- Generous seating room with padded arms and storage pockets
- Removable chair cushions for easy spot cleaning
- The glider and ottoman pieces have solid wood frames for stability
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One of the most expensive things I purchased when I was pregnant with my son, was a NICE rocking chair for nursery.
I knew I’d be spending hours there rocking, snuggling, napping, and pumping. And lemme tell you, it was worth the investment.
Place your chair near an electrical outlet so you’ll have a place to plug in your pump. Be sure to include a side-table right next to your chair.
On the side table you’ll place your breast pump and the following other items:
A warm blanket
- SOFT AND COMFORTABLE: Made of 100% cotton fabric, which is a natural fiber and harmless in direct contact to your skin, soft touch and comfortable feeling, help you have a very sweet nap time.
- WARM AND BREATHABLE: High quality cotton fibers, comfortable and good air permeability, light and heat resistance, not easily damp, helps keep your body warm. Good for snugging up on the couch and bed.
- EASY CARE: High quality pure cotton material, which is durable and have long lasting elasticity and good ductility and is not easy to deform. Machine washable in cold water and with gentle cycle. Be careful with irons and other high-temperature electrical appliances.
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Pumping while freezing cold is virtually impossible.
For the milk to flow, you wanna be warm!
I often wrap myself up in a nice, warm blanket while pumping. I always keep one at my pumping station.
Cell phone charger and a pair of ear buds
Ya know what happens almost every time I pump?
I’m playing around on my phone and I get the dreaded low battery alert. (Noooo!!)
Now I keep a charger plugged in right next to my pump. Problem solved!
I also keep a pair of ear buds nearby for those times when I want to watch videos on my phone, but baby is sleeping nearby.
Your water bottle
- One-handed drinking with the push of a button and no lids to remove or lose
- Leak-proof lid when closed for on-the-go convenience
- Comfortable non-slip silicone sleeve protects glass body—while looking great at the same time
- Made of BPA-free glass and food-grade silicone
- Button lock prevents unintended pressing of the AUTOSPOUT button for added peace of mind
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe lid and body for easy cleanups
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Does pumping make you thirsty?
Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your supply up. I love this glass bottle.
Not only is it super-cute, but it doesn’t have the harmful chemicals like plastic.
A heating pad
- Electric heating pad features UltraHeat Technology for consistent heat and greater comfort
- Heat pad has easy to use controller with extra large slide buttons specifically designed for arthritis sufferers
- 3 heat settings so you can customize the intensity of heat
- Includes sponge so it can be used with moist or dry heat
- Soft, washable cover
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Warmth is really important for helping your milk come out.
I keep a heating pad right next to my pumping station for those times that my milk just isn’t flowing as fast as I’d like.
A small caddy
- Add organization to any area of your home with this Dove Gray portable Storage Caddy
- Caddy has 8 outer pockets and a removable T separator for maximum versatility
- Caddy also functions as an organizer for crafts, picnics, pet supplies, etc.
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A decorative basket or a small caddy is a must in order to keep all of your small things organized.
What to include in your nursing caddy
Let’s keep our list going!
The next set of ideas I have for you are smaller items that I keep in my nursing caddy.
Small items can get lost easily, so having everything you need in your caddy will really reduce your stress level.
Snacks
How many times have you sat down to pump and realized you are STARVING?!
Makin’ milk burns up a lot of calories. So I like to keep a few non-perishable snacks in my caddy.
My favorites are almonds and kind bars.
I also love to snack on these DELICIOUS lactation cookie bars and brownies.
Extra membranes
- AUTHENTIC MEDELA MEMBRANES: These authentic breast pump membranes were constructed with the quality, materials, and workmanship that moms expect from Medela; whereas counterfeit breast pump membranes can vary significantly in terms of product design and workmanship, which may affect the performance of your pump
- QUALITY DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR PUMP: Because these are authentic Medela membranes, moms can trust that these were engineered, tested, and approved to work specifically with their Medela pump - these spare membranes can be used with ALL Medela breast pumps EXCEPT Freestyle and Sonata
- CONVENIENT SPARES OR REPLACEMENTS: Our breast pump membranes are the most frequently requested spare part from breast milk feeding moms and are important to have on hand for when you need them most; package includes 6 membranes to keep as convenient and easily accessible spares
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Depending on what kind of pump you have, you want to make sure you have extra pump parts handy.
These little white membranes are so delicate. If you get even a hairline tear in one of them, your pump will not work as it should.
I keep a couple of extra membranes handy in case I need to switch one out.
An extra bottle
- Protective medical-grade silicone sleeve provides durability and a tactile non-slip gripping surface
- Dishwasher safe (place cap parts and nipple on top rack/no need to remove silicone sleeve unless desired)
- Includes polypropylene (PP#5) cap, ring and stopper and silicone nipple. All materials are BPA/BPS-free and phthalate-free. All materials are FDA approved.
- Compatible with most major breast pumps
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Have you ever been pumping and filled your bottle all the way to the top?
There have been so many times when my bottle overflowed because I wasn’t paying attention and didn’t have another one handy.
(Officially crying over spilled milk!)
A cloth for spills
- Burts Bees Baby - Burp Cloths 5-Pack
- 2-ply for added thickness and absorbency & Three panel design for easy folding
- Supple 1x1 rib knit fabric is naturally stretchier and more durable than jersey knit
- Combed and ring-spun for durability, softness and no-pill washing
- The Purest Layer: 100% organic, GOTS certified, breathable cotton - great for sensitive skin
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Speaking of spills!
It’s always a good idea to keep a cloth diaper, burp cloth, or washcloth nearby to mop up the inevitable drips or spills.
Breast pads
- Organic, leak-proof and durable 4 layer bamboo. Best for mom, baby and the planet! Check our Day Protection Nursing Pads as well. Search for ASIN B017U98HYY
- 10 Pack (5 pair) off white, light yellow, pink,cream and grey for night protection. Waterproof layer. Reusable after each breast feeding and machine washable. Very durable. Gets softer and softer after each wash.
- More absorbent than any other cloth breast pad. Excellent leak protection (4 layers !). No more soggy disposable pads or embarrassing leaks. Superior absorbency and a waterproof layer.
- The absolute softest and well constructed 4 layer nursing bra pad! Extremely breathable. Better than cotton for touching delicate breast skin and nipples.
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Changing your breast pads frequently is a good way to minimize your risk of developing thrush.
I typically change mine out after pumping.
I love these because they’re reusable and I can just toss them in the wash.
Nipple cream
- Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter is now 100% USDA Certified Organic, made with ethically sourced organic beeswax that’s been gathered in a bee-centric manner
- With organic herbs traditionally used to soothe and moisturize nipples and dry skin
- NO petroleum, parabens, or lanolin - no need to wash it off before nursing
- Chosen by hospital NICUs
- Dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation
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Pumping can be hard on sensitive skin.
I like to use Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter. It’s non-toxic and completely safe for babies.
A good book
- Bestselling author and mother of four children Angela Thomas brings her trademark storytelling and biblical teaching to this book of encouragement for moms who, in the daily whir of busyness, long to connect with their kids in new ways.
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Any other book lovers in the house?
Sometimes pumping is the only chance I get to read a good book.I like to keep one nearby in case I get the reading itch.
PS- This book might be one of my favorites ever.
There you have it! Pumping mamas, what do you keep at your pumping station?
READ NEXT:
- How To Pump More Breast Milk: 20 Tips To Increase Milk Supply
- Lactogenic Food: Top 20 Ingredients For A Better Milk Supply
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