Let's talk pumping. I am so thankful that on a day-to-day basis I work out of my home. This allowed me to pump in my living room, use my own refrigerator, and run around in a nursing tank all day long. I honestly cannot imagine what other ladies go through that have to fit pumping sessions into a 10 minute window in their days.
With that being said, I travel quite a bit for work and pump on the go often. Some days I had to pump in my car prior to a face-to-face meeting or in an airport on the way to a training event that I organized. Here's how I pack my pumping bag and all my accessories that I keep to make sure I am organized!
My Pumping Bag
Like I've said before, I was really surprised when I was pregnant how much there is a lack of options out there for breast pump bags. My insurance-provided pump did not supply a bag and the Medela bag was outrageously priced. I went on the hunt for a pumping bag that was right for me. I love my pumping bag! It snagged it at Target around spring time in 2016 and honestly, it served me well during my first go-around. It has the perfect size to carry onto a plane and held everything I need. I went with the Mariekko insulated cooler tote and was able to find it on clearance for less than $20!! I love that it helped keep my milk chilled (even though I store it in a separate breastmilk cooler); however, after about 6 months of using it, it had seen some wear and tear... majorly.
So with Lillie, I partnered with Idaho Jones and their breast pump bag and wet/dry bag. You can find my full review here. Ladies, this is one of my favorite bags. 10 months into pumping and flying every few weeks along the way, this bag looks brand spanking new. And oh my goodness, this wet/dry bag has saved me! I love love love it!
Now let's get into my pumping supplies! I narrowed it down to what I bring with me when I travel out of the house. Now some of this may vary when I go on longer trips for work, but this will definitely get you started:
- Breast pump and all its accessories
- Bottles and lids
- Water bottle
- Milk storage bags
- Sharpie Marker
- Thieves Spray (for cleaning surfaces)
- Thieves Hand Sanitizer
- Wet/Dry Bag
- Nursing Cover
- Microwave sterilization bag
You might also want to include a book or your phone so you don't get bored while you're pumping.
So, just a quick note:
Thieves Spray and Wet/Dry Bag:
I do not wash my pump parts during the day. I just do not have time in the middle of meetings or trying to catch a plane. What I do is wipe off everything with my Thieves Spray, and toss the parts into my wet/dry bag. These stay in the refrigerator with my milk. I use the same parts all day and at night, I microwave them in a sterilization bag at the hotel. I also use the Thieves spray to clean any surrounding area at the hotel or in the office that I am working at to help keep my parts clean. You cannot just assume that all hotel night stands or desks are sanitized thoroughly.
Ice Packs:
Sometimes I do not pack ice packs. They are more of a hassle. I do however keep my milk in refrigerators in the office that I am working at and then once I get back to an airport pass security, I take a milk storage bag and fill it with ice. This helps keep my milk nice and cool throughout my flight home.
So what do you think? Any other working/pumping mamas out there? Did I forget anything? What do you do to make pumping at work easier? How about flying with your milk? Any tips? Here's mine!
