Must-Have Items for Exclusive Pumping Success

What you need for your exclusive pumping journey

Throughout my pregnancy, I shared with everyone that I was planning to breastfeed, thinking it would be much easier and more convenient than pumping. But my baby had other plans! She had trouble latching consistently, and after both of our struggles and frustration, I made the switch to exclusively pumping.

What I didn’t realize was just how much you need to make pumping successful and manageable. Now that I’ve been through it, I want to share some of the essential tips and gear that made my journey a little easier.

1. Choose Your Wall Pump

The first decision you’ll need to make is which wall pump to get. Wall pumps are typically more efficient and tend to extract milk more effectively for most people. For me, the Spectra was the winner, its a tried and true option with great reviews. I found that it worked well for most of my daily pumping sessions specifically when I had an extra set of hands around to help with the baby.

2. Invest in a Wireless Pump

Now, let’s talk about wireless or hands-free pumps—they were a game changer for me! They make it so much easier to multitask. Whether you’re drinking water, feeding your baby a bottle, or changing a diaper, a wireless pump gives you that extra freedom.

When my husband went back to work, I felt overwhelmed trying to figure out how to pump with the larger wall pump while feeding and caring for my baby. The wireless pump made this all so much easier.

If you’re unsure about investing in a wireless pump, there are budget-friendly options available. I used the Momcozy Hands-Free Pump S12 Pro (around $139 on Amazon). It worked well with my larger breasts, and while it took a bit of time to figure out the assembly, I didn’t have many issues once I got the hang of it.

3. Get a Flange Kit with Different Size Inserts

If you’re not 100% sure of your flange size, I highly recommend getting a flange insert kit. For around $10 on Amazon, you can get sizes 13/15/17/19/21, which is especially helpful if your nipples are different sizes or if you’re not confident with your initial sizing. I tried the silicone sizing sheet, but after I gave birth, I found that I still needed a little fine-tuning. This kit gave me the flexibility to experiment and find what worked best.

4. Buy Off-Brand Bottles

Save some money and buy off-brand bottles for pumping—they work just as well as the name-brand ones, and you’ll get more for your money. I used Maymom bottles, which are compatible with all major pumps (like Spectra, Motif Luna, Ameda MYA, and Bellababy). They’re usually priced around $20 for six, and I found them to be great quality.

5. Decide on Your Storage Method

When it comes to storing milk, there are a few methods to consider. Personally, I poured my milk into a new bottle each time, labeled it with a colored post-it for the date and time, and stored it in the fridge for the day. I’d pre-pour my baby’s bottles in the morning and freeze any extra milk in storage bags.

Another option is the pitcher method, which is super common. Some people prefer pouring all the pumped milk into a pitcher and then using it to fill their baby’s bottles. I didn’t want to deal with the extra steps, but it’s a good option if you don’t mind waiting for everything to cool to the same temperature.

6. Invest in a Comfy Pumping Bra

Pumping takes time, so it’s worth investing in a comfortable pumping bra to make the process as hands-free and relaxed as possible. My personal favorite was the Kindred Bravely Wireless Comfort Sleep Pump Bra ($47), which is size-inclusive and super comfortable. I liked that it was comfy enough to wear at night and throughout the day. Once you find one that works for you, I recommend buying at least three—it’s inevitable that you’ll spill or leak, and they need to be washed more frequently than your regular bras.

Another option is the adjustable pumping bra (Amazon,$30), which works over your nursing bra. I found it a bit too tight for my plus-size frame, but others loved it because the velcro back made it easy to adjust.

7. Use Nursing Pads

When your milk first comes in, you’ll likely experience a lot of leakage, especially around feeding time or if you hear your baby cry. Nursing pads can help save you from constant laundry. I recommend starting with disposable nursing pads (Amazon, $10)—they’re convenient and you can figure out if you need them long-term (I only used them for a couple of weeks). If you prefer an eco-friendly option, there are also reusable nursing pads (Amazon, $15) available.

8. Set Up a Bottle & Pump Washing Station

Washing bottles and pump parts can feel like a never-ending task, so setting up a designated washing station is a must. You’ll need:

For overnight washing, you can also use a small dishwasher bin to store smaller parts like nipples and caps, then pop them in the dishwasher.

9. Nipple Cream

Pumping can be uncomfortable in the beginning, so I highly recommend having some nipple cream on hand. My favorite was the Lanolin nipple cream (Amazon, $9) —it’s soothing and helps prevent cracking. The Earth Mama Nipple Cream (Amazon, $13) also works well, but it’s thicker and has a stronger scent, which I didn’t love.

10. Coconut Oil

If you’re looking for a natural option to make pumping more comfortable, coconut oil can work wonders. Rubbing a small amount on the inside of the flange helps your nipple slide more easily, reducing friction.

11. Freezer Bags for Breastmilk

When it comes to storing your milk long-term, I recommend Medela Easy Pour Storage Bags (Amazon, $14). They have a pour spout, making it much easier to transfer milk into bottles without making a mess. I’ve found that this feature is a huge time-saver, especially when defrosting milk.