Products that Make Pumping More Convenient

It’s time to pump again? Does it feel as though you just finished a pumping session? This is very much like the beastfeeding process. It may feel as though you are always attached to the machine, but there are products that can make your pumping sessions more convenient. Think about what takes up the time when you pump. You wait for your letdown, then you need to transfer the milk to storage bags, and then you have the arduous task of cleaning the pump. Fortunately, there are products that will help you have a faster letdown, make storage convenient, and allow you to clean your pump with minimal effort, you will have a little less time at the pump and a little more time for the pleasures in your life.

The most obvious product that will create the most ease when pumping is a good pump. You don’t want to spend as much time cleaning as you do pumping, so a pump that is easy to clean and maintain is a must. Many pump manufacturers offer microwave steam bags that allow you to clean and sterilize your pump components more quickly and easily than doing it the traditional way boiling water. Especially if you are pumping exclusively or two-four times per day and at work, you will want to wash and run.

You will also want a pump that is straightforward and easy to operate. The pump should be easy to transport and should have the appropriate sized breast shields for the size of your nipples. If they are too small, you may hurt your nipples. If you need larger ones, then contact the manufacturer of the pump and have the proper size sent to you. Many manufacturers offer an insert for the breast shield that allows for increased stimulation of the areola to help stimulate a letdown, which can shorten your pumping session. This accessory also is great when you are suffering from engorgement, as it is softer than the main shield.

When you are finished expressing your milk, you will need bottles with lids or storage bags and your fridge or freezer. Do you need anything else? Probably not. However, there are a few items that may come in handy when you are attached to the pump and you would like everything to be functional.

Imagine this. You are pumping with a double pump and both your hands are occupied. You need to take the shields off your breasts and turn the machine off. What do you do with the bottles? You could just set them down, but they may tip over and you may lose the precious milk you have just expressed. It would be much easier to place the bottles in holders so that they are secure. Then you will be able to easily move about, turn off the pump, and detach the bottles. These holders generally come with a pump and they are indispensable.

Then again, what if you could pump directly into the storage bags that you can then seal and put in the fridge or freezer? Medela makes this possible. They have a storage bag you can pump directly into and it has a pouring spout for when it comes time to empty the contents of the bag into a bottle. It also has a place for the label that is separated from the milk so that there will be no contamination from the marker. Avent also offers a system by which you can pump, store, freeze, and feed all from the same container. Ingenious.

If you travel a lot in the car, then an adapter is definitely a must. You may feel better being able to use your electric pump rather than trying to express with a manual pump that may not be as efficient. This way you can pump and feed baby right in the car without having to stop and get baby out of the car seat.

Many moms could not live without their hands-free bra. This wonderful bra may not cut down the time that it takes to pump, however, it will allow you to accomplish other things while you are pumping, which will make your pumping sessions more efficient. There are many different brands and designs to choose from. Some of the favorites are "The Easy Expression Bustier", "Made by Moms Pumping Band", and "Medela Pumping Free Attachment Kit."

There are so many different accessories that are available to you to help you make the most out of every pumping session. You need to determine your needs based on the amount of pumping you intend to do and then shop around to find the accessories that will make your life easier. If you pump occasionally so that you can get some time away for yourself or to be with dad while the baby is with grandma and grandpa, then you may not need anything more sophisticated than a manual pump and a couple of bottles. If you are a woman who works out of the home and travels a lot, you will very likely need the very best pump available and any accessory you can get your hands on that will make your pumping journey a wonderful adventure rather than a tedious time-consuming task. The love of your baby has made you commit to pumping, the ease of the available accessories will make it a pleasure.