I started my pregnancy journey, knowing I wanted to breastfeed my child, I took the classes and did the research and saw how beneficial it would be. I also heard the horror stories of how it can be painful, exhausting, and stressful when your child doesn’t latch, or your milk doesn’t come in. I reached out to my friends and got their tips and decided that I wanted to try at least. For my moms who are contemplating check out this site, and see the benefits breastfeeding has for the mother and child, from an immune system booster, a way to strengthen your bond, weight management for the mom, and more.

If you know my story, then you know my daughter was born with health complications and spent five months in the hospital. Due to having Pfeiffer Syndrome, she has difficulties with swallowing and sucking, so my nursing hopes were cut short the moment she was born. I still wanted to give her the nutrients she would receive from my milk even it was through a feeding tube. So instead of bonding through nursing, I was pumping and staring at pictures of my daughter trying to replicate that feeling I would get if she were in my arms. Exclusively pumping became my journey, and it comes with its obstacles. Below are the items that were lifesavers as I navigated through pumping, washing bottles, transferring milk back and forth, and storage.

MEDELA PUMP INSTYLE TOTE

This is my go-to pump when at home. This tote lives at my bedside, and sometimes if need be, I will take it on the road because the power of this pump works so well. While in the hospital, I was using the Symphony, and it was a hospital-grade pump, and I could tell the clear difference. The Medela is one that my insurance would cover, although I received it from a friend and just purchased new parts. They advise you not to reuse or resale your pump, mainly due to sanitary reasons and the life of the battery, but honestly, I have had no issues with the life of the pump. I was able to go to Amazon and find the tubing and new flanges with no problems; this was my set.

WILLOW HANDSFREE PUMP

Since I was able to get a reliable and safe pump like the Medela from a friend, I used my insurance to purchase the Willow. I was allotted $475, and the pump came to about $500 with shipping and using a promo code, so I came out of pocket $25. I was torn between this pump and the Elvie but landed on the Willow after asking friends. The big issue I heard with this pump is the bags can be expensive, which they are, but they recently came out with a milk container that allows you to purchase your standard Lansinoh bags and transfer the milk.

Here is my feedback, if you are a first-time pumper, this is not the pump for you. This is a great pump to use once your milk flow is consistent, and when you return to work. I tried the Willow and the Medela in week four of my pumping, and it took me 30 minutes to get 4 oz total with the Willow, while I got 5oz in 15 minutes with the Medela. It could just be me, but the Medela was more comfortable for my letdown, and the Willow gave me issues with latching on. I then tried the Willow around month three, and it was a smoother process after watching their tutorial videos, and I was able to get my 5 oz total in about 12 minutes. I also find it easier to carry in your purse if you are out running errands. It is a little loud so I wouldn’t pump in public, but I would step in the bathroom, car, dressing room, etc. to pump. This pump is my return to the work pump, and I love the app that goes with it to track the amount and time for each session.

EARTH MAMA NIPPLE CREAM

Pumping and nursing will take a toll on your nipples!! Those first few weeks, I used this cream after every pump. Let’s be real, your body is now your child’s, and at times we forget to care for it. Just wait for it, your nipples will take on a different form, and the least we can do is give them a little TLC. This butter smells fantastic, and the ingredients are all-natural. It’s 100% USDA Certified Organic, made with ethically sourced organic beeswax that’s been gathered in a bee-centric manner.

ICEWRAPS PADS

The first month of pumping was hard, and I used these ice pads after my pumping sessions. The great thing about these pads is that they can also be heated in the microwave, and a great way to get your letdown going before your session. I didn’t realize how pumping could require a warm-up and cool down. You will find that a warm shower does the trick and if you don’t have time use these pads instead.

SLEEVELESS MATERNITY NIGHTGOWN

When you have to pump throughout the night, you want to wear something that allows you easy access. The button straps on the shoulders allowed me to get to my nursing bra quickly. I was also all about pajamas with a button-up top. The last thing you want to do is lift your shirt up and have your stomach out while pumping at night, especially during those winter nights.

LANSINOH BREASTMILK STORAGE BAGS

When you have to pump exclusively, you learn that having a storage plan is vital to preserving your supply. My daughter was in the NICU for five months, and it took her until three months to catch up to my daily pumping production. I was, fortunately, producing 28 oz/day by week two, but she was only receiving 14oz of milk a day via a feeding tube. I used these bags to store my oversupply and invested in a 7.0 cu top chest freezer to keep them frozen. Since it’s a chest or a deep freezer (−4°F or −20°C), milk may be frozen for up to 12 months.

LANSINOH STAY DRY NURSING PADS

Ladies, when you get your pumping routine down, sometimes the milk doesn't stop. Like clockwork every 3 hours, I would start to have a little leakage. It takes one time leaking through your shirt for you never to forget these nursing pads. I was always out in public, heading to the hospital and around nurses, and these were essential to my wardrobe.

HANDSFREE PUMPING BRA

This is my go-to pumping bra! I was continually pumping throughout the day, and I needed a bra that had easy access to my pump. I would add padded cups or my nursing pads for a little more protection and support throughout the day. Comfort and accessibility were vital during my early weeks, and this bra gave me just that. It was so comfortable that I found myself sleeping in it and not having that need to unsnap it right away when I walked in the door. This nursing bra is ideal for the Medela pump; you need something with more support for the Willow pump like your standard nursing bra.

SMALLSHOW MATERNITY SHIRTS

I lived in these shirts and still do! Those early months when your body is recovering, you want something lightweight, and that loose so it doesn’t stick to your postpartum baby bump that remains for months later. I loved how these were easy to throw on and match with leggings. I won't lie, I bought two of the same colors, so I would always have one in the rotation while the other was getting washed.

SECOND NATURE WHOLESOME MEDLEY

I kept snacks in my nightstand and bag for every pumping session. I know they say you will lose weight when you pump, but you will also be starving after and during every session. I tried my best to have healthy snacks at arms reach and to stay hydrated. My production was what my daughter was consuming, so I kept it nutritious for her. Pumping not only makes hungry but also thirsty! Staying hydrated is so key to keep your energy up while caring for your child, yourself, and keeping your milk supply up! So keep a good water bottle right next you at all times.