So it's the end of your third trimester! You're getting ready to bring your sweet little one into the world and thinking it's probably time to start packing that hospital bag. Whether you're doing this for the first time or the fifth time, it's easy to get lost in the abyss of lists, Pinterest boards, and suggestions from well-meaning friends and family. Let's cut through the noise and get real about the most important things you'll need for the hospital to begin your pumping journey.
Maybe you're not sure if you are going to be a pumping mama...that's okay!
Whether you end up pumping exclusively or find yourself pumping in addition to nursing, its a good idea to be prepared. While the hospital or birthing center may have a pump and all of the essentials, you can't take the pump home with you and they may not be the parts you'll be using long term for your particular situation, not to mention you're correct flange size. So, you might as well start your pumping journey with your own supplies. Let's dive into my hospital bag must haves for pumping moms!
Milk Making!
(Spoiler alert, it's a slow start!!) Let's set the record straight: those Instagram posts with freezers full of milk are not going to be your immediate reality, no matter how well you prepare for your pumping journey.
Before your mature milk comes in (approximately 5 days after delivery), you will be working with colostrum, or "liquid gold." Colostrum is what helps nourish our teeny tiny babies immediately after they are born. You may be surprised that colostrum comes in very tiny amounts, though the amount is perfect for newborn babies! Your milk supply will gradually ramp up, but in those first few days, you should not expect to be filling bottles.
For reference, expect to feed these following volumes. According to Making More Milk aim to feed the amounts below on average per each session:
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First 24 Hours
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2-2 tsp (2-10mL)
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Day 2
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1-3 tsp (5-15mL)
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Day 3
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½-1 oz (15-30mL)
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4-7 Days
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1-1½ oz (30-45mL)
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1-2 Weeks
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1½-2 oz (45-60mL)
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Tools for Colostrum Collection in the Early Days
Hand expression is a great way to begin collecting small amounts of colostrum before or after delivery. Your Certified Lactation Consultant can help you figure out how to use this method. I also have a podcast all about hand expression that you can listen to, too!
In the hours following delivery, colostrum will present in very small volumes and will be rather sticky, which means an electric breast pump may not be the first choice for milk removal. Colostrum may get lost in pump parts or dry up before it is able to pool. However, it may be helpful to have a manual pump for when your hands get tired. The Medela Manual Breast Pump is one of my favorites.
Since your baby will be drinking very small amounts during those initial feedings, you also won't need average-sized bottles...leave those at home! Your hospital will probably have small bottles and nipples on hand for colostrum and early breastmilk, but here are some here are some silicone colostrum collectors (Use code SELFCARE10F for 10% off!) with specially designed tips that can be used to collect milk as well as feed baby directly.
So convenient!
If you'd rather use disposable colostrum collectors, these disposable syringes are a great option. You can use both of these items for antenatal colostrum collection as well.
Want to learn more about antenatal colostrum collection? See my blog post here!
Electric Pumps
Eventually, your breast milk will begin to transition and increase in volume. That's when your electric breast pump may become more helpful when moving mature milk. Whether you had a vaginal birth or are recovering from a c-section incision, you will benefit from something that takes the physical effort out of pumping. Plus, electric breast pumps are the better option while at home needing to multitask but not able to give the manual pump the physical attention.
In the first few days following delivery, you can pump directly into small bottles like the ones from this Medela Store and Feed Set and even feed baby from the same bottles. Your hospital may provide something similar to this, if not the same, so give them a call to make sure you don't bring anything unnecessary!
When pumping into small bottles like these, be sure that you have the appropriate sized flange connectors (and backflow protectors) to pair with your closed system pump.
Choosing a pump that is going to empty you efficiently is essential in your pumping journey, so you'll want to look into getting one prior to your delivery. Most insurance providers will help you purchase a breast pump or cover one entirely. Not sure where to start when selecting a pump? See this blog for my thoughts on various popular pumps on the market.
In addition to taking your manual pump and electric pump to the hospital, make sure that you have all of the necessary breast pump parts:
- flanges
- new duckbills
- backflow protectors
- tubing
Pro Tip #1: If you can, pack two sets of pump parts to cut down on time spent waiting for parts to dry after washing.
Pro Tip 2: Make sure you use a nipple ruler like this one from my shop to ensure you are using the right flange size to avoid pain and get the most milk from your pump.
Supplies for Pumping Comfortably
For Your Tender Breasts
Let's not sugarcoat it - your nipples are going to be sensitive at the start of your breastfeeding journey. Here are some hospital bag must haves for pumping moms to make things a bit more comfortable:
- Pump spray to help lubricate and make pumping more comfortable.
- Silverette Cups: These silver nipple cover guards are a game-changer. Place them over your nipples in between sessions to promote healing and protect your sensitive skin from rubbing against anything.
- Nipple Cream: Careful if your skin is sensitive to wool. Many nipple creams contain lanolin, a waxy substance derived from sheep. Check out this one from Tiny Human - a great lanolin-free option and a crowd favorite!
- Gel pads: Use cold to help ease nipple pain, or use warm while pumping to encourage letdown.
- Flange cushions inserts for extra comfort - these cushions wouldn't be my first recommendation but after troubleshooting your proper flange size and confirming your optimizing your pump, I would then consider these flange cushions for addition comfort.
Spice up Your Wardrobe
Your postpartum wardrobe may not be the most glamorous, but you'll be wearing these things on a daily basis, so go for high quality. It's a good thing there are lots of different options out there!
Invest in a few pumping and/or nursing bras or camis that offer easy access in addition to comfort. The Davin and Adley Amelia Pumping and Nursing Crop Cami is my favorite option for new moms! Its incredible design prevents the hassle of switching back and forth between a pumping bra and nursing bra.
(Use my affiliate code BREASTFRIENDS10 for 10% off of your purchase!)
Some button-down nightgowns or pajama sets are also helpful for lounging around, and way comfier than your hospital gown. MLM Brand Postpartum Dresses are not only adorable and pumping-friendly, but comfortable too! (Use code BREASTFRIENDS15 for 15% off!) They make the perfect going-home outfits.
Hygiene is Everything
Even when you're dealing with tiny amounts of colostrum, you'll need to be washing your pump parts frequently. Here are some items you should pack to keep everything sanitary:
- This travel sized drying rack from OXO is my favorite. AND it comes with a bottle brush! It's small enough to fit next to the sink in your postpartum room and large enough to hold a decent amount of pump parts.
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All You Need Wash Basin by Ceres Chill for cleaning your parts without having them touch the hospital sink.
Extra Pumping Necessities
There are a few *extra* items you may want to throw in your hospital bag as a pumping mama just to make your stay a bit more pleasant.
If you're going to be pumping during your stay at the hospital, this egg light is perfect for the middle of the night. It's the right amount of soft light so that you don't wake up your baby or your partner (who's passed out on that uncomfortable hospital couch).
And one last thing...breastfeeding is hard work - you need to stay hydrated! So grab yourself a fun, stylish water bottle! And while you're at it, get some hair ties or claw clips to keep your hair out of your way while you learn how to feed your baby.
The Final Countdown: Be Ready for the Big Day!
As your due date approaches, make sure you pack all the hospital bag must haves for pumping moms mentioned above. Preparation is key to making your delivery experience and hospital stay as smooth as possible. Plus, you don't want to fill the trunk of your car with lots of things you'll never use!
Interested in my thoughts on other hospital bag necessities aside from pumping gear? Receive my Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for free when you sign up for my email list HERE! This list covers basic necessities for mom, partner, and baby, from postpartum underwear to a phone charger.
