Breast Pumps
What to Look For
Breast Pumps - 101:
• Good Suction - if you need to, you can rent a hospital quality breast pump from a hospital or breast feeding supply store, but store models will work fine for most.
• A Car Charger & Battery Pack - Both of these are essential if you must travel locally or abroad for your job. For my second baby, I was living (and working!) in Europe. Upon an e-mail request, Medela shipped me the European plug version adaptor to my US-bought pump! Some of the items might cost extra but are well worth the money.
• Cold Storage - You'll need a place to store the milk along with some blue ice or gel ice packs while you're at work or in transit. I used the Medela "Pump in Style" breast pump model through two children, even though I was warned that the pump might not last. It did! If you inherit someone else's pump, make sure you replace the external pump parts and hoses.
• Two Breast Fitments/Shields for Double Pumping - Pumping both breasts at the same time is recommended for the most efficient and productive session.
• Two Bottles - Most new pumps include a couple of bottles that work with the pump.
Some Breast Pumps include Bonus items like a place to store your baby's picture (helps with let-down), a starter pack of milk storage bags, bottle/fitment sterilizing bag, an insulated bottle bag, a hand pump, and extra valves, etc. Medela includes all of these in the Pump in Style Model, so it is worth the money you spend. I am sure there are other good models and brands, but this is what I used and I found it to be perfect for me. Check on-line or at your local breastfeeding & baby store for extra tubing, fitments, valves.
Breastfeeding Supplies
The following items are what I used to pump at work:
• Bottles, Caps & Nipples - You should have at least one set of 8 BPA*-free bottles, caps and nipples for your breast pump. I pumped into the bottles at work, closed them with the caps that I stored at home in my fridge. I brought the same bottles with nipples for the next day's feeding at daycare. Some women leave these bottles at the evening daycare pick-up, but what if you or baby is sick and don't make it in to work?
• Microwave Steam Bottle Sterilizer or Microwave Steam Bags - Avent Makes a simple and affordable model, but the bags are perfect for traveling. You'll use this a lot, as you must sterilize the bottles for the next use, (after washing bottles with soap and water).
• Bottle Warmer - Avent makes a good model. It's helpful to defrost stored frozen bags from the freezer.
• Breast Leakage Pads - although not everyone leaks (I did at first, but stopped when my breasts got more efficient), it is good to have a few ready in case you do.
• Hand Towel - to lay across your lap to catch leaks while you pump.
• Rubber Gaskets - dime-sized, very low-cost pieces that are essential to pump's suction. You should have a couple on-hand to replace any that dry out.
• Storage Bags for Milk - You'll only need these at home - for storing milk before you start work again (your golden stockpile) and for the weekends when you want to add to the stockpile. I generally used the bottles during the week. Medela, Ameda, Lansinoh, are all good bag brands for storing milk in the freezer or refrigerator.
* What is BPA?
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical added to certain plastics, usually the shiny kind like PET and PVC. PP material is best (check the symbol on the bottom of the bottle - is should say, "5"). Even though many reputable studies and health assessments show concern for this chemical and it's effect on humans, you'll find many "informational" sites (that are funded by plastic companies) defending it's use. It wasn't until March 2009 that some of the major players decided to ditch this chemical. Probably because of lost sales. Why take chances with your baby? Choose non-BPA bottles from companies that have always been BPA-free,
like Medela
Where Can I Use my Breast Pump at Work?
I breastfed my first son for nine months, and for five of them, I was working and breastfeeding baby. After fighting to keep a chair in the bathroom, I decided to make it easier on myself by pumping behind the closed blinds in my office. If you do not have an office, most states require a clean non-bathroom to be designated for a woman's private pumping. If you'd like to learn more about breastfeeding protections in your state, go to this
website to find the laws in your state
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