Reddit mentions: The best breast pump accessories

Here are mine:

• Secure Beginnings Crib Mattress - a totally breathable crib mattress. You can take the "sleep surface" off and throw it in the washing machine when needed. I surprisingly don't do it that often. The mesh fabric and space under it helps in temperature regulation and air exchange. Basically, helped me as a new mom not worry about suffocation. I ended up going wild and getting two sleep surfaces per mattress. I got one set in the regular size and a mini crib for our room.
  
• LED Touch Light - these suckers are rechargeable and hold their charge a long time. They're super portable. What I like best is that you can turn them suuuuper dim, which is great for middle of the night wake ups and diaper changes. We have one hanging from our headboard and one hanging above the changing table. And then another around the house. There are tons of sellers of this type of product and they're quite inexpensive.
  
• Wet Bag - a reusable and washable bag to stash wet/dirty stuff. An essential for cloth diaperers, but also great for pooped on clothes, bathing suits, etc.
  
• Fischer-Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard - this is a smaller and less expensive version of a traditional pack and play. We kept it in the living room and baby spent a lot of time there as a newborn.
  
• Gripe Water Lots of gripe water. Good for gas, sometimes hiccups, and gentle relief for stomach upset. Also helps some newborns poop.
  
• Grovia Magic Stick Diaper Balm - made for cloth diapers, but would work for sposies. A barrier "cream" on a stick, so you don't have to get your fingers gross. Smells amazing - I literally sniff the stick every time we use it.
  
• Freemies - great for hands-free pumping, especially in the car or at work. Fits inside the shirt. Can be hit or miss on if it works for individuals, but it works GREAT for my boobs. Regular flanges hurt me and didn't yield good output, but Freemies agreed with my body wonderfully.
  
• Spectra Pump I have nothing but good things to say about the Spectra pump. I have the S1 (battery operated), S2 (plugs in), and the S9 (battery operated, but not as fancy as S1). I haven't had any issues with my pumps, but others have had great customer service experiences. It's a "closed" system, which means it's impossible for milk to get into the pump on accident. This is a good thing.
  
• Kiinde Storage Bags - these breastmilk storage bags are more expensive, but highly durable. I love the twist top - much easier to use then a zipper top. We used the whole bottle system from 0-6 months. At six months, he realized he could take the nipple off the bottle and we switched to Como Tomo bottles. But for those months, it was SO NICE to just send the bags to daycare and wash only the nipples (the shells stayed at daycare).
  
• Lillebaby Complete Airflow Baby Carrier - while baby carrier preferences will vary widely by body type and personal preferences, I love my Lillebaby most. It doesn't require any special insert for newborns and the lumbar support was awesome. The airflow version was great, as I live in a very hot state.
  
• Lectrofan Sound Machine - you may be wondering why this is $45 and other sound machines are $20. Because it is amazing, that is why. Seriously 100% amazing.
  
  Hope this helps somebody!
  
  Edit: added a few more after the Spectra.

Here's a list of items I found so useful for myself that I use as my go-to gift options for anyone I know having a baby.

1. Rectal thermometer Not only is this the fastest and most accurate way to check an infant's temperature, but it really helps with constipation. Around 8 weeks, breastfed babies may start to poop only once a week. My kid would get so uncomfortable, but he was too young to have juice or pureed fruit. My doctor recommended a rectal thermometer with Vaseline to stimulate a BM. Works like a charm!
   
   
2. Lots Of Links These are great for attaching toys to the carseat, stroller, and highchair. They're also thin and light, so they're great for really small infants to practice grasping and passing objects from hand to hand.
   
   
3. Coat Hangers - Since everyone insists on loading up your baby with clothes, you need somewhere to put them all. I used all 80 hangers I had - and that's with a boy!
   
   
4. Breastfeeding supplies - No one likes to buy this stuff, but if it's for a close friend or you know they're going to breastfeed, definitely get her some nursing pads (helpful even if she doesn't breastfeed and sometimes even before the baby is born) and lanolin If she is going to use a Medela pump, these membranes will come in handy. I also liked these wipes for cleaning any breastpump where there may not be a sink and these bags for sanitizing pump parts, bottles, paci's, etc.
   
   
5. While this probably won't be used for a while, this play yard is one of my favorite baby purchases ever. It came in handy especially during those 7-12 months where my kid was crawling and learning to walk. It kept him contained and also gave him a safe place to practice walking. My son is 16 months old and we still use this all the time.
   
   
6. No one did this for me, but I wish people had bought me a small package of their favorite generic/store brand diapers. No one wants to look cheap by buying off brand diapers, but in reality, you'll probably end up using them. Huggies or Pampers can run about $0.35 per diaper. It's great when you're getting gifts, but I'd like a chance to experiment with something lower cost without having to buy 15 brands. Target's Up & Up brand work great for me, and they're only around $0.15 a diaper. But babies are all shaped different, so what works for one kid might not work so great for another. You just have to try them out. It'd be nice to get some different brands as gifts.

Breast milk (if expressed very cleanly) can be safely kept at room temperature for up to eight hours. Those are the guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, which the CDC draws on to formulate their own guidelines.

So your wife can pump, and just leave it out until the next time one of you goes to the kitchen. A system like Kiinde (which allows you to pump directly into a storage bag, which can be used to refrigerate or freeze, and then used as a bottle later) can help save time, because you don’t have to worry about cleaning bottles between feeds. You can also buy extra sets of pump flanges so she has enough to get through the night without needing to wash them (for example, if she pumps/feeds four times during the night, and you have four sets of flanges, then you won’t need to wash them all until the morning. Pump, feed, back to bed). You don’t have to pay full price for the pump manufacturer’s brand; you can search Amazon for “Spectra flanges” or “Medela flanges,” and you’ll find lots of inexpensive options. Some women really like the Pumping Pals flanges; other folks like the Maymom ones.

If you can afford it, one of the best new mom hacks is to put a mini fridge (not dorm fridge sized; I’m talking like a foot and a half cubed) on her nightstand. She can have cold water on hand every time she breastfeeds, and any snacks that require refrigeration, and when she pumps she can just toss the milk in the fridge until she’s ready to take it to a freezer (it’s safe to refrigerate for a few days before freezing). They’re about $70-something at Walmart if you’re in the US, or you can find them for a third of that on Fb marketplace or whatever your local equivalent is.

You/your wife may also want to talk to a Lactation Consultant or breastfeeding support group about pumping before feeding. Right now, at five days, you’re in the time frame where you’re establishing her supply. As a general rule, the more she empties her breasts, the more they’re going to produce. So pumping and then feeding is telling them to make more more more, leading to additional engorgement. Meeting with an LC (if possible) or attending a breastfeeding support group would be useful in helping her find the balance between relieving the engorgement and not causing an oversupply.

Having an oversupply sounds harmless, or even desirable, but is actually really frustrating because creating too much milk can cause the baby to get too much of the low-calorie portion that comes out early in a feed (called fore milk), and not get enough of the high-calorie portion that comes out later in a feed (hind milk), causing him/her to be gassy and fussy, and can even make it difficult to continue breastfeeding. Btdt, would not recommend. Balance is good! In the same vein, if she’s pumping before feeding, most of what’s coming out is probably fore milk. Which is great for baby’s growth right now, because he/she will mostly be getting the higher-calorie hind milk. But will mean that if you DO save this pumped milk, and later use it to bottle feed baby, you may want to mix it with some hind milk as well, so baby doesn’t get super gassy or even sick.

Also - congrats on your new little one! You’re in the thick of it right now. It will get easier. You may want to try dividing up labor if you haven’t already (baby gets hungry, your wife picks up baby for a feed, then you do the diaper change and soothe baby to put him/her back down again after the feed. That way each one of you can maximize the amount of sleep you’re getting between feeding cycles, instead of both of you just staying up all the time.

Good luck! It really does get easier. And you can definitely toss the milk if you want to, but you don’t actually need to.

• The NICU should provide a pump and bottles if you're not able to breastfeed in the NICU. It depends on your circumstances whether you'll be able to breastfeed immediately. Hopefully someone who's been through a NICU experience can tell you more about that.
  
  
• They sell breastmilk storage bags specifically designed to store milk. I use the Lansinoh ones because I have never had one leak on me. To thaw it, run it under warm water. NEVER MICROWAVE. Some babies are picky about the temperature of the milk, some aren't. You'll have to learn what your baby will drink. Always be sure to test the milk on your inner arm or upper lip to be sure it won't burn baby. There are also bottle warmers out there, but I've never used one.
  
  
• Assuming you're able to stay with baby after the birth, you should be able to start breastfeeding pretty much immediately. In the early months, you'll want to pump every time she takes a bottle to help keep your supply up. Kellymom.com has a good page on how much milk baby will need.
  
  
• The best bottles for breastfeeding varies from baby to baby. If you can, try to avoid bottles until baby has the hang of breastfeeding. If you can't, look for bottles that have nipples with wide bases and slow flow. I ended up using Playtex Drop-Ins because Dad and I both work full time, my daughter hated EVERY kind of bottle anyway, and they were easy to clean. If you can't get baby to take a bottle, consider training him/her to drink from a cup or straw. My daughter started drinking from a straw when she was about 7 months old. As soon as she figured out straws she refused bottles.
  
  Poke around on the site kellymom.com. It's one of the best breastfeeding sites out there, very down to earth, with lots of good advice. Also see if you can watch some videos of how to latch and what a good feeding looks like. I love the videos at this site.
  
  Breastfeeding is hard at first, and it often hurts, but the rewards are wonderful. And always remember that the most important rule of breastfeeding is feed your baby however you need to. If it means formula, so be it.
  
  edit: clarity, also I can't get that one link working.

First of all, don't panic!! The Spectra is a great pump and you're going to do great.

If you're going to pump in an office, a minifridge is AWESOME. Stores my milk and pump parts during the day, plus during the early days when I was starving all the time I had it loaded with yogurts, string cheese, etc. I just keep my pump parts in a gallon bag in there during the day and wash them each night. I use a fresh gallon bag each day although that might be wasteful/OCD of me.

I use this bag to carry my milk home.

I used to use these wipes for my pump parts in between every session, but have gotten a little less anal about it over time and with fewer pump sessions at work. (Edit to add: I'd recommend getting some for road trips too because they can be used to wipe down high chairs, tables, etc.)

I use Nuk bags and like them better than Lansinoh because they're a little more square and thus easier to store in my deep freezer bins.

Medela lanolin is amazing. It has some additives that make it a little softer and thus easier to put on, which is key when your nipples hurt. At 9mo out I'm still using it on days when baby gets chompy, but YMMV on that front.

A spare set of parts is essential, or alternatively, a hand pump you can use as a backup. If you're not sure about flange size (and idk if you really can be until you're actually pumping), gift cards to a store that sells pumping supplies would be super helpful.

Good luck!!

Hi! I’m back!!
Although I thoroughly intend to write my birth story when I’m ready, I just finished my first piece since the baby arrived so in celebration, I’ll pair it with something useful.

I really appreciated posts like this while I was pregnant so here goes:

Things I didn’t know I needed:
(AKA things I have frantically ordered on amazon at or around 2am)

•Bottle Drying Rack This probably seems obvious, but when we didn’t get this from our showers we were like... idk why we can’t just use a towel??

•Safe way to cosleep My husband built a BEAUTIFUL Sidecar Crib, but it was attached on my side of the bed and it took 2.5 weeks for me to have healed enough to climb in bed around it safely with the baby. This way, I didn’t have to bend over to pick up baby or even spit up to check on/soothe him.

•Lactation Suppliment My lactation consultant approved. This one worked well in my breakfast tea.

•Better flanges My poor nipples were so sore and the flames that come with the Medela... well I’m not sure who they’re supposed to fit but not me. My doula practically ordered these for me. GAME CHANGER.

•Pumping bra I was cutting holes in sports bras. This is better.

•Nipple Shells Another kind reddittor sent me in the direction of this AMAZING INVENTION after I posted a photo of ice packs tied to my nipples with a burp cloth because I refused to wear a shirt my nipples hurt so bad. I will be purchasing these for EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN FOREVER. They keep your nipples dry, collect drips, apply counter pressure to keep your nipples shaped correctly for latching, and most importantly omg nothing touches the precious nips and you can wear a shirt!!

•Car mirror

Me: that seems extra, he’s in a car seat and safe why would I need a mirror??

Hormones; HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH YOU FOOL

•Car adapter for my breast pump Cheaper than batteries

•Shade for his side of the car because anything that wakes up my sleeping baby is the devil. This one has a bonus that allowed me to roll the window down and it was HOT in the south

•Better suction for the breast pump Again- just better than whatever they send you

•My Breast Friend we got the boppy but this one saved my back

•Heating pad Turns out I’ll do ANYTHING to keep the baby asleep when I transfer him to his crib including preheat the darn thing (on low!) before I lay home down

•Stroller Caddy You’ll want somewhere to put your keys, phone, and coffee

•Baby K’tan An easier way for my husband to wear the baby.

•Leggings I had a pair of these before, and they are SO COMFORTABLE on my postpartum body that I bought 5 more in different colors!

•Extra pump parts for whichever pump you have

•A hands-up swaddle I found at Target

•Wine.

Anyway, hope this helps! Best of luck to all of you!

I don’t have any advice for things for this specific pump, although I️ have the spectra and really like it, but I did get a few general items that have made pumping and storing milk easier:

Freemie cups (especially if hands free pumping is important to you. Just be aware the flanges only come in two sizes).

Medela breastmilk cooler . The bottles won’t work with the spectra flanges, but the cooler is a nice size and you can use the included bottles as extra storage.

Silicone food storage tray. I use this instead of bags because it lets me freeze milk in 1 oz amounts so that I can defrost exactly as much as my daughter needs. The tray has a lid that actually stays on and the cubes are really easy to pop out. Then I just put the cubes in a freezer bag.

Boon lawn and twig for drying all your breast pump parts.

Other stuff you might want to consider: a hands free pumping bra, an extra set of flanges in your size (especially if you pump a lot), a bag if you are going to carry the pump frequently, and a car adapter.

Edited to add: Enjoy the pump! It is great!!

Yes - supplementer :)

This is a link for the "starter" one that costs about $18 on Amazon
It was okay. I used it for about 2 days, but it spilled milk on me two times and just didn't work 2x (because I'd put it together wrong).

This is the expensive-ass one I have (at least it comes with 2 so I can use one and have the next one ready & it's never leaked on me and seems to be pretty idiot-proof to put together after figuring it out by doing it the first couple of times).
I chose it because a few blogs with women whose stories seemed somewhat similar to our issues said it was better, and it is also according to the reviews easier to tuck into a bra to nurse discretely in public and nurse lying down (both of these are very important to me as this is my 3rd kid).

Here's a link for the other one that seems to be popular.

I was seeing an IBCLC weekly and all I wanted to do was exclusively breastfeed and triple-feeding (attempt to nurse, bottle, pump) was so exhausting, I really wish I had started the whole SNS journey sooner ... maybe we'd be able to wean from it sooner and be only breastfeeding. It was so, so amazing when we were able to cut the amount of "top off" by like 2/3 in just 2 weeks. I cannot sing the praises of at-breast supplementation enough -
if what you really want to be doing is breastfeeding, it's BREASTFEEDING, you know?

We've kind of plateaued at the 10oz level, but that may be because of the shield, or other issues we have that I'm hoping will resolve if we stick with it as she gets bigger/stronger. (I actually joined to post/ask about our particular struggle.)

If you're looking for supplements, I found that milkmaid tea and old fashioned oatmeal really helped me a lot.

Edit: formatting

I use the spectra s2 and like it so far. Granted, I am also a new first time mom and my baby is only 9.5 weeks old and I haven't gone back to work yet, so I am by no means an expert. What I have been doing so far is working for me at home though so I'll tell you my routine. I pump into the spectra bottles that came with the pump and then immediately transfer that milk into either bottles that go in the refrigerator for my husband or mom or feed her, or into freezer bags for my freezer stash. I have been pumping about once a day since my baby was 2 weeks old. At first I would only get an ounce or two at a time so that was only enough for one bottle or just a supplemental bottle or I could combine the milk from 2 pumping sessions into one bottle. (My baby now typically eats 3-4 ounces at a time from a bottle). Eventually (and pretty quickly) I was able to pump more volume. I typically pump in the morning after her first feed because my supply is highest then. I now get anywhere from 4-8 ounces at this pump session. I typically put 3-4 ounces into a bottle in the fridge and the freeze the rest. I think it's good to have someone give your baby a bottle of expressed milk one every day or two so that they won't have a problem refusing a bottle when you go beck to work. To answer your specific questions above:

1. I don't pump directly into the bottles I feed her with so I can't answer about adaptors. I think either way is fine, but I find it just as easy to pump into the spectra bottles then transfer the milk because you may not pump the exact quantities you would want in the bottles for feeding anyway.
   
   
2. I use the Lansinoh freezer bags. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006XISCNA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501005092&sr=8-1&keywords=pump+freezer+bags. They come in boxes of 100 and are pretty cheap. I haven't thawed any yet, but so far they are working well and many people recommended that brand to me. I never pumped directly into the bag, just poured in what I wanted to freeze from the spectra bottle.
   
   
3. I use Tomme Tippee bottles and nipples and they seem to work well. They are simple and don't have many parts to wash. I think the most important thing for breastfed babies is that you get the slowest flow nipple size possible to avoid babies developing a preference for a fast flow bottle over the breast. I know Dr. Browns is a popular bottle, but it has a million pieces to wash and put together, so I'd recommend trying something more simple first to see if you baby likes it before going to something complicated with too many pieces. Apparently all those pieces in the Dr. Brown bottles prevent air from getting in and cause less gas, but Ifindnif we burp her well after a bottle she's fine.

The spectra is awesome for travel, however that is the one that needs adapter pieces to use the Medela parts. The bottle the spectra is set to pump into is a wide mouth. The Avent, and Dr Browns bottles will fit straight onto the Medela as it uses standard mouth sizes.

The pumping cones for the medela are the ones that fit most handsfree bra's, and quite frankly most common items will fit the medela. However you can order adapter kits off Amazon for the Spectra to use the Medela phlanges easily.

Flanges should be the size of your areola, and this is something they can help go over with you in the hospital.

I am using The Frremie collection cups with the Spectra. I love them as they go under my clothes, and really easy to clean.

If you want I can take photos of the different set ups that I use if you think that would help.

My first piece of advice is to seek out help NOW before the baby comes, because it's much harder in the blurry newborn days to have the energy and strength to do so. Find your local La Leche League or other breastfeeding group, contact them, let them know your situation and see if you can get a phone number or two for the leaders so you can call. Also see if your hospital has IBCLCs (professional certified lactation experts) that will be available to you and let every member of the nursing staff know that you want to see them as soon as possible after your baby is born. You may have no problems at all. But if you do you'll be prepared to get help.

There's a little device you can buy that is like a little suction bulb, that you put on your flat nipple to draw it out right before you latch the baby on. Here it is: latch assist nipple everter. I used it, it helped. A pump would do the same thing, it's just much bigger and more cumbersome and expensive.

My first was in the special care nursery so like a low-level NICU. Did you know that the woman on the cover of that infamous Time magazine issue "Are you mom enough?" breastfeeding her 3-year-old was a NICU mom? It's definitely an additional hurdle like you say but you have got this and you're going to do great! Good luck!

Oh man, this post is like my jam. I'm currently tandem feeding twins and supplemented at the start. I did not have PCOS, so I did not have that barrier to overcome. Here's what I did:

Bring to hospital: hands free pumping bra, angled flanges, hot packs, lanolin(at first, I liked the medela lanolin better since it spread a lot easier, but now I like the lasinoh lanolin ointment more. I'd buy both, and apply after every feed/pump)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S8MGGQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085CBA90/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Day 1 - breastfeed baby as often as they want, but at least every 3 hours. This is your time to be working on latching and such. After each feed, you need to hook yourself up to the pump using your fancy new angled flanges(more comfortable, and allow you to recline while pumping - your back will KILL if you are trying to slightly lean forward all the time while pumping) and pumping bra(you do not want to sit int he hospital and be pumping for 10-15 minutes and have to hold the stupid flanges up yourself). As someone who worked NICU, has used both the spectra and the medela symphony, you'll want to go for the symphony at this point. Colostrum is thicker than normal milk - the spectra I don't think would draw the colostrum down as well as it does regular milk, so that is why I'd use the medela until your milk has come in, and for about a week or two after. When you are pumping, you should throw the hot packs towards your boobs and be massaging down towards the nipple.

The reason you are pumping at least every 3 is chances are your kid either has a crappy latch or not a strong suck, and both of those things are not going to stimulate your supply to come in the way you want it to. Not a lot of kids come out into the world and both latch strongly and suck and swallow to adequately and easily drain the boob, and that needs to happen.

For bottle feeding - the hospital we were at gave Similac Supplementation, and we used that until we were off formula. We used it with the hospital Similac slow flow nipple that screwed onto the ready feed bottle, and then used Dr Brown premie nipples at home. So, the shape of the nipple you use for bottle feeding isn't actually that important in my opinion. I'd say the bigger thing would be flow - definitely want slow flow/premie nipple in whatever brand you pick, and then technique. For technique, do not put the baby in your arms cradling them and then point the nipple at the back of their mouth like you are the virgin mary feeding the baby jesus. Instead, put them in an elevated sidelying position, and then angle the nipple sort of towards the top of their head. Basically, you're trying to mimic the boob nipple position with the bottle nipple position, and by having them sidelying you're also mimicking how they breastfeed.

We did 15 mls of formula starting around 24 hours of life after each breastfeeding attempt. This gradually did increase to an ounce. I had enough supply in by day 6 or 7 to stop supplementing with formula after each feed(I still pumped after each feed for breastmilk). I stopped supplementing altogether around a week and a half, but continued pumping so my husband could give a bottle a night while I slept for a couple hours.

Which actually, that's another part of this everyone overlooks. There is this oh poo poo new mothers shouldn't be sleeping and need to be awake every hour to feed/pump/whatever. You should do this for the first couple of days, but honestly, for your sanity, you need to pick a 3-4 hour block of your life to be uninterrupted and unconscious and have someone else feed and care for the baby. If you are in the throws of breastfeed/supplement/pump, you're not getting a lot of sleep, and are going to need a window somewhere to actually sleep. 3-4 hours sounds like nothing now, but when you are consistently getting 20-30 minutes, it's life changing.

On a random note, I saw from comments you want to use the Spectra S2 - I strongly believe in angled flanges, so here's the adapter to go from medela to Spectra so you can continue to use angled flanges.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DGEDVUM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When it comes to formula, I'd keep a couple things in mind. Your baby literally has NO taste experiences in their life(other than amniotic fluid). Therefore, breastmilk and formula will be all they know. Think of it like the kid with food allergies - you taste their allergen free brownie and think it's disgusting but they love it because they don't know any better. We switched formula on kids fairly often in the NICU for various reasons, and typically we had babies be fussy for a feed or two and then settle into the new stuff if they were going to fuss at all over the change. Therefore, I'd use whatever they give you, but have a box of formula at home that is unopened and returnable.

• I bring all the items I need to actually pump (tubes, flanges, etc.) of course, then I used to bring the attachable bottles but I found these bags save a lot of time, and now I don't need to bring the bottles. I pump straight in the bag and give it to daycare at the end of the day. I also bring the little bag that came with the Medela Pump In Style. It's black and small and can conceal the milk and pump parts as I walk around the office putting them away, etc.
  
  
• I have the PIS so the bag is built in. I super super love it.
  
  
• The first couple weeks I would wash everything in between and it was a pain in the ass. I then just did the zip loc bag trick. Cut down on a lot of time. I found a little plastic zip-able folder here at work (the kind you can snap into a binder and keep pencils in). I used two of those, one for each boob accessory. I didn't really wash them in between, which might be gross but oh well.
  
  
• At first I pumped three times a day, then when I got busier at work, twice a day around 10:00 and 2:00. I stopped nursing (just pumped) for a week while on antibiotics, then got my period, then kid got sick and now is highly distractable and more interested in food...so my supply has taken a big hit. The past couple of days I have been able to make it BFing her in the a.m. and then after I pick her up from daycare and she gets formula and solids the rest of the time. I believe if I were more diligent and kept pumping, it would be fine, but she is happy, I am happy and we made it six months EBF so I'm pretty proud of that.

Congrats!

I use the Spectra and don't feel like you need many other accessories for it specifically. Rather, I found these things helpful to bring to work in my pumping bag:

• A bag for the pump (I bought this one on Amazon and it fits a lot of things!)
  
• A small cooler for milk pumped during the day
  
• Bottles or milk storage freezer bags to store milk in
  
• Hand sanitizer
  
• A little washcloth to wipe up any spills
  
  I did buy a replacement set of parts for the Spectra (flanges, bottles, duckbills) on Amazon from Maymom, and that was nice to have on hand when the suction wore down.
  
  Good luck!

Nope. I looked at how much of my areola was being pulled into the shield and realized it was more than they show in the pictures, and then just ordered a smaller size to test it. It worked better, but then there was still some extra areola, so I ordered the size even smaller. Here is the medela sizing. You can measure your nipple, but I thought that was really awkward.

Also, FYI, the off-brand flanges from Amazon worked great for me. I even bought some of the one-piece pump parts and they were nice because of fewer individual pieces to wash (I think that was the only way I found 19mm?). I actually leave two old flanges in my kitchen cupboard because they make great funnels for filling reusable applesauce pouches, among other things.

I did the pump and pour for a couple of months. The bags I’ve used since the beginning are the Lansinoh. Okay this “hack” is annoying and I apologize in advance, but it’s what I made work for me. If you use different flanges (a whole other beast, and I don’t know those hacks), it might be easier, maybe not.

So with the Spectra flanges you need:

A wide mouth bottle adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUNA96W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

A bag adapter
https://www.lansinoh.com/lansinohr-pump-adapter-2-ct

I LOVED being able to pump directly! Only gripe is that I’m not entirely sure about the ounces because I don’t read them off the bag accurately like I do a bottle.

Good luck!

I EP'd for two months after trying to EBF for 10 days too! First, EPing isn't the absolute end to your dreams of breastfeeding. You can always go back if you want to try again. I did, it was hard at first. We had to overcome nipple confusion. But to my delight, using Dr Browns wide nipples actually taught my son how to latch properly.

Second, if you don't want to try again, many people have done really well with EPing. My friend successfully EPed twins 100% for a full year. That's truly amazing because I had to supplement with formula one bottle a day and that was with just one kid :)

A couple of resources I found really helpful:

1. Invest in a simple wishes pumping bra
   
2. Get some Pumpin' Pal Super Shields. Amazing.
   
3. I normally loathe this website, but this link was helpful for me

This pump bag has been super duper helpful for me. I keep my spectra pump and all parts (gallon sized ziplock for the pieces I have to wash) along with pump wipes for when I can’t keep my pump parts in a fridge, a mini cooler bag with ice packs, breast milk bags, a sharpie, a pumping bra, some hand sanitizer, a hand towel, and a phone charger. It also fits a laptop but I pump in my office unless Im working offsite. It looks enough like any other work bag and it contains everything I need! Good luck mama

It might be a good idea to make sure your shields are sized correctly. My LC recommended Pumpin Pals ([Amazon link](Pumpin' Pal Breast Pump Flanges for Medela, Hygeia, Lansinoh. Sizes M, L, XL, 25mm to 40mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085CBA90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ca7pybJGYC82N) ), which come in a set of different sizes with the idea that you use the biggest when you're most engorged and the smaller sizes when you're less so. Good luck! And congrats on the great long sleep stretches!

No I mean if somebody else gave her a bottle I pumped at the same time (or soon after).

For building a stash, I would feed her (both sides) and double pump immediately after (while she napped usually). Every little bit helps when you're trying to get a day or two worth before going back to work. I think I had about a week's worth actually. The morning is the best time to pump after she eats because your milk supply is highest in the morning. I never had any luck pumping on one side while she ate on the other (not coordinated, plus she was and continues to be a huge baby so there wasn't room for it!)

Order a hands-free bra now. I know there are hacks involving sports bras, etc. but I didn't feel like it was such a huge investment considering I used it multiple times a day at work. That way you can do something relaxing while you pump (like browse reddit!)

Also since you asked earlier about storage, I used these:

http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-TS-N-001-NA-Breastfeeding-Starter-Kit/dp/B00CXSPL24

I pumped into the same bag which I stored the milk (and would freeze it in as well) and then the same bag could be used with the bottle. Eventually those bottles stopped working for us (just how she was with bottles, every baby has their own preferences) but being able to pump directly into the bag I stored it in saved me some steps. I liked it.

I use the Pumparoo bag and staging mat to hold my pump parts and to have a clean surface to setup/breakdown the parts, and I use this breastmilk cooler for the milk bottles. I keep them both in the fridge at work between pumping sessions so I don't need to wash the pump flanges and bottles between pumping sessions. The little cooler comes with a nice, thick freezer pack and I think I would feel comfortable leaving the milk out of the fridge with that ice pack.

​

I carry it all in this pump bag. The Spectra S2 fits (very tightly) in the side zip compartment that's designed to hold a cooler bag, and I keep the pumparoo, breastmilk cooler, hands-free-bra, and everything else inside the big part of the bag.

​

Good luck with your first day back! :-)

I use these to freeze milk. I've heard of people reusing them, but I don't since I only use about 4-5 a week.

We typically send 10ozs/day to daycare for my 10 month old, which usually gets eaten if we are lucky. 5 of it is stuff from the day before that I pump and 5 is from my freezer stash. When I pump each day, 5 goes to the fridge and 5 goes to the freezer. This way, my baby gets some fresh and some frozen while at daycare.

Good luck!

I have a Spectra pump that I’ve been using since our girl was born in July. When I need to transfer milk to bags, I use the Target Up & Up brand. We’ve had zero issues freezing/thawing milk in these.

In terms of every day use, I originally got these Nene supply bottles from Amazon because they screw directly into the Spectra and fit the Phillips Avent bottle tops (Avent bottles were recommended by a friend). However, our girl does better with the Dr. Brown bottles so I got adapter pieces so I could pump directly into them (whatever I pump at work, she drinks the next day).

Happy to answer any questions! Thinking about pumping as a FTM is so daunting!

It's so hard to keep track of measuring when you're so sleep deprived! I lost count and had to start over so. many. times. Don't worry, your baby will be fine. :)

This is why we eventually bought a cheap digital kitchen scale (the Amazon basics one) and started measuring formula by weight instead of scoops. I put a post-it on the formula can lid with the correct weight and just scooped until the number matched - no worries about losing count (and much more accurate)! (Especially helpful once our son was old enough that we felt comfortable making enough for more than one bottle at a time.)

I also had several of the small bottles meant for storing breast milk (from the hospital when I rented my pump) - they were perfect for storing one bottle's worth of pre-measured formula. If you don't happen to have a pre-existing stash of small bottles, something like the Munchkin formula dispenser works really well.

Nursing pillow (I use the boppy), milk storage solutions... Look into Kiinde Twist. You can pump from the Medela pump directly into the twist bags. My coworker gifted me the nice gift set and I'm pretty stoked to use it. Also these flanges, everyone tells me I have to get them, so I resisted for them. I also registered for the $30 medela hand pump because it saved my sanity with engorgement with my first one (hand pump + hot shower = relief).

http://www.amazon.com/Pumpin-Pal-Super-Shields-Complete/dp/B0085CBA90 <--- you may find those are more comfortable. They are tilted flanges that allow you to sit in a more comfortable position and still get great milk flow.

I have an 18mo old and am pregnant with twins. I also had the Spectra S2 pump for my first and loved it. I bought a second one to keep at work. You can buy spare parts for the S2 on Amazon, but I’d wait until you figure out which size flanges work for you.

I used the simple wishes hands free pumping bra. I kept it with my pump and just put it on each time I pumped. I had one bra with each pump (home and work). I wore regular nursing bras and just I clicked the cups down and fastened the simple wishes over the top of the nursing bra.

I also want to say the wide mouth Avent bottles screw directly onto the Spectra with no adaptors needed. So if you are purchasing bottles get the Avent ones for convenience. We used the Avent naturals and had both the 4oz and 9oz sizes. They make glass ones too if that is something at interests you.

I also used the kiinde system of pumping directly into bags while at work. I wouldn’t worry about that yet, you’ll have some time to figure out what works for you before you return to work.
I also used a wet bag to carry the pump parts back & forth to work. I used this one: Sarah Wells Pumparoo Wet/Dry Bag for Breast Pump Parts (Black and White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011M7MIRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IB2MBbGFWZJAJ

Lastly, if you have a health FSA (flexible spending account) or an HSA (health savings account) please know just about everything related to breastfeeding is an eligible expense. My FSA reimbursed me for the extra Spectra S2 I bought from Amazon, the pump parts bag, spare flanges, spare duckbill valves, and all my breast milk bags (kiinde system & bags too). I’m not sure if they would also cover the cost of the pumping bras as I got mine as gifts.

Products:

Spectra S1 pump (rechargeable version)(I actually had 2 pumps, one for home and one for work)

Bravado nursing bras

Papablic pump adapters for pumping into breastmilk bags

[Papablic adapters for pumping directly into Dr. Browns bottles](https://www.amazon.com/Papablic-Leak-proof-Adapter-Spectra-Flanges/dp/B077GRWGF9/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=papablic+spectra&qid=1573793877&sr=8-4]

NUK breastmilk bags

Dr. Browns pump bag (used for work)

I used 32mm flanges and an LC said they were probably on the larger side for my nipple size but that if it wasn't causing me any pain then it wasn't an issue.

Routine:

With the Spectra pump it starts at like cycle level 54- I never actually did the letdown mode (cycle level 70). I'm pretty sure I didn't follow the recommended user guide for the pump.

I would start out at 54/4 for five minutes, then gradually increase to 54/8 over the course of 20-25 minutes.

I did this in front of an LC once and she said that I ended up having like, 3-4 letdowns over the course of the 20-25 minutes.

*I pumped every 4 hours- 6am, 10am at work, 2pm at work, 6pm, 10pm, and 2am for 20-25 minutes at a time

I haven't heard that advice about membranes but I'm inclined to agree with you. I started ordering the membranes that are already attached to the valve and feel like I had better results with those flimsy little membranes.

Link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Spare-Valves-Membranes-Sets/dp/B0006Q561Q/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500590433&sr=8-4&keywords=medela+membrane

I bought the Freemie's (Freemie Collection Cups The Only Hands Free and Concealable Breast Pump Milk Collection System, Clear, 25/28 mm Funnels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1E-Eyb8Z7YA2B) when I went back to work (and a 9 volt car adapter for my pump) and they work sooo much better than my pumping bra. They don't stick out so I don't knock them while driving. I like to put it all together once I'm in the car and have my seat belt in, so I can get into a comfortable position. I don't see it being a problem with shifting, as long as you have the tubing out of the way before driving. I also got extra long tubing so I could maneuver it behind my shoulder to keep it in place.

Thats fantastic! And definitely check out what your insurance says about lactation support - I picked up my 100% insurance-covered Medela PIS (double electric pump) the day after getting discharged from the hospital. No reason for you to have to suffer through pumping sessions.

Also, if you're going to be pumping a lot, look into Pumpin Pals. They are amazing and saved me a ton of nipple pain from pumping back at work.

Keep at it, you're gonna do great!

wow those clip right to the pumping funnel? Thats awesome. Once I run out of my lanisho bags I'm going to switch. Thats two less bottles I have to wash/steam after every use! Thanks *edit: after reading reviews I'll just stick with the lansinoh ones and keeping washing bottles.

I'd recommend getting something like this to keep your milk cool during transport, with an ice pack: http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Fridge-To-Go-Bottle-Holder-Double/dp/B000K53U7K/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1382731816&sr=8-14&keywords=medela+cooler

I also have really enjoyed having my storage kit http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Breastmilk-Storage-Solution-Set/dp/B006R3KBYO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382731895&sr=8-1&keywords=breastmilk+storage+kit

My pump came with a battery pack too... I've used it three times but I would have been in a huge bind without it http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Pump-Style-Original-Battery/dp/B000HL2JOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382731932&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+breastpump+battery+pack

I also have different sized shields than the ones it came with. I also keep a pack of these with me just in case the pump doesn't seem to be working as well as normal http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Six-Membranes-Set-1/dp/B0001CTZ8K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382732151&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+membranes

I was unable to breastfeed my first, but when she was going through some medical issues we had a friend volunteer to pump for us. The milk were in these bags, and we either put them in a bowl in the fridge to thaw, or ran them under warm water for a minute or so. it was really quick and easy

Eco Friendly, Baby Edition! More suggestions are welcome!

I'm due this winter (being induced in December), and these cloth diapers would be really green and really helpful! My mom used cloth diapers with us, and though they're a little more work, they don't put THAT much extra laundry into the wash cycle, and they save on ALL that waste that's created by baby diapers! Crazy! We do not intend to do cloth 100% of the time, but they'll be nice when baby has already had a poo that day, and we expect no more poo, so they'll be there for pee only. (How predictable is a poo cycle on a baby? We'll figure it out!)

We also want to make most of our own baby food, from local produce from a farmer's market, which cuts down on gas used to bring us our food and all the glass bottles used to store food. Here is a plastic set of little food containers.

I'm also breast feeding, so here are some breast milk storage bags. THAT'S SUPER GREEN, and cheap, because I'm not using all that awful formula.

My friend and I found these to be the bags we liked the best. Double zipper, so they don't leak. BPA free.
http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastmilk-Storage-Bags-Count/dp/B006XISCNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409958104&sr=8-1&keywords=breast+milk+storage+bags

I would pump into the bottle provided with the breast pump (Medela), and then pour the milk into one of these bags. I'd then freeze it flat. To thaw, I'd heat up a bowl of water for a minute or so on high, then defrost the bag in that.

The Spectra is great! I had both the Medela PISA and the Spectra at first, but I was never able to get a letdown with the PISA. So I broke down and bought a second Spectra S2 (same as S1, but without the battery) so I wouldn’t have to carry it to and from work every day.

My pumping day is: Pump before work around 6am, then at work at 11 and 3. I bring flanges and other pump parts, 4 bottles, a pumping bra, and this cooler with ice pack. The cooler fits the Spectra bottles perfectly. In between pumping sessions at work I store the flanges in a clean ziplock bag in the fridge and wash them when I get home.

ETA: In the beginning I was pumping every three hours at work, but I was in the lucky position of pumping more than I needed and was able to drop a pump.

I use the Lansinoh, or Target version of the Lansinoh, because they freeze flat for storage. I dont have a chest freezer, but what I use in my regular freezer is throwaway aluminum food trays, They work well to keep the bags organized. I recommend using the shelf in the freezer to lay the bags to freeze, if the shelf is wire like, you may want to put something smooth and flat down to lay the bags on. When I froze the bags right on the wire shelf, it was hard to stack the bags side by side because the bags became wavy from the shelf.

You can definitely mix and match. For example I have a Medela pump, but I attach a Lansinoh pump adapter to the duck-bill/valve part and pump directly into a bag. I also recently discovered that the Medela bags will fit around the Lansinoh pump adapter.

​

Here's a link to where you can get the Lansinoh adapters. They saved me! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075HPVKH1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have to call my insurance to see what the free option is. (I'm definitely going with the free option.) I think it's a Medela. And then I was planning on ordering the Freemie collection cups https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8.

I feed LO around 5:30/6am and then immediately pump afterwards while I put on makeup/do my hair for work. Depending on whether or not she slept through the night, I usually get between 6 and 12 oz. I leave one bottle out fresh for her, for her first bottle of the day, and put the rest in the refrigerator. I then pump at 10am and 2pm where I get between 6 and 7oz at each pump session. I then feed her when I get home. She typically takes between 4.5 and 5oz every 2.5 - 3 hours. This is a lot for a breast fed baby, but we use a preemie nipple and I have taught my caretakers paced feeding, and this seems to be what she wants, so I roll with it. She's been sleeping 8-11 hour stints without eating at night for 2 months though, so I think she just gets most of her calories during the day.

I have a Spectra S1 which I love, but I have to use the Medela breast shields because Spectra didn't make them in 21mm. I have two tote bags. One I keep my pump and tub of coconut butter and purse and work stuff in, and then an insulated tote I keep the small medela cooler with the 4 bottles and and ice pack in and a wet dry bag (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011M7MIRW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1) that I keep my pump accessories in. I keep a gel ice pack in the zippered pocket of the wet dry bag. After I pump I clean out the breast shield with the medela antibacterial wipes and keep them in the bag with the ice pack inside the insulated tote. I wash them once at night with hot water and soap. I have to traipse all over the damn place to get to our pump room (I work in a cubicle farm) and I would have to go even farther to get to a refrigerator, so I don't even bother. This is why I only pump twice at work.

I use a Spectra with Medela parts. I like the Medela flanges better, the spectra ones didn’t fit right. For this setup I bought:

• adapters for the Medela pump parts Maymom Flange Adapter for Spectra... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBK73W8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
• replacement tubing because the ones that come with the spectra are annoyingly short. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019JIEQ5I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
• optional - lansinoh breast milk freezing bags with adapters - I have an oversupply of milk and this lets me pump directly into the bag Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075HPVKH1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
  Also, random tip I wish I knew earlier: if you’re having any pain while pumping, I recommend using coconut oil on the inside edge of the flanges and on your areola

I am so so sorry this happened. Yeah it's spilled milk, but it was a lot of work just to get that milk to spill!

I had flat nipples and the LC at the hospital gave me a nipple everter. I would use it right before latching and LO could get on no problem. After a couple weeks, she fixed my nipples herself and I haven't used it since.

You're doing a great job, and it is so so hard, ESPECIALLY in the beginning. Lots of love to you. You can do it!

I would get one for a "just in case" situation. Is there a chance you could get stuck working late one night? Or can't get back home on your lunch break? I also work about 15 mins away from home, and there have been times where I've forgotten to get the milk in the fridge asap (thanks, Baby) and was thankful I had my cooler. I got a Medela cooler set and love it.

There are these, although the reviews don't seem that stellar.

I have a Hygeia, not a Medela. But my process is, pump into bottles, transfer to bag and send bags to daycare with one bottle. Our daycare provider then pours the milk into the bottle herself, so there's less dishes for us that way. I believe some daycares require you to send individual bottles though, so that may not work for you. Either way, I only use the one set of bottles to pump into, refrigerate them with the bags of milk in between pumpings and then just wash them once at night at home (usually in the dishwasher, less hand washing that way).

You could just pump into bottles and cap them to send to daycare, you don't necessarily need a huge stash. My IBCLC actually recommended that I not start pumping until a week before I went back to work. It depends on your supply and how you react to the pump, but the average woman pumps a perfect amount in one day to send to daycare the next day. Then you only really need a stash for emergencies.

Just some options to think about!

Thanks for the reply! So this would work perfectly?

I like the duckbill ones a lot better because they are easier to get off. These are the ones I have.

I use these.

Medela Storage Bottles

I actually got mine for free from the hospital because my baby was in the NICU and not allowed to breastfeed at first, so I was exclusively pumping. They hold 2.5 ounces each and are washable and reusable (I'm still kicking myself that I threw out quite a few after one use before deciding to save them). Very handy for us!

Also - breast milk storage bags are excellent for yeast storage. They are sterile and cheap, much better for yeast storage than glass jars.

And you don't even need to be a parent to have them: https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastmilk-Storage-Bags-100/dp/B006XISCNA

Yeah, I get that, and I definitely get not wanting to make major waves! I work for a really small company and I'm just going to be taking over our conference room (which does at least have a lock). But it's good to at least be aware. If I were in your shoes I think I'd be more about holding them to the break time requirements than the space ones, but that's me.

Also, you might want to check out Fremies, which allow you to pump with your shirt on. I'm still pregnant so I'm not to this point yet, but when I get there these are what I think I will use.

http://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451311076&sr=8-1&keywords=freemie

You can buy these and use with your current pump.

Freemie Collection Cups The Only Hands Free and Concealable Breast Pump Milk Collection System, Clear, 25/28 mm Funnels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jUHoDbKZWJ5NT

I’ve heard some women with inverted nipples had successes using a nipple everter. Perhaps that can help pop out the nipple and you can measure it.

I've had good luck with these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XVASFGC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505233867&sr=8-2&keywords=duckbill+valve

I have a Spectra S2 and a Medela manual pump and can confirm they work with both.

Looks like these flanges here. I was about to buy them. OP are they better than the plain plastic ones?

Ok, I will try to format this nicely, but for some reason it always comes out TERRIBLY, so if you see it's been edited, it's just for formatting. Also, I didn't do any sort of price search, so these links aren't the best price guaranteed.

Dream Team Pumping Purchases

• Spectra Pump S1/S2 - one has a battery, that's the only difference. You can vary both the suction strength and the suction frequency on both the milking and letdown settings. There is a timer (yay!), and it remembers your settings. The only drawbacks is the tubing has a strange surface finish that picks up everything, so that kind of sucks, and the default is it's not on the letdown setting when you power on.
  
  
• Pumpin Pal Flanges - Unfortunately these aren't compatible with the Spectra style pump parts, so you need some other pieces to use them. They draw the whole breast in, not just the part around the areola.
  
  
• Maymom Adapters - These allow you to use the Medela style connectors and flanges with the Spectra.
  
  
• Medela Connectors - These don't have to be Medela, they can be Maymom or Nenesupply, but I couldn't find ONLY the connectors from either companies in my quick search.
  
  
• Duckbill Valves - These are way better than the little yellow piece valve with a rubber flap (if the flap moves, it doesn't always work). These are one piece, way awesome.
  
  As for bottles to attach...you can use Ameda or Medela bottles, or any bottle that fits the Medela connectors (I use the Medela bottles and sometimes Dr. Brown's bottles since they fit (depends on what's clean).
  

I had chronic low supply. I power pumped all day every day. I spent tons of money on supplements, extra pump parts, lovely pumping bras. I was able to make a very small amount and continued this way for months.

I missed so much time i could have held my baby!

Here’s what is worth trying in my opinion

Lact aid - https://www.amazon.com/Lact-Aid-Deluxe-Nursing-Trainer-System/dp/B00A8S0EY6

A pain in the ass to use often. But it allows you to feed baby and work on latch while stimulating milk production

Legendairy Milk supplements also helped


Gatoraid/cal-mag supplements also were good


All in all, the important thing to remember is you can bond with your baby and provide food. If your body can’t make enough milk, it hurts, but you are not alone. If it seems it is taking time away from self care and being with your baby, it is okay to stop ❤️

I bought this skip hop diaper bag and the medela bottle cooler bag . I found diaper bag at my local Home Goods for $20 and it fits the cooler and my Spectra S2 pump perfectly. I usually just leave the bag/pump at work and only bring home the washable parts and cooler daily.

Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Starter Kit

Never tried the bottles, but the bags are great and it comes with an adapter for every pump size. I also still use the bags for Apple sauce and soup for my toddler. They make little suck top adaptors.

My little dude has all sorts of eating problems (tongue tie, really inefficient, etc). So my current routine is to breastfeed him and then bottle feed him while pumping. I use what I pumped the day before to supplement him while I'm pumping. I bought these things so I could be hands (and weird things hanging off my chest) free while I feed/pump simultaneously. Kind of pricey, but really worth it: http://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1464114081&sr=8-1&keywords=freemies

Maybe nipple everter could help as well? Lansinoh LatchAssist Nipple Everter with 2 Flange Sizes, Nipple Extractor for Breastfeeding, Suction Latching Aid for Nursing Moms, Nursing Essentials. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00112EIWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RyknDbZ74TZF5

Here is a link to the one I’ve seen:

Lansinoh LatchAssist Inverted Nipple Corrector Nipple Everter, 2 Sizes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00112EIWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lBWZDbTWTQJSQ

You use it prior to the feeding. In theory it will draw out your nipple to allow for a better latch, then they can nurse normally.

if you pump daily, you should replace them every month. Or if you are fed up with how shitty they are, buy duckbills. They're a million times better and easier to clean.

https://www.amazon.com/NeneSupply-Duckbill-Breastpumps-Breastpump-Breastshields/dp/B00XVASFGC/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1502805050&sr=8-1&keywords=duckbill+membranes

So I was pretty annoyed to see how expensive pump bags were. It was hard to find anything that was under $80. I did a lot of searching around the internet and found this carry-all pump bag from Dr. Brown's that fits my pump, all its parts, a case of 100 medela milk freezer bags, a cooler with 4 medela bottles and ice pack, my hands free pump bra and there's still room for more in there and its price is under $50!

I asked my wife and she said the bottles came with her pump. I do recall what she did, since breast milk doesn't stay good very long outside of the freezer, is she would use those zip-lockable breast milk bags, dump the milk from the bottle to the bag. Then we would thaw out a baggy of milk and use it in any old bottle as usual when we needed to.

The only part that we "had" to replace were these little pieces, which we replaced with each baby. Nothing told us we had to, but since they came in direct contact with the milk and seemed pretty flimsy, we replaced them on our own anyway. Everything else we just sterilized before using with the new baby.

Okay... question for you. Would I need to buy this and this? Also, how does the cup sizing work? Is it like Medela?

I have a Medela hand pump with those membranes. I'm not a fan because it's easy to lose the little white parts.

I prefer these off brand replacements (cheaper, too): Nenesupply 5 Count Compatible Duckbill Valves for Medela and Spectra for Spectra S1 Spectra S2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XVASFGC
It's kind of funny that they come in a 5 pack.

I could have sworn....Aha!! I don't think Medela is the manufacturer? I'll post the whole link. I actually searched "Medela 19mm" on Amazon. This is the set I bought in 21mm and it works just fine with my Medela Double Electric Pump.

(http://www.amazon.com/One-Piece-Breastshield-Repalcement-PersonalFit-Maymom/dp/B00HD0WCUQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394035524&sr=8-2&keywords=medela+19mm)

I have a better idea http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CFLMNC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1DBCKGXGABBQV http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009R56U76/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AY2MQ6WIH9XEA http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3MY6V4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

My LO had a terrible time with bottles - the only ones that worked were the slow flow kiinde. Worth a try, especially if you are considering pumping anyway.

Also, I second the nipple shield idea if you haven't already tried it. Mine was SO painful unless I was using a nipple shield...and the biggest size. The LCs were kind of dismissive of it, but it was a lifesaver for me.

I am a Labor & Delivery/Postpartum nurse so I deal with this a lot! Usually we can get them to pop out with a latch assist or a hand pump. If not, or it pops out and goes right back in, we try just pinching a chunk of areola around the nipple and putting it in the baby's mouth like a sandwich. If we can get them to latch onto that, the baby will usually pull the nipple out. If that doesn't work, we try a nipple shield, but it is a last resort because sometimes it will cause latch issues.

You’ll need to find a Spectra to medela adapter, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EUNA96W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7btSCbCJJC34J

The S9 flanges are the same as a S1 or S2, so any pumping supplies you find that are for a S1 or S2 will work for a S9 as well. I have both a S9 and a S1 so I know the parts are the same, it’s just the S9 is not as popular so you don’t see it mentioned as much.

Alternatively, since the S9 will come with Spectra bottle, just pour from one to another. Up to you.

That sucks! Two things:

http://www.amazon.com/Drop-Stop-Original-Patented-Filler/dp/B00BYH6C1E

(There are cheaper versions, or just roll up a small towel and shove it in there)

And love this system

http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-Breast-Storage-Twist-Starter/dp/B00CXSPL24/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1450393495&sr=1-5&keywords=kindee

I've only tried these: Nenesupply 5 Count Duckbill Valves for Medela and Spectra. Designed for Spectra S1 Spectra S2 Spectra and Medela Pump In Style Not Original Spectra Pump Parts Replace Medela Valve and Spectra Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XVASFGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MUcWBb26HRDY0

And I don't think they work as well as original so I bit the bullet and bought the originals. I know reviews say they are just as good, but that wasn't my experience.

OK, I've been thinking about this all day. Would a set-up like this be possible for you?

• [Breast Pump Backpack] (https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Style-Advanced-Breast-Backpack/dp/B0011E75RK?th=1)
  
• [Battery pack] (https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Battery-Style-Advanced-Breast/dp/B000HL2JOC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1491593808&sr=1-1&keywords=medela+battery+pack)
  
• [Freemie collection cups] (https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1491593767&sr=1-1&keywords=freemies+for+medela+pump+in+style)
  
  You might look a little funny with a backpack on, and may not be able to assist in a crisis due to possibly sloshing milk, but you would be able to stay on the floor.

I have a Dr Brown's pump, all of the accessories, and 2 four oz bottles instead of the 2 two oz bottles it came with as I can frequently get 3 oz a side per pump. In the insulated bag, I keep a large hard plastic freezer pack, the 2 small freezer packs the pump came with, and filled milk storage bags. I also carry a smaller package of extra milk bags as well as my wallet, phone, and keys. Because of the fridge situation at my work (read: thieves!), I won't leave anything in the fridge. The freezer pack I use does a good job keeping the milk cold during my workday and I wash my parts and bottles after every pump, since there's no room in the insulated bag with the freezer pack and filled milk bags. This is all in a diaper bag, FYI. The Dr Brown's pump bag is ridiculously large to carry around.

Two things worked for us:

1. Change the bottle. Our son would not take any bottles, until we tried the Phillips Avent ones, like this:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Philips-AVENT-Natural-Bottle-1-Pack/dp/B0083TTLG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414095655&sr=8-1&keywords=avent+glass+bottles
   
   
2. We use this formula and have no complaints from the baby:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Earths-Best-Organic-Infant-Formula/dp/B0032CJPOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414095664&sr=8-1&keywords=earths+best+formula
   
   I would recommend you put breast milk in the bottle to get her started, then after a week switch to formula.
   
   And remember, your wife can FREEZE breast milk. My wife uses these:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastmilk-Storage-Bags-Count/dp/B006XISCNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414095757&sr=8-1&keywords=breast+milk+freezer+bags
   
   She lays them flat on the freezer to freeze them, and then she stands them all upright in a box in the freezer to store them. You can store them for up to a year.
   
   Obviously you will need to get a breast pump. If you have health insurance, all policies are mandated to provide one at no cost to you!!!!

Freemies!!. And Medela Freestyle??

Which bras have you tried? Also, it could be a flange issue. I hated pumping with the Medela flanges, but switched them out for Pumping Pals and it is much much better (long nips and all!)

Pumping will help. You may need to keep at it for a few months, but you call pump less as your supply regulates. Check out Breast Milk Storage Bags

I found a 19mm flange on Amazon made by a company called Maymom that is supposed to work for Madelas. I am contemplating ordering them as the 21mm are a little big for me too.


Here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HD0WCUQ?pc_redir=1411856705&robot_redir=1

Lanisoh makes a little device called the Latch assist, which I found works amazingly on my invented nipple. You suction it on a few seconds before you want to feed, and it pulls out your nipple enough for baby to latch and start a good suck. Also, half the price of those medela ones.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00112EIWW

if your wife plans to breastfeed, spend $7 and bring a nipple everter. It will save you a lot of crying all around.

http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-LANSINOH294983-Latchassist-Nipple-Everter/dp/B00112EIWW

Lansinoh LatchAssist Nipple Everter with 2 Flange Sizes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00112EIWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3uIgDb8MNCVA2


Try this! It helped a lot with me!

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, 100 Count (1 Pack of 100 Bags), Milk Freezer Bags for Long Term Breastfeeding Storage, Pump Directly into Bags, Nursing Essentials https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006XISCNA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wUgBDbJNWS1XQ

What pump do you use?
You could try these to replace your parts.

I had the spectra s2 and replaced my duckbill valves with these after a few months. They also can replace the valve/membrane combo on the medela!

I'm getting this one from Medela https://www.amazon.com/Medela-67068-Breastmilk-Cooler-Set/dp/B00H5OI9XO

I use this Medela Cooler Set and store pump parts in a Ziplock bag between sessions. I keep the cooler set and the Ziplock bag in a generic tote bag in the refrigerator at work. I wash everything when I get home.

If you have a medela, it is this... http://www.amazon.com/Medela-87088-Spare-Membranes/dp/B0001CTZ8K

I think these are the ones used https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Breast-Collection-System-Clear/dp/B00UV6JDN8/

Not even kidding.

Dudes, slanted shields. Life changer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0085CBA90/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1498508887&sr=8-3&keywords=breast+pump+shield&dpPl=1&dpID=31fp62yyihL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H5OI9XO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520704181&sr=8-2&keywords=medela+cold+pack&dpPl=1&dpID=41060u4AsFL&ref=plSrch

I have this and it keeps it cold for 12 hours

Give this a try!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00112EIWW/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have tried various size flanges for my medela pump. I even tried these on the left https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085CBA90/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nothing seems to get more more than .75 to 1 ounce. Now righty is also only giving me 3 ounces per pumping session :-(

These work very well to just slip into your bra cups. however practice with them first, if you use them incorrectly they will leak! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Z8xRBbAFN7ET8

If you decide to go the route of discreet pumping in public area, I would suggest using https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8 cups and quiet battery operated electric pump. The freemies can be worn under a loose fitting shirt with just a couple of thin tubes going to the pump.

Keep the breastmilk. You don't need a fridge, an ice pack will keep it cool.

Express milk can stay at room temp for 6-8 hours before going bad. For night time I set up two bottles of 2/2.5oz. One goes with me to the bedroom (we co sleep) and the other goes in the fridge. Some times she will eat half the room bottle as we transition her from sleeping in her swing to the room, so when she wakes up for her middle of the night feeding I feed her what's left of that bottle then bring her out to the husband (he sleeps on our couch cause he was really bad insomnia) to sleep in her rocker/ eat her second bottle while I pump. I then fill up two more bottles when I'm done pumping. Same thing one goes with me and the other ones in the fridge for her morning feeding.

For outings I have the Medela cooler ( http://www.amazon.com/Medela-67068-Breastmilk-Cooler-Set/dp/B00H5OI9XO ) I have a pre set bottle of 2/2.5 and then I take a couple bottles with me. My lo isn't picky about the temp of the milk, so she will drink it straight out of the cooler. If yours are picky then I recommend filling up a bottle after the finish the one they are on so it has time to get to room temp.

Freemies have sped up my pump time substantially. No need for a pumping bra since they tuck right in to your regular bra. And I don't think pumping only 5 ounces each time should lower your supply since your body makes what it is used to using up. (So, if you are usually pumping 15 ounces it will keep making 15 ounces.) I actually cut out a pumping session at work and just pump a little longer instead. Would that be an option for you? I go 4+ hours between sessions with no issues with my afternoon supply. (I had issues when my pump broke, but that's another story.)

Nipple shields are kind of annoying after awhile though, and sometimes they keep the baby from getting as much milk out. Have you seen [these things?] (http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-LANSINOH294983-Latchassist-Nipple-Everter/dp/B00112EIWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370628332&sr=8-1&keywords=flat+nipple)

The default size for the flanges for Medela brand is 24 mm. If you find the angle uncomfortable, consider getting the Pumpin Pal flanges. They come in packs of 3 with 3 different sizes. Kind of annoying, oh well. You can reuse the flanges, just put it in boiling water for 10 min to sanitize it. I wouldn't buy a pumping bra this early, your size will probably change.

Yes to tubing, it's good to have extras lying around. Be advised, they are generally sold in singles and you'll need 2 if you're dual pumping.

DO NOT PURCHASE MEMBRANES. Those stupid white flaps are crap. Get the duckbills instead.