(Part 2) 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.

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!!

1. For my first few months I pumped 8xday for 25 mins. I've never produced more than 21 oz a day and dropping down to 6xday didn't change my supply at all. No tricks or tips, I just spread my pumps out a little farther apart throughout the day. I have read though that when many women drop a pumping session, they still have to maintain the same total minutes of pumping per day. So if you're pumping 6xday for 30 mins, I'd first try switching to 5xday for 36 mins and if that goes well, maybe start reducing the number of mins per pump.
   
2. I didn't drop any money on a fancy pumping bag. It just didn't make sense to me. I use a large canvas bag with a zipper. It has enough structure to stand open for me to load/unload and such. It's big enough that I can put my lunch bag and water bottle in so I just have my big bag and small purse tote to and from the car everyday.
   
3. I have a TON of parts and wouldn't have it any other way. I run all dirty parts through the dishwasher every evening and then put them on the drying rack over night. In the morning I assemble a bunch of bottles with connectors and valves. I throw 2 bottles (with connectors, valves, and membranes already attached), 2 flanges, and a bottle cap into a gallon ziplock bag. I make up as many of these as I'll need for the day and put them into my canvas bag. After each pump, I return the used parts to the ziplock and back into the canvas bag it goes. I do use ALOT of ziplocks, but I rinse them out and recycle them at the end of the day.
   
4. I live in the southeast, so the idea of leaving milk in the car is CRAZY to me. But as long as the car is as cool as the fridge, I don't see why it would be a problem. I'd just keep it out of direct sunlight. It could be a problem if the car gets too cold though. You wouldn't want to freeze, thaw, freeze any milk by mistake. I just store mine in the office fridge and then put it in my empty lunch bag with an ice pack for the ride home.
   
5. Wear a nursing bra and get a hands free pumping bra. I'm able to just lift up my shirt, pull down the nursing bra, and put the hands free 'bra' on without taking anything else off. There are a handful of bras that you can pump in on the market, but I haven't found one that I like. This is the best solution that I have found thus far. It takes me about 90 seconds from the time I sit down (with my bag closed still closed) until I begin pumping and less than that from the time my timer goes off until I am ready to return to work.
   
6. I try to take my time off the clock to take care of any personal business I might have as it's easy to make phone calls, work on my laptop, make a grocery list, etc. Also a good opportunity to stuff my face:) Oh...keep a long phone cord in your pumping bag. Also keep a manual pump in your car at all times just in case.
   
   I've made it 9.5 months and don't see much getting in the way of my goal of a year.
   
   Good luck!

You are so not a failure. Pumping is hard, breastfeeding is hard and recovering from giving birth is super hard. Plus, you’re dealing with a major hormonal drop which does not help the situation. It took me 10 weeks to not feel nervous before each feeding session. My daughter would alternate between being cool with nursing and straight up refusing the breast. So I alternated pumping and nursing and it was super hard. We figured it out but it took a long time.

Go easy on yourself this is a difficult time. The best advice I received re pumping, you do not have to clean your flanges after each session. I would pump and then put my flanges in a ziplock in the fridge until I needed to use them again. They were fine. Clean them at the end of the day, this is for your sanity. Buy spare flanges for those days when you don’t have the will to clean them at the end of the day. Do you have any steam bags? I waited until I was like 7 months pp to buy these things and wish I’d known about them sooner. 90 sec in the microwave and boom sanitized.

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags Economy Pack of 4 retail boxes (20 Bags Total) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0139J3RGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pPB6CbMWH0759

I'm a little late to this post but I wanted to tell you that when going to the smaller sizes, they have a 22.5mm insert and a 21mm insert. I have both. The 21mm is the one that fits best but it drives me nuts, so I use the 22.5mm.

I'm currently using both sizes b/c I have two pumps so I can't send them to you, but the 22.5mm ones are super cheap so may be worth trying? Ameda has a brochure to help you find what size you need.

I bought this bag and love it. Stylish Diaper Bag Organizer for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IV4JN0E?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Tons of pockets and comes with a insulated bag. I usually pump about 20 oz give or take and transfer it straight into milk storage bags and I still have room for more bags in the insulated bag.

I put my pump parts in a ziplock bag and store those and my milk in the refrigerator at work. It saves time and is perfectly safe in you handle your parts cleanly and don’t have a baby that is prone to sickness.

I bought this pumping bra attachment. Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078F15SWS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It works like a charm. Connects to any regular nursing bra or tank.

I suggest you buy extra valves for your pump and keep them in a box in your bag and never take them out. I’ve forgotten those little boogers too many times, but having backups in the bag already helps. I bought the 12 pack on amazon from maymom and they work just like the ones that came with the pump originally.

I pump 3 times in a 12 hour shift and it takes about 30 minutes to get to the lactation room, set up, pump, and break down. I wish I would have done a dry run before going back to work. I fumbled around the first night and probably wasted more time than anything.

There is already a lot of good information here from other parents. The one thing I will add is that for us the best bottles that worked were the HABERMAN you can find on amazon here. https://www.amazon.com/Medela-6200S-SpecialneedsTM-Feeder-150ml/dp/B001LIQ018

For the first couple of weeks we used the ready made bottles of formula. https://www.amazon.com/Similac-Pro-Advance-Formula-Support-Newborn/dp/B000N351WQ/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1501071495&sr=1-1&keywords=ready%2Bmade%2Bformula&th=1

The main thing is to keep calm and patient at first. We struggled for the first 2 days before we found a routine and flow that worked for us. If you have anymore questions feel free to message me. There are also plenty of cleft related communities on Facebook if you can find one you like.

I had the same conundrum! I got a few of these awesome nursing/pumping bras from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Ruminas-Classic-Nursing-Hands-Free-Pumping/dp/B00L4HUH56
You can flip down to nurse or flip up and they hold the flanges of a pump! They are great and fairly cheap. Highly recommend!

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 bought this bag: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BZSHWV8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have a shorter commute and use a little lunchbox with an ice pack to stop the parts and bottles in during the day. I still put the lunchbox in the fridge, but the icepack is more for peace of mind.
I don't know if other moms do this but I wear this pumping bra every day under my nursing bra. I think it makes things much easier if it's just always ready. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UMY7E?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Even though everything I read said that my baby should only need 13 oz during daycare, she has always taken 16 (sometimes more, eek). 4x4oz. Try and send one more bottle than you think he'll need at least for the first day.

The number of times you pump should match the number of times he eats. I usually pump around 10, 1,3, and 830 pm. I had to add the evening one since she takes 4 bottles while I'm gone. I'm very diligent about the #pumps per day but the timing varies. The days where I'm very off schedule I do tend to pump a bit less but it returns the next day. What will hurt your supply long term is reducing the pumping/ feeding sessions per day. Otherwise I think you'll be fine!

Oh and since you have a long commute you might want to pack a spare shirt is cardigan in your desk in case of spitup or breast milk leaks or spills.

Go mama!

Second Sarah Wells! I have this bag - Sarah Wells Abby Breast Pump Bag with Real Leather Straps (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GZN3X3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GZzoDbCQ37FHX - And I love that it looks like a large purse and is discrete. It’s also enormous with a million pockets and side areas.

I adjusted the Amazon app to Canada and found the Nene parts you were talking about, but I also found this link of Spectra S2 replacement parts. It might not ship to you specifically (maybe) but at least it lists the Spectra replacement parts.

Spectra Baby USA - Authentic Premium Accessory Kit - (Medium / 24mm) - (INCLUDES 1 of each accessory) Replacement Parts for 9 Plus, S2, S1, M1 Breast Pumps, BPA/DEHP Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711JRQ44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZQvIDbYD139BT

I hope this works for you!

I got the Medela pump through my insurance and it works (it is pretty loud) but it is nice being able to get parts if needed at almost any store! I wanted the Spectra but my insurance didn't provide that option.

Many people use a haakaa on the side they are not feeding on to catch the letdown! I prefer the milkies milk saver since it goes right in your bra/tank top and you don't have to worry about baby kicking it off!

I got this as a gift and it’s pricey but I love it! It’s currently packed to use as my hospital bag but the reviews say it fits spectra pumps and that’s what I plan on using it for.

Sarah Wells Lizzy Breast Pump Bag (Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUHZAVO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CT68AbAK0DMX2

Here's mine - I've been happy with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Kaylaa-Premium-Breast-Luxury-Stripe/dp/B01FJ6PU3G/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520013281&sr=8-3&keywords=kaylaa+breastpump+bag

Here are two that my friends have recommended. https://www.amazon.com/HaloVa-Multi-Function-Waterproof-Backpack-Capacity/dp/B06XPDDJX3/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1520013061&sr=1-5&keywords=diaper%2Bbackpack&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Wells-Lizzy-Breast-Floral/dp/B06WRR81Q6/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520012994&sr=8-8&keywords=breast+pump+bag

I started with the Medela bags because they came with the bottle sets I bought, but when it came time to buy more they were so expensive, so I did some hunting and found these on Amazon. I'm half way through my second box and they've been great so far!

I love this one from Amazon. I bought another recently.

I am also getting the Spectra from insurance and hoping to use Dr Brown bottles. I found these clip things on Amazon to pump straight into the lasinoh bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZM9G8Y?tag=blvisitor-20

​

I haven't had the baby yet so I haven't used any of the above, and there could be a much simpler way to do things that I'm unaware of. But my plan is to pump via spectra into the lasinoh bags then transfer to the Dr Browns or whatever bottle.

It is also a nursing bra so it has the clips on the straps. I hook my pump up on one side, unclip the other side like a normal nursing bra, bring it down under my breast then nurse football style. It zips in the front and has adjustable velcro in the back. It stays tight around the ribs as well as a strap holding the bra in place on the pumping side. This is the one I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3NHF6V?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Your pump should come with two plastic bottles. One thing about the Spectra is that it is a wide mouth setup and regular bottles like the medela brand don’t fit it without an adaptor, however my understanding is that the Philips Avent bottles do work with it if that’s what you are using. Additionally, this adaptor for bags is an option, but bear in mind that the ounce markers on bags are never accurate and therefore you won’t know exactly how much you pumped and how much is in each bag unless you pump into bottles then pour into storage bags.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075ZM9G8Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519609604&sr=8-1&keywords=pump+bag+adaptor&dpPl=1&dpID=41x7jATD5TL&ref=plSrch

Oh, also, don’t forget to pack supplies to wash your pump parts (small container of dishwashing fluid, and something like this: https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Tot-Drying-Bottle-Brush/dp/B0771JS51X/). I carry some Medela wipes in my bag too, in case I’m out all day and can’t wash the parts (https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Accessory-Convenient-Countertops-Resealable/dp/B005MQW60O/)

For what it's worth, I have a Purely Yours that I'm not using.

I've lost/broken parts, but I do have the 30.5 mm horn, the 28.5 mm insert, and the 25 mm horn. (I could have sworn I had the 22.5 mm insert but I can't find them.)

If you think you could use them, I'll nail them to you.

Make your life easier...https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075ZM9G8Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We used the microwaveable bags. Same principle. 2 minutes with 2 oz of water. The bags say they are only supposed to be used so many times, but I think that’s just so they can sell you more bags.

Maybe try Milkies shields? They sit inside the bra. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FV4N6ZQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549310753&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=milkies+milk+savers&psc=1

Im going to use this one to carry my pump and supplies to and from work. It's pricy, but it's a splurge item for me and I've heard nothing but raves about how much stuff it holds for work (not just the pump). https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NUHZAVO/ref=aw_br_ov_dp_4_7?colid=1362P7IYJL9NH&coliid=I2WLD8JGCBUAWN