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!

If you are breastfeeding/pumping I LOVED this pumping bra. I would pump at night while washing dishes or bottles. Lol. Made life easy. I also agree with the above comments- nose frida snot sucker is amazing and I LOVE my ergo!

Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, XS-L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0.ayub008Y9KQ

I’m 10 months postpartum and a 30G and I sooo feel you. That said, here are the two bras that worked for me!

Wacoal Women's Maternity Contour... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWHJTG3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Freya Women's Pure Uw Moulded... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JUPMJPA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I also recommend this wraparound bra for pumping (it goes over any existing bra or just over your boobs and is super adjustable) instead of a dedicated pumping bra, if you end up doing that:

Simple Wishes Signature Hands... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Good luck and congrats on your baby!!

Can't recommend the Simple Wishes pumping bra enough. I just pull up my shirt, unclip or pull down whatever I have on as a bra or undershirt, and zip the bra on. It takes like ten seconds and allows me to get a ton of work done while pumping. It's around $30 and has held up really well for me. They sell the same one at Target (branded as Lansinoh) but it doesn't come with the extra extender thing included like the Amazon one does.

When my SIL had her baby a month after I had mine, she unexpectedly had to start exclusively pumping her first week PP, and I bent over backwards to deliver her one of these bras the day she started. That's how essential it is to me! She bought a second one the next day.

Aside from pumping bras, you could also consider Pumpin' Pals. They allow you to lean back when you're pumping instead of having to awkwardly hunch forward. I haven't tried them myself but I've heard good things.

Have you tried a pumping bra? It holds me up and in place and theres no wiggle room for the flanges.

I use this one. https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Signature-Patented-XS-Large/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=pumping%2Bbra&qid=1558913714&s=gateway&sprefix=pumping&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

I'm so sorry it's been so hard.

Hmmm...double pump, electric or manual? If electric, totally buy this...I used it ALL the time at work!!

I also had a difficult time breastfeeding so I switched to exclusive pumping. My son is now 13 months old, and I still pump. I have a few tips which might help.

1 - she needs to have a good pumping bra in order to leave her hands-free. I didn't know this at the beginning and spent so much time holding the pump flanges for 20+ minutes at a time, while hurting my hands because you have to keep them still to retain suction. Now, I pump while I'm eating dinner, on the computer, while feeding my son a bottle of pumped milk, or even while traveling in the car. This is the bra that I use and its great. It's got velcro in the back and holds well. I could not have made it without this bra. I can still pump while holding my 13 month old son, using this bra (though its awkward!)

2 - The first 3 months is when supply gets solidified, so be very sure what she wants to do before dropping pumps. Its more difficult to reestablish a supply than continue a good one, of course. But its always an option to supplement with formula, which I did as well.

3 This board is for exclusive pumpers and it is insanely active hah. Any questions posted there will get a very quick response.

Its tough but consider pumping at least twice a day to keep giving your baby the antibodies - apparently if you pump less, the concentration of antibodies is higher.

I exclusively pumped for a year! My boy was born at 37 weeks and just wasn’t big enough to get a good latch, so I began pumping when his weight gain wasn’t where it should be. Here’s some tips that kept my sanity throughout that year.

1. Join an exclusive pumpers support group. There are several very good ones on Facebook.
   
2. Invest in a good pumping bra. This was my favorite.
   Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Pink, X-Small/Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_py8IDbNKRZTJM
   
3. Pump at the same intervals that you are feeding the babe. It will be exhausting in the beginning, but as you drop feedings, you will drop pumps and it will be more manageable.
   
4. Sunflower lecithin is a miracle worker if you get a stubborn clog.
   
   You can do this! Best of luck!

Spectra hands down. Pretty much any cups will work with the right adapters. Any pump combo can be hands free with a bra designed for pumping (there are lots with specific folds to hold the flanges.
I just put this on top after I loosened my bra and pulled it up: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lbCkDbN5GX2V5

I don't think Freemie is quite as covert as intended, more so than others, but I wouldn't buy it just to be hands free.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

one

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I use this one u/yourenomatch

Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Pink, XS-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8pUZCbEX0NM4Z

Gah that pisses me off to no end. "Oh here, fight for our country and enjoy your shitty benefits"...

I had the pump in style. Whatever you do, get a double electric pump, and a pumping band. Lets you go hands free while you pump so you can surf the interwebs, etc - this lets you distract yourself from the actual process and relax, letting your milk pump easier.

This is the best one ever
Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Soft Pink, XS-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5KKIAbSGEWVYK

So I feed my 3 month old daughter at about 5:30-6:00AM. I usually leave my house around 7:00. I've been power pumping the last few days to increase my pumping output (20 min on, 10 min rest, 10 min on, 10 rest, 10 on, and quit) but normally I would only pump 20-25 minutes. After that first pump of the day I pump at 11:00 for 25 min and then again at 3:00 for 25 min. Those sessions usually get me enough milk for the next day at daycare (four 4 oz bottles so total of 16 ounces). I'm going to start pumping right before bed to maybe work up a little stash! The car pump gets me the most output since it's earlier in the morning.

I have the Spectra S2. I really like it. I think it retails around $300 in the US if insurance wouldn't buy it. If you are committed to pumping while at work I would definitely invest in a dual, hospital grade pump. My pumping bra is this one. When I'm ready to pump I just pull my shirt and bra up and strap on the pumping bra. So far I have no complaints! I have yet to find a pumping bra I would wear in replacement of a real bra.

When pumping make sure to have the correct fitting breast flanges! That's really important. Mine were too small and my supply started dropping just after a week. The correct fitting ones make a big difference in comfort and output.

Umm... DRINK all the water and EAT all the food!

That's kind of a review of my setup :)

Definitely both. I also work 3 days a week. My baby only nurses from one side at a time (usually), but I always pump both using a handsfree bra (Simple wishes, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00295MQLU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487347575&sr=8-1&keywords=hands+free+pumping+bra). These days at 10 months, I can often get away with only pumping once during my 8 hours work day. Especially since she always wants to nurse a bunch right when I get home.

Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0SjzzbVG33MGN

La-Reve Hands-Free Nursing Pumping Bra - Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Bra- Breastpump Bra - Pumping Bra Cotton - The Perfect Gift for Every Mother,Light Pink,Large Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZVSQZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UTjzzbJBKJ5XK

These are the two I have.

We started doing a bottle feeding every night or every other night at about three weeks (that way we were far enough in to avoid nipple confusion). I currently work full time and my husband is a stay at home dad. My baby nurses while I'm home and takes my milk from a bottle when I'm at work.

When you introduce the bottle, make sure your husband is the only one feeding her with it (you're not even around). If the baby sees you, smells you, etc. it might be much more difficult. Have him switch which sides he feeds baby on, and take little breaks so the baby can process feeling full. Only use slowflow nipples (you should never need to use bigger ones).

Here's my pumping and feeding system:

I get up early and pump for about 30 min. while I eat breakfast (I have a double pump with this, it is a big time saver). I get ready for work and then I wake her up to nurse before I leave. She goes back to bed, I go to work, and dad feeds her my pumped milk during the day. (She drinks about 18 oz while I'm gone.)

I pump at work during my lunch hour. When I get home I pump before I feed her. Then I feed her pretty much all evening.

So three prolonged pumping sessions supply her with her daily milk. On the weekends I freeze the extra (just in case it's needed).

I think it's important to pump in the morning--you will probably wake up with lots! Also, pumping BEFORE you feed her can be really helpful--the pump will only get the most readily available milk, and your baby will be able to get the deeper reserves. Plus, that will stimulate increased milk production. I know some moms who get up at night to pump if their baby sleeps through the night. Check out kellymom.com.

Have to use a pumping bra or hold it. This one is great and you can Velcro adjust the size to whatever size you need for it. Stick the breast shields in and then you are hands free.
Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Pink, XS-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LZfYCb7DSY7CE

A pumping bra was the only thing that worked to maintain a seal for me. Holding it I always managed to mess it up and it was such a pain.

I got this and it was life-changing.

I love my Spectra -- well as much as one can love a machine that sucks your nipples. I started pumping in the hospital with a Medela Symphony, and I get so much more milk with the Spectra.

I exclusively pumped for several weeks while LO was getting the hang of latching, so here are some tips:

I'd recommend getting a power invertor so you can pump in the car if you ever need to. I have this one from Amazon and it works great.

Prepare a "pump bag" to hold all your supplies -- hands-free bra (I have the Simple Wishes bra), pump, storage bags and bottles, permanent marker to label storage bags, a little container of olive oil to lube up my flanges (helps to prevent rubbing), small kitchen rags to wipe up milk, extra pump parts, etc. I use an LL Bean tote bag to transport everything.

In between pumps, I store all my pump parts in a gallon ziploc bag and stick it in the fridge so I don't have to wash them after every pump.

Not so much to comment on the one side but more your mention of a free hand. I use this (sorry for the crappy link formatting): Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_byB3xb2GRK7WF

It works really well and I feel like one of those stock photo moms pumping and using my laptop at the same time.

Not related to this specific pump but the postpartum nurse at my birth/childcare/breastfeeding/all the things class said to buy a hands free pumping bra like this guy - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_7MTeAbVQEZMCY

She also mentioned to bring it to the hospital, not sure if that’s a thing you need to do but thought I would pass the info along. I’m thinking about the S2 as well.

I also exclusively pump. I do both sides at the same time, because when I was breastfeeding he would eat off both sides each time. I make sure to pump every time my LO gets a bottle. I find that a pumping bra (such as this one) is useful for letting me multitask when pumping. I use a boppy pillow to prop my LO up after feeding (once he was a few weeks old) so he can be next to me while I pump. I can interact with him and make sure he’s happy. He’s not a fan of lying flat on his back.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions!

Seconding this. Also invest in a hands-free pumping bra (I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00295MQLU). You'll express more when pumping both breasts at the same time than you would if you pumped each breast individually. Plus, what's the point of shelling out for a double pump if you can't us it to double pump?

working moms love it!

The best thing I did was get a hands free pumPing bra. I use this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00295MQLU?pc_redir=1395426222&robot_redir=1 and I'm pumping right now. It's still awkward to hold him but not impossible like it would be otherwise.

I always need something to hold them on. Especially if the bottles get kind of full and heavy. Sometimes shoving them in my bra works, sometimes not. This is my favorite style: Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra, Patented, Pink, XS-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_isiYCbTN4AGSQ

This one is a good style too: LactaMed Simplicity Hands Free Bra Kit - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yuiYCb4EXTT9V

This one didn't work as well for me when the bottles got heavy: BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women's Maternity Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory, Dove Heather https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCO9OY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_duiYCbCP16VSQ

Also cutting holes in a sports bra works, especially if you need one now but it was a pain to get on/off, and I pump multiple times a day, every day, so I got a dedicated pump bra.

purchase a hands free pumping bra (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU) i feel like all breast pumps should come with one, but they don't and it's a must have.

if it's a possibility that someone might bust in on you while you are pumping, get a nursing cover too. i got one as a hand me down and i don't think ill use it while nursing but it would come in handy while pumping.

I haven't went back to work yet. However I would recommend trying to start a stash asap. I had one. He had about a 4 day period where he decided he didn't want to latch and I ended up using the stash along with some formula till he decided he wanted the breast again. Also get one of the hands free breast pump bras. http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS-L/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376553134&sr=8-1&keywords=nursing+pump+bra

I always fed for about 15-20 minutes on one breast and then swapped him to the other and fed for another 10-15 minutes, then pumped both. I found if I didn't, I tended to get uncomfortable and leaky before he was hungry again.

Also, originally I thought it was a waste of money, as they're not cheap, but a good hands free pumping bra is a blessing. It lets you actually do things while you pump, even if 'things' is just play a game on your phone or eat lunch, otherwise you're stuck there holding the flanges on your boobs, which is a pain. I kind of felt like a cow in a milking bay, but the extra 15 minutes I had to do things was so useful I dealt with it. :)

I liked this one from Amazon. I think like most parenting, it's trial and error and trying to work out what works best for you and your baby. There are very few 'right' answers. :)

Since a lot of people don't know about these (our nanny for our second kid didn't know about them until she saw me using one and she was also on her second baby - she was so happy to find out about them!), you'll probably also want to look into buying or making (from an existing bra) hands free pumping bras. If you're going to be pumping regularly, you're going to want to be able to do other things while you pump.

This is the brand that I've used for my first two babies, but there are several out there, and there are simple tutorials for making a pumping bra out of an existing bra -> http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-X-Small-Large/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452609659&sr=8-3&keywords=pumping+bra

After I did a bunch of research and talked to other full time working Mamas, I ended up with the Medela Freestyle- I love it. It's a double pump electric and a rechargeable battery. So, just my $.02.

But, other advice, seriously La Leche saved me as well, I went to a few meetings before hand and when I had some problems, I had numbers to call and helping voices to guide me through.

The other thing I HIGHLY recommend is getting a hands-free bustier. I got this one (http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU) and love it. I can work on the computer, walk around my office, whatever while pumping. And, you can just use it over your nursing bra, so you don't even have to get naked in the office. Worth it. Good luck!

Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra

I use the Medela Pump in Style Advance (free through my insurance). Are you going to be pumping due to a return to work? The version my insurance provided doesn't include the extras that came with the PISA when my sister purchased hers in 2011 (prior to Obamacare), like the backpack, the battery pack, the cooler bag, and freezer pack. My sister gave me hers, so I use all of these things and would recommend purchasing them or something like them if you will be pumping at work.

I also recommend a Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra. My lactation consultant recommended watching this video to learn tips about maximizing production: http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html, and I use these techniques throughout my pumping sessions every day.

I pump twice a day at work - at 10am and 2pm - for 20 minutes each time, not including set up and take down time. I keep my milky pump parts in a gallon ziplock bag in a mini fridge (that I bought on sale at Best Buy for $99) behind my desk after the morning pump session. Since they are refrigerated, I don't have to go rinse or wash them in the communal office kitchen sink between pumping sessions. I take them home every night and wash in hot, soapy water, and then I sterilize them in the Medela sterilizing bags in the microwave. I let them dry overnight on the Boon grass lawn drying racks. I have multiple sets of pump parts and bottles because sometimes they don't fully dry overnight. I also wash and reuse the ziplocks, but I plan on replacing them with PlanetWise clear storage bags (which are top rack dishwasher safe) to reduce waste. I keep one complete set of extra pump parts and bottles in my desk at work just in case I forget something - it's already saved me once!

To stimulate let down at work, I bring a slightly used burp cloth that smells like baby (smell is one of your strongest senses!), I watch videos or look at pictures of baby, and it sounds weird, but I close my eyes and visualize my hungry baby. The visualization plus the smell of the burp cloth does it almost every time.

Please let me know if you have any more specific questions!

ETA: My daughter was 20 weeks when I went back to work and she only took 5-8oz the first week at daycare, but I think that was just her adjusting to the transition. Now she takes between 10-14oz on average. I usually pump about 12-13oz. I built up a small freezer stash before going back to work just in case she outpaces me.

I bought this one http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS-L/dp/B00295MQLU it is basically one size fits all. It was super easy to put on. Size adjusts by a really sturdy velcro then I could just leave it velcro to my size and take it on and off by a zipper on the front. It has 4.5 stars on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS-L/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_31?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1409926284&sr=1-31&keywords=medela

Ok so there’s this nursing bra hack that works in a pinch, I’ve also heard about cutting holes in a sports bra. I’ve bought this bra from amazon and it’s pretty good. I want to buy the kindred bravely nursing/pump bra when I go back to work though.

I loved this one https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Signature-Pumping-XS-Large/dp/B00295MQLU?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00295MQLU&pd_rd_r=2RMB5H1JWEQAG9GH5BK1&pd_rd_w=llzKH&pd_rd_wg=hk1WU&psc=1

Not the most delicate thing but great for my size D’s

I'm using the Medela Pump in Style and love it. I also got their personal fit shields for pumping because I couldn't get anything out with the regular sized ones. I've even used it in the car on road trips with the battery option so we didn't have to stop for 40 minutes every three hours so I could breastfeed. I use a hands free pump bra too.

You can use other bottles with the Medela pump. When my son was swallowing too much air with the Medela bottles and nipples we got Dr. Brown bottles and I pump directly into those. Most bottles have the same threads on them so you can screw them onto the pump.

You mention holding the pumps - have you tried using a pumping bra? Like this one https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-X-Small-Large/dp/B00295MQLU

I just went back to work but I'll try to help.

I started pumping for a freezer stash at about 8 weeks and I still do my extra session most mornings because I'm worried my supply will dip if I stop. My husband uses the milk for baby's first feed after I leave.

I use this bra and it works well but I have to disrobe and put it on while I'm pumping and take it off when I'm done.

My baby takes every drop I make and my husband has to dip into the freezer stash sometimes so I'm not sure how to help you there. 😕

Found a really thorough post about Maternity/Nursing bras over there, thanks!

Clicking a few links led me to this monstrosity. Between that and the pregnancy vagina post, I am officially done for the day.

Can you get the bra? http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS-L/dp/B00295MQLU

Simple wishes double pump bra
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rWD5ybC0YKSMS

The tube is super adjustable from tiny to big. I only used one tank a day. I only had 3. The bambooobies were essential to not leaking everywhere. And they are the size of coasters so you can keep some extra in your bag if you're leaky.

[this one](Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vZPExbD9F938Z)
I heart Amazon
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra, Pink, X-Small-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vZPExbD9F938Z

Yes. It's this one.

It's awesome because it is super adjustable (big issue for me with my smaller ribcage and bigger boobs) and is wider so it actually covers and provides a little support. And the holes are nicer.

Honestly I am pretty thrifty. But for the amount of time I spent pumping in the first 18 months, spending $25 on an actual hands free, strapless nursing bra was worth triple the price I paid. like this