Pump/feeding Accessories - STM opinions needed

MamaKSquared

So, I know we've talked a bit about pumps, but I don't remember if we've talked about pump accessories and extras. I did a quick search and didn't find anything. I'm about to order my pump an I have the option to order extras as well. I have no idea what I might actually need. Do you have any tips on what might be useful or what you found to be not worth it? I honestly haven't thought logistically about how we will address feeding pumped milk on the go. There may be situations when I prefer to bottle feed vs feed from the breast, depending on what we're doing and this will definitely be a concern if someone else is babysitting for us. How did you go about storing the milk, etc. until baby was ready to eat. What about warming on the go?

PJpeppercorn

I never gave my first a bottle of pumped milk while I was with her and out and about-- it just didn't make since because then I'd still have to pump soon after that feed. So much extra work. You might find this to be the case as well for you. 

cal031686

I don't know what brand you are buying but I would order another set of replacement parts, membranes, tubing, valves etc. If your pump doesn't come with a cooler and ice pack I would get one of those. Extra bottles if you are going back to work and the baby will be with a sitter. Freezer storage bags. 

PeachGal23

Agree with PP about a set of replacement parts, cooler and ice pack.  I really liked the Kiinde Twist system with DD and plan to use that again with this baby.  You can snap a nipple right on to the bag you pumped into, so no need to pour milk from the bag.  

SkiChic626

I did bottle feed my DD while out and about, I just wasn't comfortable nursing in public.  I tried a few times, but it was too stressful for me and she senses that so it was never successful.  Here is the list of extras that you'll likely need if you plan to pump and store.

- Pump bag that's easy to get your pump in and out of
- storage bags
- extra bottles to pump into with lids (you can also pump directly into the bags, but I would almost always spill milk when i did this - my boobs are big so the bags would bunch up on my tummy and if i wasn't looking they'd spill
- hands-free pumping bra
- extra tubing, flanges (because your size can change from day to day), the little rubber flap pieces (I can't remember when they're called)
- My Brestfriend or Boppy.  I found MBF to be best when she was a newborn since it's so much more supportive, then I switched to the Boppy as she got older and was better at supporting herself
- sanitizing bags for the microwave

MamaKSquared

I'll be ordering a Medela. Thanks for the tips! I may or may not bottle feed pumped milk at times while I'm out and about, but even if I don't, DH and our parents would, so that's something I want to be prepared for either way.

pelorunningmama

PeachGal23 said:

Agree with PP about a set of replacement parts, cooler and ice pack.  I really liked the Kiinde Twist system with DD and plan to use that again with this baby.  You can snap a nipple right on to the bag you pumped into, so no need to pour milk from the bag.  

Agree with this. I used Kiinde after buying a ridiculous number of other bottles/systems. Their bag system is super easy and the bottles are no fuss. Looks like SkiChic gave you a pretty good list of other extras you will need.

Curls919

Also, when your pump comes, check the flanges and make sure they're the right size.  They come with size medium but that isn't necessarily the right size for your nips.  It took me over a week to realize that I wasn't getting great output (and in a ton of pain from pumping!) because they were too small.

https://blog.medelabreastfeedingus.com/2015/05/medela-breastshield-sizing-guide/#.V18EzTX3gsA

SkiChic626

Curls919 said:

Also, when your pump comes, check the flanges and make sure they're the right size.  They come with size medium but that isn't necessarily the right size for your nips.  It took me over a week to realize that I wasn't getting great output (and in a ton of pain from pumping!) because they were too small.

https://blog.medelabreastfeedingus.com/2015/05/medela-breastshield-sizing-guide/#.V18EzTX3gsA

Yup!  This is so true!  I would even get a few sizes just in case, because your size can change from day to day.  Some days I would need the large and others I would need XL.  There are also pics out there of how the flange is supposed to fit and look - it's definitely a guess and check situation. 

Katm89

@SkiChic626 I didn't even know they have different sizes. I just put in my order for the Medela on the go tote with my insurance. They will be sending it out/ charging me the upgrade on July 15th ( a month prior to my due date).

Nikkoli98

I found that the bottles I am planning to use (Phillips Avent) makes a pump attachment to allow you to pump straight into the bottles.  You might want to check into something like that to save a step or two...

skelly70

The hospital hooked me up with a lot of the accessories, so I didn't need to buy things like bigger flanges. 

I strongly recommend a good hands-free pumping bra! 

tisunge602

As far as warming on the go, I'd recommend starting LO out on cold/room temp milk so he/she doesn't get used to warm milk. You may find that LO really doesn't care (DS didn't) and save yourself a step. Otherwise, putting the bag or bottle in a bowl of hot water should do the trick (don't microwave it).

Curls919

Nikkoli98 said:

I found that the bottles I am planning to use (Phillips Avent) makes a pump attachment to allow you to pump straight into the bottles.  You might want to check into something like that to save a step or two...

Just a piece of advice - make sure the baby takes that bottle before you open the pump attachment. Babies can be picky about what bottles they like. 

MamaKSquared

tisunge602 said:

As far as warming on the go, I'd recommend starting LO out on cold/room temp milk so he/she doesn't get used to warm milk. You may find that LO really doesn't care (DS didn't) and save yourself a step. Otherwise, putting the bag or bottle in a bowl of hot water should do the trick (don't microwave it).

This is what a friend did and her LO didn't have any issues. She was formula feeding though. Did you find that your LO was fine switching between body temperature breast milk and cold/room temp pumped milk? This would be ideal for sure! I'll definitely play around with this and see what happens.

tisunge602

MamaKSquared said:

tisunge602 said:

As far as warming on the go, I'd recommend starting LO out on cold/room temp milk so he/she doesn't get used to warm milk. You may find that LO really doesn't care (DS didn't) and save yourself a step. Otherwise, putting the bag or bottle in a bowl of hot water should do the trick (don't microwave it).

This is what a friend did and her LO didn't have any issues. She was formula feeding though. Did you find that your LO was fine switching between body temperature breast milk and cold/room temp pumped milk? This would be ideal for sure! I'll definitely play around with this and see what happens.

Yes, he was breastfed for a year and he honestly didn't care what temp the milk was. He would even drink it straight out of the fridge. He also had no bottle preference - I could use anything! But I realize I got lucky with him and not every baby is like that. 

MamaKSquared

tisunge602 said:

MamaKSquared said:

tisunge602 said:

As far as warming on the go, I'd recommend starting LO out on cold/room temp milk so he/she doesn't get used to warm milk. You may find that LO really doesn't care (DS didn't) and save yourself a step. Otherwise, putting the bag or bottle in a bowl of hot water should do the trick (don't microwave it).

This is what a friend did and her LO didn't have any issues. She was formula feeding though. Did you find that your LO was fine switching between body temperature breast milk and cold/room temp pumped milk? This would be ideal for sure! I'll definitely play around with this and see what happens.

Yes, he was breastfed for a year and he honestly didn't care what temp the milk was. He would even drink it straight out of the fridge. He also had no bottle preference - I could use anything! But I realize I got lucky with him and not every baby is like that. 

Awesome! Fingers crossed I have a similar experience!

Nikkoli98

Curls919 said:

Nikkoli98 said:

I found that the bottles I am planning to use (Phillips Avent) makes a pump attachment to allow you to pump straight into the bottles.  You might want to check into something like that to save a step or two...

Just a piece of advice - make sure the baby takes that bottle before you open the pump attachment. Babies can be picky about what bottles they like. 

Fair enough, the attachments are only $7-9 for a set of 4.  I will be pumping for a few weeks before introducing a bottle around 4 weeks.  I'll have to open at least one pack of bottles to see if the baby likes them, and if not I can still use them (glass bottles) to collect the milk in while pumping.  I think I've mentioned my aversion to plastic in multiple other threads... :-)

SkiChic626

@MamaKSquared said:

tisunge602 said:

As far as warming on the go, I'd recommend starting LO out on cold/room temp milk so he/she doesn't get used to warm milk. You may find that LO really doesn't care (DS didn't) and save yourself a step. Otherwise, putting the bag or bottle in a bowl of hot water should do the trick (don't microwave it).

This is what a friend did and her LO didn't have any issues. She was formula feeding though. Did you find that your LO was fine switching between body temperature breast milk and cold/room temp pumped milk? This would be ideal for sure! I'll definitely play around with this and see what happens.

No, DD wanted NOTHING to do with cold milk.  She wanted her milk a cozy 98.6 degrees, just like she got from the tap.  Eventually we were able to offer it around room temp and she'd take it, but she refused it cold, even after a year.

jacmkelley

MamaKSquared said:

tisunge602 said:

As far as warming on the go, I'd recommend starting LO out on cold/room temp milk so he/she doesn't get used to warm milk. You may find that LO really doesn't care (DS didn't) and save yourself a step. Otherwise, putting the bag or bottle in a bowl of hot water should do the trick (don't microwave it).

This is what a friend did and her LO didn't have any issues. She was formula feeding though. Did you find that your LO was fine switching between body temperature breast milk and cold/room temp pumped milk? This would be ideal for sure! I'll definitely play around with this and see what happens.

DD would take a cold bottle, not straight from the fridge but cool tap water was fine. We formula fed with her. I'm wondering how the breast feeding will go with this one as far as the warm/cold preference goes. 

tinkerbell11210

@SkiChic626 our DD was the same way. She refused a cold bottle. At 6 she still request warm milk occasionally before bed. I think every baby/ child is different.