Your favorite pump accessories!

hoosiermama-2

What are they? What's been super helpful to you?

My hospital says I'll be getting this pump:
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/698/pump-in-style-advanced-breastpump-starter-set
Wondering how I should accessorize.

camcbeth

My favorite accessory was taking an old sports bra cutting two small holes to create my own hands free breast pump bra. I just didn't want to spend the money on the expensive one that went with the pump and had seen an article to make the DIY cheap version. It worked really well and I'll use it again with #2. 
I also loved the Medela microwave bags to clean the parts, bottles, and anything else. They were very handy when we went on vacations too.
Not specific to the pump but I bought washable pads for my bra to catch leaking. Another boob fave, the gel pads for nipples. I'd stick them in the freezer for extra cool relief. 

hollowway

Flanges that FIT. The pump will come with 24s... they were too small for me and I needed a larger size. So that seriously made me love my pump when I got new flanges! Also, my new pump from insurance didn't come with a bag or carrier, so will be shopping for something cute to put it in. 

MrsBigTime

I got a cute insulated bottle holder for going back to work. The Skip Hop one. 
Otherwise, I didn't get any extra accessories not already mentioned. 

SandNStarsNJ

The Medela sanitary wipes were great with pumping at work. They were a quick fix when there wasn't water or time to clean carefully throughout the day and they were helpful for any milk residue while cleaning up.

hoosiermama-2

@camcbeth Brilliant! Literally, just two holes in a sports bra?

camcbeth

@hoosiermama, yep. And when I said old, I am am pretty sure I got this bra when I was 12 so I didn't feel bad cutting it. The holes are snug around the cups so it holds well and meant I could be hands free! I spent two days without it and holding the pump system every time was annoying. 

rencontrezmoi

A large wet bag, like this one- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2G2Z2M/ref=pd_sim_75_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=MTREX526TA1PVBVWT835&th=1

I would be away from DD for almost 15 hours, 3 nights a week for work, and I would pump 3-4 times while I was there. Instead of having to clean the parts after each use, I would just toss them in the wet bag, and stick the bag in the fridge until the next pumping session. Then, I'd clean the parts once I got home. It worked great! 

hoosiermama-2

@rencontrezmoi How has your bag held up? One of the reviews shows some serious wear and tear! I imagine you wash it waaaaayyy more when using for diapers vs a pump.

jenesiso

The Lawn drying rack (the big one) is fantastic if you soak your pump stuff in soapy water. 

atcwag

1. 31 insulated pouch to keep pump parts in between sessions. 

2. Car adaptor. I commute a lot for work so did a lot of pumping while driving.