Item number 12,986 that no one told me when I had a baby? Pumping breast milk can be hard and exhausting!
When my son turned 12 months he was diagnosed as failure to thrive (due to his FPIES) and put on a supplemental prescription only formula. While I still planned on breastfeeding him (up until this point since he had only 1 safe food he was exclusively breastfed and barely took a bottle), this medically necessary supplement threw a huge wrench into my milk supply.
I suddenly had a baby who nursed 6-8 times (OR MORE) a day who was refusing to nurse and taking to the formula very well. While this was great for his weight gain, it nearly killed my supply. Both his doctors and I wanted to at least continue with breast milk until he had more safe foods, so I turned to pumping as a way to increase (or keep) my breast milk supply and also to attempt to stash away as much milk as I could so that if he continued this nursing strike he would still be getting breast milk.
While all you may need to express milk is really your hands and a container to catch the milk (hand expression is a great way to boost milk supply), there are products on the market that make pumping a lot easier and more comfortable for mom. Whether you are pumping to increase your supply, to go back to work, to donate, or really for any reason at all these products will help you achieve your goal with a little bit more ease.
1. A double electric pump. When it comes to pumping breast milk I have tried a manual, single, and several kinds of double pumps, and if you are wanting to pump effectively in the least amount of time a double electric breast pump is the way to go. I personally have used a few but my current breast pump is the Lansinoh Affinity Pro. One of the things I love about Lansinoh is they really listen to their customers and try to create products or improve their existing products based on what their customers are telling them. Moms wanted their pump to be compatible with their feeding system and the Signature Pro fits with the new wide mouth interchangeable system so mom can pump, store, and feed with the same collection and feeding bottles. Additionally moms were complaining about the positioning of the tubing, so Lanisoh moved it which gives mom more tubing length. As a result, while I still use the Affinity Pro, I recommend moms check out the Signature Pro. I love their mOmma bottles, so having a system that allows your to pump, store, and feed with the same bottle collections is a big deal in my book. The Lansinoh Signature Pro retails for $149.99.
2. Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra. If you have ever wished you could do something else than sit sit while pumping, than you need a Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra. If you are pumping more than once a day, this will help you multitask. You can pretty much do anything as long as you don’t bend over (because milk will spill from your pump bottles) with this bra. I no longer have to choose between work and pumping. The Lansinoh Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra retails for $34.99.
3. Pumpin’ Pal Super Shields. You might think you don’t have any other options when it comes to breast pump flanges. Thankfully, you’re wrong. Honestly, I have no idea WHY the Pumpin Pals aren’t talked about more often because for me in terms of comfort and production the Pumpin’ Pal super shields made a WORLD of difference. They truly are super! I saw an increase in milk and a decrease in nipple tenderness the very first time I used these! To understand why I could go on and on, but I think this picture from their webpage sums why Pumpin’ Pals work, and why you need them.
I can even lean back and relax a little bit with these flanges which is great because the best way to get the most milk is by relaxing! The Pumpin’ Pals Super Shields retail for $29.95.
4. NuzzleHUG. It’s like a HUG for your breasts! Whether you want to help stimulate letdown, soothes sore nipples/breasts, or simply give your tired self a timeout than you need a NuzzleHUG. The NuzzleHUG is a fully adjustable hands free “HUG” for your breasts and neck. It comes with 3 removable NuzzlePOD inserts (2 breast, 1 neck) and can be used cold or warm depending on your needs. You can also use it around your waist to alleviate back pain or cramping. Cold is great for and soreness or tenderness you may have, and w arm is amazing for helping your letdown. My only complaint about this product is that it wasn’t around for my first son. I’ve tried other similar concept products, but you have to hold them all in place. The NuzzleHUG retails for $58.99.
5. The Nurse Purse. Gone are the days of boring black pump bags! With the Nurse Purse you can carry your pump in style. The bag holds most all major pump brands and is adjustable, and the bag is very spacious for all your carrying needs. It’s spacious enough to “carry any standard bottle cooler, with special area for a laptop or tablet, and a space for file folders. A zippered, interior pocket keeps your personal items safe, and 2 outer pockets are large enough for bottles or a commuter mug.” The bag itself in addition to being cute is made of a laminated material that makes clean up a breeze. Truthfully this may not be a product you need, but it is one you will want and love. Best of all it doesn’t scream “I’m pumping!” to everyone around you. The Nurse Purse retails for $129.
Do you have a favorite product that helps make pumping breast milk easier/more productive?
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We didn’t get our electric pump until a few days ago. We had to supplement right from the get go and I was using a manual breast pump, it was torture!! A double electric pump is a godsend to have.
I’m going back to work so I’m happy to know I’m not alone in this pumping world. It should be interesting but I’m happy there are products out there for me.
Those pumping pals look amazing I never knew they existed!
My little one arrives any day now (due 4/20) and I’m nervous and excited to start the nursing journey. I’m sure we’ll find products we love, and ones we don’t love so much, pretty quickly!
I love Lansinoh Lanolin! In the beginning it helped so much with sore/dry nipples!
I used a lot of lansinoh products when breastfeeding my baby and it really helped a lot.
wish i knew bout your site 5yrs ago i could have learned so much specially when it comes to breast feeding. i didnt even know Pumpin’ Pals Super Shields exist it could have been a life saver back then, luckily my 2nd one will have a better option and i really appreciate your post, will be checking it when my new one arrives.
Favorite… If I had gotten them–the pumpin’ pals. I SO wanted them last time, but couldn’t shell out anymore money for things by the time I discovered them.
I EP’d for 12 months and without an electric double pump I would have given up. Unfortunately the Medela I used was terrible and got all moldy and rotted from use so I need to buy a new pump for #2. My nursing bras all became stained and yucky over time so I’ll need new ones as well. this giveaway would definitely help. I wish I had known about Pumpin Pals, I went through so many flanges over the 12 months I EP’d and none of them seemed quite right.
I breastfed my first baby 15 years ago, and now I’m on #4. It’s really gotten easier with each one, and I’ve got to say it’s because with each one, I learned about new products that make it easier. This time around, I’d love to try the NuzzleHug. Ice packs and cabbage leaves work ok, but this looks like it would be very effective.
Baby girl is coming this summer and I am a bit anxious about breast-feeding, but knowing that there are so many helpful sites available certainly helps to relieve my worries a bit.
NuzzleHUG’s look cool! Sometimes you just need a little help with the letdown. My trick is to record my child cooing or laughing and then I close my eyes while having to pump, play the recording and try to relax
Lansinoh Lanolin is amazing for sore nipples.
I love that the pump comes with a proper ‘latch’. I have tried out a few different pumps (2 electric, 2 manual) and they all leave me sore from improper ‘latch’.
Oooh wish I could try the NuzzleHug!
I have manual pump that I don’t love, but I bet an automatic one would be awesome!
I would love to try the hands-free bra as I’m pregnant with our second and I’m sure pumping will be a bit more hectic this time around!
Thank you so much for this list, sooo helpful! The Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra looks like a lifesaver… I had to pump exclusively for the first 2 months of my son’s life and it was so hard because I couldn’t hold him while doing so…
Can all purpose nipple ointment be on the list? I was able to give up BFing/Pumping last week — got a prescription and my nipples are finally on the road to recovery.
Thank you so much for your informative posts!
Your choices are amazing, and your information helps me in deciding what products to go for 🙂
I would love to try #3
I’ve used both manual and electric breast pumps. An electric breast pump is necessary if you’re using it on a regular basis.
I just went back to work and I’m pumping every two hours. I am having issues with soreness and the shields look amazing.
I had never heard of the NuzzleHug before; it’s such an easy and comforting product!
I really wanted to breastfeed, but my son refused to nurse. He is now 3 months old and still will not nurse. My supply is not enough for him, but I work very hard at keeping it as high as I can. These products could truly help me continue to feed my son breast milk, rather than having to give him formula.
I love the pump bag. “Nurse purse” is stylish and allows to carry the pump without making the content obvious !
I just got the Lansinoh double pump and it is great! I do wish it came with more bottle tops though :/ My daughter has reflux and for some reason, my left side always has a very fast flow, so she chokes all the time on it. Pumping has helped a lot!
i have never heard of those pumpin’ pal flanges before! they really do sound super! i am going to check out their page right now!
I’m a labor & delivery/postpartum RN, mom of 3, breastfeeder, and avid milk donator. I love this list! I’m super interested in the Pumpin Pals and I’m still unsure how I’ve never heard of them! My only other pumping item I wish would become much more convenient and cuter would be a cooler for pumped bottles. They all tend to have the same ugly black color!
Hands free pumping bra is such a lifesaver!!
My baby is due to arrive at the end of this month and i need a new breast pump! i love lansinoh products and love the simple wishes hands free! i would love to use the hands free because it is so true, you wish you can do more things than sit and hold a pump lol
I would love to have this pump I have read all I can about and try to win one before I need to buy one. I’m in love with this breast pump.
Man, those pumpin pals flanges look awesome! I’m always shifting mine to try to get them at that angle!
I need to get my hand on that Lansinoh pump and the Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra when my baby is born when i breastfeed this time around! That is totally awesome! love the nursing purse and the nuzzle hug! great inventions! i would recommend also the bamboobies pads! best thing ever!
I haven’t used them, but those pumpin’ pals & the hands free bra look awesome!
I am only pumping right now and it can be a real pain in the boobs! I didn’t know they had different nipples to help with tenderness. The nuzzelhug sounds interesting as well. Pumping all the time may seem easy, but it’s actually tough on you too.
I’m going to look into those pumpin pals! Awesome tip!
that pumping bra would be ever so helpful!
As much as I don’t like the new ACA, the free hospital grade pump through my insurance is one perk that will definitely help a lot!
I’m due with my third baby in september and i never tried pumping with my first 2 so i don’t know anything about this subject. But I really want to go back to school and breastfeed so this list was really helpful
At first I thought the double pump was stupid but it is definitly worthwhile. Save time and have the use of your hands. It’s great!
Other than my double electric pump, I think that the nipple butter from earth mama angel baby is a life saver. I like that it all natural, smells like chocolate, and really doe work to soothe and heal sore and or cracked nipples.
I would love The Nurse Purse! How awesome would that be?
The Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra made my pumping life SO much easier. I pumped a lot with my first son, and not having a pumping bra meant that I had to just sit there for hours on end each day, holding the flanges. When my second son came along, I invested in the Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra, and it made a world of difference. Suddenly I was no longer a prisoner to my pump; I could multitask other jobs and pump necessary milk for my baby. I highly recommend that pumping moms make the same investment. It’s so worth it.
Totally excited to breastfeed and pump. I will be returning to work
handsfree pumping bra is super great idea!!
I use my smart phone to look at photos or a video of my baby to help me relax and remember why I’m pumping. Seeing his sweet face relaxes me, and helps my let-down.
The nuzzlehug sounds like a great idea. I hope I get the chance to try it.
The hands free pumping bra has got to be one of the best inventions ever! I don’t know what I would do without mine!
Thankful that new and improved products are constantly coming to the market – breast feeding is getting easier!!
I exclusively pumped with my first son once I went back to work, and most likely will have to do similar with my current pregnancy. I could absolutely not have done it without a double electric pump, a Simple Wishes bra (or two!) and, at the end, Pumpin Pals flanges. I only wish I had discovered them sooner–I ep’d for almost 10 months without them, and never, ever will go back to the standard. Thanks for sharing so more moms know what’s possible!
The Nuzzlehug looks so cozy!
I love Lansinoh for lubricating the flanges.
Pumpin Pals have been a life changer for me! Especially while I am limited with pumping time at work, they help me empty a little quicker!
I’m a first time mama to be, due in just a couple of weeks, so this post is very helpful for me. I had never heard of Pumpin Pals or Nuzzle Hug for example, and I think these products would make breastfeeding much more easier and pain-free.
I’ve always had a hard time pumping and it would have been nice from the beginning to have things that would help me or even more encouragement to keep pumping as well as nursing to keep my supply up. I just foolishly figured that nursing would be enough except I didn’t factor in daycare and times if be away from my LO. My supply has gone up some recently but I never seem to be able to find the time to pump since LO is nursing more lately.
All of this beautifullness I think wil definitely help me produce more milk. I have 0 stach and go day by day.
Thank you for the great advice! i do not enjoy pumping so any tips that make it more comfortable are invaluable.
I had a double electric pump when I was breastfeeding my daughter. I couldn’t imagine doing it with a single or manual pump. The NuzzleHUG looks AMAZING and I definitely want it to use when baby #2 comes.
Pumpin’ Pals are amazing! SO much more comfortable than regular flanges!
Wasn’t able to last long breast feeding and pumping for my last baby hopefully this time now that I know more I will get to!
I had no idea how hard it was to pump exclusively. I have breast fed 3 kids but the 4th was born with health issues and I couldn’t. I think about giving up the milk supply everyday. But I just can’t. Good pumping suppliesmake it easier for sure.
Great review on all of these products! This is a very exciting giveaway for me, as I was unable to breastfeed my last child and really want to make it work this time (due June 4th)! I would love the chance to be able to give them try.
I never knew some of these products existed… Thank you so much for all of your helpful info.. I especially think the double electric pump as well as the nuzzle hug would come in super handy, not to mention the hands free bra. All of these are definitely a must have for new moms, and experienced moms as well!
I love the nurse purse and the fact that the pump is a double pump! We are trying and an electric pump is something I haven’t thought about!
An electric pump would be a blessing one that you know is from a reputable company is something I only dream of having.
There are so many options for pumping, it seems like trial and error. Some of the products you mentioned on this page look amazing—I wish there were “mommy milk supply stores”
I am excited to try some of these products. Thanks for sharing!
My first best thing that aids in pumping is a supportive spouse. Material wise, I would have to agree that a double electric pump is essential.
I had a lot of trouble producing milk with my daughter. I tried really hard and tried just about anything. It was exhausting and very stressful! I will be getting an electric double breast pump this time around so I don’t have to rent one. I’m not very familiar with this pump and will check it out.
I have had to supplement from the beginning too. I only have a manual pump and it’s not that great.
Wow…the nuzzlehug sounds perfect for those first few painful weeks of nursing!
I remember my wife struggled to breast feed and pump. She never got enough milk in. These products would be very helpful for her for when we have our second child.