Wearable Breast Pump Bag With Cooler

Either a wearable pump or collection cups for your .... I got a bag just for pumping stuff, a portable milk cooler, breast pump wipes, and... just forced myself to get used to it. For a wearable pump I recommend... cups. I would use them with my baby buddha but they ...

... you have an in bra wearable? I pump on the go a lot... breast pump wipes for cleaning up on the go, you’ll want a ziplock bag... put them in the baby bag or a cooler bag easy peasy. I throw them... ziplock just in case. – a cooler bag with ice packs will keep freshly ... you plan what to do with your stash milk - frozen ... already you could pump for a few minutes after baby is done on the breast to get...

Below I've copy-pasted the pumps that aeroflow has made available to me through my insurance. I'm a first time parent and feeling a little overwhelmed looking at them, so I'm seeking any guidance I can get through y'all submitted by

Hi, I’m a first time mom and traveling to RR for a concert. I need to bring my breast pump (I have wearables) and will need to bring a small cooler with ice pack to keep the bagged milk cold. Has anyone had this experience? What do I need to bring and will they give me a hard time? Edit to add: concern is surrounding the ice packs and if my back has multiple compartments to carry everything needed. submitted by /u/AnyCorgi900 to r/RedRocks [link] [comments]

My son will be 5 weeks old tomorrow, I started using the fridge hack about 2.5 weeks ago. Originally when I started it, I was using a cooler next to the bed, now I have a mini fridge. I haven't had any issues, but I have noticed that it does smell a little sour by even the 2nd pump. I'm using the Medela wearable cups, and just putting them in a ziplock bag, then immediately in the fridge. I pump with these about 4 times before I wash and sterilize. Am I doing something wrong? Should I be washing sooner?? My baby has never had more than a spit up until today, he woke up and gagged and I guess you could call it a spit up but seemed more like vomit. It wasn't projectile I've recently increased his bottle to 4 oz total, but today I also attempted to breast feed him in the tub. (He has a severe lip tie, so he doesn't latch great, but I like to try everyday) He's always been gassy and poops a lot but I think his poops are normal. If it were a bad bottle, he would refuse it right? The vomit/spit up is most likely from overeating I'd assume but he's been fussy today. But the funky sour smell! Am I harming him? Should I start washing the parts in the sink halfway through and then sterilizing later in the day? Updating for those searching with a similar issue: if you're using wearables make sure you're cleaning them right!! I thought when I got them it said not to remove the silicone membrane around it. (New meds plus baby and no sleep = I cannot read) Since fixing it I no longer have the issue. Also it did not make my baby sick either! submitted by /u/shark_bait_who_haha to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

Horigen Wondermore Hospital Grade Breast Pump with Horigen Decent Go collection cup set (purple) (3000) ✅✅Inclusions: - Horigen wondermore complete set - Horigen decent go cup set 2 (purple) - 17mm insert (3pcs) Freebies: - Breast Milk storage bag - Breast milk Insulated cooler bag used only for 3 months good as new condition 💯 RFS: stopped breast feeding location 📍dasma/imus cavite submitted by /u/DecisionIcy4218 to r/classifiedsph [link] [comments]

Supermama Airplus Breast Pump with remote control set + Supermama Portable milk warmer with freebies for only 10k Complete Set ✅ - 2 Electric Breast Pump with remote control - Complete extra accessories and spare parts - Supermama portable milk warmer with 8 adaptors FREE SUPERMAMA INSULATED COOLER BAG used only for 6 months RFS: stopped breastfeeding Good as new condition 💯 Location📍Dasmarinas/Imus Cavite submitted by /u/DecisionIcy4218 to r/classifiedsph [link] [comments]

I was pumping from day one and for months I felt totally overwhelmed trying to leave the house. Everyone said getting out was good for my mental health, but during short wake windows it felt impossible to pack everything and actually get out the door. Once I found a gear setup that worked for me leaving the house finally felt doable and enjoyable. I’m now 12.5 months in and sharing in case this helps anyone in that early overwhelmed phase. No kickbacks or affiliate links here, just want to help other mamas. Stuff that made the biggest difference for me: 🟦 REI cooler backpack (all-in-one bag) https://www.rei.com/product/204533/rei-co-op-cool-trail-split-pack-cooler * Replaced three bags for me (pump bag, milk cooler, diaper bag) * Backpack, hands free * Keeps milk cold 15+ hours with ice packs * Cooler fits pump parts, bottles or bags, and snacks * Top compartment works like a diaper bag (diapers, wipes, clothes, toys, extra bottle) * Big stretchy side pockets fit my Momcozy milk thermos ( https://momcozy.com/products/portable-breast-milk-cooler-for-outdoor-22oz ) * Fits under an airplane seat * Used this plus the small ice-pack bags below and frozen milk stayed frozen on a ~15-hour travel day 🧊 Tiny cooler bags with built-in ice pack (Amazon) https://a.co/d/1VBrNr4 * Pump cups fit perfectly by themselves, plus room for a couple 4oz milk bags * Great for reusing pump parts on the go * Or use for one bottle plus backup milk and clip to stroller or toss in diaper bag * Used inside the REI backpack for long travel days * If using for a bottle, keep the nipple clip side up so it doesn’t leak 🟣 TSRETE wearable pumps (budget Amazon wearables) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JFRYTP4 * Gave me better output than pricier wearables I tried * Rechargeable fast and easy to bring along * Helpful when I needed to be mobile * I usually get about four pumps per charge, but I bring a backup battery for long outings * Universal pump cups easy to replace / have extras 👕 Latched Mama snap pullover https://latchedmama.com/products/latched-mama-everyday-nursing-snap-pullover * Good for winter / cooler mornings and evenings * Front bib fully covers your wearables * I wear it to bed so for evening and early-morning pumps I don’t have to take anything off * Makes half-asleep pumps way less annoying If anyone else has random items that made pumping life easier I’d love to hear them! submitted by /u/Evening-Boss4689 to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

Hello looking for some advice on breast pumps. FTM and no idea what breast pump to buy. I do work from home if that makes a difference in which ones I should be looking at. I am a little heavy before pregnancy I was already DD if that also makes a difference. Any input is appreciated as I am clueless looking at these. Here is the free with insurance: - Motif Aura Glow™ Wearable Breast Pump - Motif Duo Breast Pump with Hands-Free Pumping Bra - Lansinoh DiscreetDuo Wearable Breast Pump - Lansinoh Thrive 2 in 1 Breast Pump™ - Lansinoh Wearable Breast Pump - BabyBuddha 2.0 Breast Pump - Zomee Fit Wearable Breast Pump - Spectra S2 Plus™ Breast Pump - Medela Pump in Style® Pro Breast Pump - Ameda Mya Joy PLUS Breast Pump with Tote Bag - Momcozy M5 Wearable Breast Pump - Motif Luna Breast Pump with Wet-Dry Bag - Motif Luna with Battery Breast Pump - Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 Breast Pump Lifestyle Set - Zomee Z2 Breast Pump - Spectra 9 Plus Breast Pump - Medela Pump In Style® Hands-free Breast Pump - Ameda Mya Joy Breast Pump with Large Tote - Philips Avent Breast Pump Advanced, Corded Use - Evenflo Advanced Breast Pump - Elvie Stride Breast Pump - Momcozy S9 Pro Wearable Breast Pump - Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump Here are some with a little cost: - Momcozy M6 Mobile Style Hands-free Breast Pump ($5) - Spectra Premier Wearable Breast Pump ($5) - Medela Swing Maxi Hands-free Breast Pump ($10) - BabyBuddha Wearable Breast Pump ($10) - Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow™ Hands-free Breast Pump ($20) - Willow Sync™ Wearable Breast Pump ($20) - Spectra S2 Plus™ Breast Pump with Cooler ($30) - Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump ($30) Thank you for any help and assistance you can provide. submitted by /u/Ravishing_panda to r/breastfeeding [link] [comments]

I have had multiple points during my journey where I wished I didn’t have to pump or felt tired. Getting a clog was one of the worst experiences of my life, and I really miss not having to wear a bra 24/7. However, I’m almost 9 months into my pumping journey and I personally don’t see an end in sight. At first I said six months and then said a year, but I don’t really see myself stopping at a year if I make it that far. Sometimes I don’t like having to pump but personally it makes me feel really accomplished. It makes me sad when my supply goes down but I’m okay with the amount I have to supplement and I want to keep going. I feel like I’m in a good groove with my pumping (currently 4ppd, 32-37oz, baby drinks about 35-40oz daily). I use a wearable as my only pump which helps massively with freedom and ease with travel. I have a cooler purse bag that I bring my pump stuff with me and have gone to eat, to the movies, to the mall, etc all while pumping. I don’t mean this to sound insensitive for those that can’t wait to stop, as I’ve definitely been there. This is a safe place for pumpers to vent so I understand that most of the content will be about pumping woes, but I wanted to share my feelings and see if there’s anyone else who isn’t looking forward to the end 😭 I’d like a smaller age gap so I’m hoping that I can keep going but I see myself getting pregnant as the only thing stopping me unless I stop producing for another reason before then. My first pregnancy had extreme breast sensitivity as my first symptom. Weaning will make me very sad. But for now I’m happy to keep pumping and I love being able to provide my baby with food. 100% fed is best, but I also feel proud of myself for being able to provide milk for my baby. I’m proud of myself for continuing even though it’s difficult. You are amazing for pumping for any length of time, it truly is hard work and sacrifice for our babies ❤️ submitted by /u/Massive-Warning9773 to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

Hello! I am expecting twins and shopping around for a breast pump. Ideally I'd like a wearable one with a long battery life to last for several pumps during a work day. I'd really like a collector that I can store the milk in, keep that in a cooler until I get home, and then transfer it to bags and wash the pieces but I don't even know if that exists. I work a lot on the road so a lot of pumping is going to be done in my car. I'd like hospital grade as I've read it can be better for mom of multiples but if that's not really true I am really open to whatever. Im hoping for something dishwasher or bottle sanitizer safe. Im thinking on the road Ill use spray sanitizers and then run it through the wash when I get home. Cleaning after pumping isnt going to be realistic on the road. I'd like to keep the price more affordable without skimping on quality. The ones that are $400-$500 seem really extreme. Hopefully this list of needs isnt too high or unrealistic or Im in big trouble! submitted by /u/AlternativeCoyote635 to r/breastfeeding [link] [comments]

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a life-changing experience for every new mom, but the postpartum phase can be particularly challenging. Having the right postpartum essentials at your side can ease this transition, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—bonding with your little one. In this guide, we list 29 must-have postpartum essentials to make life easier. Why Postpartum Essentials Matter Postpartum period requires both physical and emotional support. With the right items, new moms can tackle everything from physical healing to nursing challenges. So, let’s dive into the must-haves that will support this uneasy journey. Comfort and Healing Supplies 1. Postpartum Pads After giving birth, a woman may experience heavy bleeding that can last several weeks. Stocking up on soft, absorbent postpartum pads is essential to keep you comfortable and dry during this period. 2. Perineal Ice Packs These soothing packs can be a lifesaver in promoting healing. Cold therapy can help reduce swelling and discomfort postpartum. 3. Witch Hazel Pads Applying witch hazel pads can offer relief and promote healing post-delivery, especially if you had an episiotomy. 4. Nipple Cream If you plan on breastfeeding, nipple cream is indispensable for soothing sore or cracked nipples, allowing you to nurse more comfortably. 5. Sitz Bath A sitz bath can provide much-needed relief for postpartum discomfort. It helps in soothing and cleaning the perineal area, promoting healing and reducing irritation. Breastfeeding Supplies for Success 6. Nursing Bras Comfort is key while nursing, and the right nursing bras will make feeding your baby easier. Opt for ones that offer good support and easy access. 7. Breastfeeding Pillow https://preview.redd.it/hk2iz9hsq05g1.jpg?width=1400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63fa5ac97fc71695d223a26bafad78db10bbddfe B.Love U-Shape Pregnancy Pillow Invest in a quality breastfeeding pillow to support your baby during feedings. It helps to position your little one comfortably while reducing strain on your back and arms. 8. Milk Storage Bags If you’re pumping, having milk storage bags on hand will make it easy to store excess milk safely for later use. 9. Breast Pump https://preview.redd.it/v6s9luftq05g1.jpg?width=1400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9182df6bb0a3d9be62a7b2e3a814ec8e1791215 Sunveno Hands-Free Wearable Electric Breast Pump Set A reliable breast pump is a vital tool for moms who want to establish their milk supply and maintain it for future feedings. 10. Breastfeeding Guidebook Having a helpful guidebook on breastfeeding can provide valuable tips and knowledge for new nursing moms, ensuring they feel supported in their journey. Nourishment and Self-Care 11. Healthy Snacks Many new moms frequently overlook their own nourishment. Having healthy snacks on hand can keep your energy levels up while caring for your newborn. 12. Water Bottle Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle nearby. Proper hydration is essential, especially if you are breastfeeding, to maintain milk production. 13. Comforting Herbal Teas Herbal teas can offer relaxation and may support milk production. Look for blends specifically designed for nursing mothers. Dressing Comfortably 14. Loose-Fitting Clothes Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing that will be comfortable to wear while recovering from childbirth and nursing. 15. Slippers Comfortable slippers to wear around the house can make a big difference, especially when you're getting in and out of bed with your newborn. Baby Care Essentials 16. Diapers Your supply of diapers should be ample as newborns require frequent changes. Consider both disposable and cloth options for different situations. 17. Wipes Gentle, hypoallergenic wipes help you keep your baby clean and fresh during diaper changes without any irritation. 18. Changing Station Set up a well-organized changing station with all the essentials at hand to make diaper changes quick and efficient. 19. Baby Swaddle A good baby swaddle can make your little one feel secure and help them sleep better during those crucial early weeks. 20. Baby Bath Supplies Invest in a soft infant bath, gentle baby shampoo, and a hooded towel to make bath time enjoyable and safe for your newborn. Support for Mental Wellness 21. Journals Documenting your thoughts, feelings, and milestones can be therapeutic during this new chapter of life. A journal can provide an outlet for emotions and act as a keepsake for later. 22. Personal Care Items Don’t neglect personal care! Stock up on your favorite skincare and self-care items, which can provide small moments of joy. 23. Support System Your inner circle can make all the difference. Consider an app or tool that allows friends and family to help coordinate meals or babysitting, making your life a little easier. Creating a Cozy Environment 24. Comfortable Nursing Chair A comfy nursing chair in a quiet corner can become your favorite spot for feeding and bonding with your baby. Choose one with good support and a soothing design. 25. Soft Lighting Soft, adjustable lighting helps create a tranquil environment, making nighttime feedings less daunting while keeping the atmosphere calm. 26. White Noise Machine A white noise machine can help drown out loud household noises and provide a soothing environment for your new baby to sleep beautifully. Planning Ahead 27. Family Calendar Managing schedules can become hectic with a newborn. A family calendar will help keep track of appointments, doctor visits, and feeding schedules. 28. Emergency Contacts List Have a list of important contacts handy for quick access. This list should include family, friends, and medical professionals who can offer support when needed. 29. Quiet Time Activities Lastly, prepare a few quiet time activities like reading or light crafts for those moments when the baby is asleep, and you can take some time for yourself. Final Saying With these 29 postpartum essentials, you are well-prepared to transition into motherhood with confidence and care. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and prioritize your well-being as you embrace your new title as "Mom." Enjoy every precious moment! Read the full article https://newbornurseryfurniture.com/blogs/nursery-furniture-1/29-postpartum-essentials-for-new-moms submitted by /u/Serina_L to r/newbornNursery [link] [comments]

Super long post ahead! I recently traveled from SF to Italy for a week without my baby (for my sister’s wedding). This is everything I did to pump, freeze, and bring back milk during the trip. I brought back over 230oz of milk, which was my own as well as another mom’s who was also pumping during the trip. I had a lot of time to kill in transit so figured I would document this for anyone in case it’s helpful; I got a lot of helpful tips from across Reddit posts so wanted to pay it forward. Let me start by saying that this endeavor is not for the faint of heart! If you want to maximize relaxation and enjoyment on your trip, this is probably not for you. But if you can’t bear the thought of throwing away a week’s worth of breastmilk, and are an anxiety-ridden Type A personality, read on- is possible to bring it back! My trip had multiple destinations including cobblestone streets and an incredibly rural Italian countryside, which made things more difficult. Going to one place, or even a less rural place would certainly be easier. You could also probably do most of this with greater ease with a carry on sized cooler depending on how much milk you plan to carry. Items I brought For pumping day to day Eufy S1 pro wearable breast pump, with extra set of all components (or, of course your pump of choice. Personally I can’t imagine doing this travel with a full sized pump like Spectra) Ceres Chill milk cooler Ice cube trays (so you can fill Ceres Chill even if your accommodations doesn’t have ice) Manual hand pump (As a backup in case of electric pump failure, which I did not need) Milk storage bags and sharpie to label Pump cleaning wipes (I didn’t really use these but had them just in case) Travel size dapple bottle soap Bottle brush XL face towels (These are great for having a clean surface or for drying pump parts if you need to wash them on the go) Gallon freezer Ziplock bags (just bring way more than you think, they come in handy for storing your parts in the fridge, bagging up bags of milk, etc) Milk storage bottles Pumping bras Hand sanitizer For in-transit Yeti roadie 48 cooler Ice packs (I bought one set of these, one set of these; they’re about the same size so either would work. I used 5 in total to pack the cooler) Wrap for cooler (I did not end up using) Medical device tag for pump bag Printed signs to put on the cooler Packing tape for signs Air tag (for an extra layer of tracking for your cooler) Dagne Dover large diaper bag to transport pumping equipment (or any other big bag that can fit your stuff) Pumping on a long haul journey: What I learned about pumping during a 20+ hour travel day A breast pump is considered a medical device, so you can have it as an additional carry on item. For a long international flight, you will need to pump many times (I pumped every 4 hours). With 4 collection cups, you can pump one breast at a time, to get in 4 total pumps, and not have to try to clean anything. If possible, pump as closely as you can to when you need to leave for your trip. If you need to pump at the airport, see if they have a nursery- most underrated airport amenity! The one I used in Rome was totally empty, had private chairs, and a basic sink- which was the perfect environment for pumping and then washing parts. Better than a lounge in my opinion for pumping (and you can get ice from a lounge or restaurant afterwards). Don’t count on pumping during a layover, in case there is an unexpectedly long line at customs (like in my case) or other issue. Even if you have to pump as your plane is landing, this is preferable in case something goes wrong during your layover. Chilling your milk in transit with Ceres Chill I love my Ceres Chill though I'm sure other brands would also work (I just haven't used any) Use the Ceres Chill with the inner chamber full of ice, and ask flight attendants for more ice periodically (and pour out any water that has melted off). If you have a small amount of milk in the chiller, turn the whole thing upside down so milk is in contact with cold chamber. It won’t leak as long as you have everything screwed in tight. Some flights have ice that’s too large to fit in the Ceres inner canister- so have them give it to you in a plastic bag and let it melt a little. Open the canister a little bit during takeoff. If you don’t, it’s not a big deal but the pressure may cause a small amount of milk to slightly spray out when you open it, which is more just messy than anything. Freezing your milk as you go Make sure you stay somewhere with a freezer (probably goes without saying). Ask your AirBnb in advance if you aren’t sure. Freeze expressed milk each day. I froze 6oz portions to minimize total number of bags. Ideal is access to a larger freezer (like the ones that are typical in US). European freezers can be small, but I was staying in a wedding venue that let me use their kitchen’s freezer in addition to the one in our room. Ideally you want a freezer big enough to freeze your ice packs AND your milk. Otherwise, you may need to abandon the ice packs and just use the freezer for milk and buy bagged ice. If traveling in Europe, keep in mind that grocery stores may have limited hours on Sundays, so plan accordingly if you need to buy ice. How to get around with your cooler You will not be traveling light if you bring a big cooler- taking a train or walking anywhere with your luggage may be difficult, especially if you are traveling alone as I was for most of my trip. This may mean extra expense to hire drivers or Ubers, so factor this in! If renting an AirBnb, especially in Europe, I suggest trying to find one with an elevator or at least on a lower floor. Shout out to my step brother for hauling a full cooler down 5 flights of narrow stairs. Moving your frozen milk On my trip, I had about a 4 hour transit period between my first and second destinations. For this shorter journey, I packed the cooler with frozen ice packs and the milk, and also added some bagged ice on top (probably wasn’t necessary but I was at the grocery store anyway). Here’s how I suggest you prepare to pack up frozen milk for your long haul journey: 24 hours in advance, pre-chill cooler with bagged ice if possible (If pre-chilling is not possible, your milk will likely still be fine! I just have not tried it this way). Morning of, drain melted water from the pre-chilling and remove that ice. Pack the cooler with an ice pack in bottom, then alternate layers of ice pack and milk, ending with ice pack on top. Use bagged ice to fill in the sides. Tape on your signs that say “Contains breastmilk, handle with care” with your email and phone number, in English and the local language. Assembling the cooler took me about 20 min total. DON’T Wrap any plastic around at this point; United agents wanted me to open my cooler which I had wrapped and I had to take the wrap off. Use the blue ice blocks (like this); United agents told me they were not allowed (though I carried one on through security and nobody cared) Open your cooler (unless instructed to do so) Give yourself plenty of time at the airport and be patient with questions about your cargo When departing out of Rome, the United check in agents had clearly never encountered someone trying to check a cooler full of breastmilk before but were helpful in figuring out if it was allowed. They had to call three separate agents to figure it out. Luckily I got to the airport way in advance so I was not stressed about missing my flight. They asked me to open it up and looked at the ice packs I had inside. The ones linked here are allowed. After inspecting the cooler, they had me get it wrapped at one of those wrapping stations, and accompanied me to check it in the oversized luggage area. I had to pay $20 for the wrapping, but there was no extra charge for the bag itself being large. They never weighed it but I don’t think it was over 50lbs as I could lift it off the ground a few inches and I am not very strong. Celebrate when you make it! I was super happy and relieved that my cooler made it and everything was still frozen solid when I opened it 20+ hours after leaving Italy. I believe it could have gone many, many more hours and still been fine. Would I do this again? Probably not for such a complicated journey, but if I was traveling somewhere closer and less complex I believe it would be worth it. I hope this helps anyone who may be wondering if this is possible! submitted by /u/KPL9232023 to r/HumansPumpingMilk [link] [comments]

I have a list of breast pumps that my insurance will pay for. I do not know what one to get!! What one is best? I am unable to upload the screenshots, so I will list them: -Motif Luna Breast Pump with Wet/Dry Bag -Motif Duo Breast Pump with Hands-Free Pumping Bra -Zomee Z2 Breast Pump with Tote and Cooler Set -Lansinoh SignaturePro Breast Pump with Tote -Evenflo Advanced Breast Pump -Medela Pump in Style Pro Breast Pump -Medela Pump in Style Hands-Free Breast Pump -Lansinoh DiscreetDuo Wearable Breast Pump -BabyBuddha 2.0 Breast Pump -Lansinoh Thrive 2 in 1 Breastpump -Philips Avent Breast Pump Advanced, Corded Use -Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 Breast Pump Lifestyle Set submitted by /u/OkWave9443 to r/breastfeeding [link] [comments]

These are the ones covered by insurance. If you could pick one, which and why? submitted by /u/savvykaye to r/BabyBumps [link] [comments]

I've been back at work for 2 months now as an exclusive pumper to my almost 5 month old baby. I finally feel like I've perfected my pumping at work set-up and wanted to share my advice and set-up with anyone, who like me, feels very overwhelmed by the idea of having to pump at work. Pump: I can't recommend getting a second pump for work enough. I started by lugging my Spectra back and forth, but it was so cumbersome and I forgot pieces one too many times, so I started to look for a pump to leave at work. Someone on my local Buy Nothing Facebook Group was gifting the Baby Buddha, so I jumped on it and now use that exclusively at work! You can find a lot of gently used pumps for reduced prices on Facebook marketplace or Buy Nothing Groups so you don't have to pay full price for a secondary pump. I also bring my wearables every day as a backup option or in case I need to pump in the car on the way home. Bag: Get a bag exclusively for your pumping stuff. I bought this one on Amazon and it's been so great for airplane travel, day trips in the car, and to bring stuff back and forth from work. This bag also came with the mat to have a clean, prepped area to put all my pumping supplies on my desk. Breastmilk Cooler: I know a lot of people recommend the Ceres Chill, but I don't have easy access to ice at home or at work, so for me, this Momcozy Portable Breastmilk Cooler has been perfect. I freeze the included ice packs every night and then grab them out in the morning. It keeps my milk cold all day, even if I forget to unpack it as soon as I get home. Pump Spray: I'm embarrassed to admit how long it took me to embrace pump spray, but once I did, my output has increased and my discomfort decreased! Mini Fridge: I finally caved and bought a mini fridge for my desk so I can do the fridge hack during the day at work and not have to worry about using the communal break room sink to wash my pump parts in between pumps. Plus, it's great backup storage option for my milk if I ever forget to bring my cooler. Portable Bottle Brush Set: I use this travel bottle washing kit for washing my pump parts at the end of the work day. Pump Wipes: On days I don't have the time or energy to wash my pump parts, I use these wipes and they work great. Nipple Butter: The Earth Mama Nipple Butter helps my nipples feel so much less painful and sensitive throughout the day. Reusable Nursing Pads: Again, embarrassingly late to the game on these reusable nursing pads, but they help to make my pumping bras last longer between washes and I can no longer smell sour milk on myself all day every day! Other random things I have in my pumping bag include a nursing cover (just in case), hand sanitizer, extra duck bills, breast milk storage bags, and chargers for my wearables and the Baby Buddha. I also make sure to drink tons of water throughout the day and bring lots of snacks! I know I was desperate to find some sort of guide or list of what I would need to bring to work with me to make pumping feel manageable. After a lot of trial and error, I'm pretty proud of the system I've worked out, so I wanted to share it with any other moms out there who feel overwhelmed by the concept of pumping at work! https://preview.redd.it/dymurcavyy3f1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c7c173ff130ba0acd78fd2474a56239ae04090e submitted by /u/PreviousAmbassador19 to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

I’m going to Hershey Park (amusement park in Hershey, PA for those who aren’t familiar with it) for Mother’s Day weekend with my family. We are going up on Friday afternoon and staying until Sunday. This is a drivable distance for us (~2 hours away). Our plan is to go into the park all day Saturday (it’s open 11 am-8 pm). I’m not too worried about the rest of the time we will be there as we are staying in a hotel with a fridge. Our thought for Friday is to bring some frozen bags with us to use that day/night and then whatever I pump that day will be used for Saturday. What are your tips on storing milk throughout the day when your only method of storage is a small cooler bag? Do I just bring an extra bottle or 2 and then just feed baby with whatever I pump throughout the day? I get so stressed about not having enough milk but then I also don’t want to bring in a lot and have it go bad. I have a wearable pump so I’m planning to pump throughout the day and use Dapple breast pump wipes to clean it each time. I am also able to rinse it in the sinks throughout the park. Do you have any tips for pumping on the go for a day? submitted by /u/ehendricks to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

How are other moms carrying their pumps, milk, etc around every day? I’m back at work full-time and travel into an office each day. I’m currently using a Medela hand pump and a small cooler, but am looking to upgrade to a wearable pump (likely Momcozy M5) soon. I’d ideally like to carry the new pump and supplies along with any collected milk all in the same bag. Right now I’m just throwing everything into a canvas grocery bag. What’s everyone else doing? Is it worth getting a dedicated breast pump bag? Any recommendations for one? Tips on what to bring vs what to leave behind? Any advice is much appreciated! Edit: Thank you all for the advice! It sounds like most of us are just cobbling together a system that works for us. I’m kinda surprised at how little there is on the market to make pumping more travel friendly. I got a few good bag recommendations though! Thanks again! submitted by /u/lukewarm_disaster to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

Sorry, but I am so freaking proud of myself. I just went on a 5-day international trip and managed to bring ALL of my milk home. I was honestly skeptical and got a lot of help from this sub (so THANK YOU), but I couldn't believe it. It is my greatest life accomplishment. Greatest learnings and tips: I bought this MomCozy portable cooler and it might have been one of the best purchases. I know a lot of people like the ceres chiller, but it was easier for me to not have to worry about finding ice in the airport (not always easy to find ice in Europe). My adventure home was almost 20 hours of travel and it kept all of my milk chilled from leaving the hotel to finally arriving home. My hotel was a huge MVP. This hotel allowed me to keep my ice packs and one bag of frozen milk in the industrial freezer at the attached restaurant. This is something they do not normally do, so I'm especially grateful that they made this accommodation. They also allowed me to keep milk in their fridge behind the front desk because I did not have one in my room. I was lucky there were two grocery stores nearby so I bought ice 2x a day and kept milk in my soft cooler in my room so I only was bugging hotel staff once a day. I do highly recommend making their lives easier and labeling the bag with your name and room number. I put all of my day's milk in one gallon bag and labeled it with the day (more for me when I got home), my last name and room number. I brought both my wearable pumps (Willow) and my normal pump (Spectra). It was a lot, but I wanted to make sure I was able to fully empty. When I was on the plane and the airport/on the go, I used my wearables and used my Spectra in my hotel room. BREAST PUMP WIPES ARE A NECESSITY (especially for travel day). I washed all my parts after every pump while in the room. I just set up a whole system in my bathroom. KEEP COOL AND BE OPEN MINDED. No matter what happens, it's an incredible feat (pumping in public, lugging a whole extra set up than you normally would bring). Even if you're only able to bring milk home on the return flight, that is amazing. WOMEN AND MOMS ARE AMAZING AND DON'T FORGET IT! I'm literally blown away by what my body is able to do through EP'ing and no matter if you're an under supplier or over producer, YOU ARE AMAZING because no one loves your baby like you and no one ever will. submitted by /u/Emp6422 to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

TW: nursing, oversupply TL;DR: lots of planning, careful packing, and increasing comfort with pumping in public made it possible to pump and maintain my supply while away from my baby for 8 days, and despite annoying Spanish policies I made it back home with all the milk! I just got back from a work trip to Spain and wanted to share my experience in case it's helpful for anyone else. I planned for this EXTENSIVELY and, other than some stomach problems keeping me from partaking too much of the actual work-related events, it went well. First, some background - my baby had just turned 3mo. We mostly nurse but I had started pumping early on when he was in the NICU, and kept pumping so my husband could do a bottle at night and in the morning. This trip was on my radar since before he was born, so I also purposefully cultivated somewhat of an oversupply with a goal of having 200oz frozen by the time I left, so he could continue to get breastmilk while I was gone. (He has a disease of the colon and it's particularly important that he have breastmilk; otherwise I would have been fine with him having partial or mostly formula). In the end, I was so fortunate (this time! I wasn't able to breastfeed my first at all!) and had about 400oz frozen when I left. 200oz seemed like a huge number when he was 1mo and I was pumping 5-10oz a day (and giving two bottles) but I did the math and knew it was possible even if I only had a few ounces leftover each day. Once it looked like my stash would be okay, I started thinking about the logistics of pumping while traveling. Here's my packing list: pump bag - I tried a ton and bought this because it had 1) two compartments, 2) pocket for the Ceres Chill, 3) strap to go on a suitcase, and 4) enough other pockets. You can carry on a pump bag in addition to your personal item and carryon because it's medical equipment! I didn't get any pushback after saying it was a breastpump. Spectra (pump from my first baby; I checked this and left it plugged in in the hotel) + power cable Baby Buddha (pump from this baby; this went in my pump bag for travel and at the workshop) + power cable outlet adapters! a bunch of pump parts and bottles, including flange inserts! I use mostly Medela parts (+ some Lacteck flanges) because the LCs gave us so many in the NICU, and I have the tubing etc. to connect them to both the Spectra and the BB. I recommend having full sets for each pump if you have multiples so you don't have to move things around. You could make do with fewer parts but it means more washing obviously Ceres Chill - crucial for travel days. I had extra chillers because one they sent was slightly defective, so I used them as extra large bottles. little cooler bag (came with the pump bag) and reusable ice pack - I used these for the travel days because 1-1.5 days' worth of milk for me is more than fits in the Ceres Chill. I also brought some extra ziploc bags that I could fill with ice to make on-the-go ice packs wearable collection cups - I bought Legendairy cups used from this sub, and got Elvie Stride cups for free from Aeroflow as my replacement parts!!! I thought it was too good to be true but it totally worked. I pumped several times in public with them (+BB) and they were super useful. nursing cover - helpful for pumping in public or getting situated, especially with regular flanges and bottles maternity/nursing tops and bras - I wore a super roomy, long maternity top on travel days that made it super easy to hike up and pump. On work days, I wore either regular shirts I could pull up or one of my two nice nursing tops. I also brought several pumping bras. pump spray or nipple cream - wish I had brought two! Anything that you need everytime you pump, bring two - one for the hotel and one for one the go. manual pump heads - another reason I like the Medela parts is because it just takes a small piece of plastic to turn any set of pump parts into a manual pump! Gave me peace of mind milk storage bags and gallon ziploc bags- I estimated my total pumping output to be about 35oz, assuming baby eats 25 and I have about 10 leftover. I multiplied that by 8 days (although some would come home in the Ceres Chill) and figured I would need about 50 bags. Also bring Sharpies to label them, and gallon ziplocs to pack them in bricks! pump wipes - definitely important during travel days. collapsible dishwashing tub and travel bottle washing set - TOTALLY worth it given how many dishes I had to wash. tupperware/wetbags/ziploc bags - for fridge hack or otherwise keeping things clean snacks and water bottle - for travel days and MOTN pumps! printed copy of the TSA guidelines - no one ever gave me shit but I was ready cooler backpack - MilkStork doesn't ship to/from Spain so I was responsible for getting my milk back home. "contingency items" - things I hoped to not need but wanted just in case: sunflower lecithin pills, cold compress (just fill with ice), travel massager, extra tubing/duckbills/membranes, etc. I had to buy several things for this trip (dishwashing stuff, pump bag, cooler backpack) but will use most of it when I start working in the office soon. In addition to the packing, I was planning. I contacted the workshop organizers and asked for a place to pump, and asked both them and the hotel about the availability of a fridge/freezer. Also, once we got the schedule, I put it into my calendar and scheduled 8ppd. I DID NOT FOLLOW THIS SCHEDULE but it was an important exercise, I think. The travel day was INSANE and if I hadn't had a plan there's no way I would have pumped as much as I did. I scheduled 8ppd with a goal of doing 7, and assuming that, based on the magic number chart, 6 or even 5 would be okay for me. I also requested permission from my employer to fly business class because I needed to pump, and they agreed. This was so helpful, honestly - gave me access to really nice lounges during the layovers (more below) and I felt totally comfortable pumping in my little pod on the long flight. Plus, as a mother to a 3mo I was not interested in sacrificing sleep while traveling for work! Okay now here's what this looked like, especially on the travel days: 7am: last nursing session, then head to the airport. I hadn't planned to pump until the first layover, but my flight was delayed two hours (UGH! I could have nursed again!) so I pumped at my home airport. They had a nice nursing mother's room - even with a sterilizer, although I didn't have time to use it. 1pm: land in Chicago, head to United Polaris lounge. I grabbed food, then sat in a little cubicle thing, stuck the Elvie Strides in my bra, and ate and pumped. No one looked at me twice. Afterwards, I washed in the bathrooms, which even had very hot water! 5pm: land in Dulles, head to United Polaris lounge. I looked for a private place to sit again, but no luck. But I found a "wellness room", which had a sink, changing table, and comfy chair. I grabbed food and brought it in, and then sat down to pump. This got uncomfortable because the attendant started knocking on the door after 10 min or so because apparently a family with a baby wanted to use it. I kept yelling back "I'm pumping, I'm using a breast pump, I'm pumping breastmilk" but I think his first language wasn't English and he didn't understand. He kept saying the room wasn't for sleeping . . . Anyway I finally opened the door to show him the bottles dangling off my boobs and he backed off, embarrassed. I wish they had had more than one room! Was able to wash parts again! I'll also note here that I refilled the Ceres Chill inner chiller with ice here; it had all melted. I guess it makes sense that 12oz of ice can't cool 24oz of body-temperature milk! Fortunately it's easy to refill. 8pm: on the international flight, as food service is starting, I put on the nursing cover and pumped. Wiped parts out. 6 hours later (8am local time): pumped again after waking up, same as before. Again refilled the Ceres Chill ice. 9:30am: meant to pump in the airport lounge before going through customs but I forgot. Kind of panicked, but I just called the taxi and pumped in the back seat with the Elvie cups. The driver didn't notice until we stopped and he heard the noise and asked what it was. When I said it was a breast pump he just smiled and we moved on. After he dropped me off, I found a cafe and sat at a table outside to remove them, store the milk, clean, etc. The waiter brought me ice for my little cooler bag since the icepack was pretty depleted. 2pm: at the train station before catching a train. Bought a sandwich at a cafe there and pumped with the Elvie Stride cups. Again, not a single comment or strange look. 7pm: at the hotel, pumped and did ALLLLLL the dishes! Set things up to have a pumping station at the hotel and a mobile one in my pump bag. During the workshop, I froze bags in the conference center freezer and had staff freeze some in the hotel. The hotel was definitely not as good; they put them in there themselves and they were not at all flat. this is how the milk was frozen at the hotel . . . The trip home was a bit easier in some ways and a bit more complicated in others, because I had to do it in two parts. I packed my cooler backpack full of all the frozen milk. 9am: last pump before the trip. 3pm: pumped on the train. This felt like a big step forwards, honestly, because I was sitting right next to a woman and our seats faced a couple across the table. But I put my nursing cover on and slipped my Elvie cups in and it wasn't nearly as weird as I thought. 6pm: pumped again with the Elvies on the train 8:30pm: pumped in my Airbnb and did dishes. I put all frozen milk back in the freezer, plus the bags of the milk I had pumped during the day, my ice pack, 8oz of water in each of the Ceres inner chillers. 12:30pm: pumped before going to bed and froze one more bag. Washed dishes and slept. 7:30am: packed my cooler bag and then pumped right before leaving the Airbnb 8am: checked in at the airport. Spain is not very progressive in this respect, and since I was traveling without a baby, I had to check my frozen milk. I packed the cooler bag in a suitcase, surrounded by some clothes and a plastic bag to hopefully avoid even minimal leaks. 9:45am: pumped in the airport lounge. I'm definitely getting more comfortable in public! Even used the regular flanges and bottles. On the way back, I decided to use each set twice, within 4ish hours, to avoid having to clean parts. After this pump, I bagged up the parts and stuck them in my suitcase. 12:30pm: pumped on the plane, then slept 5pm: pumped on the plane with the same parts. After this pump, I realized the Ceres Chill inner chamber was all liquid, so I switched it out with one of the other ones that I had frozen, which were still mostly ice, because they had been in a cooler and hadn't been cooling down warmed milk. 7:15pm: pumped on the plane before landing. Went through customs and picked up my checked bags, including the milk - about 12 hours after packing, the milk in the cooler bag was still 100% frozen. Now that I was in the US, I repacked to keep the cooler bag with me; US TSA regulations explicitly allow you to carry milk (frozen or fresh) even if you don't have a baby with you. two hours later (3:30pm local time): pumped in the lounge, using a nursing cover and the same regular flanges and bottles as last pump 6pm: pumped on the plane with the Elvie Stride cups. The man next to me must have noticed because later he referenced my baby when I hadn't mentioned it, but it was totally fine. 9pm: replaced the Ceres inner chiller again, then pumped with the Elvie Stride cups while walking to the gate. When I sat down to empty the milk, the woman next to me held up her pumping bag in solidarity! We chatted about how it was going - it was nice to have some camaraderie! 11pm: landed and took a Lyft home. I immediately emptied the cooler bag and put the milk in the freezer. Everything had thawed just a little bit, actually just enough to be able to reshape the very non-flat bags into a flat shape, so that actually worked out really well! I also emptied the Ceres Chill and inner chillers of today's milk into a pitcher; I bagged and froze that this morning. all my milk finally frozen flat! I seriously can't believe how well it all went. I pumped 50 times over nearly 8 days - in planes, trains, cars, while walking - and produced 265oz (over two gallons!), and all of the milk made it home! But basically I learned that EP requires so much mental and physical energy, and all of you who do it day in and day out are the real MVPs! submitted by /u/mhollla to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]

I am going to a game in a couple weeks and the rules of what you can and cant bring in are so strict. A 5x7 bag wont hold my wearable pump. It might fit in a gallon bag but it would be annoying and a drop risk to carry. It says a diaper bag is allowed but we will not have our babies with us. I wonder if that matters? What do I do about keeping the milk I pump cold? I can't bring in a cooler or lunchbox for the milk collectors or the expressed milk? Help a mother out!!! submitted by /u/Low_Departure_5853 to r/philadelphia [link] [comments]

UPDATED: 3 years and 2 kids later I made some updates to this mega list. I send this to every pregnant person I know building their registry and they find it so helpful– I hope you do too! -- When I was pregnant I scoured the internet looking for a list like this, so I thought I'd share ours! These are the absolute essential (and a couple of non-essential) items we've used so far with our 2-month old baby girl. For some this might be excessive, for others not enough but this has worked great for our family. *Edit to add for context: our little girl was born in early spring on the west coast of the US. I’m breastfeeding and supplementing with pumped milk & formula. ​ Clothes 3-5 swaddles/sleep sacks These ones are awesome for the early days! Or you can just use a blanket swaddle Once they get close to rolling, you’ll have to transition out of the swaddles, and you can use something like this, or this or just skip straight to sleep sacks ↓ They’ll sleep in a sleep sack like this. My youngest lives in two sleepsacks (they’re pretty pricey, so we found them on Marketplace. We LOVE this Woolino one and Kyte for winter. Simple long and short sleeve onesies. (Long sleeves w/ mittens will prevent scratching.) I love Carters! A couple of pairs of pants with footies At least 7 pairs of footie pajamas with body length zippers (I love Kyte for the early days… so stretchy!!) People will buy you more cute outfits than you can use lol Socks Booties Beanies Sun hat A couple of warm jackets Cloth bibs for drooling/spit up Blankets (people will probably make you so many blankets!) Muslin swaddles, these are multi-purpose. I used them as a blanket, for swaddling, a burp rag in a pinch, change a diaper on, tummy time, nursing cover, etc Diapering Surface for changing area (we used a dresser we had, but mostly just use the floor) Changing pad - we used a Keekaroo Portable changing pad (we have this one for the living room and to take on the go) Wet bag to store dirty diapers on the go. We loved ours but lost it, so now we just use a gallon ziploc Diapers Wipes (Costco has good multi-packs) Aquaphor (we use this at every diaper change, but others use a diaper paste) Diaper pail (we love this one bc it’s steel so it keeps odor in and doesn’t require special bags) Feeding Burp cloths! Have many on hand, you will go through a lot. Formula (we use Costco brand) Bottles (Our lactation consultant recommended Dr. Brown's with a preemie nipple for newborns) Drying rack & bottle brush (my fav bottle brush) Breast pump (if you have insurance, apply to get covered here. Ours was covered 100%!) Milk storage bags (if you plan to pump, may be covered under insurance too from the link above) Pumping on-the-go: travel pump, sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer, sanitizing bags, milk bags, ice pack, insulated cooler/lunch bag Bottle dishwasher basket, to easily wash bottles! We hand washed all of my first born’s bottles… why?! Bottle warmer (soooo underrated in our opinion! We were told by many we would never use it, but it gets used daily. We love ours!) Nursing pillow (Not totally essential– I use a pillow to use for arm support) Sleep Bassinet or crib We got the Halo Bassinest on marketplace and it's worked well. We also have a Moses Basket out in the living room for naps and to safe place to set baby down) Crib sheets White noise machine – We love our Hatch (maybe a portable one for travel) Baby monitor (Video and/or audio) Pacifiers (Your pediatrician might have advice on type and method of use. We started with the Avent Soothies) Pacifier clip Pack n’ play for travel Blackout curtains Rocking chair/glider/yoga ball Bathing Baby shampoo/body wash (we use Aveeno, good for eczema) Baby Lotion (we use CeraVe) Bathtub (We have one like this) Towels & washcloths Brush Cradle cap brush (you may need something like this, cradle cap is super common, my youngest still has a little) Play/Awake time High contrast images, mirror, rattles, and other toys! We have the Lovevery play gym which was awesome! Books Bouncer and/or Swing Transportation Diaper bag (I recommend a backpack style so you have both hands free) Car seat Stroller (We have the Evenflo Xpand Travel System) Now that I have two, I wish I would have opted for a single stroller that is lightweight and easy to collapse and THEN after having two got a stroller wagon for both rather than a double stroller (ours is bulky, heavy and hard to turn) I also wish we had a stroller with a bassinet attachment like the Uppababy - would be perfect for newborn stage Car mirror Sun shade for car window For the car, we have a diaper caddy with extra diapers, clothes, burp rags, toys, etc. Baby carrier/wraps There are so many different kinds! We have the Solly wrap, and this Graco one which we love! Health/Safety Thermometer Tylenol Snot sucker (like this, or this) Saline spray/drops Humidifier Nail clippers (We love ours from FridaBaby.) Infant scale Not essential, but wonderful to have if you have reason to be concerned about weight like we were with both girls. We have this one. For the birthing parent: Nursing & Postpartum Reusable breast pads Nursing tanks (or loose tanks that you can move to the side) Nursing bras (if you’re pumping too, get a combo, I live in these ones) Nipple balm & cooling gel pads Postpartum care: You'll also get a lot of things from the hospital which they'll let you take home. These are what I used for both vaginal births: In the early days, you’ll want to do either diapers, or disposable underwear with large pads Ice maxi pads Witch hazel cooling pads Peri bottle Some type of stool softener, like Miralax Things you might want to register for outside of newborn stage: Play pen High chair Bibs for eating (these are the best!) Baby dishes with a silicone base that can stick to the tray Activity table for when they’re sitting up. Didn’t use one with my firstborn but absolute must with second baby lol submitted by /u/emmabb8 to r/pregnant [link] [comments]

Disclaimer: This is a support sub, not a science sub, and the author is not a professional :-) that said, I wanted this page to be a collection of resources and tips. It aggregates several articles and ideas I've found helpful. Please feel free to share your experiences, ask questions, and offer suggestions and corrections. We're all here, on the same page, to feed the most precious babies in the world. What is combination feeding? Feeding your baby both breastmilk and formula. It is also known as combo-feeding, mixed feeding, or supplementing. Breastmilk is healthiest for babies (especially for a newborn, 0-3 months) because of its nutritional content and immune system-building qualities. WIC Breastfeeding Support states, “If feeding your baby only breast milk is not an option for you, combination feeding lets you keep giving your baby the important nutrients in your breast milk. The more breast milk your baby gets, the greater the health benefits. You will also continue to get [maternal] benefits from breastfeeding.” But formula also has its benefits. Developing since 1865 and overhauled by the Infant Formula Act of 1980, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures quality control of infant formulas (Fomon, 2001). Based on the recommendations of the AAP, the FDA requires the following nutrients be present in all infant formulas: protein; fat; vitamins C, A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, and B12; niacin; folic acid; pantothenic acid; calcium; phosphorous; magnesium; iron; zinc; manganese; copper; iodine; sodium; potassium; and chloride (Stehlin, 1993). Vitamin D and Iron in particular are scarcer in breast milk. Why combination feed? At the beginning of this subreddit, we had a sharing megathread for parents to share all their own reasons and personal stories for combination feeding. Here are snapshots: Initial reasons Baby has a poor/painful latch Baby has a tongue and/or lip tie Baby is struggling with weight gain Baby was born premature (and began with tube or bottle feeding) Low supply (due to mother’s physical health, calorie deficiency, hormones, insufficient glandular tissue, hypothyroidism, PCOS) Timing out medication that may pass through breastmilk Maternity leave ending Returning to work Looking to wean and transition to full-time formula Pros Baby is fed and satiated Baby has benefits of breastmilk AND formula Mental relief for mother and support If bottle-feeding, support and others can contribute If nursing, baby retains comfort If pumping, mother can have deliberate influence on supply and weaning Savings while breastmilk is being provided How do I combination feed? There is no “right” or “wrong” way to combination feed! Consider your schedule (how often can I nurse or pump; wash bottles and pump parts), finances (cost of pump, pump parts, and formula), and goals (ounces baby should be having a day, ounces of milk production or storing if pumping). Also consider your support (a partner, family member, caregiver) who can also contribute time and energy. Based on your considerations: Nurse, then bottle: Start with baby at the breast, then supplement with your bottled breastmilk or formula Nurse some, bottle some: Vary your feeds, doing one thing. Triple feed: Nurse, pump, and bottle all in one feed (often a short-term dedication because of its considerable mental and labor load; this nursing is usual a short affair and can be frustrating if/because of baby’s latch; especially a newborn’s in the beginning) Bottle only: Pumped breastmilk or formula in the bottle. Breastmilk all day, formula at night: The largest and purportedly slower-digesting bottle at night, some say this helps baby sleep longer through the night. You CAN mix breastmilk and formula in the bottle. This is helpful if the baby needs introduction to formula (especially if they don’t like the taste), because you can adjust the breastmilk-formula ratio (8:2, 6:4, 5:5, etc.) until baby is used to full formula or drinking the ratio you like. This may be an “easier” method because you can have a pitcher of pumped milk and a pitcher of prepared formula to pour into one bottle, and you can prepare many bottles ahead overnight or in the mornings. Some say to offer breastmilk first before offering formula. This is to reduce breastmilk wastage if baby doesn’t finish the bottle. What does support during combination feeding look like? Your support/partner respects and protects the time it takes to nurse/pump Have your support/partner commit to a bedtime or other designated time feeding Have your support/partner do the “top off” feeds while you pump (or not pump!) Washing bottles and pump parts Preparing pitchers of formula and freezing breastmilk Giving affirmations for mom – you’re doing a great job figuring out how to feed you baby best! How much does my baby need? From mother.ly: “The average 1- to 3-month-old baby consumes 25 ounces of milk per day over eight to 12 feedings, so start with that and adjust as you get to know your baby. Say your baby eats 10 times per day: Dividing 25 ounces by 10 feedings is 2.5 ounces per feeding, so each of the bottles would be about 2.5 ounces. When you nurse, there’s no need to track how much they get. Here’s how your baby will let you know that they are done breastfeeding: Falling asleep at the breast and staying asleep when you take the nipple out of their mouth Declining to re-latch Showing open, relaxed hands. Look at your baby’s hands when they are done nursing. If they are clenched into fists they are likely still hungry, but if they are relaxed and open, they are likely full.” If you're specifically bottle-feeding, you have the bonus of seeing how much your baby drinks. When baby starts consistently sucking their bottle dry for 3-4 feeds in a row, that will be your cue to add another half-ounce to the bottle. You don't want to overfill so they're wasting (your precious breastmilk or your wallet!), but you want to take their cues. As stomach capacities grow bigger they will be able to take in more ounces per feed as well. As naptimes drop you may consolidate two feeds into one. According to What To Expect, 6 months will be peak feeding when baby consumes 24-32 ounces a day (or 6-8 ounces in a bottle). From 7 months to 10 months that may taper to 24-30 ounces. From 11 months onwards it may drop to 24 ounces or less, especially as they consume solids. If you need more help especially when they are a newborn, consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant for weighted feeds! Nursing / Pumping How do I maintain breastmilk supply? Regular breastfeeding at least 8-12 times a day helps you keep a healthy milk supply, especially in the early weeks. This can be moderately “controlled” with pumping as well. Around 12 weeks is when the average supply is “regulated” or when the body relies less on a hormonal response and more on its mechanical practice, so try not to drop sessions or pumps until your body seems consistent in its production. But you know your body and your mental health best; do what you can! Bobbie states it simply: “Milk production works on a supply and demand model, meaning the production of breast milk correlates to how much and how often milk is removed from the breast. If less milk is removed each day, the mother’s body will assume that less milk is needed and production may drop.” Pump or hand express at regular intervals to maintain or build your milk supply. Take advantage of maternity leave for the most time to yield breastmilk. If possible, return to work part-time for a week or two before going full-time. Look for childcare close to work so that you may be able to breastfeed your baby during a break. How do I pump? If you are in the US and have health insurance, you may have been offered a free pump. They are also available for purchase in stores like Target and Walmart or online, ranging from manual handpumps ($30-50) to electric ($100-200) to portable/wearable ($80-300). Higher strength medical-grade pumps can be rented from hospitals, ask your doctor/pediatrician/lactation consultant if this is the right move for you. Top recommended hand-pump: Medela Harmony Top recommended brands for electric pumps: Spectra, Medela, Lansinoh Top recommended portable/wearable: Babybuddha, Momcozy, Willow, Elvie For long-term pumping, get your nipples regularly sized or buy/print a nipple ruler for the diameter of the flange (or shield) to use. It is normal for nipples to gradually shrink postpartum. To increase comfort, consider silicone inserts or flange replacements from pumping accessory producers like Legendairy or Pumpables. They may seem expensive, but 2-3 pumping bras are an investment in comfort and do some of the literal “heavy lifting” in keeping flanges in place. You are breastfeeding (as some say, on “hard mode” :-)) so make sure to keep up your calorie intake and hydrate! Ultimately and quite unfortunately, pumping is a lot of research, self-discovery, best-guesswork, and a bit of money. The folks on r/ExclusivelyPumping are incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and the community hosts more than EPers. There are many tips on increasing your milk production. A last note for working moms in the US: pumping is legally protected at the workplace; “Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth. (US Department of Labor)” How do I store breast milk? If you are going to give your pumped milk to your baby within the next four days, you can simply keep it in the fridge. If your breastmilk is high in lipase, the taste may change the longer it sits. Before distributing the milk, give it a gentle shake to redistribute the separated fats. If you plan to store it longer, you can freeze it. In cases where you plan to store the breast milk for later, it’s recommended that you refrigerate or freeze the milk immediately after pumping to ensure maximum freshness down the road. Here are some guidelines according to the CDC [October 2023]: Breastmilk Countertop (77°F or 25°C) or colder (room temperature) Refrigerator (40°F or 4°C) Freezer (0°F or -18°C) or colder Fresh Up to 4 hours Up to 4 days 6 months (best quality) – 12 months Thawed, previously frozen 1-2 hours Up to 1 day NEVER refreeze after thawing Leftover from a feeding (baby did not finish the bottle) Use within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. Storage guidelines Use breast milk storage bags or clean, food-grade containers to store expressed breast milk. Make sure the containers are made of glass or plastic and have tight fitting lids. Avoid bottles with the recycle symbol number 7, which indicates that the container may be made of a BPA-containing plastic. Clearly label the breast milk with the date it was expressed. Do not store breast milk in the door of the refrigerator or freezer. This will help protect the breast milk from temperature changes from the door opening and closing. If you don’t think you will use freshly expressed breast milk within 4 days, freeze it right away. This will help to protect the quality of the breast milk. When freezing breast milk: Store small amounts to avoid wasting milk that might not be finished. Store in 2 to 4 ounces or the amount offered at one feeding. Leave about one inch of space at the top of the container because breast milk expands as it freezes. Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it. Formula How do I choose a formula? There are ready-made formula and dry formula. Anecdotally most parents seem to start with the ready-made brand their delivering hospital suggests and then transitions to dry formula (more convenient for portability, storage, and expense). If you are in the US, you can’t go wrong between big name brands (Enfamil, Similac) or store generic because of the quality assurances from the FDA. It really may be a matter of baby’s taste and how picky they are. Healthwise, when combination feeding, it may be difficult to isolate and gauge if baby is reacting negatively to breastmilk or formula. Always be monitoring and discussing changes with your pediatrician, especially concerning baby’s skin (rashes) and diapers (mucusy or black stool). Depending on professional advice you may be asked to consider dairy-free/hypoallergenic formula. The fabulous folks at r/FormulaFeeders can definitely help troubleshoot or recommend what formulas have worked for them! Preparing dry formula Follow the label instructions exactly. As a rule of thumb, remember to always measure out the water first BEFORE adding scoops. For example, Enfamil: If you're preparing four ounces, you ready four ounces of water and then your two scoops (dry weight being .2 ounce per scoop; be prepared to see the volume level perhaps at 4.4 ounces, but you are calorically serving four ounces) Tip: You can prepare a blender bottle (any food-grade bottle with one of the metal spiral shaker balls designed for mixing powders like protein in drinks), or purchase an official formula pitcher, and prepare a day's worth of formula ahead of time. You would refrigerate this container and pour whatever serving you need per feed. Thoroughly clean and sanitize this container at the end of the day. Storage and food safety: Prepared, dry formula is only safe to consume within 24 hours of preparation despite being refrigerated. Being a milk-based product and unpasteurized, bacteria will develop. After contact with baby's lips, the formula in their bottle should also be considered only safe for an hour or two longer, and no more. After the feed, any remaining liquid in their bottle should be tossed. More notes on combining breastmilk and formula in the same bottle: Prepare the formula first and THEN add in the breastmilk. Breastmilk should not be used instead of the water used to make formula—this can cause dangerous health problems for the baby. (Source: mother.ly) "Never use breastmilk in place of water during formula prep. Maintaining the right ratio of water-to-formula and then adding breast milk separately ensures you won’t change the nutritional content of the formula. Adding excessive water to formula can dilute nutrients, while adding insufficient water can put strain on a baby’s kidneys and digestive tract, causing dehydration. In extreme cases, this can also lead to neurological problems. If you’re using ready-to-drink liquid formula, no extra steps need to be taken before combining it with your breast milk." (Source: healthline) Once pumped milk has been mixed with formula, it must be used within 24 hours, or within an hour after the baby has started drinking from the bottle—bacteria enters the bottle as the baby eats and can make the milk start to turn if left for too long. While it’s fine to combine breast milk and formula in the same bottle, La Leche League does recommend keeping them separate for this purpose. “… mixing breastmilk and formula can result in breastmilk being wasted, if the baby does not finish the milk [since the formula needs to be discarded]. Giving your pumped milk to your baby first, and on its own, ensures that all of your “liquid gold” will be used and less will be wasted.” Troubleshooting bottle-giving: Offer the bottle in the morning when baby is most hungry. Practice paced feeding with slow-flow nipples. Have someone other than the nursing parent offer the bottle. Sometimes it helps if mom is out of sight! Use responsive feeding techniques to mimic the experience of feeding at the breast. Watch for any signs or symptoms of intolerance, keeping in mind that some digestive changes are normal during the transition period. How long do I combination feed? This boils down to how long you are able, willing, healthy, and at your best while producing breastmilk. For some moms a specific goalpost helps, for others it’s relaxing to have an indefinite commitment. Breastmilk has the most benefits for baby until 2-3 months (to receive antibodies and establish their own immune system) to 6 months when the baby is no longer a newborn, has an independent immune system, and is out of the clear for most SIDS causes. The AAP recommends breastmilk for up to a year. Remember, milk-based feeding is only for the first year or so, though kudos to breast-feeding moms who make it through toddlerhood! Solids can start as early as 4 months and transitioning to cow’s milk can start at [one year](https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html#:~:text=At%2012%20months%20old%20(but,of%20nutrients%20your%20baby%20needs.)). Your baby may not remember any milk feeds at all, but they will know in their bones how much you loved them and did your best to feed them. More scientific reading https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8065485/ One interesting simulation studying pigs receiving breastmilk, formula, and combination. The immune system responses for each are distinct, but markedly not better or worse than the other. “The findings shown herein indicate that early nutrition influences the development of the immune system, particularly acute immune responses. We found that the immune system of a CF piglet may not ‘choose sides’ and mimic either one of the exclusive feeding group, but rather represents a hybrid between the two.” (These are however pigs and not babies!) Prevalence of combination feeding Combination feeding is probably actually the most prevalent form of feeding. By the end of 3 months most mothers (even worldwide) are supplementing. These are separate statistics, according to one source 5.6% of moms exclusively pump [2017]. There are more stats [Feb 2023]: 83.8% of mothers attempt breastfeeding By the time a baby is 28 days old, the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding drops to 59% 47.5% exclusively breastfeeding through 3 months 25.4% exclusively breastfeeding through 6 months 36.2% are breastfeeding at 1 year 15% are breastfeeding at 18 months Broad-stroke sources: “A History of Infant Feeding” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684040/#:~:text=In%201865%2C%20chemist%20Justus%20von,food%20(Radbill%2C%201981)). US Department of Labor https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/nursing-mothers/faq#:~:text=Under%20the%20PUMP%20Act%2C%20most,year%20after%20the%20child's%20birth. Bobbie https://www.hibobbie.com/pages/combo-feeding Milk-drunk https://milk-drunk.com/combo-feeding-101-how-to-supplement-with-formula/ Mother.ly https://www.mother.ly/baby/baby-feeding-guides-schedules/combination-feeding/ NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-breast-pumps/ WIC Breastfeeding Support https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/combination-feeding-and-maintaining-milk-supply What to Expect https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursing-feeding/best-breast-pumps/ submitted by /u/kiwi-hugs to r/combinationfeeding [link] [comments]

I've been EP for a little more than 4 months now for my beautiful baby girl. I've been thinking a lot about how much has changed in the last 4 months and wanted to reflect on it because it's been such a journey, and I'm sharing b/c it might be useful for other moms just starting out. Please note that the specifics of the journey are so individual, this was what was relevant to me. Girl, I am here from 4 month PP to tell you that IT GETS BETTER. I know that you are mad, resentful, and frustrated that your baby screams at the breast and that you are stuck exclusively pumping. Exclusively pumping is eff-ing hard. It's horrible. It's so much work. But...it gets better. And the change happens for you so swiftly, it's kind of incredible. I heard someone say, "this will not be the last time that the experience of parenting does not meet your expectations." We are at the beginning of a long journey. This is just one character building hurdle. Keep perspective. I'm not going to lie. The first 2.5 months are rough AF. Pumping every 2 hours during the day and every time you feed the baby at night is bull shit. Next baby, get your husband to do the night feedings while you pump, don't be a hero. Don't put any pressure on yourself to leave the house during this time because it's pretty unrewarding. Get all the help. Don't expect yourself to be able to care for the baby and pump at the same time. This stage will pass quickly, even though it feels like it will never end. It will be ok. Your supply gets way better. Just keep at it, it will build and before you know it you'll be pumping about as much as she eats each day. Incredible! You are a goddess. Seeing your baby grow and knowing that (mostly) everything that fuels her was made by your body is mind blowing. But also, just give her formula whenever you are short, it's 100% fine, don't stress. And you don't need a freezer stash, it's fine. If you need to spend money on stuff or support to make this easier, just do it. That top-of-the-line wearable pump you stressed over buying? It was WORTH IT. You are WORTH IT. Your time and sanity are WORTH IT. Traditional pumps are the FUCKING PATRIARCHY and they don't respect your time or your dignity. Wearable pumps are a feminist statement and are the future. It will save your mental health and will make seeing people and getting out and not hiding in the fucking bedroom while everyone else is having fun so much easier. Get some good cooler bags in a few sizes and some good ice packs that allow you to pack up your milk and pump parts easily based on your outing. Get some good nursing/pumping shirts. Get whatever you need to make it easier. In your case, you'll be able to drop pumps and get down to 4-5x per day by 3-4 months pp. This is pretty do-able and for the first time allows you to feel like you can stop EPing when you choose to stop, not when you lose your fucking mind. Once you get to the point where pumping is more sustainable, it starts to feel like there are a lot of benefits over regularly BF. For example: - baby eats a little bit 6-8x per day, but you only need to pump 4-5x per day. - anyone can give baby a bottle, freeing your from being solely responsible for night feedings and allowing you to leave the baby with someone else at times if desired. Also, it's nice for dad or others to bond with baby by feeding her. - while you do often have to figure out pumping in public, you can at least have some control over the moment you have to do it. you don't have to whip out your boob to calm a hungry baby in the middle of the cereal aisle. - your baby never learned to comfort nurse, so you don't have to teach her to stop comfort nursing. Paci's are a beautiful thing...and since she won't BF you don't have to worry about nipple confusion. - you don't have to stress about teaching baby to take a bottle when you return to work, she's a bottle pro. - while you still haven't figured out if this is "worth it" due to the controversy over the value of breastmilk, at least you've alleviated some guilt by continuing to provide milk. You'll never have to look back and think "what if?" - Your boobs will start to feel better eventually. Less engorged, less sensitive. Your nipple butter will become lip balm, and the pre-game routine needed to get a good pump will go away. - Baby is flirting with consistently sleeping through the night by about 3 months. Maybe this is b/c she has bottles? Who knows? Who cares? Bring on the 12 hours of baby sleep that I've been promised (not yet, but we hope soon). The big take away here is that IT GETS BETTER. I don't know how much longer I'll do this, but the difference between 4 month pp and 1 month pp is massive. It's going to be ok. You are doing great, and so is baby. submitted by /u/cb3g to r/ExclusivelyPumping [link] [comments]