Top 5 Items For My Exclusive Pumping Journey

This goes without saying, but exclusively pumping means a lot of time will be spent (you guessed it) pumping! Now that I’ve closed that chapter (for the second time around) I wanted to share the products/items that had the most value to me from start to end.

Spectra S1 Portable Pump

At the beginning of my journey I was pumping 10-12 times a day to establish and maintain my supply. That’s a lot of time to be attached to a wall if you don’t have a portable pump. The Spectra S1 gave me the freedom to move throughout the house without comprising volume.

The power is fantastic and it was without a doubt my ride or die. It’s a little tricky to hold babe with the flanges on so this is a great time to use the, “I’ll be back in 3o mins, gotta pump!” card or you’ll have to try to keep babe busy beside you if you’re solo.

Elvie Stride

For pumping on the go, Elvie Stride always came with me. It tucks right into your bra, relatively quiet and has an impressive suction for being a wearable pump. My output would be less with the Elvie Stride compared to the S1, so I limited its’ use to once a day or when absolutely needed.

For example, I would use the Stride a few times in a row if we were travelling and navigating through airports. In this situation I made sure to end my day with the Spectra.

Organizing Rack

Prioritize staying organized. A friend saw this hack on TikTok (I can’t take credit for this!) and shared it with me and it completely changed my life. This organizing rack (actually a sewing rack for thread) holds many bottles/flanges and frees up so much counter space.

Check out my reel featuring the organizing rack in action!

Game. Changer.

Breast Heating Packs

Have you ever noticed an increase in supply after a hot shower? This is because applying heat before and during a pump session can increase supply up to 30% (statistics provided by my lactation consultant). After putting on my flanges, I apply the (warmed up) Lansinoh Breast Pads to encourage let downs. The heating pads can also be used for mastitis or to help with clogged ducts.

I know this is an extra step in an already tedious process, but it truly can make a difference. The only time I didn’t use these is when I was on the go and didn’t have access to a microwave. If you have a microwave in your car, then you are SET!

TIP: Put the packs in the fridge or freezer to help with discomfort when you start the weaning process. Icing the breasts feels sooo nice if you have tenderness as your milk production starts to slow down.

Sterilizer & Dryer

The washing and sterilizing is non-stop. The Baby Brezza Sterilizer is effective, efficient and absolutely worth the money. I would 100% recommend this item even if you aren’t exclusively pumping. It has a large capacity and is great for bottles, soothers, toys, and of course all pumping parts.

TIP: It will be helpful to have a few sets of pumping supplies so you aren’t constantly washing one set to use all day long. This really makes the day flow smoothly.

BONUS: Lactation Consultant

Lactation consultants are angels on earth. I worked with Candice James for both of my babies and I cannot recommend her enough. She is passionate, understanding and highly knowledgable when it comes to all things feeding baby and parent mentoring.

She educated me, guided me and reassured me that I was on the right track every step of the way. If you are looking for the most wonderful LC, please check out Candice James. Her services can be virtual and the text support is invaluable. I truly believe that my motherhood journey would look very different if I didn’t have her by my side.

You’re doing amazing, mama.