Pumping on the Go: Tips and Essentials for Busy Moms
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Pumping breast milk on the go can be a game-changer for busy moms who need to balance work, travel, and their baby's feeding schedule. Whether heading to work, traveling without your little one, or simply needing to pump while out and about, being prepared with the right essentials and knowledge can make the process much smoother.
By investing in quality storage solutions, keeping your pump clean, and knowing how to store and transport your breast milk properly, you can continue to provide the nourishment your baby needs no matter where life takes you.
In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about pumping on the go, from storage breast milk to cleaning tips and more. With this info, I hope to make pumping on the go a seamless part of your busy mom routine.
Pumping on the Go Essentials
As both a pediatric dietitian and a mother of three, I found pumping on the go to be an essential part of all three of my breastfeeding journeys. I went back to school and work three weeks after my first baby was born and have many memories of myself pumping in the library and office.
Breast milk is uniquely designed to supply infants with optimal nutrition for at least the first six months of life, making it the ideal food for babies. However, it can be challenging if you are away from your baby during the day and need to pump to maintain your supply (you are not alone if you supplement with formula).
Some babies have trouble breastfeeding or are medically unable to breastfeed and require bottle feedings, so there are many reasons why you might opt to pump exclusively or partially.
To make pumping on the go or pumping at work as convenient as possible, there are a few essentials you'll want to have on hand. I recommend having one designated zip-top bag packed with everything you need, including your breast pump, breast milk storage bags, cleaning supplies, and a breast milk cooler to safely transport your liquid gold wherever it needs to go.
The essentials for pumping on the go include:
Portable breast pump (manual or battery-powered is a good idea for travel, just in case an outlet is not available)
Pump parts
Nursing bra* (i.e., pump bra) for easy access
Cleaning Supplies
Quick clean breast pump wipes* for easy cleaning between pumping sessions (especially when you don't have access to soap and water)
OR a bottle brush and unscented mild dish soap
High-quality, double-zip milk storage bags* or a clean, food-grade screw-top bottle (avoid bottles with recycle #7 as this can indicate it was made with BPA-containing plastic)
Nursing cover* (for when you are pumping in public or breastfeeding in public and need to stay covered)
Wet bag* (i.e., pump bag) for pump parts
Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Pumping on the Go Storage
When pumping on the go, having the proper storage solutions is essential to keep your breast milk safe and to maintain its freshness and nutrients. By following the appropriate steps, you can safely store breast milk while on the go, ensuring that you or someone else can feed your baby nutritious milk whenever and wherever it is needed.
Before pumping or handling breast milk, always wash your hands with soap and hot water (or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol), and be sure that the breast pump parts and storage containers are clean and sanitized. Invest in high-quality milk storage bags that are leak-proof and freezer-safe. Alternatively, you can use a food-grade, screw-top bottle to store your milk.
After expressing milk, label your storage container with the date and time of pumping to help you keep track of the freshness of the milk. Store your milk in a breast milk cooler bag with ice packs such as a PackIt freezable baby bottle cooler* to keep it at the optimal temperature until you can transfer it to the fridge or freezer. When traveling, be sure the breast milk is securely sealed and stored upright to prevent leaks.
Breast milk can be stored at room temperature, in a cooler with ice packs, or in a refrigerator or freezer, depending on the duration of storage. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, breast milk can be stored:
At room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours if it is freshly expressed
In an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours
In a refrigerator (at 39°F or 4°C) for up to 4 days (be sure to place it towards the back of the refrigerator where it's coldest)
In the freezer (at 0°F or -18°C) for up to 6 months; in a deep freezer (with a constant temperature of 0°F or -18°C) frozen breast milk can be stored for up to 12 months
Be sure your cooler bag is well-insulated, and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent spoiling. Once you're home, transfer the milk to the refrigerator or freezer. If you're storing breast milk in the freezer, do not thaw and refreeze, as this can degrade its quality.
Which breast pump is best for on-the-go pumping?
If you're expressing milk while on the go, consider using a portable breast pump that fits your needs. The best breast pump for pumping on the go depends on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Consider factors such as portability, battery life, noise level, ease of use, and compatibility with your pumping routine. Here are a few of the most popular options.
Portable Electric Breast Pumps: These pumps are compact, lightweight, and designed for travel. They typically come with a rechargeable battery pack or can be powered by a USB connection, allowing you to pump without being tethered to an electrical outlet. Brands like Medela, Spectra, and Lansinoh offer portable electric breast pumps with features that include adjustable suction levels and massage modes.
Manual Breast Pumps: Manual pumps are excellent for on-the-go pumping because they don't require electricity or batteries. They are small, lightweight, and easy to use. While they may require more effort, compared with electric pumps, they are silent and discreet, making them ideal for travel. Brands like Philips Avent, Haakaa, and Medela offer popular manual breast pumps.
Wearable Breast Pumps: Wearable pumps are designed to fit inside your bra, allowing you to pump hands-free. They are discreet and convenient for pumping while on the go because they don't require you to hold the pump to your breast. Some wearable pumps are completely cordless and have a compact design, making them suitable for use outside the home. Examples include the Elvie Pump and Willow Pump.
Compact Pumping Systems: Some companies offer compact pumping systems that include a pump motor, collection cups, and tubing, all in one integrated design. These systems are lightweight and easy to transport, making them suitable for travel. Examples include Freemie and BabyBuddha portable pumping systems.
How to Clean Your Breast Pump on the Go
Cleaning your breast pump while on the go might seem daunting or exhausting, but it's entirely doable with the right tools.
**Many pump parts are dishwasher safe, and if you don’t have time to clean thoroughly in between pump sessions, you can always pop the parts in the fridge until you have time to clean them, as the cool temps can slow the growth of any bacteria.**
Here's a quick step-by-step guide for those of you who do have access to clean water:
Before heading out, be sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies. This typically includes mild dish soap, water, clean cloths or paper towels, and a bottle brush OR quick clean breast pump wipes.
Look for a clean and private area where you can comfortably clean your breast pump. You can use public restrooms if necessary but try to find a spot where you can access clean water.
Take apart your breast pump into its individual components, such as the breast shields, valves, membranes, and bottles.
Rinse all the parts under running water to remove any milk residue. Use a bottle brush to scrub away any stubborn residue gently.
Apply a small amount of mild soap to each part and scrub thoroughly. Make sure to clean all the nooks and crannies where milk might have accumulated.
After washing, rinse all the parts again under running water to remove any soap residue.
If possible, let the parts air dry completely. If you're in a hurry, you can use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry them off.
Once the parts are dry, reassemble your breast pump and store in a clean and dry container or reusable wet bag until you're ready to use them again.
** Sanitizing Wipes or Spray (Optional): When you cannot wash your pump parts, keep a stash of quick-clean breast pump wipes* handy to wipe down your pump parts between uses.
I hope this post helps make pumping on the go easier for you! For more information on your or your child’s nutritional needs, especially as an infant, schedule a virtual consultation with me for one-on-one advice.
If you’re getting ready to start your baby on solids, download my FREE BLW Starter Guide. It includes my top expert tips for successfully introducing solids, a short list of budget-friendly baby-led feeding tools, a printable 1-sheet for your baby’s caregivers, first food ideas and how to safely serve them, PLUS a 5-Day packable BLW meal plan with photos for food sizing to make your life easier.
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