When I returned to work after maternity leave, I dreaded it for many reasons. One of my biggest concerns was figuring out what to pack in my pumping bag for work. At home, I had everything spread across my kitchen counter, but fitting all my pumping essentials into one bag seemed overwhelming and impossible.
After a few days back at work, I quickly learned what I did (and didn’t) need to sustain my pumping journey. If you’re wondering what’s in a pumping bag for work, here’s a practical list of essential items (and some extra things worth considering)to make the transition of returning back to work while breast pumping a little easier.
Breast pump (the most important item in your pumping bag)
Of course a pump is necessary, but again, a few extra things are worth considering here.
Preparation will look different depending on if you plan on bringing a stationary pump (such as a Spectra), mobile wearable pumps, or both! A stationary pump usually requires more privacy and a true designated seating area, while wearable pumps are better concealed for on-the-go type situations. This mainly affects the type of pumping bag you’ll be on the search for to contain your goodies.
Designated pumping bags are designed to hold specific motors and their correlating pump parts nice and compact. If you’re seeking to use a Spectra, check out these pumping bags that hold both the motor and pump accessories. If you choose to bring two different types of breast pumps, multi-pump bags are made for that purpose, but they won’t be as easy to find.
Personally, I chose not to purchase a specific pump bag, but I’ll elaborate more at the end.
Keep pump accessories in your bag
Extra pump parts (especially those that are more fragile and need to be replaced more often) and chargers are worth considering as well. I left the house with a massive paperweight once (aka, a breast pump I forgot to charge). Never again.
Cooler and containers
Some places of work will have a designated fridge to store pumped milk. If this ideal situation is made available for you, then a cooler may be overboard (unless you prefer to keep your stash separate). You’ll still want to bring designated containers of your choice, such as breast milk storage bags or empty bottles. Don’t forget a pen when labelling and bagging!
If a fridge is not available for you to use, then an ice pack of some sort is ideal. I’ve had coworkers bring a lunch box with generic ice packs as well as coolers with ice packs that were specifically designed and molded to fit around specific milk containers, such as these. Both provided and maintained adequate temperatures for storing breast milk until they were able to take it home and store it properly.
Personally, I use this Momcozy portable breast milk cooler in my pumping bag for work. It holds up to 22 oz and keeps my milk within frigid temperatures well after 14 hours (though it advertises up to 24 hours). I love these so much that I actually purchased two of them. One for me at work, and one to keep milk cold in my son’s diaper bag while he’s at preschool.
Cleaning essentials
Personally, I don’t pack any cleaning products, because I simply store my pump parts (excluding the motor) in our fridge at work in between pump sessions. This method has been shown to wear down pump parts quicker, leading to frequent replacements. I would rather have a quicker turnaround with my pump breaks rather than worrying about cleaning and thoroughly drying my pump parts between each pump break. To each their own!
If your routine is similar to mine, a leak-proof wet bag would be of use to store your pump parts in the fridge. When you clock out, just toss it in your pumping bag before you take them home to properly clean them.
For those desiring to wash their pump parts at work, a small container of soap and a bottle pump brush is most likely desirable. If you’re somewhere in between these methods, breast pump wipes might be the thing for you!
Comfort essentials
Just because we’re at work doesn’t mean we’re immune to dry and cracked nipples. Nipple balm, nipple butter, silverettes, saline spray, etc. will become of equal use at work as they are at home. Always pack extra bra pads (and maybe even an extra bra for those heavy letdowns) in your breast pumping bag..
Snacks and water
Need I say more? In my bag, I keep granola bars, drink packets, and my favorite water bottle in easy access. It’s easy for your supply to suddenly take a dip when returning back to work due to not staying hydrated or not getting that healthy “extra snack” in (lactation consultant’s orders, after all). I want all of these within easy reach while I’m pumping to help me stay on schedule and consistent with my output.
The pump bag itself
I already hinted above that my actual pumping bag actually isn’t designed to specifically hold pump parts. Some pumping bags contain a few extra areas of real estate for those snacks, extra parts, and cleaning items. Even built-in coolers are quite common.
Personally, I don’t want to be a jumbled mess trying to clock in holding my pumping bag, water bottle, lunch box, purse, and whatever else my job might call for the day. It quickly gets irritating.
Instead, I use a large canvas tote bag that I purchased from Target that’s large enough to fit my wearable pumps, a few extra pump parts, my Momcozy cooler, wet bag, water bottle, lunch box and snacks, wallet, and two small toiletry bags: one for breastfeeding-related items such as bra pads and nipple butter, and a separate bag for other personal items such as extra contact lenses, feminine products, hair ties, and other things that would usually live in my purse.
Keep it functional and practical
I learned very soon after bringing my little one home that practical routines strongly outweigh the visually-appealing aspect of clear acrylic organizers and white-washed rooms. Remove what doesn’t make sense for you and add what you need. Compartmentalize everything, and keep things within easy reach. The contents of your pumping bag will change as months go by.
Did I forget something? Do you use anything that makes or breaks your day that you keep in your bag? Share it with me using the contact tab at the top of the page!