This week I headed back to work and you know what that means, pumping, lots of pumping (I think I need a pumping kit). It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Even though Baby D was staying home with The Mister while he gets over a slight cough, it was heart wrenching to walk out that door and get in my car. Now Baby D loves being with his daddy and I know they are having fun together, but I wish I was there with them.
A big part of getting out of the house in the morning for me is making sure I have everything ready the night before. Diaper bag is packed, lunches are made, and my pumping kit is all set up. Since I’m not at home with all the conveniences I normally have, I needed to make sure I have it all together.
Medela makes some of the best products and I truly love all of them. I had several awesome friends introduce these items to me, even the nurse at the hospital told me about a few of them.
Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags
– I don’t have a great area in the lunch room to lay my pump out to dry after washing. These quick clean bags hold all of my pump parts (minus tubing) and sterilize them in just 3 minutes!
Medela Breastmilk Cooler
– A must have in every pumping kit. This small container comes with 4 5oz bottles for milk storage and a freezer pack that fits around the bottles perfectly.
Quick Clean Breastpump Accessory Wipes
– Great for wiping off my pump pieces if I don’t have access to a microwave for the steralizing bags.
Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump
– No Pumping Kit is complete without a pump. I chose the Medela Pump in Style Advance because is was a name that was trusted, was a double pump and covered by my Insurance provider. Most insurances now cover a breast pump for breast feeding mothers, so contact your provider to see what options you have.
Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra
– My nursery nurse told me about this in the hospital and it is currently one of my favorite things. I get to pump and have my hands free at the same time. The back is adjustable with velcro, so you can wear the same bra as you loose all that baby weight.
How did you handle returning to work? Did you continue to breastfeed and pump or was this a transitional time for your little one to a new routine?
Disclosure: This post contains affilate links.
LORD I don’t miss those days. I stopped before returning to work…and I was thrilled to get back there. Maternity leave was not for me. 🙂 Good luck and congratulations!
It’s like reading about a different planet when I read your blog. I’m at home with my second daughter (paid parental leave), who is now 7months and three weeks old and she isn’t going anywhere without me for about another year. Sweden is really the place for me, I feel blessed!!
It’s very interesting to read your blog, thanks for sharing!