Setting Up a Pumping Station With Must-Have Supplies

Breastfeeding is great for your baby and good for your health, but sometimes it can be hard to do. If you’re having trouble getting started or have run into some bumps along the way, setting up a pumping station can help make it easier to keep going.

Two Steps to Set The Pumping Station

Setting up a pumping station for breastfeeding is a great way to ensure that you can breastfeed your child anytime, anywhere.

1. Find a comfortable place – This could be in your home, at the office, or anywhere else that’s convenient for you. Make sure it has a table or desk where you can set up your pump and plug it into an outlet. You’ll also need to make sure that there’s room for your baby to sit comfortably in their carrier or bouncy seat nearby (or if they’re too young for that, on your lap).
2.  Make sure you’ve got everything you need handy so that nobody has to leave the room while they’re pumping.

Must-Have Breast Pumping Station Supplies

With a pumping station, you can pump in comfort and style. While the supplies you’ll need will vary depending on your personal needs and preferences, here are some essentials that every pumping mom should have.

A breast pump, accessories and storage bag are the bare essentials for your pumping station. You can get these items at any big-box store or online:

• Breast pumps – There are a variety of pumps available on the market, so it’s important to do some research about which one is best suited for you and your needs. It’s recommended that moms buy an extra set of flanges if they plan on using their pump regularly because they will wear out after a while.
• Storage bag – A large bag or backpack will work well as a storage container during travel time or when going back home after work.
• Storage container – Choose one that holds all of your pumping essentials (pump, bottles, etc.) along with their accessories such as adapters and lids; this ensures everything stays clean while traveling between locations (workplace/home).

 

Few more things for your station

• A comfortable chair – Choose a chair with a backrest that can be adjusted to your preferred height. A footrest is also recommended for additional comfort.
• A clock – Having a clock nearby will help you keep track of time while you are pumping because it’s easy to lose track when engrossed in something else (e.g., working on projects).
• A table or other surface to place your electric pump on – This will make it easier to use the pump and will also help prevent injury if you accidentally bump your hand against the breast shield while pumping.
• Breastmilk cooler bag – This is a must-have for moms that plan on pumping away from home. If you want to pump at work, it’s important to make sure your employer has a space where you can do so. If not, consider purchasing one of these bags for carrying breastmilk around with you.
• Water bottle/drink of choice – Keep yourself hydrated! You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of water (and whatever else you prefer to drink) on hand.
• Snacks/food if needed – If you’re pumping at work, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks along with you. If you want to pump at home, keep in mind that your body will need extra calories and nutrients after pumping, so don’t forget to eat!
• Lanolin cream (if applicable) – Lanolin cream is the best way to help soothe sore nipples if you’re having trouble with them. If you’re having issues with your milk letdown, try using some lanolin cream on your breasts before pumping as well.
• Pump parts and bottles – If you’re using an electric pump, make sure to bring along all of the parts that came with your pump. For manual pumps, be sure to bring along bottles as well.
• Sanitary wipes – Pumping can be messy, so make sure to bring along some sanitary wipes. This is especially important if you’re pumping at work and don’t want milk on your desk.
• Any medications prescribed by a doctor – If you’ve been prescribed medications to take while breastfeeding, be sure to bring those along as well. You don’t want to find yourself without them when you need them most!
• Phone charger cord if using electric pump – If you’re using an electric pump, make sure to bring along a phone charger cord. This will allow you to charge your phone while you pump.
• Extra batteries if using battery-operated pump – If you’re using a battery-operated pump, make sure to bring extra batteries so that you don’t end up having to stop mid-pump. You can purchase these at any drugstore.
• Sanitary pads in case of leakage from breast milk onto clothing/skin – It’s always good to have sanitary pads in your bag, just in case you leak breast milk onto your clothing or skin. This is especially important if you’re not wearing nursing pads with your bra.
• Towels if needed for cleaning up spills from spilled milk or leaking breasts (they don’t have to be fancy—just throwaway rags will do).

Where do you set up a pumping station?

One of the most important things you can do when setting up a pumping station is to find the most comfortable and convenient location. A good location can make all the difference in how much your baby uses the pump and how easily she gets used to it!

• You can set up a pumping station wherever you want. At home, work or school; in your bedroom, living room or kitchen; in your car (if needed). The possibilities are endless!

The main thing is to make sure you have a comfortable place to sit, with good lighting and privacy. You can try setting up your pumping station in different places around the house until you find one that feels right for you!

• Read Also: 5 Benefits of Breastfeeding You Need To Know About

How do you build a pumping stash?

• Stock up on breastmilk storage bags: The most straightforward way to store your pumped breast milk is in a storage bag, which you can buy online or at any drugstore.
• Stock up on breastmilk storage containers: If you prefer to keep your pumped milk chilled but not frozen, you’ll need some sort of container that can be used with a standard refrigerator. This might be something like a plastic container with an airtight lid, or it might be something more specialized like a travel-friendly ice pack that sits inside the bottle/jar and chills it as needed.
• Stock up on breastmilk storage bottles: Freezer-safe glass bottles are another option for keeping freshly pumped milk from spoiling—if you’re good about shaking them before each use (or if they come with one built in), these containers will prevent separation between the fat globules and watery parts of your milk mixture over time. Again, these are readily available at grocery stores or pharmacies; just make sure they’re labeled as being safe for freezing!
• Stock up on breastmilk storage lids: Speaking of labeling…you’ll also want plenty of lids for whatever type(s) of container(s) you choose to store your milk in so people don’t accidentally drink some when they think it’s water or other beverages (and vice versa). Use adhesive labels if possible so names won’t get smudged off when washed out thoroughly after each use; otherwise stickier ones may peel off during washing cycles which would defeat the purpose here 🙂

Conclusion

Creating a pumping station is not just about having all the equipment you need. It’s also about making sure that you have the right space for your pumping needs and are able to keep those supplies organized. By following these steps, you can create an effective and efficient space for yourself when it comes time to pump at work or home!