As if new parenthood doesn't already require you to hit the ground running, let's add pumping into the mix. Not only do you have to figure out how you're going to do it, you often have to figure out where – in a moving vehicle, a public bathroom, or a work boardroom (all while worrying if Doug from sales is going to barge in at any moment trying to score leftover cookies from the previous meeting).
After writing about pregnancy and new parenthood for almost two decades, I've tested, reviewed, and heard from thousands of moms about what actually makes pumping easier. Here are the products and hacks I think are worth knowing about. Some are probably on your radar already but I always like to include a full list in case you are starting from zero.
Pumping Gear & Accessories
1. Wearable Breast Pump (Elvie, Willow, Motif Aura Glow, etc.) You've probably seen these — they fit inside your bra, they're wireless, and you can wear them while doing just about anything. The trade-off is that they typically don't have the same suction power as a traditional electric pump, so if supply is a concern, do your research before committing. That said, for convenience and discretion, they're genuinely game-changing.
Quick tip: Before you buy anything, check your insurance. Many plans cover a breast pump and accessories. See our guide: Get a Free Breast Pump Through Insurance: Complete Guide.
2. Pumping Bra If you're using a traditional electric pump, a hands-free pumping bra holds the flanges in place so you can eat, scroll your phone, or stare off into the distance while listening to a true crime podcast while your pump does its thing. A solid investment and Kindred Bravely constantly comes up as a favorite.
DIY Hack: Grab an old sports bra and cut two small slits in the breast area, then insert the flanges from your pump through the holes.
3. Flange Size Inserts Nipples come in different sizes, which means the flange (the trumpet-shaped piece that sits against your breast) needs to fit properly. Flange inserts let you adjust the fit of your existing flanges without buying a whole new set. Aeroflow has a helpful flange sizing chart if you're not sure where to start.
4. Silicone Milk Catcher (Haakaa, Elvie or Munchkin) If you're nursing on one side, a silicone milk catcher on the other side captures the let-down you'd otherwise lose into a breast pad. It's not a pump — it works on suction and gravity — but it's an effortless way to build a little freezer stash.
5. Portable Battery Pack for Your Pump A portable battery is handy if you don't have access to a wall outlet. It's important to note that breast pumps are voltage-specific – for instance, many Medela pumps use 9V and most Spectra pumps use 12V. Check your power cord or instruction manual before buying a battery pack – too low and your suction suffers, too high and you can damage your pump.
6. Car Adapter for Your Breast Pump It plugs into your vehicle's power outlet and connects directly to your pump. Most adapters have 8-foot cords, which means you can pump in the back seat if needed. Medela and Spectra each make their own — the difference is voltage (same as above), not functionality, so check to make sure you're buying the correct one.
Milk Storage
7. Breast Milk Storage Bags Look for bags with pre-printed labels (date, time, volume). Lay them flat to freeze — this saves significant freezer real estate and they thaw faster too.
8. Milk Storage Organizer Tray Keeps your frozen bags standing upright and in order so you're always using the oldest milk first.
9. The Pitcher Method (Hack) Instead of pouring milk into storage bags after every session, collect all your day's pumping sessions in one clean pitcher in the fridge. At the end of the day, combine and pour into bags. This saves bags, reduces waste, and cuts down on dishes. Many lactation consultants recommend it. (Always make sure all milk being combined is the same temperature before storing.)
10. Breast Milk Freezer Tray Freezes milk in 1/2 oz portions, so you can thaw exactly what you need without wasting a drop. Particularly useful for younger babies with smaller feeds.
11. Insulated Cooler Bag with Ice Pack For pumping at work or on the go, an insulated cooler bag keeps your milk fresh until you get home. Momcozy makes a popular one, but any well-insulated bag works.
Pro tip: Use gel ice packs instead of regular ones. Gel packs have a lower freezing point, so they stay colder longer and help keep your milk at a safer temperature during transport.
12. Ceres Chill This is a double-walled, copper-lined chiller that you can attach to most major breast pumps and pump straight into the chiller, skipping the bottle transfer altogether. It keeps milk cold for up to 20 hours, holds between 12 and 34 oz and it's TSA-friendly (huge if you travel for work). It's also FSA, HSA, and HRA reimbursable, so check your benefits before you pay out of pocket.
Cleaning & Sterilizing
13. Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags These bags sterilize pump parts in about two minutes using nothing but water and your microwave. Reusable, compact, and genuinely useful when you're away from home. They make a silicone version as well. It's more durable but it's a bit bulkier if you want to haul it around with you.
14. Pump Parts Drying Rack Keeps flanges, valves, and connectors elevated and off the counter while they air dry. I like this one from Munchkin because it folds down for easy storage.
15. The Fridge Hack Between pumping sessions during the day, store your pump parts (flanges, valves, tubing) in a sealed zip-lock bag in the refrigerator instead of washing them every time. The cold temperature inhibits bacterial growth. Many lactation consultants approve of this method, but check with yours if you have any concerns, especially for premature or medically fragile babies.
16. Dishwasher Basket for Small Parts Valves, membranes, and bottle lids disappear in a dishwasher without a dedicated basket.
On-the-Go & Workplace
17. Privacy Pumping Poncho For pumping in shared spaces, a nursing poncho gives you coverage without requiring a dedicated room. They are essentially the same thing as a breastfeeding cover, so if someone offers you one, take it. I like this one from Momcozy because it looks like a regular shawl and the mesh makes it breathable.
18. Pumping App (Baby Tracker, Pump Log) Tracking your sessions, output, and timing helps you spot patterns, manage your supply, and figure out when you're most productive. It also helps if you're managing a freezer stash or returning to work. The top three I would check out are Huckleberry (I love their sleep tracking too), Baby Tracker or Pump Log.
19. Portable Fridge A dedicated mini fridge for your office means you're not relying on a shared work fridge or colleagues accidentally knocking over your milk (or adding it to their coffee). A small investment that might remove a daily source of anxiety.
A note on novelty mini fridges: Breast milk needs to be stored below 40°F (4°C) to stay safe, but many super-compact or novelty mini fridges don't actually get that cold, or they cool relative to the ambient room temperature. So if your house or office runs warm, your fridge might not get cold enough to safely store milk. Before you buy, check the specs and confirm that it can maintain a consistent temperature below 40°F regardless of the room.
20. Know Your Rights Under the federal PUMP Act, nearly all employers in the U.S. are required to give you reasonable break time and a private space – not a bathroom – to pump for up to one year after your baby's birth. This covers salaried and hourly workers, teachers, nurses, farmworkers, and most others.
That's the federal floor. Many states have laws that go even further, extending protection beyond one year, requiring paid breaks, or setting specific standards for the pumping space itself. Check Mamava's state-by-state guide to see exactly what your state requires.
Save a screenshot or printout of the federal law and your state law and keep it handy.
21. Mamava Lactation Pod Locator Mamava makes small, private lactation pods installed in airports, stadiums, shopping centers, and workplaces. Their app lets you find the nearest pod before you need it. Worth downloading before you travel.
Comfort & Sanity
22. Pumping Lubricant (Coconut Oil or Pumping Spray) Reduces friction between your skin and the flange, which makes sessions more comfortable and can actually improve output. A small amount of coconut oil spray goes a long way.
23. Warm Compress or Heating Pad Applying these warming pads to your breasts for a few minutes before pumping encourages let-down. This is especially helpful if you're stressed, rushed, or pumping somewhere you'd rather not be. A warm damp cloth works in a pinch.
24. Nipple Cream Pumping can cause soreness, especially early on. Apply a nipple balm after sessions to prevent cracking. Many moms also find it helps to apply a small amount before pumping to reduce irritation.
25. Gel Soothie Pads Store these in the fridge and apply them after a pumping session for instant relief. Lansinoh can be used hot or cold, which is why they are my pick for the warm compress reco above – two birds, baby!
26. Dedicated Podcast or Show List Reframing pumping as your time – possibly the only quiet 20 minutes in your day – can genuinely change your relationship with it. Stress inhibits let-down, so relaxing actually helps you pump more. Pick something you only let yourself watch or listen to during sessions and it becomes something to look forward to.
27. Sticky Note Over the Auto-Flush Sensor If you're pumping in a public bathroom stall (it happens), cover the automatic toilet sensor with a sticky note before you start. Otherwise, it will flush repeatedly throughout your session. Unglamorous advice, but experience-tested.
28. Printable "Pumping in Progress" Sign A simple printable sign you can tape to a door or hang from a handle signals to anyone nearby that you need a few minutes of privacy. A small thing that prevents a lot of interruptions.
Nobody hands you a manual for this. But between the right pump setup, a few clever hacks, and knowing your rights, pumping gets a whole lot more doable, even if you still have to deal with Doug and his cookie hunt.
If you've got a tip that should be on this list, drop it in the comments.
Also check out: Breast Pumping at Work: Packing Checklist
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Pregnant Chicken — it keeps the lights on and supports our free content. Updated April 2026.
Leave a Comment