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Pumping Essentials Checklist (+ Free Printables!)

Morgan | The Mayberry Mama/ Mom Hacks+ Reviews + Recommendations

"Back to work pumping essentials checklist + free printables" written over image of baby bottles and breast pump accessories

Somehow, our sweet tiebreaker baby (as we affectionately call Hugo), is already 11 weeks old and I am getting ready to go back to work next week. Well, I use the term “going back” loosely, as I will still be working from home the majority of the time. But either way – I will be pumping during my work day! I recently started thinking through what our new routine will look like (we haven’t had one for so long – and now we have a third kiddo in the mix) and what pumping essentials I need to make sure I have on hand as we get ready for this transition.

Pumping at work was new to me when I had my second baby. My first breastfeeding journey came to an end after about six weeks of struggling (#fedisbest), so preparation for going back to work as a pumping mama threw me for a loop! This time around I have a little better idea what I need to plan for and what to make sure I have handy in my pumping bag.

(Note: This post may contain affiliate links.)

Back-to-work pumping checklist with free printable text overlay
Download your free printable pumping essentials checklist + a bonus pumping room door sign!

Pump Parts (bottles, connectors, valves/membranes + Flanges)

Having extra pump parts on hand makes the pumping at work life so much easier! After three babies, I have several sets (if you use reuse old sets, be sure to replace the membranes when you pull them out of storage and sanitize) and it saves my sanity to be able to throw everything in the dishwasher at the end of the day. I always have a fresh set already clean and ready to go for the next day without having to hand wash.

Pump Cleaning Supplies

Full disclosure: I don’t always wash my parts after each pumping session when I’m at work. It sounds gross. But I just rinse them and keep them in the refrigerator with my expressed milk. Whether you go that route or you feel more comfortable doing a full wash after each use, it’s still good to have cleaning supplies on hand. 

I prefer using wipes or sanitizer spray as needed versus washing them in the communal sink, but you could also bring dish soap and wash them by hand if you have a good setup for that. My pump bag is also always stocked with at least one sanitizing bag. It would be very rare for me to need to sanitize my parts while at work, but I like to have one just in case! 

Insulated storage bag and ice pack

If you don’t have refrigerator space available (in my previous workplace it was a hot commodity!)  to store your expressed milk, you’ll definitely want to have a cooler bag and ice pack to keep your milk cold through the day. It’s also nice to have extras on hand in case you forget to put one back in the freezer when you get home. The next morning you’ll have a back up ready to go! 

I have a dedicated fridge for storing my expressed milk at work, but I bring in an ice pack and keep it there in the freezer (for offsite meetings or days when I’m traveling to multiple locations) so that I have it when I need it. Dumping breast milk after letting it sit in my car sans ice pack = lesson learned! 

Pump battery pack and batteries (and/or car adapter)

This is another lesson I had to learn the hard way! Just trust me. Keep batteries and/or a car adapter in your bag.

Hands-free Pumping Bra 

This is a pumping must for me! Of course it’s not absolutely necessary but, for me, a hands-free pumping bra makes the process so much easier. I always pack one in my bag with all of my other pumping essentials!

A quick, easy DIY hack (courtesy of my lactation consultant) — you can make a hands-free pumping bra by cutting two small holes in an old sports bra!

Snacks

The first few weeks back at work are super busy as you try to get up to speed on everything you missed. Sometimes I’m so busy – and distracted by having actual adult conversations – that I would forget to eat. Skipping calories can have a significant impact on milk supply, so snacks are important!

I try to throw things like fresh fruit and yogurt in with my lunch so that I have snacks every day, but I also like to always keep a few nonperishable snacks in my pumping bag (protein bars, almonds, peanut butter crackers). 

Drinks

I bring a refillable water cup everywhere I go (these are my favorite – I have several of them!), but I also pack some extra drinks to bring along with me to work. I love Body Armor Lite (orange clementine and peach mango are my favorites) for something with flavor, and I do feel like it makes a difference in my supply. 

I also always keep Mother’s Milk tea bags in my pump bag and usually drink a cup of tea once or twice a day, especially if I feel like I’m pumping less than usual. 

Entertainment 

If you work in an environment where you can sit at your desk and pump, you might not need to add this to your list. I don’t have access to a computer most of the time I pump and I can’t stand just sitting there waiting for my let down. I like to have a book (or a Kindle book downloaded on my phone) to read (I’m bringing When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley with me next week!) or a podcast or playlist queued up to pass the time while I pump.

Download your free pumping essentials checklist + door sign here!

What am I missing? What other pumping essentials do you pack and bring to work with you? Let me know in the comments below! If you download the pumping checklist + pumping door sign printables, show me how you use them by tagging me (@themayberrymama) in your Instagram photos! 

watercolor blueberry design next to the name Morgan

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  1. WillardRem says

    February 1, 2022 at 9:23 pm

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Sweet Baby, You came into the world during a time Sweet Baby,

You came into the world during a time of rampant uncertainty, but there is one thing that I was always sure of—you were made for us.

I was so scared for you to arrive. I was so afraid of what having a baby during a global pandemic would be like—would we be safe? Would we be able to protect you? How could we do it without our family? But then there you were—all 9 lbs 9.5 oz of you—on my chest, looking right up at me. You looked to me for reassurance, to confirm that I was your person and you were safe. But as soon as I felt the weight of your head on my chest and we locked eyes, you are the one who put me at ease. I knew it was all going to be okay. Because you were here. You were healthy. We were together. And that’s all that mattered.

At first I felt robbed of the experience I wanted to bring you into the world. Mimi wasn’t in the waiting room ready to meet you. Your big kids had to find out their baby was a brother via FaceTime. Grandma and Pappaw couldn’t come to see us. But what magic it was to have you all to ourselves—to stare at you, to hold you, to love on you and to not have to share you with anyone. It was not what I wanted, but after the fear and anxiety of pregnancy and childbirth in the wake of COVID, the uninterrupted peace of sweet, sleepy snuggles with our beautiful baby boy was exactly what I needed.

Then we brought you home. The tension, the exhaustion, the fear, the frustration that had built up over weeks and weeks of “staying at home,” melted away. You were a fresh start for our family; you altered our perspective. Our time at home was no longer a burden; it was a blessing.

You, sweet boy, saved us in so many ways this last year. We will always be grateful for our surprise 2020 baby and all the light you brought into our lives during a time when the whole world was dark.

Happy 1st birthday! We love you so much!

Love, Mama
When your outfit reflects your personality—layer When your outfit reflects your personality—layered and slightly melodramatic. 😅
I think so often on social media, we romanticize t I think so often on social media, we romanticize the drama of motherhood. We talk about not having time to shower, surviving off of coffee and wine, relishing a chance to go to the grocery store for a break. ⁣
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And then there’s the opposite extreme—we talk about how we didn’t know what love was until we became mothers; we’ve never known happiness or joy before children. ⁣
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Y’all, can I be honest? Motherhood is both. And it’s neither. And it’s a million other things. It’s true—I cannot function without coffee. But I also take a shower whenever I want (which isn’t every day anymore—thanks #WFH life). ⁣
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And yes, my heart has tripled in size since I became a mother. But I also believe that women can experience love + joy in other relationships and avenues. Becoming a mother isn’t something everyone aspires to—and to imply that those women are somehow incapable of the same fulfillment as moms is unfair. ⁣
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In summary: Motherhood is the epitome of embracing the AND.
Just a superhero and his sidekicks trying to figur Just a superhero and his sidekicks trying to figure out how to save the world while they’re stuck inside. 🦸🏼‍♂️🐶👧🏻🥶
I go back + forth between longing for my girl to h I go back + forth between longing for my girl to have a sister and wanting her all to myself. I love her brothers endlessly with my whole dang heart but this girl is exactly what my heart never knew it needed. My tiny bestie. She fills up a space in my soul that I didn’t even know was empty (and pushes limits I didn’t even know existed 🤪)
I spent a lot of years hating Valentine’s Day. T I spent a lot of years hating Valentine’s Day. This morning I made heart shaped pancakes + forced my boys do a corny photo shoot. I still think it’s a cheesy, over commercialized holiday AND I love the flowers my husband sent me. There’s that dang and again—and here’s me... embracing it. Whatever today means or doesn’t mean to you, I hope it’s a good one. ❤️
On Wednesdays, we wear pink. ☕️💗💅🏻 On Wednesdays, we wear pink. ☕️💗💅🏻
Mini charCUTErie sets make the cutest teacher (or Mini charCUTErie sets make the cutest teacher (or mom, or sis or gal pal!) Valentine’s gifts ❤️ #liketkit #LTKVDay #LTKgifts @liketoknow.it
If matching my mini is wrong, I don’t want to be If matching my mini is wrong, I don’t want to be right. As long as my girl wants to be twinsies, I’m in. 👯‍♀️ Can’t wait for our Valentine’s Day get ups! 🥰
Hi ho, hi ho... it’s off to work I go. And by wo Hi ho, hi ho... it’s off to work I go. And by work, I mean therapy to work on myself. ✌🏻 How are you taking care of YOU today?
Ahhh, the weekend. Real talk—they can get long t Ahhh, the weekend. Real talk—they can get long these days. Three days (Monday is my day off each week) with nowhere to go, nothing to do and cooped up inside make us all feel ready to get back into our weekday routine by the time Tuesday rolls around. But when the messes and the Chicken Wing Beat and the snacks and the bickering get me like 🤪😅🙃 I try to remember that the one on the left was the size of the one on the right five minutes ago and in a month he’s going to be five YEARS. ⁣
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I try so hard not to take it for granted, but sometimes I have to stop myself from wishing away the time—wishing they were all old enough for a little more independence. Then in the next breath, I’m praying for them stay this little forever because the thought of them not needing me makes me ache. ⁣
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We hear it time and time and time again as mamas in the thick of it—the days are long but the years are short. And in the last year, I think it has been truer than ever. It has been an extra hard time to navigate motherhood + easier than ever to feel like it’s all falling apart. But it’s not. We got this, mamas. 💪🏻
We officially started the plans for our first floo We officially started the plans for our first floor renovation—we’re changing our floor plan to open up our kitchen/dining/living space and reworking our laundry room to be larger, a (rarely used) bathroom to be smaller + adding a pantry.⁣
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Phew. I’m excited, but also nervous. I am dreading the part where we have to pay all the money 💸 and live in a construction zone with three babies AND really looking forward to a space that’s more functional for our family + lifestyle. Here’s to embracing the AND 🙌🏻 ⁣
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If you’ve gone through a home build or a renovation—or just have a feature you absolutely love in your home that makes life easier—please share! 👇🏻 We’re all about making our home work best for us and focusing on function > fancy, and we’ll take any + all ideas! ⁣
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P.S. Can’t stop won’t stop wearing this cozy warm Sherpa vest! #ltkit
I am finally sharing our DIY home office project t I am finally sharing our DIY home office project today! Tyler and I worked our booties off taking this space from kind of dreary and dated to more modern and functional—which I am super thankful for as WFH life continues to be my “new normal.” ⁣
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I shared more photos, all of the details and a before and after comparison on the blog (link in bio). We had to pivot a couple of times (and stop to Google on occasion), but I’m really proud of us for tackling this together—our first big project we’ve ever done without the help of a dad or two. ⁣
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I would love to know what you think—and hear about any and all of your COVID home projects! Nothing like staying home all the time to spark an interest in sprucing up your space!
When Grandma & Grandpa offer to take the babies fo When Grandma & Grandpa offer to take the babies for the day, you jump on it 🥳 There’s nothing to do—partly because we live in the middle of nowhere and party because we’re in a pandemic. But we made the most out of a kid free afternoon getting groceries, grabbing a quick bite to eat and browsing for inspo for our next DIY—our master bedroom. I can count on one hand the amount of times we’ve spent time together solo since Baby Hugo came along, so I’ll take it! Less lemons, more lemonade in 2021 🍋🙌🏻⁣
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Any plans on your agenda? What’s your favorite day date (now and pre-covid)? Have a great weekend!
Oh, hi! Happy New Year! 🥳 We’re not off to a Oh, hi! Happy New Year! 🥳 We’re not off to a great start over here. We’ve spent the entirety of 2021 in quarantine after coming down with covid symptoms on January 1. ⁣
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Two parents trying to work from with three kiddos is no joke. (Pictured here on a conference call with my littlest. Not pictured is the time I nursed him on a call with my boss.) I know some of you have been doing it full time for almost a year now. Part of me wants to ask how you’ve done it. But I know the answer—you’ve had no other choice. You’ve shown up day in and day out and you’ve done what you’ve had to do to get through each day for your families, regardless of the state of your physical, mental or emotional health. ⁣
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In case you haven’t heard it lately, or in case you doubt it, hear this: I see you. I’m in awe of you. You are incredible. You are doing the extraordinary in the most extreme circumstances. No matter how much better you think you could be doing, or how much you feel like you may be failing, you are killing it. There is no precedent for the world we’re living in. You are blazing a trail while the forest is on fire around you—and you are doing amazing. ⁣
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Tag a mama who needs to hear this.👇🏻 Sending you love + light all the way from Mayberry. 💙
Want to know something I hate? New Year's Resoluti Want to know something I hate? New Year's Resolutions. I mean, to be fair, it's probably because I suck at them. Instead of setting a resolution, I try to reflect on the past year and think about what worked for me, what went well, what I want to carry with me into the next year and what I'm better off leaving behind when the clock strikes midnight. I also set my intentions for the year with a word or phrase. I originally landed on the word "balance," but today I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts @bethereinfive while folding laundry and Kate (the host and another one of my BFFs who doesn't know it) referenced advice from @noraborealis: "embrace the and." ⁣
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2020 was heavy and hard AND one of the best years of my life. I love my children fiercely AND I sometimes feel overwhelmed. My family is the most important thing in the world to me AND I value my mental health enough to prioritize my own well being. I am profoundly grateful for our life in Mayberry AND sometimes I wonder if we're missing out on something bigger. ⁣
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More than one thing can be true at once—even things that, at a cursory glance, seem contradictory—and I am going to spend 2021 working toward embracing the AND.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with LOVE + JO Wishing you a holiday season filled with LOVE + JOY. May you enjoy what matters most now and in the year ahead. Merry Christmas! ❤️⁣
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P.S. Don’t be offended that you didn’t get our Christmas card this year—they’ve been stuck in ATL since December 3. I’m definitely still sending them out when they arrive, so be prepared to hang these faces on your fridge come February. 😅
I love this season, but this year the holiday spir I love this season, but this year the holiday spirit isn’t coming quite as naturally to me. We’re still laying low and for us that means skipping most of our holiday traditions. I’m struggling, but I keep reminding myself that it’s only one year and my sweet babies really don’t know anything is different. I’m reminding myself to find the magic in the little things—my favorite decorations, a festive cup of coffee, a kitchen that smells like sugar cookies, “WOWS!” from the backseat as we drive around looking at lights and the sweetest little voices singing the Jingle Bells chorus on repeat. ⁣
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When I really stop and think about it, this might just be our most magical Christmas yet.🎄❤️
Hi 👋🏻 It has been awhile. If you’re new ar Hi 👋🏻 It has been awhile. If you’re new around here, I’m Morgan. Wife and mama of three living life in Mayberry. I created this space (here and on my blog—link in bio) to have a creative outlet and, most of all, to make positive connections. My 9-5 job in healthcare marketing is pretty heavy right now and, to be fully transparent, I haven’t been feeling very creative or connected. I’m trying to make it a point to have more of a consistent presence because, unlike so much of social media these days, it has really brought me so much joy! I’ve loved sharing about my family and our small town life and I’ve made some fast friendships that I really value. On that note—what is bringing you joy in this wonderful (but weird) season? ⁣
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I’m also really looking forward to digging deep into what has really been my driving purpose in starting my blog—a series I’ve been working on called More Than Mayberry. My goal is for this to be a way use this little digital space to tell stories of women like me, but more importantly, unlike me. I hope it will serve as a reminder that while we all lead vastly different lives, at the end of the day, we all have more in common than we think. We are all humans, after all—and there’s more to life than Mayberry. 💙
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