As I’m writing this, I’m reflecting on my second nursing journey. I’ve loved nursing my two babies. In fact, with second time mom confidence, I loved the second time even more. I’ve recently decided to begin completely wean my sweet little cow milk hating second child. The ending is very much bittersweet. While I loved each journey, I know in my heart I’m ready for a little bit more independence. I produced enough milk to satisfy my two babies and donated to many little babies too! Along my two journeys, I discovered many different products that made nursing/pumping suck less (pun fully intended). This post serves as a summary to my top five favorite products and why.
Haakaa
After my milk came in, I was completely caught off guard by the let down on the other boob while you were nursing. I hated continually changing out wet nursing pads and I hated the thought of wasted milk. The Haakaa solved both of these problems and at a convenient price.
When I struggled with an oversupply as my baby slept longer, the Haakaa was there for me. When my toddler decided he liked to steal my breastmilk as I nursed my baby, the Haakaa was there for him!
The Haakaa receives less praise as babies get old enough to kick it off. I’ve definitely been there, but my love for the Haakaa has not dwindled. When baby gets older, I usually pop the Haakaa off after the initial let down is finished and set it in an empty coffee mug on my nightstand so it won’t get knocked over. At less than $15, I’d mark this as a must have. It’s an easy way to build a freezer stash and an easy way to keep nursing pads drier.
Legendairy Milk Duckbill Valves
For Spectra users, this is my favorite Duckbill Replacements for those flimsy little silicone pieces on your pump. These little guys control the suction on your pump and wear down over time. You should replace these about every two months depending on how often you pump. If you don’t replace these, you risk a less effective pumping session or even making your supply dwindle by not effectively removing as much milk as possible. I prefer these over the default Spectra duckbills because of the handy pull tab. The pull tab allows you to remove the pieces with less of a struggle and less damage when you need to wash them.
Legendairy Milk Pumping Spray
I CAN NOT believe I survived my first nursing journey without knowing about this pumping spray from Legendairy Milk. After using this spray for the first time, I knew I couldn’t turn back. This spray reduces the amount of friction associated with pumping and makes the experience more comfortable. People SAY pumping shouldn’t hurt if you have the right flange size, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider it “comfortable” even with the correct flange size. My lactation consultant ensured I was using the correct size. I made the experience a little more comfortable on myself with this handy dandy spray. If you order from Legendairy Milk through this link, you get 10% off.
LacTeck Flanges
My regret not discovering these super soft pump flanges sooner. While these do come at a heftier price than most flanges, they absolutely last and make it worth it. I briefly tried silicone pump inserts before these and ditched them when they tore. Personally, I didn’t feel like they were nearly as comfortable as the LacTeck Flanges. At first I found these pump flanges to be a little bit of an awkward fit with my special “Wide Mouth Connectors” but ended up loving these for how much more comfortable it made pumping.
Spectra Pump
With my first baby, I got very confused about how to get a pump through insurance. I called my insurance to ask for help and they pointed me to a boutique that carried one type of pump. I enjoyed the pump OK but I REALLY loved the Spectra pump I got through aeroflow with my second baby.
The Pink Spectra pump was completely free with my insurance. With the Blue Spectra pump, there was a small price to pay. I now own both and they work basically the same. The biggest difference is that the Blue Spectra holds a charge and the Pink one needs to be plugged in to work. If anyone asks a pump to get through insurance, I absolutely recommend the Spectra!
The pump comes with a small backlight that is convenient to use in the middle of the night. The pump is super intuitive to use – my only complaint would be that the pump doesn’t start in “let down” mode – but that is pretty minor. Everybody’s body will respond differently to different pumps, however I’ve found the Spectra pump as my favorite (Pink or Blue).
Honorable mentions
- Wet Dry Bags – yes I use these for swim and travel too. Super convenient for tossing used pump parts in at work when I was finished and storing them in the fridge till I got home and was able to wash them!
- Collapsible Wash Basin – keep the pump parts out of that dirty sink – let them soak in this!
- Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bra – who wants to change into a different bra just to pump? Not this girl! The material is soft, the fit is flattering, and you’ve got pumping and nursing convenience. My favorite for daily wear!
Final Thoughts
After two pumping/nursing journeys, I’ve seen how difficult being a direct food source for your baby can be. The technology and tools that have come along to make it easier has been amazing. Our pumping/nursing journeys are not the same as our mothers’. Our lives are busier and I’m SO thankful for the tools that make it easier on us. Tell me in the comments what has made your pumping/nursing life easier.