the TWO pumping necessities

there are two* necessities that you will LOVE for a good pumping session.  whether you're at home or on the go... you'll be so thankful for the both of these...

i remember when i was in Babies 'R Us, and i saw this hands-free pumping bra.  i thought, $40 is a lot to spend on that, and i kept on walking.  WELL, i went back to get it.  BEST CHOICE EVER.

if you pump, there are TWO necessities that you ABSOLUTELY will need.  i mean, absolutely, no choice around it, saving you SO much time... so, here they are:

1. hands-free pumping bra by medela.

(about $40)

now, look at how easy it is to use and still multi-task at the same time... even changing diapers, playing with your babies, paying the bills online... it's AMAZING.  look at all those possibilities here.  no more detesting your pumping sessions...  it's endless how much strength and time you'll save because you'll use it about 8x a day!  totally get your usage out of it!!!

now, two things:
1. do NOT buy one until AFTER you deliver.  you have no idea what size you'll be until you deliver.  until after your milk comes in.  there's no guarantee with estimating, so just wait it out.
2. you are ABLE to convert a former bra into this with a guide here.  the ONLY thing i'll say about this is your bra fastens in the back, and this hands-free bra shown above fastens in the front.  that is super convenient for when you're quickly assembling everything to pump... especially in the dark.  :)


2. a car charger for your pump by medela.

(about $18)

for pumping women on the go, whether you're SAHM, WAHM, or working moms, you will NEED this.  imagine a time when you are ready to leave the house, you time everything perfectly in order to return... only to pump.  if only you could eliminate that, and continue your ventures in the outside!  you can have a life!!!  this gives you that possibility.  i can't tell you how many times i had to return home in order to do that... or try and plan my day accordingly to come home and pump.  i've had this for five months, and it's been a complete lifesaver... saving time so i don't have to return home for ONE reason when everybody else/everything else is already with me on the go.  plus, it's AMAZING if you're looking to travel by car... just pump in the backseat.  lol.  :)  it's so easy to use, and it's the same exact function as a regular plug for the medela instyle pump.  now, for the privacy?  see below. :)

*3. a+a blankets.

(aden + anais muslin butterfly patch swaddles- $37.99)

now, i know that i said TWO pumping essentials, but read below under "3+ months #6" and you'll understand why i included it. :)

for my twin girls, we have two sets of these = 8 total.  these things are awesome and TOTALLY worth every pricey penny.  just so you know, i do know that Target has a limited selection for a reasonable price.  my girls were born in december, and we have used these swaddling blankets EVERY single day since then.  not kidding... every day.  they are suitable for any season.

here's why:

from about 0-2 months, you'll swaddle your baby with these blankets.  they are oh-so-soft, which is exactly what my friend kim kessler donaldson said before i delivered my babies... she said she discovered them with her third child.  they are so so soft.  they do get softer each time you use them... and, they will soon smell like that sweet baby breastmilk (if that's what you do)... that heavenly sweet apricot/peach smell. :)

3+ months, my babies could care less about swaddling.  they fight it like all get out.  :)  so, we use them for the following:
1. to help prop up the bottles to feed the babies whether that's in the crib, carseat, stroller seat, or bouncer (remember, i have two)...
2.  we use them as burp cloths... now, yes, at the beginning i used the gerber prefold diapers as burp cloths, which were AMAZING, and we were always washing them so we needed tons of them with two babies... but, now that my girls aren't spitting up as much as NBs, i quickly grab one of these, place it on my shoulder, and burp, hold my baby or babies... ;) it's nice because it's more coverage in case there is a mishap.
3. use them as a stroller shielder.  in the hot AZ summer, my girls and i stay indoors, but also run a bunch of errands.  for the hot days, i'll put them in their carseats/stroller seats in the stroller, push them around, and whether they're sleeping or not, sometimes, i lie one of these atop the seat to shield my babies....
4. going with #3, i also use them as a sun protector for my babies when we're going somewhere, and i'm carrying one of them... i'll put it over her face to shield her eyes because my girls always close their eyes towards the bright sun with their beautiful big blue eyes... so, it's a simple fix.
5. quick changing table... say you forgot your instant changing table pad and you're in Target's family restroom, so you put this on their portable changing table, and an easy, light fix (true story) because you'll always have more than one on hand since they're so lightweight and easy to put in your diaper bag.
6. nursing cover/pumping cover... when i'm around family, and don't feel like isolating myself, they know that i need to nurse (those were the days- sigh) or pump, so i just take one side of the blanket, loosely tie it together, and i've created a triangular open pocket... an easy shield for your privacy even around others....
ALSO, i use this shield when i'm out and about, pumping on the go... yes, driving around town!  lol!  :)

what are YOUR favorite pumping necessities?