Breastfeeding Made Easier at Work and Home: Other Accessories

Breastfeeding and Pumping Accessories

Clothing

You don't have to buy a new wardrobe to breastfeed. While no extravagant "breastfeeding clothing" is necessary, you should try to wear clothing that will make breastfeeding and/or pumping easier. Wearing jumpers or one-piece dresses are not as convenient as a blouse or two -piece outfits. Nursing bras and nursing clothes, like blouses that have hidden openings near your chest are available but are not necessary.

You can buy disposable or cloth breastfeeding pads to line your bra. These help prevent any leaking from soaking through your blouse. The disposable pads can be thrown away, and the cloth pads can be tossed in the washing machine and used again.

If you want to breastfeed your baby in public, you can use a receiving blanket or a breastfeeding blanket that discreetly covers your chest and your baby's upper body.

Pumps

There are several types of breast pumps available. Some are manual, or require you to use your hand and wrist to squeeze a bulb-type device to pump the milk. There also are automatic pumps that run either on battery or hook up to an electrical outlet and automatically simulate your baby's natural sucking action. These pumps are easier to use, and do not require a lot of practice or skill. They can collect more milk in less time, however they cost a lot more than manual pumps (around $150 to $200).

Think about your pumping needs before you buy a breast pump. If you plan on going back to work, either full-time or part-time, it may be worth investing in a automatic pump. If you plan to never be away from your baby except for an occasional outing, you may want to use a hand pump or hand express the milk without a pump. Both hand expressing and using a hand pump require practice, skill, strength and coordination.

Pumps also come in "single" or "double" meaning you can either pump the milk from one breast or from both breasts at the same time. Most electric pumps are double pumps, but you can choose whether to pump one or both breasts at the same time.

Although many breast pumps look different, they all operate in basically the same way. Each comes with a plastic "shell" that covers your nipple and breast, that is also connected to tubing that carries the milk from your breast to a bottle or bag that collects the milk. Experts caution against using the "bicycle horn" type of pump because it cannot be sterilized, can be ineffective, and can cause damage to breast tissue.

Most automatic pumps come in convenient, discreet carrying cases that match your other accessories you may carry to work, such as your purse or briefcase.

If you purchase a pump, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and caring for the equipment.

Some pumps can be purchased at baby supply stores or general department stores, but most high-grade, professional quality automatic pumps have to be purchased or rented from a lactation consultant at a local hospital, or from a breastfeeding organization. See Where to Go for Help for more information.

Current as of August 2005

The following publications and organizations provide more information on breastfeeding accessories:

Publications

Are Used Pumps a Good Option? Issues to Consider (Copyright © La Leche League International) - This publication describes the difference between rental pumps and used pumps. It also explains the health and legal issues that should be considered when thinking about sharing or borrowing breast pumps.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul04p54.html

Breastfeeding: Choosing a Breast Pump (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) - This fact sheet is meant to aid in the general use of breast pumps, breast milk storage, and preparing to return to work. The information is presented in a question and answer format to help mothers choose the best breast pump for their needs.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=PR00002

Can You Give Me Some Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding? (Copyright © La Leche League International) - This article gives tips on using nursing clothes and slings to breastfeed discreetly in public. It also includes suggestions for mothers who do not have clothing specifically designed for breastfeeding.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/discreet.html

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/leak.html

How do I Choose a Breast Pump? (Copyright © La Leche League International) - This publication gives information on the different types of breast pumps that are available and explains what you should consider before choosing a pump so you can find one that best fits your needs.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/pump.html

How to Choose a Breast Pump (Copyright © ACNM) - This publication explains the different types of breast pumps that are available. In addition, it includes a list of things to consider before shopping for a breast pump, and it explains how to select a pump that best fits your needs.

http://www.gotmom.org/page2.cfm?id=21

Nipple Shields . . . Friend or Foe? (Copyright © LLLI) - This publication explains the use of nipple shields and explains the benefits and downfalls of using them when breastfeeding. It also describes the reasons why women have used nipple shields in the past and what current alternatives there may be.

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p39.html

Slings and Breastfeeding (Copyright © La Leche League International) - This article describes one breastfeeding mother's experience with using a sling for carrying her children, as well as other interesting and unexpected uses.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBJulAug03p133.html

Organizations

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BREASTFEEDING MADE EASIER AT HOME AND WORK

Breastfeeding and Pumping Accessories

Clothing

Pumps

Publications

Organizations