Are you a breastfeeding Mom ready to take your breast pump out on the town? Whether you’re heading back to work, going away on a trip, or have an all day event, you will need to bring along a breast pump. If you’re breastfeeding and plan to leave your baby for longer than a couple of hours, you’re going to want to read my 6 tips for pumping on the go.
![Tips for Pumping on the Go](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Tips-for-Pumping-on-the-Go.png)
Consider a portable electric breast pump.
Once upon a time I traveled around with a hand pump in my purse. Now there are portable electric pumps, run by batteries, that are much easier to use. I have been using a Lansinoh Smartpump 2.0 or the Medela Pump in Style. They are both equally efficient with a battery power option for pumping on the go. Plus, the breast pumps are small, lightweight, and easy to carry around.
Note: My favorite Lactation Consultant recommends the Spectra for anyone exclusively pumping! Also, one pump was gifted and the other was received through insurance.
![Tips for Pumping on the Go](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-47-scaled.jpg)
Pack accessories, cleaning products, and spare parts (if necessary).
I found the most perfect pumping accessories only 8 years after having my first child. My sister introduced me to this cute but functional wet/dry bag and breast pump cooler bag. I carry both small baths in one reusable tote along with cleaning wipes. After I pump I wipe down my parts quickly and store them in the wet/dry bag. If I am going to be pumping all day, I slide a thin ice pack in the wet/dry bag to keep the parts cool. Cooler air = less chance for bacterial growth.
Bonus tip: It can be hugely convenient to keep an extra set of parts in your tote bag in case a flange or valve isn’t working. Here are more details on how to clean your breast pump supplies.
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Find a comfortable place to pump.
No Mom should ever feel ashamed for breastfeeding, let alone using a breast pump in public. Make sure you have a place to pump where you will feel comfortable. If you’re pumping at work, your employer has to provide a private space for you to pump with a door. Many public places, like airports and malls, are offering nursing rooms or pods. If you can’t find something secluded, don’t be afraid to use a hands free bra or nursing cover! This nursing/pumping bra is really comfortable and this pumping bra is easy to wear and use.
With that being said, I’ve pumped in a variety of interesting (not always comfortable) places: a museum bathroom floor, the backroom of a barn at an apple orchard, on the floor of a large arena in a convention center of a dance competition.
I have heard some Moms find her milk flows more easily if she thinks about her baby. I used to watch videos of Annabelle when I first started pumping at work and had ‘stage fright.’ I can attest to this statement that it does help! I’ve actually felt a letdown while away from my babies if I look at photos of them!
![6 Tips on How to Pump When Away from Baby](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-79-scaled.jpg)
![6 Tips on How to Pump When Away from Baby](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-79-scaled.jpg)
How To Actually PUMP on the Go
The HOW TO PUMP question comes up a lot. Most pumps have two phases – fast/light followed by slow/strong – to mimic the actual way a baby feeds. If your pump doesn’t have the automatic 2-phase technology, start off fast and quick until you feel your milk letdown. Then transition to slow and strong for 10-15 minutes, or until your breast is empty.
Read more details about how to use a breast pump here.
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![](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-78-scaled.jpg)
Know WHEN to Pump while Away from Baby
The best time to pump while away from your baby is whenever the baby is eating. Currently I pump every 2 1/2 to 3 hours, which is how often Arbor eats at 4 1/2 months old. The best thing a Mom can do is try pumping around the time of her babyβs feeding session.
Read more: Tips for Breastfeeding Moms Returning to Work
How long should you pump? Typically long enough to empty the breast – time will vary from woman to woman. It takes me ten minutes to empty my breasts.
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![](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-82-scaled.jpg)
![Mom Using a Breast Pump on the Go](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-80-scaled.jpg)
![Mom Using a Breast Pump on the Go](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-80-scaled.jpg)
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![](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2bw-74-scaled.jpg)
Store Pumped Breast Milk Appropriately
Once you’ve pumped, it’s important to store the pumped breast milk appropriately. Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored at room temperature (77Β°F or colder) for up to 4 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If I am only pumping once, I store the milk in the containers that come with my breast pump. If I am going to be pumping more than once I use breast milk storage bags. I always label the bag with the date and number of ounces inside (so I carry a Sharpie with me!). Finally, I store the milk in my cooler bag.
Bonus Tip: On rare occasions, I find myself away from the baby on an adult trip where I sometimes enjoy alcoholic drinks over a long period of time (wedding, bachelorette, vacation, etc). In these instances, I pump and dump my milk.
Check out the CDC Travel Recommendations for Breastfeeding or Pumping Moms
![Pumping on the Go Breastfeeding](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Pumping-on-the-Go-Supplies.png)
![Pumping on the Go Breastfeeding](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Pumping-on-the-Go-Supplies.png)
![Tips for Moms Pumping on the Go](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Tips-for-Using-a-Breast-Pump-on-the-Go.png)
![Tips for Moms Pumping on the Go](https://caitlinhoustonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Tips-for-Using-a-Breast-Pump-on-the-Go.png)
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