What do I need to go with the Medela Pump and Style?

Question

I just ordered it with a prescription. I am almost 32 weeks right now and I would like to know what I need to go with it. It comes with a couple storage bottles. I was thinking of buying some more, and also some extra membranes!

What storage bags do you guys recommend? Are all the standard ones compatible with the pump? Also, how do you guys like the Medela bottles? I also noticed that the containers that come with the pump are sort of like bottles with no nipples, why? Sorry! First time mom here!

Anything else I should purchase?

Thanks :)

Answer

Definitely a hands free bra!

Answer

And any normal bottles fit that pump, so you can just grab any at Walmart.

Answer

Kind of depends on how often you are planning on using it. If you are going to breastfeed but give an occasional bottle for date nights or whatever you probably don't need anything else. If you plan on going back to work, you may need an extra set of parts (shield, membrane, valve, tubing). I had to get extra storage bottles because the 10 oz wasn't enough. You can buy nipples for the storage bottles or just use whatever bottles you already have. I used to use Target's up and up brand bags, but now I use the Kiinde system. Way more efficient :) good luck.

Answer

Extra membranes, extra tubing. I found a replacement part kit on Amazon it's off brand but works great! 
When you finish pumping let the pump run a few minutes not hooked up so the tubes dry, they get a lot of condensation built up in them and can mold.
I also have a ton of bottles, I only need the 5oz bottles but they make 8oz if you're that kind of producer. 
The steamer bags are great as well, I store my parts in the fridge during the day between sessions then wash with soap and water at night and use the steam bag to sterilize.
I also have a Medela brand travel cooler, and got a Carters diaper bag to use as a pump bag. My pump and cooler fit in it perfectly and it had a ton of pockets for towels, bottles, coconut oil, etc etc.

As far as storage bags I love Lansinoh, I've not had any leaks and they lay flat in the freezer.

Answer

I have the same and love it. The bottles with caps are for storage and transporting when you pump. I pump straight into the bottles then cap it until ready to use. I give fresh milk (pumped the night before) each evening and breastfeed during the day since I'm on maternity leave. I also bought the microwave sanitizer bags which is use daily and special wipes for when I don't have access to water and want to keep it clean. Just don't put the tubing in the sani bags...I melted mine.

Answer

I have the same pump!! I love it!! It comes with spare membranes and two 5oz storage bottles (the bottles without nipples). I haven't had to purchase anything else for it and I've had it for almost 3 weeks. I just dump the pumped milk from the storage bottle to whatever I want it in.

Answer

Make sure you have the right size flanges too. I was using the 24mm (standard) size and they were two sizes too big! Had much better output and comfort after switching to the correct size. There is a breastfeeding group on Facebook that helps with this called Fancy Pumpers. Search Fancy Pumping Friends to be added.

They helped me so much and saved my breastfeeding journey.

Answer

Also, ALLLLLLL THE COCONUT OIL. You will want to put some on your nips so they don't get raw from rubbing against the flanges.

This works way better than lanolin for me. The lanolin is thicker and causes more tugging I find.

Answer

I worked and pumped and ended up using the Medela cleaning wipes cause it was more handy than having to run to the bathroom to clean after I pumped each time. Working 10-12 hour shifts, in a retail environment, you find faster is better than wasting whatever time you have left on your break (if any) to clean the shields.

Answer

Plus playtex if you get their Breastmilk storage kit(comes with pump adapters)

What do I need to go with the Medela Pump and Style?

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