As most of you are aware, I am a breastfeeding advocate and has a fulltime job outside home. I express milk at work to continue feeding Maxyn with breastmilk even when I am away from her.

Below are my breastfeeding paraphernalia that I always have with me to work.

1&2: Avent Isis Uno Pump / 3: Thermal bag / 4: Avent motor and socket storage / 5: Ice cream container for milk storage / 6: Igloo gel ice pack / 7: Spectra milk bags / 8: Pentel pen for marking the milk bags / 9: Paper towel for hand drying and cleaning of pump / 10: Avent bottle / 11: Alcohol for hand cleaning

As soon as I arrive at work, I express milk and then every after 3 hours. I clean my hands using the alcohol then I put my ice pack in the freezer and start pumping milk. I can express about 4-7oz of milk per session.

After expressing breast milk, I transfer it in a milk bag, which I put in an ice cream container. I put that and my cleaned pump inside the refrigerator in our nursing area. I rinse the bottle I used with hot water for several times then I’m back to work.

Before I go home, I pick these up and put them into my thermal bag to lock in the coldness of all the milk.

TIPS

• If you can express milk at the same time your baby feeds at home, the better.
• Alternate your starting point. If you feed your baby on the right before you go to work, start on the left on your first session at the office. This will ensure that both breasts get enough stimulation.
• Bring an ornament of your baby that can help stimulate your let down.
• Drink plenty of water so that the liquid that goes out of you body is replaced.
• Relax when you express milk. When you are stressed out, you may not get as much milk.

Got tips that you want to share with other breastfeeding mommas? Please share them in the comments section.

Like this post? Subscribe to Pop Ups of My Mind by Email

My first breast pump is an Avent manual pump. It was a gift from my Tito who is based in Guam. The pump came with bottles and breast pads. The bundle was a total savings as I found out that it costs about PhP7000 at that time. So the first time, I really did not choose my pump.

When I got pregnant with Maxyn, I asked hubby that we should invest in an electric pump because the manual one can be really tiring. So early this year, before I gave birth to Maxyn, I researched for an electric pump and the following were my considerations:

• Price
• Availability in the market
• Availability of spare parts
• Voltage input

Initially, I already made up my mind about Medela’s Freestyle pump. I asked hubby what he thinks and he reminded me of my considerations. In my research, this model did not pass my voltage criterion. Medela’s PISA passed all my criteria until hubby asked me why I need a double pump. I wanted a double pump because it’ll make every session faster, taking less time from my work schedule. But with the money we’ll invest, the ROI didn’t look proportionate. In the end, I bought an Avent ISIS Uno pump.

I got it from ebay at half the price if I get it from the mall. This pump passed all my criteria plus it complements the bottles I already have. I am still using this until now and I have no problems with it. I will post a separate review about it.

PS: When I was doing my research, Medela and Avent topped the reviews I read. I was not aware that I could get a double pump with the price we paid for my pump. Yes, there are such pumps. If you are not a brand-conscious mom, check out www.babymama.ph to know what I mean.