The List / Breastfeeding & Pumping

Breastfeeding & Pumping

Elvie vs Spectra vs Willow, nursing bras, milk storage, and the full pumping setup for working moms.

Breast Pumps

Insurance covers this

Most insurance plans cover a breast pump. Check your benefits through Aeroflow or your provider. You may get a Spectra or Elvie for free.

Elvie Pump

Elvie Pump

Wireless, goes in your bra, quiet enough to use on calls. Game changer for pumping at work. Our top pick for portability.

Price: ~$500 (often covered by insurance)

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Spectra S1

Hospital-grade pump for home. Battery powered (S1) or plug-in (S2). The workhorse. Great suction, reliable, gets the job done.

Price: ~$200 (often covered by insurance)

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Willow Pump

Competitor to Elvie. We tried both. Willow was heavier, bulkier, louder, and had more complicated bags. Elvie won.

Price: ~$500

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Nursing Supplies

Kindred Bravely Nursing Bras

Comfortable, supportive, easy clip access. Get a few in different styles. The French terry ones are softest.

Price: ~$35 each

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Boppy Nursing Pillow

Boppy Nursing Pillow

Wraps around your waist, supports baby at breast height. Essential for the first months. Also works for tummy time.

Price: ~$40

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Nipple Cream (Earth Mama or Lansinoh)

For cracked, sore nipples in the early days. Apply after every feed. You'll go through a lot.

Price: ~$10

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Silverette Nursing Cups

Silver cups that promote healing. Sound weird, work well. Especially helpful for cracked nipples.

Price: ~$60

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Elvie Curve / Haakaa

Silicone milk catcher for letdown on opposite breast. Elvie Curve has better shape; Haakaa is cheaper but more awkward.

Price: ~$15-50

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Milk Storage

Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags

Seal well, lay flat for freezing, easy to label. Buy in bulk. These are the standard for a reason.

Price: ~$15 for 100

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Ceres Chill

Insulated container that keeps pumped milk cold for 20+ hours. Great for pumping on the go without fridge access.

Price: ~$100

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Storage guidelines

  • Room temp: 4 hours
  • Cooler with ice: 24 hours
  • Fridge: 4 days
  • Freezer: 6-12 months

The Car Kit (Working Moms)

If you're pumping at work and commuting, set up a car kit so you're never caught without supplies:

  • Elvie or portable pump
  • Extra flanges and parts
  • Ceres Chill or cooler bag with ice packs
  • Milk storage bags
  • Nursing cover (if needed)
  • Car charger for pump
  • Extra nursing pads

I pumped in parking lots more times than I can count. Having everything ready made it possible.

Not gospel

Breastfeeding doesn't work for everyone, and that's okay. Fed is best. See our Feeding Essentials for formula options too.