We get the question all the time, "Why should I get a dedicated breast pump bag instead of a regular tote?" We asked a couple of our pumping mama Brand Ambassadors for their thoughts on the topic. Read on to see what they had to say!
Q: For mamas who are wondering if they really need a dedicated breast pump bag versus just using a regular handbag or tote bag for their pump - What do you see as the benefits of having a breast pump bag?
A: Sierra, Meagan and Mayra answer below.
Sierra -
If you’re wondering if you need a specific bag, my short answer is YES!
I use a lot of bags, and even have a side hobby of selling a popular brand of totes and bags. I would still recommend a Sarah Wells Bag for pumping.
These bags are specifically designed for the job, with the right amount of pockets for your pump and accessories, and the thermal pockets are a must, especially if you’re a commuter.
If you were to use a regular handbag or tote, chances are you would need more than one… a bag for your pump, a bag for used parts, a bag for clean parts, a thermal for the milk, etc.
You get the idea! As a bonus, many Breast Pump Bags are not only beautiful, but also well made and can be reused in the future.
Meagan -
I was previously using a tote bag for my pumping accessories and it was a black hole of a mess. Absolutely nothing was organized. I couldn't find any one specific thing I was looking for without unloading half of the bag - it was just a messy disaster.
Since receiving my Sarah Wells bag, I have actually been able to combine my purse, pump tote, and diaper bag all into one incrediblely organized and attractive package! Sarah Wells Bags are clearly designed with mom in mind.
In my opinion, the Breast Pump Bags are designed to help keep things organized, visible, and easy to access. It makes all the difference when it comes to a time crunch as well.
Most moms who return to work find themselves pumping on an extremely tight schedule with no time to waste fumbling around searching for the supplies they need. And personally, I have delayed let downs when I am feeling stressed and pressed for time.
These pump bags make it possible to quickly get what you need set up with just a few zips of the bag; allowing more time to pump and focus on what's important - like breathing, haha!
Mayra -
When going to work and pumping, you deal with carrying extra things and you find yourself having to pause your workload in order to pump.
Now with my Claire, I no longer have to carry all these extra things such as the cooler for the milk I pump, storage for the actual pump, zip lock bags for the dirty parts, bottles and/or storage bags, and not to mention the pumping parts.
The Claire is definitely a game changer for me. I can store everything in just one bag. It has also saved me time, so I don't worry about taking out the pump from the other bag or taking out the cooler.
Carrying my pump and all the accessories has become a part of my every day life and the Claire has made things a lot easier.
This video shows a glimpse of everything I can fit into my Claire Breast Pump Bag.
We want to hear from YOU!
Why do you (or would you) find a dedicated breast pump bag helpful in your pumping journey?
Comment on this blog and we'll automatically enter you to win your color choice of a Claire breast pump bag! Contest closes 12/25/17 at 11:59pm ET. Open to all countries.
167 comments
This is going to be my 3rd time breastfeeding and my 1st time ever using a pump. My last 2 babies would not take to a bottle at all and I am hoping to change that this time around. I have the lansinoh smart pump and although it is very small, I still feel the need for a dedicated bag for it. Our family’s are scattered all over the country and I am sure we will be traveling alot. I can’t wait to get a sarah Wells bag for my pump.
I debated a long time about getting a dedicated pumping bag because I really hate bags with only one purpose and that scream “I have a breastpump in here.” It’s the same reason I don’t have a traditional diaper bag. But I’m also a busy working Physician-Mom and spend on call nights in the hospital pumping several times in a 30 hour shift. It’s exhausting and tough to be away from my baby and try to maintain my milk supply. My SW bag keeps me organized and makes my pumping sessions efficient when my brain is tired. It is also a pretty bag that no one knows is for pumping. Not even my male colleagues who share my call room suite. I get compliments on it all the time! And I feel like having this pretty bag is a small gift to myself to stay motivated and keep working toward my pumping goal. I’m 7 months into the journey and honestly love being able to nourish my little girl!
While you really don’t “need” a pump bag, I say get one anyway! All your hard word and dedication to providing breast milk to your baby deserves to be rewarded. The convenience of having all of your pump supplies in ONE bag (vs the for I carried before I bought a Lizzy) alone is worth the cost of buying a dedicated pump bag. With the added bonus of having a stylish, functional bag, you can’t go wrong!
Absolutely! Carrying one bag with your pump and supplies as well as other daily essentials makes a big difference. I found Sara Wells with my 2nd pump journey. I carried the typical medela bag with the first and not everything I needed fit, not to mention it was well know what the contents of this bag were given it’s non unique look. I was so happy to carry my stylish pump bag and for so many components. I referred so many friends and they love it too!
Do you need a pump bag? YES!! My pumping journey at work has been so much easier because of my pump bags. I’ve tried to use other bags as a pump bag and it just doesn’t have the same conveniences. From fitting the pump in the one side, to having insulated pockets on the other side. I don’t know how people pump without a pump bag!