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
I haven’t even gone back to work and i still love my Sarah wells bag. It makes carrying around my pump (and everything else) a lot more fun. I don’t care for the Medela bags at all and the fact that they’re too small to carry anything except for the pump and pump parts. Why have a separate pump bag and still have to carry around ANOTHER bag? With the Sarah Wells bags you can have a discreet and stylish bag for carrying ALL of your things, without screaming “I’m a pumping mom!!!”
Yes! My Abby is so professional looking and keeps me organized. It’s so much easier for me and that little photo makes me so happy every time I open the pump pocket. The last 2 times I pumped for 1 year each and I avoided it leading to several bouts of mastitis. I’m not avoiding it this time with my cute bag and get it done quicker since I’m more organized. I love this brand!
To me having a durable pump bag is very important. With my fourth child I exclusively pumped for 7 1/2 months because he had a tounge tie that prevented him from latching. I went through so many bags carrying my pump around zippers would break, straps would break, or they would just get holes in the bag that made them useless. Now with Baby number five on the way I’m trying to prepare for having to exclusively pump again instead of getting it set in my plate and not having nothing to prepare myself for.
You absolutely need a pumping bag! I have the Abby and before it arrived I was carrying about four different bags for all my stuff—definitely not a professional look. The bag will be great even after pumping as refrigerated pockets can be used for lunch or snacks or folded out of the way. So much about pumping is not fun so you deserve to have a nice bag to make it a little more pleasant!
Is it necessary? Most definitely! I have been back at work for a couple weeks now and this (my Sarah Wells Lizzy) has been amazing! At first I thought I was splurging on an unnecessary fashion item but after testing it and using it daily in the real world, it proved to be a much needed necessity. I am able to sneak in pumping seasions on the go due to its many pockets. I love how Sarah thought of making the side pockets insulated; not many bags have that and we are often stuck with packing a separate cooler (now whats the point of that if my goal is to condense bags). I absolutely love the zippers on this bag; they are high quality and often cooperate when Im rushing zipping away. I have been able to pump in a moving car as well due to this bag. I also have the pumparoo and it put me on ease when I had to pump in a supply closet in a pinch…no to germs on my baby’s milk. I was able to pull out my pump parts from the pumparoo wet bag and set them up on the attached staging mat…who wouldve thunk? Even best, they match so you just cant have one without the other. Overall the Sarah Wells Lizzy bag has made life for this working momma much easier. I also have two older children and am also able to place their snacks in the insulated pocket. I am hauling this bag for the long run as I can easily see its versatility l. While I do like the flexibility of the “duffle bagness” of the Lizzy, I would love to get the Claire for its more professional look. It looks professional yet chic and would be perfect for my client meetings. Thanks Sarah!