https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 04:29:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-718402 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:32:30 +0000 chopsuey 718402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't get any of the accessories you listed!<br /> I bought some Lansinoh storage bags but only used about a dozen before I stopped pumping.</p> <p>I would wait til after baby arrives to see what you need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-718393 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:25:05 +0000 pl0508 718393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>(1) Medela quick clean micro-steam bags - dont use<br /> (2) Medela quick clean wipes - great for work. Pointless otherwise<br /> (3) Medela pump &amp; save storage bags- you need some kind. I've used medela, lansinoh, and gerber nuk. They are all fine in my opinion<br /> (4) Medela disposable bra pads- again you need some kind. The avent ones are my favorite. Their overnight ones are wonderful. Now that my supply is regulated I use washable ones during the day (Charlie banana brand)<br /> (5) Medela Tender Care HydroGel pads- good for the first few weeks<br /> (6) Medela quick clean breastmilk removal soap- I love this. Total personal preference. It doesn't make the bottles smell perfumey and really gets rid of residue I was very surprised by how difficult breastmilk film can be to remove !! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-718375 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:13:55 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 718375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I highly recommend Honeysuckle storage bags! I don't think any of the rest are necessary except the disposable bra pads (I prefer the Lanisinoh brand though) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-718315 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:39:37 +0000 lawbee11 718315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone!! I don't feel as clueless anymore! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716845 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:02:18 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 716845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's what I think (as I sit at work HBing while pumping)</p> <p>(1) Yes, I like the steam clean bags. When I'm really tired and don't want to wash, I'll rinse quickly in soapy water &amp; use the microwave bag. I love it.<br /> (2) No, I have the wipes, but almost never use them. They're only good if you don't have access to water to rinse<br /> (3) Yes to bags, No to Medela. I use Lanisoh (although I actually use multiple 2.5 ounce medela tubes that I pump straight into) for when I want to freeze milk. You can pump right into the Medela bags, but they don't give an accurate reading of how much you pumped!<br /> (4), (5) No, I never needed any pads or gel for pumping.<br /> (6) No, regular soap works fine.</p> <p>As far as a hands-free bra goes, I didn't like mine. It was a pain to put on and take off &amp; just ate up my small window of pumping time. I have Bravado nursing bras (the Body Silk Seemless) and it works excellently for holding the flanges. I just pull the bra cups down a little and slide the flanges in - voila! Hands free!<br /> * If you're getting the Pump In Style, I know it comes with a cooler bag and ice pack. I got a 2nd ice pack to put in the tupperware container I use to hold my parts between pumping (I don't have fridge access during the day).</p> <p>I second getting extra pump parts though. You'll want a back up if anything happens! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716797 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:49:45 +0000 tysonja 716797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>the only thing i used from the list are disposable breast pads, but i like lansinoh for that! works well and cheaper, too :)</p> <p>i didnt have enough breastmilk to do any storage (boo), but i would have purchased a cheaper version of the storage bags :)</p> <p>i have a medela pump though (freestyle) and LOVE it! the pump in style sounds perfect, too! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716796 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:48:54 +0000 Weagle 716796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Of those I only use the steam bags and storage bags. I prefer Honeysuckle brand storage bags. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716781 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:46:30 +0000 banana 716781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the only ones you really need are the bags ( I prefer Lansinoh too) and the breast pads (I use Lansinoh). Everything else I think you can do without. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716686 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:24:31 +0000 Bluebonnet 716686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>(1) I prefered the Munchkin steam bags<br /> (2) Medela quick clean wipes - if you are pumping while traveling or if you are pumping WOHM, these are very handy<br /> (3) I prefered the Lansinoh bags<br /> (4) I prefered the Lansinoh pads<br /> (5) Not necessary<br /> (6) Not necessary - I did not even know this existed </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716670 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:19:38 +0000 mrsjyw 716670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've only used storage bags and the disposable pads on your list! (Which I've switched to washable/reusable organic pads since)... I do use the medela freezer bags still :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716647 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:14:36 +0000 anbanan15 716647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used Lansinoh storage bags. Everything else on that list I didn't use. I preferred cloth breast pads (Itsy Ritsy and Baby Kicks ones) and I used regular non-antibacterial dishsoap (so not to discolor silicone per the recommendations of my original non-Medela breast pump) because I didn't know a special breastmilk soap existed.</p> <p>ETA: I eventually caved and purchased a hands free bra. I ended up hating it and could have went without one. It only was beneficial the few times I pumped while driving, but otherwise was not necessary at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716640 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:13:26 +0000 purrpletulips 716640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd wait until you start pumping but here are my thoughts:</p> <p>1) not required but nice to have<br /> 2) not necessary unless you are going to be pumping in locations without access to water; you can rinse your pump parts in between sessions without having to fully wash then wash at night<br /> 3) yes but I use the Lansinoh brand<br /> 4) depends, I only leaked for the first couple weeks<br /> 5) I bought these but found that cold was not helpful and actually caused more pain<br /> 6) I just use really hot water and dawn dish soap</p> <p>Not on the list but recommend a Hands-free pumping bra </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716619 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:07:35 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 716619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just 1 and 3 and a hands-free pumping bra. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716568 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:51:33 +0000 pelikila 716568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me (WOHM) I liked the microwave steam bags a lot but keep in mind you can you one up to like 20 times before you should replace it. </p> <p>I never used the cleaning wipes so those were a waste.</p> <p>I preferred Lansinoh's milk storage bags because they would freeze flat but I loved that you could pump directly into the Medela bags so that is a personal preference. I'd get some and then decide.</p> <p>I preferred reusable bra pads rather than disposable.</p> <p>I never used the hydrogel pads.</p> <p>I really liked Dapple soap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716551 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:47:11 +0000 wheres_c 716551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like the target brand storage bags, or Lansinoh if you are registering. Breast pads are a must too....again Lansinoh are great.</p> <p>I didn't need any of the other stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716542 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:45:21 +0000 littlebug 716542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use the steam bags, and milk storage bags (though I use the Lansinoh rather than the Medela). The wipes and soap seem unnecessary to me. I also use Lansinoh breast pads (I leak a lot) and Lansinoh gel soothies, but like another person said, they only offered a minute or two of relief until they warm up to your body temperature, so probably a cold compress would be better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716529 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:41:04 +0000 MamaMoose 716529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only things I use from that list are the micro steam bags and the milk storage bags. I keep all my pump parts in the fridge during the work days and then clean them when I get home. And I never needed any sort of breast pads, I never had leakage issues and I just used lanolin for pain at the very beginning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716518 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:37:13 +0000 mrskc 716518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally, I would just wait until you start pumping to buy accessories. I don't use Medela, but I'll still give my 2 cents. </p> <p>(1) Medela quick clean micro-steam bags - never used steam bags<br /> (2) Medela quick clean wipes - never used<br /> (3) Medela pump &amp; save storage bags - I use the Lanisoh ones<br /> (4) Medela disposable bra pads - Used the Lanisoh ones. I would just get one box to see how you like it.<br /> (5) Medela Tender Care HydroGel pads - Had soothies and ended up returning to target, never needed them. But I hear some people love them.<br /> (6) Medela quick clean breastmilk removal soap- I just use regular dish soap. </p> <p>I think extra pump parts and hands free pumping bra are essentials. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716505 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:32:05 +0000 kml636 716505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the Lansolin gel pads, they are $10 each and ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT I sent my husband to target many times to get these for me.</p> <p>(1) Medela quick clean micro-steam bags - YES<br /> (2) Medela quick clean wipes - YES FOR pumping at work.<br /> (3) Medela pump &amp; save storage bags - you need some kind of freezer bag, but doesn't have to be medela<br /> (4) Medela disposable bra pads - any kind of pads you need at first<br /> (5) Medela Tender Care HydroGel pads YES<br /> (6) Medela quick clean breastmilk removal soap - I've never used this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716416 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:08:54 +0000 2PeasinaPod 716416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Agreed! I just ordered 2 more sets of tubing even though I'm done pumping with LO. Stocking up for the next LO if we're so lucky to have another! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716411 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:05:14 +0000 travelgirl1 716411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd just get the storage bags, then if you end up needing more stuff you can buy as and when. Actually some kind of pads are good at first as you might leak, but there are cheaper brands than Medela. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716383 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:57:23 +0000 swurlygurl 716383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only accessory I use is the storage bags. I really like the Target brand ones, and they're cheaper than Lansinoh ones.</p> <p>I bought washable bra pads, because I couldn't stand the thought of throwing a pair away every day. It turns out that I don't leak though, so I didn't even need them. I might be able to use them with my next kids though.</p> <p>I just use regular dish soap and bottle brush to wash my pump parts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716381 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:56:30 +0000 looch 716381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get extra valves, membranes and tubing as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716357 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:47:32 +0000 mediagirl 716357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>#3 - YES. You need to store that milk!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716347 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:45:21 +0000 Mrsbells 716347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Storage bags and disposable pads are necessary but I never used any of the others. Also I used the Lansinoh brand </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716343 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:44:06 +0000 Mrs. Bee 716343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>just wait until you start pumping to see what you need. you'll definitely want the storage bags (i would get another brand other than medela like lansinoh, or another one i haven't tried that mrs. stroller recommended a while back). and i used nursing pads for a very long time (i still leak pretty regularly at 18 months!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716323 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:38:42 +0000 2PeasinaPod 716323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think any are necessary except for the bags...but there are cheaper than Medela alternatives! I liked the Nuk bags the best...but if you're planning to freeze any of your breast milk for later, then you'll need some type of bag to do that with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716322 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:38:23 +0000 hellobeeboston 716322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You'll probably get different opinions from everyone, but here's my advice:</p> <p>(1) Medela quick clean micro-steam bags --- NO, they come with the bottles, I've used a couple times and they don't really work that well anyway. Since I've gotten them with the pump &amp; the bottles I've purchased I use them once in a while anyway.</p> <p>(2) Medela quick clean wipes - NO</p> <p>(3) Medela pump &amp; save storage bags - SURE</p> <p>(4) Medela disposable bra pads - If you want - I use Lanishoh (sp?) and like those best, I didn't like this brand... total personal preference, and these were more expensive.</p> <p>(5) Medela Tender Care HydroGel pads - NO... My hospital gave me some soothies that were OK, but they only helped for like a minute, so I think just using the Lanolin was the way to go in the beginning. or just use a little ice in a washcloth.</p> <p>(6) Medela quick clean breastmilk removal soap -- YES -- and this is a total personal preference but I LOVE this soap. I didn't want to use regular dish soap, and I feel like this soap works SO well. I don't soak as they say to use - but squirt a bit into each bottle &amp; clean and it gets all of the residue off! Maybe try this and whatever soap you use and see how you feel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716320 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:37:58 +0000 cascademom 716320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) These are invaluable! I use them for pacifiers, nipples, etc.<br /> 2) I use them at work at the end of a day of pumping if I want to get out of the room faster, then wash parts the next day.<br /> 3) I hated these. The reviews on them are right on.<br /> 4) If you leak, these will be important<br /> 5) Ice packs do the trick too<br /> 6) I haven't used the bottle I picked up of this yet. I figure it's good for a through cleaning of parts on the weekend when not pumping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-these-breast-pump-accessories-necessary#post-716298 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:33:16 +0000 lawbee11 716298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I registered for the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, and I am just trying to figure out what accessories are necessary. Here is a list that I found on the BRU website:</p> <p>(1) Medela quick clean micro-steam bags<br /> (2) Medela quick clean wipes<br /> (3) Medela pump &amp; save storage bags<br /> (4) Medela disposable bra pads<br /> (5) Medela Tender Care HydroGel pads<br /> (6) Medela quick clean breastmilk removal soap</p> <p>Should I register for all of these? None of them? Are there better non-Medela alternatives? I am clueless so any advice is appreciated! And feel free to suggest other accessories that I haven't listed. </p>