Want to make pumping breast milk easier? Setting up a breast pumping station with all of your pumping gear – such as your pump, hands-free bra, nipple cream, etc. – helps you have everything you need ready to go when it’s time to pump.

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The benefit to having a pumping station set up is that everything is all organized and in one place.
When it’s time to pump, you won’t have to go look for your hands-free pumping bra or charging cord. You also won’t start pumping and then realize that you left your pumping spray or lactation massager on the other side of the house.
Here’s how to get started setting up a pumping station.
Where should your pumping station be?
The first thing to think about is where you will be comfortable pumping most of the time. Some things to consider:
- Would you like to be in a room where all the action is so that you don’t miss anything while you’re pumping?
- Or would you prefer to be tucked away in a quiet part of the house so that you can relax and have some time to yourself?
- Do you want to be near a TV?
- Will you be taking care of your baby while you pump (and therefore need to be able to put a bouncy seat or play gym by your pumping station)?
Setting up a breastfeeding cart
If you’ll need to pump in different parts of the house, you can set up a mobile pumping station.
To do this, you can put all of your stuff on a rolling cart so you can move around as needed when you pump.

Mobile pumping when you have stairs
If you frequently need to be able to move around your house and will need to pump on different floors, you could consider a pumping caddy to hold all of your pumping gear.

Where will you put your bottles when you’re done pumping?
No matter where you put your pumping station, one thing that I’ve found to be really helpful is a side table to put my pump bottles on before and after I pump.
I also have learned to not to put other stuff on it (like drinks, remote controls, etc.), because sometimes I’ll reach for them and knock my pumped milk over.
Want help with exclusively pumping from birth?
What do you need at your breast pumping station?
Everyone’s list of what they need will be different, but here’s mine:
1. Your breast pump

Obviously, you’ll need your breast pump.
It’s good if you can set up your pumping station near an outlet. You’ll also need your power cord or charger.
2. A hands-free pumping bra

If you use a standalone pumping bra (versus one that you’d wear all day), keeping one at your pumping station will save you having to search the house for it every time you need to pump.
3. Breast pump spray

Some people find that applying lubrication prior to pumping is more comfortable. Breast pump spray is easy to use and less messy than other options.
4. Nipple cream

If you are using nipple cream for sore or damaged nipples, it’s a good idea to apply it after each session.
5. Breast pads

It’s a good idea to change your breast pads frequently due to the potential for thrush to develop.
6. Lactation massager

Some people find that vibration from a lactation massager helps them let down more quickly.
7. Entertainment
I keep an extra-long phone charger and a laptop at my pumping station so that I can get things done like order groceries, sign up for kids’ activities, etc. while I pump.
8. Baby blanket
I put one in my lap before I start pumping to catch drips (especially when disassembling pump parts) and to limit the damage if there is a spill.
9. bokee

If you are in the unfortunate habit of knocking over your just-pumped bottles with milk in them, spilling everything, a bökee is a good place to park a bottle while you’re cleaning up. You can also you use it to make a bottle one-handed.
Other ideas might be hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes/a towel to wipe yourself off, or hair ties if you have long hair.
Download a free checklist with every you need here.
Do you have a pumping station? Where is it and what do you have there?

Comments & Chitchat
Love how honest you are about not being great at changing your breast pads. I have the same problem and always feel so bad when i realize how long ive had a pair on for!! Feel a tiny bit better knowing im not the only one.
I use a 3 shelf rolling cart for my pump station, that way I can easily take it around the house to wherever I need it. The top shelf has my pump, sanitized pump parts, towels and pump bra as well as my and the baby’s vitamins and supplements and then nipple cream of course. The next shelf down has nursing pads, milk storage bags, additional adapters for pumping into bags and different bottles and tons of snacks. Then the bottom shelf has diapers, wipes, butt cream and a thermometer. I also throw anything else I may need for the baby during pumping here too. This is the first time I’ve used a pump station even though this is my 4th child, and let me tell you…. IT IS THE BEST!! It makes pumping SOOOOOO much easier and idk how I survived without one before ?
I love the rolling cart! That is awesome!!
My pumping station is right outside of my baby’s room in the lower level of our house. If she is awake, I usually put her in her exersaucer, but I am armed with books to read to her and a baby Einstein DVD in case she gets fussy! I have also learned to feed her before I pump, or she will fuss and stare at the bottles! 🙂
Hah – great point on feeding before you pump! It must be pretty frustrating for her to see you “making” her meal but she can’t have it yet. 🙂