Getting Out of the House as an Exclusive Pumping Mom: My Game-Changing Tips

One of my biggest struggles as an exclusive pumping (EP) mom was simply getting out the door. I had to pack all my pumping gear, everything for baby, and my own essentials. Honestly, it felt like I needed 2–3 business days to mentally prepare…and another full day just to pack.

After a lot of stressful outings, I finally found a rhythm. For me, it all came down to having the right tools for the right situation—and planning ahead.

Disclaimer: Pumping is personal. What works for me might not work for you. You can read my full pumping disclaimer and history here.

My Golden Rules for Pumping on the Go

• It’s ok to adjust your schedule a little bit to get stuff done. Pumping 30-60 min early to enjoy an outing, date night, or work out class every now and then is totally fine and won’t make or break anything – co-signed by my LC.
• Pumping in the car is your friend. I didn’t love it at first, but pumping on the way to or from a destination—or pumping early to avoid doing it while out—was a game-changer.
• Always keep a manual pump in the car—just in case your main pump fails or you need a quick session.
• Pack a portable charger in your car or pump bag. It’s no fun to be out of the house with a dead pump.
• Bring pump wipes for easy cleaning.
• Travel-size pump spray or coconut oil in a travel container for quick lubrication.
• Wet/dry bag for storing pump parts. If you have access to a fridge, you can use the fridge method. If not, it still keeps things contained and clean.
• Create a checklist and pack as much as possible the night before to avoid last-minute chaos.
• Use the right bag—look for one with insulated pockets and separate compartments.

The Right Pump Bag for Your Outing

Out for 1–2 Pump Sessions

• Sunny & Sloane Pump Bag – Cute, sleek, fits wearables or flanges, and stores easily in your car or stroller.
• Mimi & Pal Harper (Large) – Can be worn crossbody, fits wearables and milk bags, stroller straps available, plus an insulated pouch for milk.
• Mimi & Pal Radley (Mini) – Stylish mini backpack for pumps and essentials (but not everything + the kitchen sink).

Out for 2+ Pump Sessions

• Sarah Wells Norah Backpack – Two insulated side pockets, huge main compartment, multiple handles. Great for work, too. Snag the PackSWell Organizers to help keep things easy to grab. Use code THATMILLENNIALMOM for 10% off.
• Mimi & Pal Radley (Large) – Sleek leather backpack that fits insulated pouches or full-sized pumps. Can store the Mimi and Pal cooler or insulated pouches as well as full sized pumps and makes a great work backpack.
• Sunny & Sloane + Ceres Chill combo – Perfect if you’ll be away longer without baby. Alternatively, this makeup bag makes a great pump bag as well!
• Mimi & Pal Harper (Large) with thin ice pack + Ren Milk Clutch for milk storage.

I’ve made a ShopMy List of pumping bags for all budgets—some I’ve tried, some I haven’t!

The Right Bra for Discreet Pumping

• Davin & Adley Amelia Cami – Crop or full length, great layering piece, works with wearables and standard flanges. Use code THATMILLENNIALMOM for 10% off.
• Davin & Adley Riley – this gorgeous lace brace is also great for wearables and standard flanges. Use code THATMILLENNIALMOM for 10% off.

The Right Clothes for Pumping Freedom

• Move Mama Apparel – Tops and dresses with hidden zippers for easy access. Use code TMM10 for 10% off!
• Latched Mama – Wide variety of breastfeeding-friendly styles.
• Button-downs or deep V-necks – Easy and affordable pumping access.

Choosing the Right Pump for Your Day

Out for 1–2 Sessions

• Wearables – Eufy Baby S1 Pros were my go to! They were easy to use and so quiet. You can read about my experience learning how to use them here. Remember – wearables should not be your primary pump.
• Collection cups + primary pump – BabyBuddha makes some really great wearable cups that you can attach to your BabyBuddha pump, along with other pumps! (code THATMILLENNIALMOM for 10% off). I love love the Phanpy cups – which you can snag here.

Out for 2+ Sessions

• Ceres Chill with flange converters – Pump directly into your chiller! This makes it so easy to attach your flanges, use your primary pump, and then store milk as well! Code THATMILLENNIALMOM for 15% off.
• Full setup – Not my favorite option, but sometimes it’s necessary to protect supply.

Milk Storage Solutions

Out for 1–2 Sessions

• Breastmilk storage bags work fine (milk is safe at room temp for ~4 hours).
• Use an insulated pouch with ice packs in your pump bag for peace of mind.

Out for 2+ Sessions

• Ceres Chill OG – My go-to for long days, especially in the Arizona heat.
• Ceres Chill Demi Goddess – Smaller and easier to carry, but still keeps milk safe.

Final Thoughts

Finding your pumping-on-the-go groove takes trial and error. I recommend thinking about all the scenarios where you might need to pump away from home and investing in the tools that fit your lifestyle. A lot of these items can be re-used in different situations and some live on past your pumping days.

Some of these items are still part of my day to day life, even though I’m weaned—you can read how I use them here.

As always, drop your questions in the comments so we can help each other make EP life a little smoother!

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