A few days before I went back to work after my girls were born, I started packing up my bags with everything I would need while I was away from them for the day. Now I laugh looking back at the bags I carried everything in on the first day back from maternity leave for Emma. One bag with the pump, one bag with the pump parts, a cooler to bring everything home in, not to mention my purse and my lunch. I looked like I was going on a week's vacation ... nope, just first day back to work as a mom.

I quickly realized that making an investment in a pump bag was well worth it and I got a Nurse Purse. It has been a great investment, and that bag is still holding strong as I use it to provide for Emma's little sister Clara. It's not just about the bag though, it took time to refine what I needed to take with me and I think I've got it.

Inside my pump bag, I have all the essentials, plus some creature comforts.

• Pump: The bag has its own compartment for the pump so that I can unzip it, fold down the flap, plug into power, and start pumping. It is nice that there is a compartment for the power cord inside the flap as well so that I can keep the power cord right along with the tubing. 
• Car charger: There is even enough room to keep a car charger stashed in with the wall cord. And it's a good thing I have kept that car charger around, one day at work the power went out for a good hour right when I was about to pump, and so I was able to go out to my car and keep on my pumping schedule. 
• Pump parts: I have found that keeping these in a plastic container works dual purpose in that I can then use the plastic container to wash the pump parts between uses, and it prevents anything from being crushed at the bottom of the bag. I often keep a washcloth in the bottom of the container so that after I wash the parts between uses it helps them to dry. 
• Hands free pump bra: It's amazing how much you can get down in 15 -25 quiet minutes, just by pumping hands free. I have two hands free pump bras so that I always have a clean and dry one ready to go (well almost always).
• Mini dish soap bottle and disposable pump wipes: Cleaning pump parts is important, and a mini bottle of dish soap makes sure that once you find hot running water you are prepared to clean. However, pumping on the go can lead to pumping in some odd locations. I also keep a pack of disposable pump wipes in my bag so that even without running water, I can clean the pump parts and know they will be ready for the next session. (Note: I use wipes by Medela.)
• Disposable sterilizer bag: Cleaning pump parts with soap and water is important, but they also need to be sterilized at least once a day. Having a disposable sterilizer bag on hand makes it easy to clean the pump parts with hot soapy water (or pump wipes) and then pop them in the microwave for 3 minutes to get extra clean. (Note: I use sterilizer bags by Medela.)
• Hooter hider: This was made to use as a cover when nursing, but it is also great as a cover when pumping. You never know when you need that extra privacy. When pumping in the car or going to conferences and finding a corner in the bathroom to plug in and pump, I've met other moms using something similar as a cover.
• Spare parts: Always pack extra bra liners (for days when you leak a little more than you expect), and pump mebranes (as the pump just won't work without these)! And never forget your manual hand pump, just in case you don't have access to power. It's better to be prepared.
• Masking tape and sharpie marker: It's important to remember when you pumped which bottle of milk so that the milk gets used or frozen while it's at its best. I label the lid of my pump bottles with a small piece of masking tape and a sharpie marker. The tape stays put when I need it to, but also comes back off without any sticky residue (even if I forget to take off the label before it goes through the dishwasher).
• Personal items: I have a little pouch to keep my lip gloss, lotion, chapstick, and a pen.
• Charging cords, headphones, and USB drive: Yes, I have a little pouch to organize everything. Even one for my cell phone charger, tablet charger, headphones, and a USB drive. You never know when you are going to run out of battery power, or need to just relax and listen to some music (instead of the thump of the pump).
• Snacks: It never ceases that after pumping I get hungry, so I keep some snacks on hand. Granola bars and fruit snacks are my go to.

When I started pumping at work for Emma it took me a few months to refine what I took with me, and I have refined the contents of my pump bag even further since pumping for Clara. Most days I pump nearly 20 ounces of milk during 3, 15-25 minute sessions. Most days I pump more than Emma eats while I am gone, so I have been building up a good supply in the freezer. 

What do you carry in your pump bag?