Breast Pumping Hacks for Moms: 10 Tips for Easier Pumping

Pumping breast milk is a huge commitment! We asked moms in the Nursing Queen VIP community to share their best breast pumping hacks — the kind of tips you don’t always see in instruction manuals. Here are some real, practical ideas that can make your pumping journey a little easier.


This mom is wearing a light gray breastfeeding hoodie. You can open the sweatshirt with the hidden zipper, get your pump parts in place, and then close the sweatshirt back up. 

On-the-Go Pumping Hacks

Pack smart: snacks, power banks & spare parts

“Keep a few snacks in your pump bag along with an extra-long phone charger so you’re set no matter where you pump,” shared Julianna. Having energy and power on hand can make all the difference between a smooth session and a stressful one.

Travel-size nipple balm hack

Lucy’s tip: “Put some nipple butter or coconut oil … in a contact lens case for easy on-the-go use.” It’s compact, discreet, and easy to toss into your pump bag.

Cleaning & Sterilizing Hacks

Invest in a multi-part dryer / sterilizer

Andrea recommended: “I invested in a pump part and bottle dryer/sterilizer … it’s great because you can throw them in and have dry pump parts in 30–45 minutes...”

This helps especially when you have multiple sets of pump parts to clean. No more hand-drying everything! Here are a few other things to consider when cleaning and sterilizing your pump parts.  

Quick midday rinse tricks

If you can’t do a full wash right after pumping, rinse parts immediately with cold water, then wash properly as soon as possible. Keeping a small spray bottle of water in your pump bag helps.

This mom is wearing a sweatshirt with hidden zipper access for pumping on the go. You can see that you can open the sweatshirt as much (or as little) as you need. 

Clothing & Apparel Hacks for Easier Pumping

Zip-access nursing clothes

The right clothing can make a world of difference. Discreet zippers allow for easy pumping access without undressing. Many Nursing Queen designs have zipper access that let you open your shirt as much or as little as needed to pump. 

Insurance & Supply Tips

Check what’s covered

Lucy noted: “Many insurance companies cover not only a breast pump but ALSO milk storage bags at some quantity/frequency.” Don’t forget to double-check what your plan covers — replacement parts, storage bags, etc.

Here's how to check and information about how to get your pump covered by health insurance. 

Timing your orders

Order pump parts and supplies ahead of time (e.g. every 2–3 months) to avoid running out. Keep track of usage so you can order before you need them.


Some insurance companies will cover your breast pump and bags to store you milk. 

Pumping FAQs

Q: How often should I sterilize pump parts?
Most experts recommend sterilizing parts daily or every 24 hours if possible, especially for infants under 3 months or preterm babies.

Q: Can I pump discreetly in public?
Yes — zip-access nursing apparel, nursing covers, and strategic layering all help you stay comfortable and discreet.

Q: What’s the best way to carry extra pump parts?
Use a divided tote or organizer with pockets. Keep smaller parts in labeled zip pouches or mesh bags to avoid losing them.


This mom shows how you can fit your pump parts in your sweatshirt with this zipper access. It's a two way zipper so you can close it up around the pump parts as well. 

Pumping is a journey — sometimes messy, sometimes exhausting — but every drop of milk matters. We hope these breast pumping hacks for moms empower you a little more each day.