As an IBCLC lactation consultant and a breastfeeding mom myself, I'm often asked about my favorite breastfeeding and pumping products. And I get it, there are so many products out there that figuring out what you actually need can feel overwhelming.
For exclusive pumping moms in particular, having the right setup can make a big difference. When you're pumping multiple times a day, you may be carrying a breast pump, flanges, bottles, milk, a cooler, cleaning supplies, chargers, and all the other things you need to get through your day. A regular tote bag usually isn't designed with all of that in mind.
If you're looking for a pump bag for exclusive pumpers, Sarah Wells is hands-down one of my favorite brands. The bags are actually designed around pumping, rather than simply being large bags that happen to fit a pump.
If you're navigating exclusive pumping and want personalized support, I also offer 1:1 lactation consults to help make your pumping routine as smooth as possible.
Two of my favorites for exclusive pumpers are the Sarah Wells Norah and Sarah Wells Kelly bags.
Why Exclusive Pumpers Need a Good Pump Bag
Exclusive pumping is a commitment. Depending on your stage of lactation and your individual needs, you may be pumping many times throughout the day and that means your pump and supplies often need to come with you.
A good EP pump bag needs to do more than hold a pump. Ideally, you want enough room for:
- Your breast pump
- Flanges and pump parts
- Bottles or milk storage bags
- Pumping bra
- Chargers and adapters
- Cleaning or sanitizing supplies
- Snacks and water
- Personal items
- A laptop or work supplies, if you're pumping at work
This becomes even more important if you use a larger pump. Many standard pump bags are designed around smaller personal or wearable pumps, but exclusive pumpers may prefer a more powerful primary pump or even a hospital-grade pump.
That's one reason I like Sarah Wells bags: they're designed by a pumping mom who understands that pumping parents need organization, accessibility, and plenty of space, not just a cute tote.
Sarah Wells Norah: A Great Large-Capacity Pump Bag
The Sarah Wells Norah Breast Pump Backpack is one of my top choices if you want something spacious and organized without feeling like you're carrying multiple separate bags.
It can be worn as either a backpack or a tote, which I especially love for working and traveling moms. You can wear it hands-free when you're juggling your baby, luggage, or other bags and then grab it by the tote handles when that's more convenient.
One of my favorite features is the structured, wide-opening top. Instead of digging through a deep bag trying to find a flange or bottle at the bottom, the Norah opens up so you can easily see what's inside.
And as any mom knows, being able to find something one-handed is always a plus!
The Sarah Wells Norah also has insulated compartments on both sides that can be used for storing pumped milk and keeping it chilled for up to six hours. This can eliminate the need to carry a completely separate cooler for shorter days away from home.
There's also a padded laptop compartment, making this a great option for working moms who don't want to carry a work bag, pump bag and cooler every day.
Inside, there are dedicated pockets to help keep smaller pumps and pumping supplies organized instead of shifting around the bag. The backpack straps can also be tucked away when you're carrying it as a tote.
Another huge win: it's machine washable. Breast milk spills happen, especially when you're pumping every day, so being able to actually wash your pump bag is a feature I appreciate.
Sarah Wells Kelly: A Spacious Option for Larger Pumps
If your biggest priority is space, the Sarah Wells Kelly is another great option.
This is an especially helpful large-capacity pump bag for exclusive pumpers who need to carry a larger primary pump along with bottles, flanges, and all of their other pumping supplies.
The Sarah Wells Kelly includes dedicated pump compartments and an extra-large side opening designed to accommodate a wide variety of pumps. Rather than throwing everything together into one giant compartment, the design helps keep your pump and accessories separated and easier to access.
This is especially helpful when you're pumping away from home. The last thing you want to do when it's time to pump is unpack your entire bag just to find what you need!
The Kelly is made from lightweight, durable materials that are easy to clean, another feature that becomes much more important when you're carrying breast milk and pumping supplies every day.
And while function is obviously my first priority, I also appreciate that it doesn't look like a medical equipment bag. Sarah Wells offers the Kelly in different prints and solid options, so you can choose something that feels more like your personal style.
What About Spectra and Hospital-Grade Pumps?
This is one of the biggest questions I hear when choosing a pump bag: Will my actual pump fit?
If you're using something larger, you definitely want to pay attention to bag dimensions and pump compatibility before buying.
Sarah Wells makes bags that can accommodate major breast pump brands and larger pumps, including popular options from Spectra. Their larger-capacity bags can also be helpful for moms transporting hospital-grade pumps, including pumps such as the Medela Symphony, depending on the specific setup and accessories you're carrying.
This can be particularly useful for exclusive pumpers because you don't just need room for the pump itself. You also need room for pump parts and bottles, which can take up just as much space, if not more, than the pump.
If you're transporting a hospital-grade pump, I always recommend checking the current dimensions of both your specific pump and the bag before purchasing, especially since pump models and accessories can vary.
Norah vs. Kelly: Which Pump Bag Should You Choose?
Both are great options, but I would choose based on how you plan to use your bag.
Choose the Norah if: you want a versatile backpack/tote that can function as your pump bag, milk cooler, and work bag all in one. It's especially convenient for commuting, traveling, and moms who want to be hands-free.
Choose the Kelly if: your priority is maximum pumping storage and you want a roomy bag with dedicated access for your pump and plenty of space for all the extras that come with exclusive pumping.
For exclusive pumpers, I tend to recommend going larger rather than smaller. You can always leave a compartment empty, but it's frustrating to buy a pump bag only to discover you still need to carry your bottles, cooler, or pump parts separately.
A Few Other Sarah Wells Perks
There are a few additional reasons Sarah Wells stands out to me.
Designed by a pumping mom: Sarah Wells created her products from her own experience as a pumping mother, which shows in the practical details and organization.
Fits major breast pumps: Their bags are intentionally designed for pumping equipment rather than being standard totes marketed as pump bags.
Machine washable options: This is such an underrated feature when you're dealing with breast milk, snacks, bottles, and daily mom life.
HSA/FSA eligible: Many Sarah Wells pumping products may be eligible for purchase with HSA/FSA funds, which is worth checking if you have those benefits available.
Epic Warranty: Sarah Wells also offers its Epic Warranty, which provides more protection than you'll find with many typical bags. Be sure to review the current warranty terms for the specific product you're purchasing.
A small business with a mission: Sarah Wells has also been featured by CNN in connection with her small-business advocacy, something I love seeing from a mom-founded company.
My IBCLC Take: Is a Pump Bag Worth It for Exclusive Pumpers?
If you're occasionally pumping at home, you may not need a dedicated pump bag at all.
But if you're exclusively pumping, returning to work, frequently pumping outside your home, or regularly transporting your pump and milk, I think a well-designed pump bag is one of those purchases that can genuinely make your routine easier.
Exclusive pumping already involves a lot of logistics. Your bag shouldn't make those logistics harder.
You want something that can fit your pump, keep your parts organized, give you room for bottles and milk, and ideally prevent you from needing to carry three separate bags everywhere you go.
For those reasons, the Sarah Wells Norah and Kelly are two of my favorite breast pump bags for exclusive pumpers in 2026.
Because while the right bag can't make you pump any fewer times a day, it can make getting out the door with everything you need a whole lot easier.