The breast pumping process can at first seem overwhelming for new moms. There’s so much to learn about this useful tool that helps you feed your baby — and who better to offer breast pumping tips than moms who’ve been there?
Perhaps you’re a mom who’s going back to work or will be separated from your baby due to a social situation. Or maybe you have a baby who isn’t gaining weight, has a poor latch or is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Leigh Anne O’Connor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with more than two decades of experience, recommends that moms embrace the breast pump and look at it as bridge between their bodies and their babies. “The pump is a tool you can use to provide food for your baby that was perfectly designed for them,” she notes.
Balancing breastfeeding and pumping may take some getting used to, and it’s not always pleasant. Melanie Herschorn, the president and chief executive officer of Udderly Hot Mama, encourages pumping moms to press on, especially when pumping feels difficult. “The flange might be uncomfortable, the pumping noise annoying, the fact that [you’re] stuck in one place for a while frustrating — but the benefits surely outweigh the frustrations,” says Herschorn. She adds that moms can find some solace in knowing you’re giving your child the best source of nutrition even when you can’t be physically present.
With that in mind, here are 11 breast pumping tips from some experienced moms:
Get the right breast pump and equipment
1. Try before you buy
“Visit a lactation consultant and ask to try out several pumps before you buy one,” says Jessica Urgelles, a blogger at A Southern Mother.
2. Rent a pump if it makes sense
“If you don’t want to buy a pump, look into renting a hospital grade pump,” advises Cat Davis, a blogger at Food Family & Finds.
3. Have the correct size breast shields
“Breast shields come in multiple sizes. Pumping might become more efficient if you’ve got the right size,” says Emilie Pianfetti, a blogger at Finding Zest.
Plan ahead for convenience
4. Invest in a travel pump
“Make sure you have a great travel breast pump you can keep in your diaper bag,” recommends Kim Delatorre, a blogger at Shop With Me Mama.
5. Buy a “hands-free” bra
“It makes multitasking while pumping easier,” says Jennifer Leigh, a blogger at Mom Spotted.
6. Accessorize for on-the-go pumping
When you pump, you’ll need a few accessories, too. “My must-have pumping accessories were steam bags to clean parts, a cover so I could pump in the car, wipes to clean parts on the go and a hands-free pumping bra,” says Brenda Bennett Maille, the founder of Giggle Hearts.
7. Stock up for a rainy day
“Freeze your milk flat instead of standing up. It takes up less room in the freezer that way,” advises mom and business strategist Jennifer Elwell.
Prepare for your pumping sessions
8. Drink plenty of fluids
“Pumping for my twins made me really thirsty,” says Andrea Hatfield, a preemie twin mom. Stay well-hydrated.
9. Watch baby videos
“I often had to pump at home in the middle of the night while my daughter was in the NICU,” says Kayla Aimee, author of “Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected.” “I read that looking at pictures of your baby could help stimulate milk production if you were separated. I found that watching videos of my daughter helped me relax during those late-night pumping sessions, and it was also beneficial for my somewhat fragile emotional state.”
10. Use your baby’s smell
Bring something that smells like your baby if you are pumping at work. “It will help you with your letdown and to relax,” says Krystyn Hall, a blogger at Really, Are You Serious?
11. Embrace the idea of pumping
“Approach pumping with a good attitude instead of thinking of it like a chore,” says Jen Jamar, a blogger at Life With Levi. “If you’ve got a positive outlook, you’re much more likely to have a good letdown.”
If you are a new mom looking for an extra hand once your bundle of joy arrives, consider hiring a doula.
