Congratulations, mama! As a new mom, you have embarked on one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of your life. Whether you have chosen to exclusively pump by choice or necessity, this method of feeding your baby has its own unique set of challenges. But don’t worry, you are not alone. Many mothers have successfully navigated the world of exclusively pumping and have learned valuable tips along the way. In this post, we will share some helpful tips and advice to make your exclusively pumping journey a little easier and more enjoyable. So read on, and don’t miss out on these essential tips for exclusively pumping.
Why Exclusively Pumping Can be a Good Option for New Moms
As a new mom, you may be considering different feeding options for your little one. While breastfeeding is often the first choice for many moms, exclusively pumping can be a great option for those who may be unable to breastfeed directly or prefer the convenience and flexibility it offers. Here’s why exclusively pumping can be a good option for new moms like you.
Firstly, exclusively pumping allows you to provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk while still giving you some freedom. With breastfeeding, you are the sole provider of nourishment for your baby, which can be demanding and exhausting, especially during the early months. Exclusively pumping allows you to have a stash of milk ready for anyone to feed your baby, whether it’s your partner, a grandparent, or a caregiver. This means you can have some time for self-care, get a little extra rest, or even run some errands without worrying about being there for every feeding.
Another advantage of exclusively pumping is that it gives you more control over your pumping schedule. While breastfeeding requires you to be available for every feed, exclusively pumping allows you to create a routine that works for you and your baby. You can establish a consistent pumping schedule, which can help maintain a steady milk supply. Many moms find success with power pumping, which involves pumping for short intervals with breaks in between to mimic the cluster feeding that babies do. This can help stimulate milk production and increase your milk supply.
Additionally, exclusively pumping can be a great option if you’re experiencing any difficulties with breastfeeding, such as latch issues or clogged milk ducts. Pumping can help relieve engorgement and ensure that your milk supply doesn’t suffer while you work through these challenges. It allows you to continue providing your baby with breast milk while giving yourself time to heal and address any breastfeeding issues with the help of a lactation consultant or other healthcare professional.
Ultimately, whether you choose to exclusively pump by choice or necessity, it can be a good option for new moms like you. It offers the benefits of breast milk, the flexibility to share the feeding responsibilities, and the ability to create a pumping schedule that suits your needs. So if you’re considering exclusively pumping, don’t hesitate to give it a try. You might find that it’s the perfect fit for you and your baby.
Tips for Preparing to Exclusively Pump
As you decide whether exclusively pumping is the right thing for you, it’s important to consider all of the necessary equipment. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your pumping routine and create a schedule that works for you and your baby.
First and foremost, you’ll need a good quality breast pump. There are many options available on the market, so do some research and choose one that suits your needs. Look for a pump that is efficient, comfortable, and easy to use. Consider whether you’ll be pumping at home or on the go, as this will help you decide between a manual or electric pump. Always check with your health insurance first as they typically will supply you with a breast pump free of charge or you may be able to choose a more expensive pump at a significant discount.
In addition to a breast pump, you’ll also need storage bottles or bags to store your milk. Make sure to have plenty of them on hand, as you’ll be pumping multiple times a day. It’s also a good idea to have a cooler bag with ice packs to transport your milk when you’re away from home.
Pumping Schedule
Creating a pumping schedule is essential to maintain a steady milk supply. Start by pumping every 2-3 hours, including during the night. We know this is one of the more challenging parts of exclusively pumping but trust me it will pay off to stay consistent. This will help establish your milk production and build up a freezer stash. As your baby grows, you can gradually decrease the number of pumping sessions, but aim for at least 8-10 sessions per day in the beginning.
Consider incorporating power pumping into your routine. Power pumping involves pumping for shorter intervals with breaks in between, mimicking the cluster feeding that babies do. This can help stimulate milk production and increase your milk supply. Try power pumping for 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off, for about an hour each day.
When it comes to your pumping environment, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax. Some moms find it helpful to create a pumping station with all their supplies within reach. This can include a cozy chair, a table for your pump, a water bottle, snacks, and a book or magazine to keep you entertained. The more comfortable you are while pumping THE BETTER!
It’s also important to take care of yourself while exclusively pumping. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes foods known to support milk production, such as oats, flaxseeds, and leafy greens. Get enough rest and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Remember, exclusively pumping can be a challenging journey, but with the right preparation and support, you can make it a success. Stay committed, be patient with yourself, and reach out to other pumping moms for advice and encouragement. You’ve got this, mama!
How to Manage Milk Supply and Troubleshoot Common Challenges
Now that you’ve begun your exclusively pumping journey, it’s important to know how to manage your milk supply and address any common challenges that may arise along the way. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Stay consistent with your pumping schedule: Maintaining a consistent pumping schedule is crucial for establishing and maintaining a healthy milk supply. Aim to pump every 2-3 hours, even during the night. This regular stimulation will signal to your body that it needs to continue producing milk. Remember, the more frequently you empty your breasts, the more milk your body will produce.
2. Massage and warm compresses: If you’re experiencing clogged milk ducts, which can be painful and impact milk flow, try massaging your breasts before and during pumping sessions. Gently massage the areas where you feel the clogs, using circular motions to help loosen the blockage. Applying warm compresses to your breasts can also help soften the clogs and encourage milk flow.
3. Experiment with different pump settings: Every mom’s body is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re finding that your current pump settings aren’t yielding enough milk or causing discomfort, don’t hesitate to experiment with different settings. You should never be in pain. Adjust the suction and speed levels on your pump to find a combination that is most effective and comfortable for you.
4. Incorporate power pumping: Power pumping, as mentioned earlier, can be a valuable tool for boosting milk supply. Set aside an hour each day to power pump by pumping for 20 minutes, taking a 10-minute break, and then repeating the cycle for the duration. This technique mimics cluster feeding and can stimulate your body to produce more milk.
5. Stay full and hydrated- After I had my son, I forgot to eat all the time. I was entirely focused on caring for him, and sleeping when I could. Unfortunately staying hydrated and making sure you are getting plenty of nutritious food is SO important for maintaining your supply. This post on 22 Healthy & Easy Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms has some amazing ideas for quick and easy nutritious snacks that you can keep on hand.
6. Seek support from a lactation consultant: If you’re encountering persistent issues or challenges with exclusively pumping, it may be helpful to consult with a lactation consultant. These professionals are trained to provide guidance and support for breastfeeding and pumping mothers. They can help assess your technique, provide tips for increasing your milk supply, and address any concerns you may have.
Remember, managing milk supply and troubleshooting challenges is a process that may require some trial and error. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go perfectly at first. Stay patient, give yourself grace, and reach out for help when needed. With persistence and the right support, you can overcome any obstacles and have a successful exclusively pumping journey.
This post is all about tips for exclusively pumping.
Life-Saving Products You Need as an Exclusively Pumping Mama
The products below are tried and true products by your Mamas in the Making Authors! These are products we have personally tried and feel like they made a world of difference for our pumping experiences. Everyone is going to have their own takeaways and opinions on what works for them when it comes to pumping so let me just say… do what works for YOU! What works for you and keeps you the most comfortable is what is important. However, we do hope that our experiences with trial and error can help you in making the best decision for yourself! We hope these can help you on your pumping journey!
Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lanolin Nipple Cream is no rookie to the market. Lanolin cream has been around for 40 years and has proved to be a go to product for thousands of women. This stuff is going to be your best friend when you first start breastfeeding! Lanolin is made with a single natural ingredient, and never any petroleum, parabens, fragrance, or taste! It is safe for baby so there is no need to remove before breastfeeding. Lanolin is also hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
The Original Silver Nursing Cups/Nipple Shield
These pure 925 silver nursing cups help to prevent any cracking and soreness that comes along with breastfeeding. They also help to sooth the skin if irritation or cracking has already occurred. These can be worn under a nursing bra and fit nipples of all sizes. They are nickel free and will not alter the taste of your breastmilk.
Lactation Massager
This is the lactation massager I used while I was exclusively pumping. Lactation massagers come with quite the debate on whether or not they work and are worth the buy. I will say, that I did not use this in the sense of increasing milk supply. However, this thing was a life-saver when it came to clogged milk ducts. It has 3 different vibration settings and even has heat which was so soothing. I used this throughout my time pumping constantly to work out clogged milk ducts and I will absolutely be using it again!
Momcozy Hands Free Pumping Bra
Take my word for it when I say you will want several pumping bras. There is always room to experiment around with pumping bras because you will want to buy at least a few. From my experience this pumping bra was my favorite and I ended up buying multiple. This was by far the most comfortable pumping bra I tried!
Kindred Bravely Pumping Tank
A pumping tank is something that I really did not think about until I got into the groove of things, especially when I went back to work and was pumping at work. Having a tank top that you can wear under your tops was so much more comfortable than having to take my shirt down. This tank top provided good coverage and had good structure and support which even gave a slimming effect. It has a little higher price tag but it was so worth it for me!
Spectra S1 Breast Pump
On to pumps! The Spectra S1 was my go to! I started off with a different pump and ended up switching to this one and it was the best decision I made for my pumping journey! I found the spectra to be so much more comfortable in my experience. The Spectra S1 has a built in battery so you are able to charge it and then take it on the go! You can also use it while plugged in. The Spectra S1 also has a convenient little night light so that you can see the screen and see what you are doing if you happen to be pumping in the dark, which is often the case if you are pumping through the night.
Spectra Replacement Parts
Having replacement (or extra) parts is a must for your pump. After so long you do need to change out the parts but the convenient part of having two sets is just the ability to wash one set while using the other. You will find that there are so many things to hand wash when it comes to exclusively pumping. Having one less thing to wash before the next use is just a life-saver when you are exhausted and want to go back to bed.
Spectra Replacement Tubing
This replacement tubing for the Spectra is actually longer than the original tubing that comes with the Spectra which I liked having just for more mobility if I was doing something while pumping. It is 36 inches long, BPA and DEHP free, and they are under warranty for 12 months!
Spectra S2 Breast Pump
The Spectra S2 is quite a bit cheaper than the S1 so if you are looking to save a bit of money the S2 is a great option, it just will not have the internal battery so it will need to be plugged in.
Elvie Wearable Breast Pumps
Oh Elvie, how we love you! While these elvie breast pumps come with a hefty price tag they are absolutely worth the buy if it is within your means! These breast pumps really give you the freedom to be able just walk around and get things done while pumping instead of feeling tied to the couch or chair or wherever it is you pump! These breast pumps are wireless and they are actually smart as well so they connect to the elvie app so that you can control the settings from your phone rather than digging around in your shirt to adjust suction and so on. I will say it is a bit of a learning curve to get them to successfully maintain a good seal for suction. If any of your parts are wet or warped at all the suction will fail. Another downfall, at least for me, was that my output with the elvies was not the same as with a full size pump.. However, I still fully recommend them! I was actually able to wear these while working at times!
Elvie Breastmilk Storage Bottles
The elvie does, in fact, come with breastmilk storage bottles. However, I do recommend purchasing extras. If you are on the go and start filling bottles it is super nice to have additional bottles on hand and not have to pour them out into something else and then clean them to use again.
Elvie Replacement Parts
Again, if you are using the elvie often, your parts can warp in hot water. When using the elvie your parts need to be COMPLETELY dry in order to use the elvie properly and get a proper seal. Having an extra set of parts to ensure they are dry is so helpful and saves a lot of time hand drying pump parts for your next use!
Elvie Breast Shield
Lets talk breast shields. Not all breasts and/or nipples are the same size. One thing that I learned way too late in the game was that I was using a shield that was just way too large for my nipple size. Take the time to figure out your nipple size in mm and make sure you are using a nipple shield that fits properly. It will absolutely change your milk output (at least it did for me) if you are using the correct size AND more importantly it will help prevent unnecessary irritation.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
Breastmilk storage bags are an absolute must! Most of them are created equal. I usually try to find the best deal and I really like that these are temperature sensing!
Medela Sterilizing Steamer Bags
Like I’ve said before, the more time you can save cleaning pump parts, the the better! These sterilizing bags are amazing! Throw your pump parts in and add water and microwave! Make sure to follow the directions on the bag to ensure you don’t damage your pump parts! There are several similar bags on the market. I just always go for the best value!
As you embark on your journey as a new mom, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Exclusive pumping may feel overwhelming at times, but there is a community of moms out there who have successfully navigated this path and are ready to offer support and guidance. By following the tips and advice we’ve shared in this post, you can make your exclusively pumping journey a little easier and more enjoyable.
Remember, mama, you are doing an incredible job. Exclusively pumping is no easy feat, and it requires dedication, perseverance, and a whole lot of love. As you navigate this journey, be patient with yourself and give yourself grace. Some days may be harder than others, but know that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
In the midst of the challenges, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments. Every ounce of breast milk you provide for your baby is a testament to your love and commitment. It’s a beautiful gift that only you can give, and it’s something to be proud of.
This post was all about tips for exclusively pumping.
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