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11 Things that Helped Me Thrive During My Breastfeeding/Pumping Days
- Katie M
- Oct 18, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 24, 2021
11 Things that Helped Me Thrive During My Breastfeeding/Pumping Days
Hi there! My name is Katie. I'm a mom of 3. I breastfeed and pumped for all 3 of them. At this point, I'm actually going 16 months strong with our youngest baby. With number 1, I worked full time and pumped twice during work. Let's not forget at night. There was a lot of pumping that year (12 months). With number 2, I had just been laid off and was picking up part time work, so I was pumping on the way to/from and about once during the work day, as well as once per night. With this last baby, I am still working part-time, but it's at a steady job, where I was pumping on the way to/from work, plus once during the day, and once before bed. I feel like it wasn't until the second baby that I found my stride.
Breastfeeding, to me, has been a gift of extra snuggles, less money (spent on formula), and a number of health benefits for my babies and myself. I'm not saying that breastfeeding hasn't cost me a dime over the years (7 years total, about half of that time spent with a nursling), but my money went towards handy things to help make breastfeeding and pumping easier.
*NOTE: Everyone's journey is different. Everyone has their own successes and difficulties. I acknowledge this and do not claim to have "it worse" than anyone- this is just my own journey and things I found to help me through it.
I had NO idea what I was doing with my first baby! Sigh... I put a manual single pump on my registry and used it like crazy, when the time came. I was very thankful to have received it from my list; however, it was EXHAUSTING to sit there for 15 minutes on one side, then 15 minutes on the other side. I always wondered how a co-worker got her pumping time (completely) done before me. That's when I saw it - a double, electric MEDELA. Well, that was that! I knew that's what I was getting next time. Spoiler alert: it was covered through my insurance. It lasted me through baby 2 AND 3. My pumping time was cut in HALF with a double machine, PLUS, I could even get some work done, while I was pumping away. WIN!
*Check and see if your insurance covers this (or one to your liking).
These little bags kept my milk frozen in storage for me. They are a one-time use product, but it helped me keep organized with dates, and amounts, and transportation to the in-laws' house, where each of my babies have spent their days during my work days. TIP: Only fill the bag with 2-3 oz., so that it warms up faster and you can get the exact amount of milk that you want, instead of saving all the milk from that sessions, which may vary session to session... and then, for whatever reason, you don't end up using it and it goes to waste. That's a sad moment, as a nursing/pumping mom.
3. Enough bottles/pump pieces to last the ENTIRE day
If you have enough bottles/lids/ pump pieces for each session, then all you have to do is worry about rinsing them. You get to use a clean, dry set each time. Just don't forget to take them out when you get home to give them a good washing and drying for the next day!
This made life SOOOOO much easier because if I didn't have access to a fridge that day, my milk would still stay cool in my bag for up to 24 hours (per the CDC). Luckily, I never had to leave it in there long, but it's good to know that it will last, if you do!
5. Hakaa
This little contraption didn't find its way to me until baby number 3, but it came JUST in time! It helps a LOT, especially in the beginning when your body is regulating to baby's feeding needs. I used it before I could use the pump just to get relief, and then I refrigerated it or froze it for later. It kind of "takes the edge off" or can be used on the left, when you're nursing on the right (or vice versa).
A car adapter made pumping in the car possible! My pump was a plug-in-to-the-wall kind and, well, there are no electrical outlets in the car. Enter- the car adapter!
I didn't discover these until a bit into nursing with my first baby. Buying the disposable kind was inconvenient and the cost was just adding up! I came across these- and I used them the rest of the time I needed them (with all 3!). You can also make your own, if you're feeling crafty.
I was spoiled... my mom made me 2 covers! However, a cover was a MUST (even when wearing nursing/pumping-friendly clothing) at work, as well as in the car. You don't need the whole world seeing your pumping attire. It also comes in handy, if you don't feel comfortable letting the whole world see you nurse, too. THAT one is more an "up to you" kind of thing. For pumping at work, though, it's a must!
9. Nursing Bra
Honestly, even if you don't invest in any type of nursing shirts/attire, you should at the very least, buy a few nursing bras. I did try using regular ones in the beginning... too tricky and it stretches them out. Two should be a good number, as a minimum, so you can switch back and forth.
OH EM GEE! I didn't find this until baby 2.... WHOA! Two extra sessions a day (aka the car ride to/from work)?! Yes, please! Mix this with the car adapter, pump, extra pieces, bottles, and a nursing cover, then drive along and sing your favorite song! Can we say "you GO, multi-tasking, mama?!"
11. Tanks and Shirts
These are a luxury, to me, BUT I invested in them starting with the second baby and I loooooved them! In fact, I loved them so much that I made a YouTube video about them (spoiler alert: I tell you all about the different places you can find cute, affordable nursing tops/clothing items)! By the way, the ones I found were good quality AND didn't empty my wallet!
See a variety of nursing shirts here:
Learn how to make your own breastfeeding cami for nursing! EASY PEASY!
Conclusion:
Honestly, you can get by with some of these things. Really, I didn't find most of these until at least baby 2! However, if you want to rock this and invest some money in yourself to do this, I hope that these items help you do it!
Heads up- the Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, it doesn't charge you any extra, but I would make a small commission. The rest of the links are all just things/places I thought would help you out. They are items that I have used and enjoyed.
Have a great day!!
Lots of Love!
Katie M.
*These Amazon links are affiliate links. You will see no difference in price when you purchase; however, it will give me a small commission.
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