Category: Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks

13 Genius Ways to Get Lazy About Breast Pumping

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Genius ways to get lazy? Sign me up! As my favorite podcaster Kendra Adache, creator of The Lazy Genius, says, “Be a genius about the things that matter, and lazy about the things that don’t.” Whether you’re a longtime listener to her podcast, or a brand new fan, you’re absolutely going to love using these principles to be a Lazy Genius about pumping!

*Disclaimer* The terms Lazy Genius and the 13 Principles listed here are used with permission. Blog author Melissa Guerriero does not benefit monetarily from this blog post or any of the Lazy Genius products, productions, or books. This is not an affiliate or sponsored post, just a big big fan! To dive into the world of the Lazy Genius, head to https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/ Learn helpful strategies and practical wisdom from Kendra Adachi, a three-time New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and expert on compassionate time management.

Ready to see how these principles can help you as a pumping momma? Let’s get started!

The 13 Principles
(Scroll down to see these applied to breast pumping!)

  1. Decide Once: Make a decision about something and stick with it to avoid decision fatigue. 
  2. Start Small: Begin with tiny, manageable steps rather than tackling a whole overwhelming task at once. 
  3. Ask the Magic Question: Ask yourself, “What can I do now to make something easier later?” to make smart, forward-thinking choices. 
  4. Live in the Season: Acknowledge your current life stage and make choices that are appropriate for your present circumstances. 
  5. Build the Right Routines: Develop helpful daily habits and routines that work for your life and help you get things done. 
  6. Set House Rules: Establish clear, simple rules for your home to make life smoother for everyone living there. 
  7. Put Everything in its Place: Create a system where everything has a designated home to reduce clutter and disorganization. 
  8. Let People In: Allow others to help you and be open to receiving support when you need it. 
  9. Batch It: Group similar tasks together and do them all at once to be more efficient. 
  10. Essentialize: Identify what is most important in a situation and focus your energy there, letting go of the less critical things. 
  11. Go in the Right Order: Understand that the sequence of tasks matters and arrange them in the most logical and helpful way. 
  12. Schedule Rest: Proactively make time for rest and recovery, recognizing its importance for your overall well-being. 
  13. Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion, understanding that it’s okay to struggle, be imperfect, and embrace both the success and struggles of your life. 

1. Decide once

What’s one decision you can make once about pumping? In our family, I decided that since I make the milk, my husband would do the dishes. This way, it was decided once. I didn’t have to ask all the time, and I didn’t get bitter about all the dishes.
You could decide once that you’ll have a high-protein snack every time you pump. Decide to drink an entire cup of water during each pumping session. You could decide once that you get a treat during your middle of the night pump, so you look forward to it every night. Decide once that since you’re home with baby all day, your partner gets diaper duty on the weekends. Decide once that visitors can feed your baby while you visit. You could decide once that you don’t even want visitors for x weeks after birth. Getting the hang of it now?

2. Start small

Beginning with small steps can help overwhelm. Got a pile of baby clothes demanding attention? Why not just organize the 0-3m clothing right now and leave the rest in a bin? Concerned about your milk supply? Start with a flange-sizing consultation instead of tackling the whole topic at once. Want to work on making mom friends? Start by going to just one meet-up instead of signing up for a whole class series or stroller workout group (or ask to go to one class for free to see if you even like it!). Got an intimidating pile of books to read? Maybe an audiobook might work better for you right now, with one earbud in your ear while you care for baby and pump.

3. Ask the magic question

This one is great for pumping mommas! Ask yourself the magic question: What can you do now so future-you can feel a little lazier? (In a good way, of course!) This can be assembling your pumping supplies so they are ready to go when it’s time to pump (Or better yet, assigning this task to a partner or helper!) Got a bit of extra time during a nap? Prepare an easy meal or snack to eat later in the day when you don’t have time to do it! Someone visiting? Use that time to do a chore you’ve been avoiding with them, or ask them to do it, so you don’t have to do it alone later!

4. Live in the season

This might be my favorite one to apply to pumping. Momma… this stage doesn’t last forever. Consider it a season of your life. This is not your season to start projects. Maternity leave is not vacation. If “all you did” today was care for your baby and make milk, you are rocking this season of life. There will be time again for hobbies, I promise. This season ain’t it. It might not be your season of life to join your older child’s PTA or to volunteer at church. Feel free to turn down the extras in your life to focus on what matters right now. Join the PTA or volunteer for church next year if you feel called! No one is going to blame you for not doing it right now.
In the middle of the night, when your baby starts crying just when you sat down to pump, take a deep breath… this is only for now. This stage will not last forever. This stage is just a season in your life.

5. Build the right routines

I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t like maternity leave. It really sucked and I really wanted to go back to work. Building a routine helped me deal with the long days alone with my baby. I paid attention to wake windows, and I planned small outings around those windows. We had a routine of walking just about every day, the fresh air did me a world of good. I prepared a snack ahead of time so I could routinely eat and drink during pumping sessions. That routine helped me stay hydrated and fed. I practiced feeding, lifting, carrying, burping, and even changing baby while pumping so that my pumping routine would not be interrupted by their needs.

6. Set house rules

Communication is key here. If you have a partner, be honest about how things are gonna go once baby is home. Perhaps a rule is that if you feed, they change diapers. Or if they get a morning of golf, you get a solo trip to Target. Perhaps a rule is that your in-laws need to text before coming over. A house rule could also look like this: When you’re pumping, the older kids get screen time. Or if a visitor wants to hold the new baby, they need to wash their hands and be sitting down. Be confident in setting boundaries. This is your house, your baby, and your postpartum. YOU make the rules, momma.

7. Put everything in its place

Set up a pumping station! Many people use one of those 3-tiered carts to keep all their pumping and diapering stuff in one place. Maybe the top rack is diapers, wipes, and butt paste. Maybe the middle rack is your pump, nipple butter, and protein bars. Maybe the bottom rack is hand-towels, swaddles, receiving blankets, and spit-up rags. Get crazy and set up one station upstairs and one downstairs! If everything has a home, you’ll always know where it is.

8. Let people in

If people are willing to help, momma LET THEM! Let people set up a meal-train for you. Let them hold your baby so you can shower. Let them do the dishes if you’d rather hold your baby. Let your big kids have a bit more independence and become your right-hand-man, skipper, or buddy! They will probably LOVE having a silly new title and bringing mommy things.
If no one is offering to help, ASK them. At my lowest point, going through postpartum anxiety after my second baby, I distinctly remember asking 11 people for help in one way or another. A few said no, a few said not right now, a few asked clarifying questions, and a few said yes. The people who said yes were not who I assumed would say yes, which hurt. And, YES I had to pay a few for some of this help- I got a mother’s helper for a few hours, and I got some help cleaning. Sometimes you gotta build your own village, and sometimes you gotta pay some of the villagers… that’s the society we live in, unfortunately.

9. Batch it

This is when you do a whole batch of a chore at once. I know mommas who use multiple sets of pumping accessories and wash them all in one big batch once or twice a day instead of after every pumping session. I use to do laundry with my husband only on weekends, so we could tackle it together and not have to do it every day during the week. I’d batch email correspondence during pumping sessions so I could catch up while also being productive making milk! I’d prepare a few bottles at a time in a batch, so I’d have one ready when baby was hungry and not be stressed out while they are crying. I froze milk by laying a “batch” of 3-4 bags of milk on a cookie sheet in the freezer and labeling them all at once.

10. Essentialize

If you are feeling overwhelmed, pare that to-do list down to what matters. Kendra suggests 4 categories: Right now, Soon, Later, Nevermind. It feels GOOD to take things completely off your to-do list!
For example, if your to-do list today includes: Pump every 3 hours, take a shower, shave your legs, go grocery shopping, pay the electric bill, donate money to church, read your book club book, do laundry, put away clothes, water the indoor plants and weed the outdoor plants, feed the cats, call your mom back, make dinner, bath night, hang with your husband. That’s A LOT, right? It COULD look like this: RIGHT NOW: prioritize pumping, pay that electric bill so your lights stay on, feed the cats and your family. SOON: Take a shower when you can. Do that laundry when you need to, but it’s ok to live out of a clean stack in the laundry basket for awhile. Water those indoor plants so they don’t die, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get to it today. Hang with your hubs when you can or do a chore together. LATER: Order groceries online and pick them up later, or have them delivered. Call your mom when you have time, or while you are multitasking. Donate when you can, the church won’t turn off your lights if they don’t get their money. Nevermind Category: Don’t feel like you need to shave those legs. Forget the weeding outside. And… maybe this isn’t your season to be in a book-club, eh?

11. Go in the right order

You’ll figure out pretty quickly when you do things out of order, and you’ll find a new order that works better for you. Do you ever sit down to pump and your baby immediately wakes up and starts crying? What if you changed the order to pumping after you feed and change your baby? Do you feel like as soon as you shower in the morning, something gets on your clean clothes and newly washed hair? What if you switch your shower to nighttime? Does your baby ever spit up while being burped? What if you changed them into fresh clothes after feeding? The order in which you do things matters.

12. Schedule rest

Repeat after me- “I deserve unconditional rest.” You don’t have to earn rest, momma. If you don’t take it when you can, your body will force it by becoming ill or mentally breaking down. They say “sleep when baby sleeps” and I encourage you to do so. A little nap or shut-eye can recharge you for the next few hours. Don’t feel like you have to be a multi-tasking maniac when you pump. Pumping itself is productive. You can use that time to scroll on your phone, watch a show, observe an older child at play, pet a cat, etc. Think of other types of rest, as well. Spiritual rest could look like using pumping sessions to meditate, pray, or read teachings or scripture. Do you miss a creative hobby? Give yourself creative rest by doing some light sketching while pumping, or crochet. This doesn’t sound restful to you, then it’s not rest, for you. Do whatever calms, centers, and recharges you.

13. Be kind to yourself

My way of saying this is always, “Have grace with yourself.” Having a newborn is HARD. Breast pumping is HARD. If you’re worried about being a good mom, you likely ARE a good mom. This ish is just hard as heck!!! So please, have grace with yourself, your body, and your baby.

If you liked these principles, you’re going to love
Kendra Adache’s podcast and books! Thanks, Kendra!

Hopefully these 13 principles gave you some ideas to find some sanity in pumping and motherhood. I enjoyed diving into each one and may extend this further in the future, who knows! What one are you going to try? Tell me in the comments below:

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Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Tips & Tricks

Camping Tips for Pumping Mommas

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The last thing I want you to feel this summer is controlled by your pumping schedule. For exclusive pumpers (those who pump instead of latching directly), staying on schedule is super important, which means YES you’ve still gotta pump on vacation. If camping is in your summer plans, don’t let pumping get in the way! Become a pumping pro, using the tips below!

Following these tips will help you earn the “Pumping Pro” badge at your next campout- Scout’s honor!

Requirements to Earn the Badge:

  1. A pumping scout is LOYAL: Be loyal to your pumping schedule! Stick with your pumping schedule as closely as possible. Skipping a session can result in clogged ducts, painful engorgement, and possible loss of supply. A wearable, portable, or even manual pump may give your greater flexibility.
  2. A pumping scout is CLEAN: I realize people camp in many different ways. This advice would fit a family using a family camp ground with a bath house and a source of running water, not backpacking. You need potable water. (That means drinkable.) You can wash in a basin of hot soapy water at the bath house but it needs to be rinsed with drinkable water. I’d take a jug if you are unsure about this. You can also boil water to sterilize your parts and air dry them (Just dip the parts in using tongs, don’t melt them over the fire!)
    Bring a cooler and ice packs. Store your milk AND your pump parts in there- it will ensure that your pump is clean and keep it from getting dirty or broken! And if you’re away from a clean water source to wash longer than you expected, you can use your pump parts again without washing them (like the “fridge hack” but using a cooler!) The cooler can be hard or soft-sided, make sure it has ice packs or ice in it! The CDC says breastmilk is good on ice in cooler for 24 hours, but if you refresh the ice, it could go longer.
  3. A pumping scout can OVERCOME a challenge: Get a manual pump and learn how to use it (I’ve got demos in my Manual Pump highlight!) YOU DON’T NEED ELECTRICITY! It’s great to have as a back-up, incase you cannot charge or plug in your electric pump. You’ll also need to find a way to keep your pump parts away from bugs and dirt- I suggest a small rubbermaid bin. Pumping in a hot tent? Bring a battery-powered fan to stay cool! With a group? Bring a light, flowy scarf if you’d prefer to cover up if you pump outdoors! (It can feel very freeing to do so!)
  4. A pumping scout is always PREPARED: Charge your breast pump using a car adapter! They also make plug-in coolers! Use baby wipes for your breasts if you need them, Medela wipes for your flange if you’re keeping it in a cooler.
Taking my Baby Buddha pump into the great outdoors!

Must-haves for your camping trip:

I trust that you’ve got the usual camping equipment covered, right? You’ve got your tent, your sleeping bag, your bug spray…. but what about PUMPING stuff? Here are some must-haves that will make pumping as a camping mom so much easier!

  • MANUAL PUMP: I suggest the Medela Harmony because I love it so (They don’t pay me to market it, but they should!) Here are other reasons I love manual pumps, and troubleshooting if you aren’t sure how to use yours.
  • COOLER: If possible, bring a separate cooler just for your breastmilk and pump parts. Check out this electric cooler!
  • ICE PACKS (and I suggest leaving your campsite to get extra ice if you’ll be gone a few days!)
  • BASIN to wash your pump parts
  • Breastmilk storage bags or bottles.
  • WASHING UP supplies! I love a good travel set for washing pump parts. MomCozy also makes a brush with soap right in the handle!
  • WIPES- I suggest baby wipes AND pump wipes!
  • BIN to keep your stuff free from dirt and bugs
  • CAR ADAPTER or POWER BANK for recharging your pump. (Make sure the car adapter is meant for the voltage of your specific pump!)
  • CeresChill breastmilk chiller! Use code PUMPITUP to save. (I love this one AND the MomCozy one, but with the Ceres Chill you can use ice cubes, which are easily found when you are out and about. (The MomCozy one requires you to freeze the inner ice core)

Have you successfully pumped while camping? Have any wisdom to share?

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Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Must-Have Products, Tips & Tricks

Packing a pumping bag for work

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Returning to work outside the home as a pumping momma can feel daunting. I’m here to help smooth this transition for you, momma! You’ll find lists for the absolute essentials, for leveling up your pumping game, and for extra items that are great to have on hand.
>> SAVE and SHARE<< with a friend who needs it!
Click HERE or more tips on pumping at work or HERE to read about your legal rights for pumping at work.

(This post was written by Melissa with some help from the mommas over at Pump Momma Pump on Instagram… but if you’d get a kick out of the AI version, check out “Packing a pump bag for work:” Chat GPT version The pictures in that post are hilarious!)

My Number 1 tip? Pack the night before, if possible! Print out a checklist and put it in a page-protector sleeve if you can’t laminate it, then use a dry-erase marker each day, wiping clean each night! If you’d like my list, download my Printable Pump Bag Checklist.
Also, select a pump bag that does double-duty. I like carrying just one bag for my laptop, lunch, pump & accessories, as well as other “mom stuff” in the smallest pockets. (I usually throw in a wristlet with all my essentials like phone, credit cards, and chapstick, instead of carrying a separate purse.) I find that Sarah Wells bags work the best for this, and will be useful for years to come! I still use mine for work, travel, and days out with my young children.

Pumping at Work: The Essentials

Don’t forget the absolute essentials for pumping at work, momma! 

  • Protective Pump Bag- Select a bag that has padding/insulation to protect your investments- your pump and hard-earned liquid gold! Preferred product: Sarah Wells Bags Kelly, Fiona, or Abby, discount code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15
  • Pump & Accessories- It helps to make a list so you don’t forget the fiddly bits!
  • Storage for milk- How will you keep your milk cold at work and during transit?
  • Pumping bra- Some mommas like to wear a pumping bra all day, where others like to strap on one just to pump. Preferred product: Simple Wishes Hands-Free Adjustable discount code PMP15 or Kindred Bravely discount code PMP15
  • Wipes- Keep it clean with regular and/or pumping wipes
  • Ice pack- Have extras in your freezer incase you forget to unpack and freeze one!
  • Washing stuff- If you wash your pump parts at work, bring a travel bottle brush, drying rack, and bottle soap! Yes they all come in travel-friendly sizes!

Pumping at Work- Level Up

Feelin extra? Level up your pumping game with these game-changers! 

  • Designer pump bag- There are many companies offering stylish pump bags- express yourself while you… express yourself! Preferred Product- Mimi & Pal Radley bag discount code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10
  • Portable or Wearable pump- Some mommas appreciate having a portable or wearable pump to offer greater flexibility and freedom Preferred Products- Pumpables Genie Advanced discount code PMP10, Baby Buddha breastpump discount code PUMPMOMMA
  • Milk cooler- Keep that milk cold until you get it safely home Preferred Products- CeresChill OG Chiller discount code PUMPITUP, MomCozy milk cooler
  • Wet bag- Great for storing pump accessories, especially if you do the fridge hack during work
  • Headphones or airpods- For pleasant distraction and a uplifted mood
  • Flange lubrication- Pump in comfort by lubricating your flanges (I suggest coconut oil, personally and professionally) 
  • Entertainment- Get that milk flowing as you take some time for yourself! Catch up on a favorite show, read, listen to music, or scroll instagram

Pumping at Work- Extras

These helpful extras were suggested by the mommas at Pump Momma Pump to help pumping at work go extra smoothly! 

  • Spare pump to keep at work- If you have a spare pump, that’s one less thing to take back and forth every day. A manual pump kept at work is great incase you forget your pump or it runs out of battery. Preferred product: Medela Harmony manual pump
  • Extra parts- Have an extra set of all your pump accessories? Keep them at work in case you ever forget anything!
  • Extra baggies- Always a good idea to keep extra milk baggies at work.
  • Charging cords- A charging cord for your pump and/or phone may come in handy.
  • Spare shirt- Uh oh, spilled milk stains and stinks! Bring along a spare shirt. 
  • Towel or paper towels- To keep your area clean, especially for drips and spills.
  • Snack and hydration- Increasing calories and staying hydrated supports lactation!

I know it’s a lot, momma. The first few days back to work might be a little overwhelming and perhaps a little emotional. I know because I’ve been there myself, twice. Know that you’re capable. You’re a problem-solver. You’re strong and resilient. You got this.

Have a minute? Check out my Perfect Pumping Room post!

Find all my favorites for Back-to-Work HERE on my Amazon idea list!

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

AI generated pump bag
Tips & Tricks

“Packing a Pump Bag for Work” Chat GPT Version

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I asked Chat GPT (Artificial Intelligence software) to write a blog post with advice and pictures for packing a pump bag. The results weren’t what I expected…

They were pretty great! I didn’t expect that! I expected the most generic list, with robotic language and incorrect information… but I got a compassionate, thoughtful list, complete with very accurate advice for a momma’s return to work! The pictures, however…. *shakes head and laughs* were another story. They cracked me up! I hope you enjoy the results.

*I have included the full results from Chat GTP below, complete with the AI generated images. Any of my own words have been added in parenthesis with PMP- in front. My own version of this blog is coming soon, so keep an eye out!*

*AI generated image* PMP- Apparently all moms returning to work are thin
white women with corporate jobs who take their kids to work?!

Title: Packing a Pumping Bag for Work: A Breastfeeding Mom’s Guide

Going back to work as a breastfeeding mom can be a challenging transition, but being well-prepared with a properly packed pumping bag can make the experience smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re a first-time mom or just need a refresher, this guide will help ensure you have everything you need for a successful pumping session at work. (PMP- Solid start, Chat GPT, let’s see what ya got!)

Essential Items for Your Pumping Bag

  1. Breast Pump and Accessories
    Make sure your pump is fully charged or has a power adapter if it requires an outlet. Don’t forget essential parts such as flanges, tubing, valves, and membranes. (PMP- way to go Chat GPT! Excellent advice and terminology!)
  2. Breast Milk Storage Bags or Bottles
    Bring enough storage containers to accommodate the amount of milk you plan to pump. Labeling them with the date can help with organization and freshness.
  3. A Small Cooler with Ice Packs
    Keeping your milk cold is essential, especially if you don’t have access to a refrigerator at work. An insulated cooler with ice packs will do the job. (PMP- another thumbs up)
  4. Hands-Free Pumping Bra
    A hands-free bra allows you to multitask while pumping, making the process more convenient and comfortable.
  5. Cleaning Supplies
    Bring pump wipes or a small bottle of dish soap and a brush if you need to wash your pump parts at work. Some moms also bring a microwave steam sterilizer bag for quick cleaning. (PMP- So far this is pretty darn close to what I would have written myself!)
  6. Nursing Pads and Extra Clothes
    Leaks happen! Pack extra nursing pads and a backup shirt just in case. (PMP- Many moms on Instagram also suggested bringing an extra shirt and hand towel!)
  7. Snacks and Water
    Pumping can be dehydrating and energy-draining. Keeping a water bottle and some healthy snacks in your bag will help maintain your energy levels. (PMP- Yessssss!)
  8. A Comfortable Cover (Optional)
    If you prefer privacy while pumping, a nursing cover or lightweight scarf can be helpful, especially if you share a space. (PMP- Legally, your work must provide a private space to pump!)
  9. A Notebook or Pumping App
    Keeping track of your pumping schedule, milk output, and reminders for cleaning and storage can be helpful.
*AI generated image* PMP- Dyyyying laughing at this pumping bag. Note the huge haakaa style pump with tube leading to nowhere. Anything else crack you up?
*AI generated image* PMP- The baby on the windowsill! …And yet another thin Caucasian model with an office job.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Pumping Experience

  • Create a Pumping Schedule: Try to pump at the same times each day to maintain your milk supply. (PMP- Again, way to go Chat GPT!)
  • Have a Backup Plan: Keep an extra set of pump parts at work in case you forget something.
  • Stay Relaxed: Listening to music, looking at pictures of your baby, or practicing deep breathing can help with milk letdown. (PMP- Okay I am beginning to think they borrowed some of this from my website at this point.)
  • Advocate for Your Needs: Communicate with your employer about your pumping needs and ensure you have a comfortable, private space to express milk. (PMP- Yesssssss!)
*AI generated image* (PMP- Just… wat. Gotta get me one of those pump/cooler hybrids! LOL)
*AI generated image* PMP- This is what I got when I requested that the mom be “blue collar.” Way to take me literally! (Also, I don’t think this is Osha compliant, LOL)

Packing a well-stocked pumping bag will set you up for a successful return to work while continuing your breastfeeding journey. With the right preparation, you can make pumping at work a seamless part of your daily routine. You’ve got this, mama! (PMP- VERY happy with this blog post, Chat GPT! The photos however…. could use some work. LOL)

*AI generated image* PMP- *shakes head*…. AI is creepy, man.
Also, note the bottle/pump combo… ?!
Shop Pumpables and save with code PMP10

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Pumping Support, Tips & Tricks

Exclusive pumping: How do you know when it’s time to quit?

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[Exclusive pumpers, this is for you.] You’ve heard the phrase “Never quit on a bad day” but how do you know when it’s a “good” day to quit? It can be a really hard decision, and sometimes you’re not even in control of the decision in the first place! (Totally unfair, I know!)

I asked the mommas over on Instagram and compiled a list of reasons mommas end their pumping journey. If you are trying to decide when to call it quits, hopefully this list helps! (And if you’re not the one in control of your journey ending, hopefully this list helps you feel a little less alone.)

Your priorities change

It’s okay if your priorities change. If sleep deprivation is making you crazy, maybe it’s time to prioritize sleep (and that’s okay!) If you are missing out on time with your baby or older children, maybe it’s time to prioritize time with them instead of time spend pumping (and that’s okay!) It’s a good idea to honestly review your priorities every now and then and see if exclusively pumping can still top the list. Need permission? Here’s permission. It’s okay if pumping cannot be a priority in your life right now.

Your mental health is suffering

Something I repeat often is: “Any amount of breastmilk you can give your baby is beneficial UNLESS your mental health is at stake.” I am a huge proponent of supporting maternal mental health through therapy and medication. I love how both are being normalized in social media and daily conversations I’ve heard between new moms. Your mental health is incredibly important. If exclusively pumping is damaging to your wellbeing, please prioritize your mental health. Your baby needs a happy, healthy momma.

Your body tells you it’s time

Hormones are powerful. They are the reason you lactate in the first place. They can giveth and they can taketh away! Some mommas reported a drastic reduction in supply that came with the return of their period or a new pregnancy that made them quit pumping altogether. Other mommas reported bad cases of mastitis or recurrent clogged ducts that greatly reduced their milk supply and caused them to end their pumping journey prematurely.

You can’t make it work with work

Keep in mind that here in the U.S. employers need to give you time and space to pump for up to one year. (Read more about your legal rights to pump here) However, some jobs are harder to work a pumping schedule into, right? It sucks, but it’s true. You might have “space” to pump, but are disgusted by the supply closet they make you pump in. You might have “time” to pump, but the pumping room is in a different floor of the hospital you work in, and you can’t make it work with your schedule. You might be facing pressure from your boss (They should really go read this book by Sarah Wells, by the way.) or pressure from your coworkers. For that, I am sorry. Sometimes people can really lack empathy for new mommas, and that sucks. It’s definitely a reason mommas quit pumping, and I wish it weren’t.

You met your breastfeeding goal

[Reminder: Pumping IS breastfeeding] Setting a breastfeeding goal can help you know when to end your journey. I always suggest setting a manageable goal (which looks different for everyone) and reassessing when you hit that goal. You might hit your goal of pumping for 3 months, celebrate, and box up that breast pump. You might hit your goal of 6 months and feel that you’ve found ways to make pumping more sustainable, so you set a new goal of 9 months! Either way, setting and reaching a benchmark goal can help you feel like you’ve accomplished something- because you have! Celebrate yourself and your achievements, momma!

You have enough milk in your freezer

Some mommas have enough of an oversupply to create a freezer stash of milk. Mommas use an app like PumpLog to calculate how long their freezer stash will last, and quit when they have enough milk. Read this before starting a freezer stash!

Maybe you just… know.

For some mommas, it’s not about a schedule, goal, or external factors. Maybe you just feel, in your gut/soul that it’s time. Some people meditate about it, some pray about it… either way, some mommas simply feel like a peace has fallen upon them, letting them know it’s okay to quit.

From TheBump, Mia Gorell photography credit

*Important note*

Ending your pumping journey is YOUR decision, NOT someone else’s. Be clear and honest about your goals with your family, friends, and doctor. If your spouse gets whiney and tells you it’s time to quit, it is NOT their decision. If your mother-in-law doesn’t understand your determination to exclusively pump, it is NOT her decision. If your pediatrician tells you that your baby is 1 year old and can switch to a different kind of milk, but you still want to pump past age 1, it is NOT their decision. If your employer won’t give you time to pump past age 1, then yes, they can legally stop you from taking as many pumping breaks, BUT you can still pump at lunch, on any other shorter breaks, if possible, and before/after work. I’ve seen it work. Your milk supply may decrease at that point, but it’s still YOUR decision.

What if you still want to make it work, for now?

Okay, you read through this whole list and you STILL want to make it work, for now at least. I support you! Consider making an appointment with me to talk through the roadblocks you are facing. Consider downloading my Pumping Sucks guide and troubleshooting some things that make pumping suck.

When your pumping journey does draw to a close:

  • Wean safely from the pump (See: How to Wean from the Pump)
  • Process the emotional rollercoaster of weaning (This blog post may help!)
  • Have GRACE with yourself, and gratitude for your body!
  • Honor your journey.
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Tips & Tricks

Supplementing with Formula

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Let’s talk about supplementing. It’s way more common than you think. Supplementing is a fact of life for many mommas, but can also be the key to prolonging your pumping journey!
How? Read on to find out:
*This post is NOT sponsored by any formula brands, nor is any specific brand mentioned/suggested/promoted within this post*

What is “supplementing?”

Let’s start with the basic idea of supplementing. When the breastfeeding community talks about “supplementing,” we are referring to something that is adding to your infant’s diet of breastmilk to fill any nutritional gaps. We also call this “combo feeding.” This is most commonly referring to supplementing a lowered supply of breastmilk with formula, but can mean supplementing with donor milk, solid foods when the baby is older, or even nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals prescribed by your child’s pediatrician. For this blog post, we are going to focus on supplementing with formula.

Coming to terms with supplementing

The need to supplement can leave mommas feeling guilty about not being able to provide a complete diet of breastmilk for their baby. I get it, I’ve been there. Keep in mind, even if you can’t provide 100% breastmilk for your baby, they are still getting 100% of the benefits of your breastmilk. Read that again, because it’s true. That amount still matters. (For example, did you know that one teaspoon of breastmilk contains up to 3 million germ-killing cells? Wow!) Still, it can be hard to start supplementing. There can be feelings of failure. There can be feelings of guilt and grief. Let yourself feel your feelings, because they matter. Then, try reframing your mindset about supplementing. Formula was scientifically designed to help infants thrive. A mindset shift that helped me personally was this: Soon, there will be lots of things your baby will eat that you didn’t personally create with your body. Do you give yourself a hard time because you can’t create bananas, bread, or broccoli with your body? Of course not! Just group formula in with all the new foods that will nourish your baby.
I promise, there are so many silver linings to supplementing!

The benefits of supplementing

  • Supplementing can help improve baby’s bilirubin levels to combat jaundice.
  • Supplementing can help while a momma is actively working with a lactation professional to improve nursing or pumping.
  • Supplementing under a doctor’s guidance can help a baby who is struggling with weight gain.
  • Supplementing helps a momma with low supply keep offering breastmilk.
  • Supplementing can help mommas reach their breast pumping goal.
  • Supplementing can help momma ease up on her pumping schedule and potentially pump longer than anticipated because it feels more sustainable!
  • By combo-feeding, you can ensure baby is still getting the benefits of your breastmilk, no matter what amount you are able to provide. Think of it as the most personalized vitamin you can give them!

Keep in mind…

  • Replacing a feed with formula can negatively affect your supply if you aren’t pumping in place of a nursing session.
  • If you are supplementing while “waiting for your milk to come in,” you should be actively working to bring on the next stage of lactation by regularly pumping or nursing to bring on that mature milk.
  • If you are separated from baby, it is wise to pump every 3 hours to protect your supply.
  • It is always advised to work closely with a lactation professional to meet your feeding goals.
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What should I supplement with?

Ideally, supplementing with breastmilk would be “best.” Using your own freezer stash of milk would be great, but that’s not feasible for everyone. Supplementing with donor milk would also be great, but can be extremely pricey to purchase from milk banks. Some mommas are able to link up with family or a trusted friend who are willing and able to donate breastmilk. Others find local mommas on a HumanMilk4HumanBabies or EatsOnFeets facebook groups, both of which are considered “informal” mother-to-mother milk donation platforms that do not screen their donors like milk banks do.
If breastmilk is not available, your other choice is to supplement with formula. Despite clever marketing, there is no formula brand that matches the nutritional composition of breastmilk, it’s just not possible. Before buying a large amount of formula, I suggest seeing if your baby takes it without argument/difficulty. If you need a specialty kind, work with your pediatrician to find the ingredients best for your baby’s unique needs. My colleague Erin, the “Baby Feeding Coach” has a great page on understanding a formula label HERE. For a deeper dive, trust my friend Bridget Young, PhD, the “Baby Formula Expert” advice found HERE.

How do I supplement with formula?

There are many ways to use formula in supplementary feeding. Some mommas choose a specific time of day, such as nighttime feeding by a helpful partner, or when their baby is at daycare. Some pumpers alternate feeds between breastmilk bottles and formula bottles. Another choice is to offer a partial feed of breastmilk and supplement the rest with formula. Some mommas choose to do this with two separate bottles, or feeding the breastmilk first, then putting formula in the empty breastmilk bottle to finish the feed. Others choose to mix the formula and breastmilk together in one feeding bottle.
Try easing into formula introduction when baby is in a good mood. An overly tired or hungry baby is in no mood to try something new. Once you know that baby will accept the bottle of formula, you can gradually increase how much you offer them.

Can I mix breastmilk and formula?

The short answer is yes. Yes, you can mix breastmilk and formula as long as it is done safely. Breastmilk should never replace the water used to mix up powdered formula. If you plan to mix breastmilk and formula, prepare the formula as directed, and then add breastmilk to it. According to Dr. Bridget Young, there is evidence of proteases (enzymes that break down protein) in breastmilk helping to digest the proteins in formula, which can result in easier digestion for baby. This will happen if you feed the breastmilk and formula in the same bottle, or back-to-back in the same feeding.
Are there any reasons NOT to mix breastmilk and formula? You should be sure your baby does not reject the formula you are offering. If they reject the bottle, you may be wasting that liquid gold (a.k.a your precious breastmilk!) Another reason is that once baby has started feeding from a formula bottle, you need to use it within an hour. With breastmilk, that rule is use within 2 hours.

Storing prepared formula

Once prepared, formula should be used within 24 hours. Mommas who prepare a pitcher of formula in advance should use the formula within 24 hours. If baby begins to drink from the bottle, it is advised to use that bottle within 1 hour, without putting it back in the fridge to save for later in the day.

Sources:

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Keeping Breastmilk Cold

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As the summer heats up, we’re all wondering the same thing- How do I keep my breastmilk cold when I’m out and about? Here are some tried-and-true ways to chill out about keeping your liquid gold safe from the heat. (And some answers to the burning questions I know you’ll have!)

Storing breastmilk in a cooler

Breastmilk can be stored safely in a cooler with ice/ice packs for 24 hours. This time range is a bit arbitrary because it doesn’t take into account ice melting/outside temperatures. If you are concerned about how cold your cooler is, consider buying a digital or analog thermometer to keep inside the cooler with your milk. The inside of your cooler should be able to keep milk at approximately 40 degrees. It’s a good idea to refresh ice frequently if you’re using lose ice as opposed to a frozen ice pack.

Is a hard-sided or soft-sided cooler better for storing breastmilk?

As long as you keep frozen ice packs or refresh your lose ice, it really doesn’t matter which kind of cooler you get. I have found that hard-sided coolers usually have the best ratings for keeping food colder longer. Splurge: Yeti Roadie Cooler Save: Coleman Chiller Series. There are really quality soft-sided coolers available nowadays, too! Splurge: Ice Chest Box by RTIC. Save: OPUX Soft Cooler Bag. While these coolers are larger and can store more than just your breastmilk, you may wish to get a breastmilk-only cooler like the ColdGold by Sarah Wells (save at sarahwells.com with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15). As with anything you purchase online, I suggest reading through the reviews thoroughly. If you will be out in the sun all day (Like at the beach) or in a hot car, I suggest getting a quality cooler with great reviews for keeping cool the longest. (Pricier coolers generally have better quality insulation, in my experience.) You can always do a test-run at home with the cooler and a thermometer.

Storing breastmilk in a CeresChill chiller

Keep your breastmilk chilled in the Ceres Chill. In my opinion, their breastmilk chiller is a MUST-HAVE for pumping mommas on the go. You can put up to 24 ounces of breastmilk in the outer chamber with ice in the inner chamber, or you can put up to 12 ounces of breastmilk in the inner chamber and fill out outer chamber with ice! They even have a smaller version of their original chiller, but the original is the best seller. Learn more about this clever invention in my blog post titled: “Yes, you do need a CeresChill!” Use code: PUMPITUP to save at cerechill.com

Storing breastmilk in a mini-fridge

If you are staying in a hotel, call and see if there is a mini-fridge in your hotel room. If not, you may choose to bring your own mini refrigerator to store your breastmilk in. This refrigerator should keep your breastmilk at a safe temperature (35-40 degrees) just like your fridge at home. Breastmilk is best used or switched to a freezer within 4 days of being put into the refrigerator. For a smaller option, consider this personal sized mini fridge, or a plug-in cooler (This one has a car adapter or traditional wall plug option!)

Using dry ice to transport breastmilk

Dry ice is often suggested for use when transporting frozen breastmilk*, such as when you are moving cross-country and need to keep your freezer stash safe. Dry ice should never touch your frozen breastmilk bags directly, as it could burn through the plastic. Always use leather gloves when working with dry ice, and pack any free space in your freezer with newspaper or brown packing paper.
* I would not recommend dry ice for daily use.

Gimmie the FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What temperature is safe for storing breastmilk? The CDC recommends keeping milk at a refrigerated temperature of 35-40 degrees.
  • What temperature even IS “room temp” anyway??? “Room temperature” is defined as the temperature range from 68-74 degrees. Breastmilk is good for about 4 hours at room temp.
  • What do I do if I leave my breastmilk out in the heat too long? If your breastmilk sits out in the heat for longer than an hour or two, you should not feel it to your baby. Instead, give it a sniff. Smells like it’s gone bad? Toss it. Smells ok? Add it to their next bath! It’s terrific for their skin! (Or your own bath!)
  • Can my baby drink cold milk? Absolutely! Some babies may be hesitant to drink cold milk if they are used to drinking warm milk. Try room temp first, and then work your way to cold milk. Feeding baby cold milk is also a good way to cool them off on a hot day!
  • Will my baby get a cold from drinking cold milk? This is an old wive’s tale and not true. Cold milk is perfectly safe for your baby to drink. The common cold is a virus and babies cannot catch viruses from cold milk, so don’t worry!
  • Why can’t I just put my breastmilk in my Stanley cup? If you put warm, freshly pumped milk into a regular insulated cup, it will keep your breastmilk warm. If you put freshly pumped milk into a thermal cup and place that thermal cup into the refrigerator or cooler with ice packs, you are actually insulating your milk FROM the cold! Yup! You’re keeping it warmer, longer, and the cup will actually protect your milk from the cold, not chill it. 

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Managing Your Freezer Stash

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Freezer Stash- n. Collection of surplus breastmilk frozen for later use. Whether you are considering starting up a freezer stash or looking for advice on how to use yours, this post is for you! You might be wondering why it might be beneficial to freeze milk, how best to store it, when and how to begin using it, and how to figure out how long it’ll last! All this and more is coming your way. Read on, momma!
*Trigger warning- This blog post contains images and descriptions of large breastmilk freezer stashes. If this troubles you, please close out of this blog post.*

Disclaimers: This post contains affiliate links and codes from trusted brands. All images in this post were either donated with permission or taken by me.

Do I need a freezer stash?

There’s no cut-and-dry answer for this.

Many mommas who predominately nurse baby at the breast do not choose or need to store extra milk. It may be wise, however, to save a few day’s worth of ounces in the freezer (breastmilk fed babies can take up to 30 ounces a day) in case of emergencies. One momma I worked with was admitted into the hospital with appendicitis without warning and was glad she had a bit of milk stored up! Saving a bit of milk can also come in handy if you’re planning to be apart from baby. If you are planning to be separated from baby over the time you’d nurse, you’ll need to leave milk for the baby, and pump at the time you’d normally nurse.

For exclusive pumpers with oversupply, it’s wise to keep a day or two ahead in the refrigerator, and freeze the rest. This milk can be fed when you begin to wean and extend the time you are able to offer breastmilk. Some mommas choose to donate their extra frozen milk formally (milk bank) or informally (mother-to-mother, directly.)

Mommas who supplement with formula can offer partial breastmilk and partial formula, and freeze the rest. This can actually help exclusive pumpers reduce the number of times they pump daily and have proven to pump for longer than they originally planned because their schedule becomes more manageable. A partial diet of breastmilk is still hugely beneficial to your baby, offering white blood cells and antibodies in addition to daily nutritional benefits.

My personal stash story:

With my first baby, I set a goal to exclusively pump for six months. When I hit the six month mark, I began to reduce my pumping schedule to gain a bit more freedom, and began supplementing with formula. Since my son was starting many other foods at this age, supplementing was not a huge mental hurdle for me- I grouped formula in with all the other foods nurturing my baby that I did not personally make. (You don’t give yourself a hard time for not producing pureed yams and apples with your breasts, right? Just group formula in with other additional nutrition!) I switched to 50/50 breastmilk and formula. I stashed my extra milk in the freezer and was able to not only surpass my original pumping goal, but to offer breastmilk longer than I imagined!
With my second baby, who I also exclusively pumped for, I created an unintentional freezer stash because she was having trouble digesting my milk in addition to a milk protein allergy. I donated 1,000 ounces of frozen breastmilk that contained dairy to another baby. When we discovered that she was digesting my milk comfortably with a 50/50 breastmilk-formula ratio, I was able to stash extra breastmilk and once again feed greater freedom with my pumping schedule and offer breastmilk longer than I imagined.

Check for high lipase!

Lipase is an enzyme found in all breastmilk that helps break down fats. It’s a good thing! But some women struggle with high levels of this enzyme, causing their milk to smell or taste funny. You usually won’t notice the smell until you defrost your milk after freezing. High lipase can cause your milk to smell soapy or metallic. (Breastmilk without high levels of lipase usually has a mild smell or no smell at all, and slightly sweet taste.) High lipase milk is ok for baby to drink, but they may not want to. I strongly encourage you to TEST EARLY for high lipase before stashing away a ton of milk! Freeze and defrost milk early to test this out. How do you “test” your milk? Just thaw some breastmilk and give it to your baby! If baby takes it, no problem! If not, you’ll have to scald your milk BEFORE feeding or try one of the tricks listed in my blog post on high lipase.

How do I store all this milk?

Storing breastmilk in “bricks” can really help freezer space and organization…AND flat bags thaw quicker! I stored 5 ounces of milk per bag, removed as much of the excess air as possible, frozen flat on a tray, and then assembled into bricks of 50 ounces in gallon-size ziplock bags. When freezing super flat using a “freese-it-flat” or between boxes of fish sticks like me, you get reallllly flat bags capable of stacking together nicely in gallon ziplocks! This uniformity makes it very easy to stack and count. Check the image below and the storage page of my website for more information on the logistics of milk storage.

I highly suggest freezing in breastmilk storage bags instead of bottles. More and more companies are making silicone freezer bags as a reusable option. (Save on Junobie brand with code PUMPMOMMA10) Some mommas store smaller quantities of milk in silicone trays and then once frozen, transfer to larger storage containers. (Save on SouperCubes with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10)

Many mommas end up buying a chest freezer for their breastmilk. I recently helped a friend stock their 5 cubic foot chest freezer with approximately 2,000 ounces of breastmilk. If you are a massive overproducer, you might need a larger chest freezer. We personally purchased a 3.5cu feet smaller model chest freezer and still call it the “milk freezer” to this date (even though it’s now full of chicken nuggets instead of breastmilk!)

How long will it last in the freezer?

Breastmilk is good for up to 12 months in the freezer. The CDC used to specify different lengths of time for different types of freezers. They changed their recommendations to “best by 6 months, good up to 12 months” regardless of freezer style.

First in, First out!

When it’s time to begin using your stash, think “First in, First out!” Make sure to rotate your freezer stash by feeding the oldest milk first, and freezing new milk. When doing the “brick method” as described above, write the MONTH really large on the sides/top of the brick- this way, you can immediately know what milk to pull from the freezer! (You can write a date range if you are really organized, but I find that the month is good enough.)

How do I begin using my stash?

This part is up to you! Here are a few ideas of how I’ve seen mommas use their freezer stash.

  • BOTTLE-A-DAY – Give one bottle of frozen breastmilk per day
  • FREEZER FRIDAYS – Choose one day of the week to use frozen milk
  • DAYCARE – Use frozen breastmilk on daycare days
  • SUPPLEMENT – Go 50/50 with thawed breastmilk and formula, either half bottles of breastmilk and
  • MIX IT UP- Combine frozen and fresh breastmilk in feeding bottles *must be used within 24 hrs of final thaw
  • DONATE – Consider donating excess breastmilk formally (through a milk bank) or informally (direct mother-to-mother donation)
  • EXTEND THE END – Extend the time your baby receives breastmilk by continuing to feed frozen milk after you have weaned from fresh milk production.

For more info on introducing a bottle after exclusively nursing, visit my blog post on the topic.

This beautiful momma donated 2,000 ounces to our friend’s baby after she passed away last November

Safely combining frozen milk with fresh breastmilk or formula

It’s completely fine to combine your frozen breastmilk with freshly expressed breastmilk or formula as long as you do it safely. It’s a wise idea to make sure your baby takes frozen milk first, so you do not waste whatever you mix it with. For mommas with high lipase, mixing it with fresh milk or formula may disguise the stronger flavor of the thawed milk!

When mixing thawed breastmilk with freshly expressed milk, temperatures don’t matter as long as you are feeding it to baby right away. You can even thaw larger amounts and combine with fresh in a pitcher, as long as you use this combined milk within 24 hours of complete thaw (going by recommendations for thawed milk here instead of fresh!)

When mixing thawed breastmilk with formula, prepare formula as directed first, then add thawed breastmilk. Use within 24 hours after mixing. *DO NOT use breastmilk as a replacement for water when preparing powdered formula!* Breastmilk can actually help your baby digest the formula!

I recommend using the Dr Brown’s pitcher

Can I feed my older baby milk from when they were younger?

Absolutely! They will most likely need the same amount, or a tiny bit more, than they current drink. I suggest offering the amount you are used to offering, and heating up more if needed, so you do not waste milk. The only word of caution I have about this comes to colostrum. That thick yellow milk from the first few days after birth is still hugely beneficial to your baby, but may act as a bit of a laxitive if given in concentration, so I suggest diluting it in more mature milk. You can even give an older child your baby’s frozen milk! Some people use it in cereals, smoothies, or sippy cups!

Both my pumplings enjoying my milk!

How long will my stash last?

Here’s where you’ve got to do a bit of math. Take the amount of ounces you froze and divide it by the number of ounces your baby drinks per day. (Example- 1000 ounces divided by 30 oz/day = 33 days of milk.) Most breastmilk-fed babies continue to take the same daily total ounces until they are 12 months old, when most pediatricians suggest increasing solid meals and reducing milk to ~16oz/day.

What about a power outage?

The thought of losing an entire freezer stash is horrifying, isn’t it? I highly suggest equipping your chest freezer with a freezer alarm (they even make wifi freezer alarms now!), and taking the necessary precautions for impending outages. I have an entire blog post on what to do if your power goes out, so be sure to bookmark it incase your house experiences a power outage (especially during hurricane or winter storm seasons!)

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My Manual Pump Hurts… Am I Doing It Right?

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A manual breast pump or “hand pump” can be hugely beneficial to your breastfeeding journey. For some mommas, though, it can cause discomfort or pain. If this sounds like you, let’s try to fix that and get you pumping in comfort!

First of all, if you don’t know if a manual pump can benefit YOU, I suggest reading my “You Need A Manual Pump” blog post for all the reasons I personally love my manual pump and how it can be a valuable (and inexpensive!) addition to your pump collection.

Assembling your manual pump

To ensure that your pump is in good, working condition, carefully clean, dry, and assemble it. It might not be as intuitive as it seems! (And did you even know the valve and membrane needs to face to the side? Mind blown, right?)

How to use your manual pump

In this video, I go over the simple way to operate the Medela Harmony manual pump as well as the Lansinoh manual pump. Other pumps, like Dr Brown’s, are similar to the Lansinoh in operation- Just do shallow, quick sucks to initiate your letdown, and then switch to slower, deeper squeezes of the handle for expression.

Troubleshooting your manual pump:

Believe me, as a lactation counselor who specializes in all things pumping related, I hear it all! I’ve taken some of the top complaints and give you easy solutions to troubleshoot your manual pump issues. Remember, there are NO stupid questions… you don’t know what you don’t know! You know?

“I just don’t respond to a manual pump”

First of all, know that it is true that different women’s bodies respond differently to various pumps. That being said… are you doing it right? Take a minute to review the instructional video above and give it another try! Be patient with the letdown mode, using very shallow very quick squeezes of the handle until you either see or feel your letdown, when the milk starts flowing. Some mommas describe their letdown as slightly painful pins and needles, whereas others feel a fullness, and others still do not feel their letdown at all. Next, use slow squeezes of the handle, massaging/gently compressing the breast with your free hand. The compression may encourage your body to respond!

“My manual pump is losing suction!”

First, check that all parts and present and accounted for, and assembled correctly. My assembly video above should help with that. If the valve and membrane are not present, there will be no suction. Take the handle off and make sure the little o-ring is present and hasn’t fallen off, which can also affect suction. Make sure the plastic part of the handle is fully connected to the squishy part, pressed in snugly. You can also try replacing the white flappy membrane, especially if you use the pump heavily. Make sure no cloth is caught between the flange and your breast, breaking suction. If you lose suction mid-session, check that your valve and membrane are still attached and haven’t fallen off into your milk. Reposition the flange on your breast, centering your nipple in the flange tunnel, and try again.

“It hurts to use my manual pump”

A few things can be done about this. The first is to ensure you have the proper flange size. (You can size yourself with my DIY Flange Sizing Guide!) Yes, this matters for manual pumps, too! Once you find the correct size, you should use the same size for your electric and your manual pump. You might find a silicone flange more comfortable. Make sure you aren’t squeezing the handle with too much force, or too quickly. Be careful not to overdo it- listen to your body and adjust the strength of suction as needed. Pain mid-session? Remove the flange from your breast and reposition it. Something as little as that has helped me in the past! Use lubrication, like a flange spray or a dab of food-grade coconut oil applied to your nipple/areola with a clean finger before pumping.


“I don’t get as much from my manual pump!”

First, make sure you are using the correct size flange. This can make a huge difference! Review all the videos here and from my other blog post about manual pumps to make sure you’re using it effectively. Don’t just trust me, search your brand pump on YouTube and see if others have created helpful videos on how to use your pump. My biggest piece of advice for this issue is to apply gentle but steady compression with your free hand while pumping. This video should help!


“My wrists really hurt after using my manual pump”

Heavy use of a manual pump can result in sore hands or wrists. Try operating the pump with your other hand. Do wrist exercises. Massage your forearms to improve blood flow to your wrist and fingers and reduce inflammation. If you feel that you’ve really injured your wrists, apply ice, take an anti-inflammatory medication, and call your healthcare provider. For more information on repetitive strain injuries related to breastfeeding, read this article from Today’s Parent.

“My back/neck hurt while pumping”

Look at your posture. Are you all hunched over with little hands up near your chest like a T-Rex? Stand up and do some stretches. Then, find a comfortable seat on a chair or couch. Place a pillow behind just your upper back. This way you feel like you can relax, but are still supported in the upright position. Avoid hunching over and staring at your bottle as you operate your manual pump.


“I can’t find different flange sizes for my manual pump”

If you have a Medela Harmony, there aren’t special flanges just for the Harmony- Any Medela flange will fit, even compatible off-brand ones on Amazon. Same thing goes for the Lansinoh manual pump- Any Lansinoh or compatible off-brand flanges will work. If you have a Dr Brown’s manual pump, you may need a flange insert in your correct size. Phillips Avent and Tommee Tippee manual pumps come with a soft silicone shield which may not come in a wide variety of sizes, but you can check with the manufacturer.

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Do I need to sterilize pumping supplies?

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With all the stress on properly cleaning your pumping and feeding supplies, Is sterilization necessary? I often see this step listed as *optional.* Why is that the case? (And what sources back up your decision to, or not to, sterilize your bottles and pump stuff?

Image: Electric bottle sterilizer from PMP’s antiques collection

To sterilize or not to sterilize?

According to the CDC, sterilization is “for extra protection.” They suggest doing this at least once daily for newborns (they count “newborn” as any infant under 2 months old), babies who were born prematurely, babies with a weakened immune system, or babies undergoing medical treatment (such as chemotherapy). For healthy babies, they stress proper cleaning of bottles and pump parts with hot soapy water after every use, followed by air drying. HealthyChildren.org cited the same information from the CDC, and adds that if you use a dishwasher with a heating drying cycle, a separate sanitizing step is not necessary. 

According to WebMD, this practice comes from olden days when water supply was not reliably clean. If your water supply is safe for you to drink, it’s safe to wash/rinse baby bottles with, without additional sterilization. It’s not necessary to sterilize what is already safe. They do suggest getting well water tested if you use a private well.

According to Baby Center, a Canadian publication, it’s not enough to wash bottles in soapy water alone. Before proper cleaning/sterilization, babies would often become sick with thrush, gastroenteritis, viruses, and parasitic infections. They suggest sterilization by boiling or steaming equipment after washing for at least the first 4 months. This reduces the risk of baby getting sick during their vulnerable first year.

According to the NHS (UK), sterilizing after a complete wash and rinse is recommended up until 12 months of age. This protects baby from infections, in particular diarrhea and vomiting that can cause baby to become severely dehydrated. They suggest sterilization by steaming, boiling, or using a cold water sterilizing solution. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, NCBI, sterilization is only necessary when a pump and pump supplies are being used by more than one infant. They state that breastmilk collection kits should not be used by different mothers unless they have been properly sterilized, and that nipples and pacifiers should be used by only one infant. They go so far as to say that in a hospital, if a pacifier or bottle nipple touches any unclean surface, that it should not be cleaned but discarded altogether.

According to the AAP, concerns of water safety come into play when a family is using a private well. Illness resulting from children’s ingestion of contaminated water can be severe. (This also goes for using private well water to prepare formula. More information on well water usage can be found on their website, linked below under “Sources.”

*** ALL baby bottle and pump companies suggest an initial sterilization before the first use of their products. (Be sure to read the instructions provided with your pumping supplies to see what parts can be sterilized!) ***

Sooooo… like many things, educate yourself and do what you feel is best for your baby. 

I do highly suggest sterilization for premature or medically fragile babies, or if your tap water is unsafe to drink, or if you are using a private well.

How do I sterilize baby bottles?

If you’ve decided that sterilization step is important for you, you’re going to need to know how to do it! First, clean your bottles and pumping supplies with hot soapy water. Any dish soap is fine, but you might find that Dapple or Babyganics bottle soap best removes the greasy film left behind from breastmilk. Then, proceed with sterilization. The two most common ways of sterilizing are boiling and steaming.

Boil

  • Place your disassembled pump parts and bottles in a large pot and cover with water
  • Bring to a boil
  • Boil for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally (Set a timer!)
  • Remove all items with tongs and air dry
  • WARNING– Over-boiling or overfilling pot with items that come to rest against the side can result in damage to your pumping supplies!

Steam

  • Use a microwave steam bag or plastic microwave steamer. Follow product directions, adding a bit of water and not exceeding the microwave time they recommend. Vent and allow steam to escape before touching items and allowing to air dry.
  • Suggested microwave steamers: Medela microwave sterilizer bags (20 uses per bag, great for travel/work!) Evenflo silicone microwave bag, Philips Avent steamer, Dr. Brown’s microwave steamer, Munchkin steam sterilizer,

Self-contained electric steamers

  • Follow product recommendations to sterilize pump parts and bottles using a self-contained electric steamer designed for this use only.
  • Suggested steamers: Baby Brezza bottle sterilizer and dryer machine, Dr Brown’s All-in-one, Philips Avent premium sterilizer/dryer, Papablic baby bottle electric sterilizer, Wabi Baby electric sterilizer
  • UV sterilizers like this one by Grownsy

Dish washer

  • Remember, if you use the heat dry or sanitize settings on your dish washer, no additional sterilization is necessary!
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* Melissa’s own experience *

Boiling freaked me out. I accidentally warped a bottle so from then on, I was more careful. Personally, I sterilized via microwave steam sterilization twice a day for my early babies, since my first baby was premature and I was used to that level of care with my second, early-term baby. I eventually moved to once-a-day sterilization for about 6 months or so (mostly out of habit, honestly.) My favorite product was the Medela Microwave Sterilizer Bags but if I did it all over again, I’d either use a reusable microwave sterilizer like this one by Philips Avent, or spring for an electric sterilizer. If money were no object, I’d definitely get a countertop dishwasher for all my pumping supplies!

Sources:

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