Pumping Party: Tips for Lacating Mamas
Every day I head to work with my mom equivalent of a leather briefcase — My pump bag. As a working mother who has been so paranoid about not having enough milk to feed my daughter, I get it. I get how stressful it can be. But I’ve successfully breastfed for more than six months and still haven’t had to break into the free can of formula Enfamil sent me when she was born. That’s right, we haven’t had to supplement a drop! And to be honest I’m shocked.
It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a few things as I’ve gone along that may be helpful to others.
About Storing
1. Start early: If you’re going back to work I can’t stress enough how important it was for me to have a stash built up. It doesn’t have to be huge, but just something for emergencies, and to help you feel confidant about going back to work and pumping. I started pumping when my daughter was about three weeks old.
2. Get to know your pump. Another reason to start early is so you can get used to your pump. Get to know how to put it together, take it apart, clean it. And the more you use it, the more your body will get used to how it works and the better it will respond to it. The first few times I pumped I only got a couple of ounces, but I got more and more as time went on.
3. Pump with the baby. If you’re like me and feel like your baby is attached to you 24/7 you may wonder when you can even get the chance to pump. One thing I did was hook up the pump to one side, and pump with her on the other side. Your body naturally responds to your baby nursing so you’ll probably get more milk this way. I do! This was much easier when she was smaller and less wiggly, but I still manage to do this during my lunch breaks with a pumping bra. When I was still on maternity leave I would nurse her from one side all night then pump the other side while she nursed in the morning and I’d get 6-7 ounces from that one side she didn’t eat from all night.
4. Get good storage bags. I’ve used everything from Ziploc bags to storage containers and it makes a big difference when you use storage bags made for storing frozen breastmilk. I used Lansinoh for awhile, but the first time I took one out to defrost I realized there was a leak and I lost about 6oz of milk. So I tried some Simplisse ones and ended up liking those a little more and now I buy those (they’re all the same price).
About Pumps
5. Get an electric. I have two pumps. One double electric breast pump by Avent, and a manual pump by Simplisse. I can’t compare a manual to an electric to each other because it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Actually, they’re not even in the same fruit platter. I’d heard a manual was good to have for emergencies and it did call for an emergency for me to use mine. I was taking a quick trip and couldn’t fit my electric in my bag.
I brought my manual which it’s good I did but boy was I not prepared for the difference.
First off, I didn’t realize manual was so much manual labor. My electric pump has a manual setting on it and you tap your finger and it goes to the speed of your tapping. My manual pump takes more effort.
It goes something like this:
 |
| First minute |
 |
| After five minutes |
 |
| After 10 minutes |
 |
| After 15 minutes |
Where as with an electric (and hands-free pumping bra) it’s more like this:
Maybe my forearms are just really weak but it was a task. I was wondering why the bottle that came with it was so small but after 10 minutes of trying to pump I realized why–I wouldn’t be able to pump very long.
The positive is it doesn’t tug as much as my electric does, it was more comfortable, but I didn’t get nearly as much milk out as I do with my electric. It saved me from exploding, but it wasn’t the most effective. There are times though, in the middle of the night I consider manually pumping to build my supply back up. I never do it. But I think about it. Simplisse sent me the manual pump to try out, and it’s comfortable, but not for my arms. Good news is, they have a double electric out now so that should solve that problem for anyone considering it.
I have a friend though who only used a manual pump, so some people do it! I think it’s all about getting your body used to whatever pump you’re using, like I mention in #2.
About Pumping at Work
6. Find time. I didn’t think I’d have time to pump once a day, much less twice during my shift at work, but it’s worth it when I do. I don’t have a desk job, so I don’t really have a set schedule for when I can pump, but it’s nice if you can. Your body knows when it’s “meal time” and usually produces more then. I did get into a routine where I was able to pump around 4pm every day and my supply would be larger and larger at that time. If I missed it, and pumped an hour later (or earlier), sometimes it would seem as though my supply was less. I’m not sure why or if maybe I’m just crazy.
Now I pump once in the middle of my shift, and once when I’m leaving and about to go home. By law in most states you’re allowed time to pump so don’t feel bad about it.
7. Find a place to pump with a door that locks. Oh my goodness, I about have a heart attack every singly day when I’m pumping because it never fails someone tries to walk in. Luckily the door is always locked, but I still have a half a second where my mind wonders if I forgot to lock it and this would be the time our traffic guy walks in, startled to see my girls tied up in tubes. It hasn’t happened yet *knock on wood*.
8. Bring pictures of your baby, or a smart phone. I hook up to my pump and call home to talk to Lil’ J, my husband, or play Angry Birds on my iPhone. Sometimes I bring my laptop in and try to do some work but I find I get more milk if I’m more relaxed. Sit back and enjoy the quiet time alone (Cause Lawd knows we don’t get it often).
9. Here’s a trick for storing your pump. I didn’t know this until recently, but if you’re going to pump multiple times while at work, you can put your pump (the horn parts, not the whole machine) in the fridge between sessions so you don’t have to wash it each time. The milk on the pump stays fresh and doesn’t need to be washed off. After I finally remembered to bring a bag to put them in (I didn’t want to set my pump conspicuously next to a coworkers chicken salad) I started doing this and it takes about 5 minutes off each of my pumping sessions.
(I just remembered one more!) 10. Pump for 15 minutes!! If you’re double pumping I mean. I usually want to give up and pack up after 10 minutes but those last five minutes really pay off. I usually can get an extra ounce or two from an extra let down before I go. It’s worth it hanging on just a little longer every session.
Well, those are all of the tips I can think of right now. If you’re looking for something for supply I’d recommend fenugreek, an herb that’s suppose to help with milk production. I use Mother’s Milk Drops by Intelligender. Their prediction test was wrong but these drops sure are right when it comes to helping. I normally get an extra ounce or two after taking (twice the dosage–But don’t do that just cause I do, I’m crazy) of those drops.
Hopefully this can help some working mamas, or perspective pumpers out.
Every GFC Follower who comments on this post Before the 22nd will be entered to win a pack of goodies from Simplisse including: A Manual Breastfeeding Companion designed by lactation consultants, Essential Lactation Supplements, Disposable Breast Pads, Lanolin-Free Nipple Cream and Breastmilk Storage Bags (ARV $100). You can get an extra entry by thanking Simplisse for this giveaway on their Facebook page.
My friend Jessica is having a huge blog hop for giveaways, all over $50 (many over $100) so if you’re feeling lucky, enter these below. Have fun!
Thank you for all the helpful info!! I’m going to need it!
Thanks for the post! Lots of good info!
You’re the bestest Jenn! I’m proud of you.
@royaldixie
I have pumped with both babies but I never got a handle on how to store up a stash. Thanks for taking the time to share all these tips! They will be very helpful with the next baby. The pictures of you pumping gave me a giggle 🙂
I am following you via gfc. And oh boy woudn’t one of these be great.
megankayden@yahoo.com
I love your tips! This is awesome! Especially for those who’ve never done it or don’t think they can! I’d also add that sometimes pumping too early can throw your supply off wack. If you don’t have to go back to work relatively soon, I’d wait for at least 4-6 weeks that way you know your supply is regulated and what not. I waited 8 weeks since I wasn’t going back to work for awhile, but that was a bit too long since I didn’t have any stored up by the time I went in for a few emergency shifts at work. But yes….GREAT TIPS! WOOHOO.
Isn’t breastfeeding awesome?
I am a GFC follower and I would love to win this prize package! I am due any day now and my baby girl deserves the breast! Ha, get it 🙂 Thanks for the tips as well!
follower on gfc, momarabbit
eagerembalmer at msn dot com
You have some wonderful information, and thanks for this awesome giveaway!
HILARIOUS pictures, thank you!
info[at]kocoandviking[dot]com
fellow ABEr!
I’m following you via GFC! I’m pregnant with our first child, a girl, and due in May, so this would be the perfect prize to win!
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
Ooo! Im going to have to come back and RE READ through all of this soon. Only a few months left to go.
mercer.hilary@gmail.com
Thanks so much for youre tips, couldn’t have come at a better time. I was actually going to msg u for advice (you may even want to do a post on this to help new mums out)
My baby is 3 months old and like yours feeds ALOT and often.
2-3hrs in day and 3-5 at night. Because baby feeds so much I wasn’t sure where in the schedule to introduce a set pumping time? By the time by breasts fill again, he is ready to eat. We do one side on and one side off. I’d love some advice on pumping BEFORE you went back to work, youre schedule, what worked etc.
I know youre busy so only if you get a chance I can be found at
http://www.eboniesmummy.blogspot.com
amba_125@hotmail.com
Thanks so much, Amba
Thank you so much for this info! I just returned back to work 3 weeks ago so I’m trying to figure out a routine with everything and it’s VERY hard but this helped out a lot!
Lots of good info! Thanks of posting, I will forward it to all my pumping friends!
follow on gfc noble4 I love the facial expressions in the pics!
noble4 at ymail dot com
thanked simplisse
noble4 at ymail dot com
Thanks for these tips. Although I work from home and many of these won’t apply in my situation, these tips are great reminders for any BF Mom who may want to have a stash so someone else can feed the baby while you get a nap or run an errand. Thanks Jenn!!!
Love your blog. 🙂
I’m a GFC follower. 🙂
I thanked Simplesse on Facebook! 🙂
I love this post! I have been pumping and working for a year, and while I love my pump for what it has helped me to do, I won’t miss lugging it around! I also used my manual pump a lot, because it so quick and there’s nothing to set up, but mine always broke easily. My #1 tip = learn to hand express! Even after a whole year, I still forget my pump parts once in a while! 🙁
I’m a follower via GFC
I told Simplisse “Thank you!”
wendy c k
wendykate99 at gmail dot com
I didn’t know you were part of ABE! So glad your giving away some pumping stuff, I need it! I head back to work today. Luckily, I work at a hospital so we have lactation rooms… but I have to find it! Thanks for the giveaway!
This was INCREDIBLY helpful. I am going to be a pumping mama so it’s great to read these tips and think about my options.
thanks!
xo
Dani
GFC follower! I really want to try their stuff!
ROFL Love the pics!
Thank-you so much for the great information! I didn’t know I could put my pump horn in the fridge between pumping and not clean every single time. I would have loved to do that when I pumped in the middle of the night. Next baby I am so getting one of those hands free bras. Awesome invention!!!
dropcqueen at yahoo dot com
Thanks so much for the chance! When I tried manual pumping with my first that in its entirety was tiring!
brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com
follow you on gfc. Thanks so much!
lizigver at gmail dot com
Like them on ffb (Liz Giver)
lizgiver at gmail dot com
GFC Public Follower! Thank you for these great tips!!!
kfig143 at yahoo dot com
haha I love the 4th pic! It’s so tiering at times
New GFC Follower! Thanks
Nicole
Coleeol42784@aol.com
I stay at home nursing my son, but my twin sis will be going back to work in 3 weeks and will be a pumping momma, so I am going to pass this post on to her!
GFC follower: krishackney
(Love the photos–very funny)
krishackney at suddenlink dot net
I like Simplisse on Facebook and thanked them for sponsoring your giveaway.
Kristen H-R
krishackney at suddenlink dot net
I follow u now through GFC! Glad to find a new great blog to follow. 🙂
writeroxie at gmail dot com
i just thanks Simplisse for the giveaway on facebook as roxanne debord
writeroxie at gmail dot com
im following you!!!
hodge325 at gmail dot com
I’ve been pumping since we took the babe home from the hospital and your tips are right on!
Thanks for this post! I just started back to work two weeks ago and have started getting the hang of things…
I’m a follower via GFC!
vonwahlde.1 at gmail.com
I follow your blog, but I have no idea what GFC is. I hope that is the same thing! Thanks for the pumping tips.
Thanks for the advice.
We are TTC and I stress just thinking about pumping at work since I work in an office with men. YIKES!
Great advice. MY LO is due in March and I plan on bf’n and pumping
I follow you on GFC
stkpope@gmail.com
I thanked Simplisse ob FB!
stkpope at gmail dot com
Im a GFC follower
lil_allie_baby at hotmail dot com
I like the sponsor and thanked them on FB as RileyRoy AllieWiley
lil_allie_baby at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much for all of the awesome advice!
Thanks for this valuable information! This is all really helpful.
I just LOVE the pics you used with this! It’s truly how I feel when pumping. Would love to win!
wjordan1019@gmail.com
following from Keeping up with Kynlee
http://keepingupkynlee.blogspot.com
Great sponsor and great prize! thanks!
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com
Great tips from one working mother to another!
lol. jen, your faces crack me up!! lots of great info in here, so I’ll be sure to pass it along to my cousin who’s going to be pumping at work for her baby pretty soon!
Oh! This would be AWESOME!!!! Great tips! I’m a follower!
vernamichelle@gmail.com
I follow via GFC
I’d love to win! I was due yesterday and am hoping to have a new baby any day now! I realllllly would like to try the Simplisse brand breast pumps!
ssqueakert at aol dot com
gfc-heatheranya
my daughter never took a bottle so for 6 months i couldn’t separate from her for more than an hour or so… this next baby will have to take a bottle so i’ll have to be more serious about pumping than i was with the first!
heatheranya at hotmail dot com
I just discovered I’m pregnant with my third, and man do I understand the breastfeeding issues. Thankyou for the giveaway!
hopester777 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower as Marzena
I would love to win this prize 🙂
marzutek@gmail.com
Great post. I love your sense of humor. New GFC follower!
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I liked and wrote a post on FB: Alex Herring
Great post. Lot’s of helpful info for mamas-to-be!
GFC follower! I need this prize!
what_mama_wants at yahoo dot com
I saw that pump in the store, It looks great, like maybe it won’t hurt to use. Thanks for the giveaway. I am GFC follower.
katyrieann(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m a google follower. Thank you for sharing. You make everything baby related less scary. 🙂
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
That was very informative. Now following on GFC (Rachel R.) – thanks for the chance to win!
rachelsgiveaways at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower (Carrie Smart)
Thanks for this giveaway
csmart218(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great tips! =) Couldn’t say it better myself! You are doing a fabulous job by the way =)
Quick question I saw that you recommended Avent Double Pump. Would you say it was very good and of good quality in comparison to the Medela?
GFC follower
jennifer_atchison at hotmail dot com
Great tips… I had a manual for baby no.1 and only used it for odd trips out.. but for baby no2/3/4/5/6 I expect I will need to pump more so I can return to work.. so, this will mean an electric – great post!
follow via GFC
jenyasha87 at hotmail dot com
New follower!
staysi.antypas AT hotmail DOT com
I have to agree on getting an electric pump. I tried a manual pump and about went insane. I finally broke down and bought and electric pump and it made a huge difference.
jrhammlett@yahoo
Thank you for posting! I’m a bit freaked out that I will have to go back to work after only 4 weeks. I plan to breast feed and pump at work so this blog post was perfect!
love the pictures! thats exactly how i feel when have to pump.
GFC follower.
theladylucklove at gmail dot com
I follow you via GFC. Thanks for the chance to win!
beastbunny at hotmail dot com
Lots of great tips! Thanks for posting this!
Please enter me in the contest, I am a GFC follower. I also thanked Simplisse on FB.
I’m following your blog via GFC and would love a new pump for my next baby. My last manual pump didn’t last long 🙁
katiekstewart at gmail dot com
Getting ready to breastfeed again so this would be perfect!!! I’m a GFC follower 🙂
I also liked them on fb 🙂
Awesome post! michloves80s at gmail dot com
I would love to try their storage bags.
I am a follower. My last daughter was a preemie and did not nurse until she was 5 weeks old and did not nurse full time until she was 4 months. I hated pumping but hated the alternative even more. I had a freezer full of milk. I was amazed I could keep up with it
love the info, baby will be here in march and i need all the help i can get! hope i win!
misty.r.hernandez@gmail.com
new GFC follower!
http://www.facebook.com/Simplisse?v=wall#!/Simplisse/posts/486959461021
posted on their wall!
misty.r.hernandez@gmail.com
Wow, these tips are so helpful. Thanks for posting them. I plan to breastfeed also for at least 6 months some day. I will definitely be bookmarking this page so I can use it as a reference when the time comes.
I’m close to delivery and will have to return to work after only 6 weeks so this is great advice!! Thanks
This was SUPER helpful! I was unable to pump with my first and i have been trying with my second, and I’ve only gotten about 12 ounces because I never know when to try ( i also got it with a manual pump lol)
jessadobbs@gmail.com
I thanked Simplisse on fbook 🙂
I’m a follower!!
I follow you on GFC. And i just had a baby 2 weeks ago. When i go back to work i could really use this! Thanks for the chance!
This is extremely helpful! I am a new GFC follower.
Passions by Ashley
Thanked Simplisse on Facebook – Ashley’s Bookshelf.
ashleysbookshelf at gmail dot com
Passions by Ashley
Great post! I follow you with gfc as iowaherper
keridevilbiss at comcast dot net
Thanks for the giveaway. I’m a follower via GFC. I loved the pumping pics! That’s totally how I felt too! =)
I am a GFC Follower as librarypat.
Thanks for the information and giveaway. This will help my daughter who is expecting her first child in a few months.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
Thanks for the chance.
GC follower
thanks
khristi lister khristileelister@hotmail.com
khristi lister
khristileelister@hotmail.com
GFC follower! Thanks
i love the simplisse storage bags@
Follower on gfc
Jessica Hilton
pippyb2003@sbcglobal.net
Thanks for the tips! 🙂
I am a GFC follower, and would love this as I am haviing my third child in May! Thanks jesslubsbrian@yahoo.com
I’m a follower and I could completely use this, since pumping is not going so great for me!
ilove meinekinder at yahoo dot com.
I’m a happy follower. I’m hoping to breastfeed for a year, but I’ll have to return to work at 8 weeks. Thankfully my job is pretty flexible, so I think I can make it work. I appreciate all the great advice.
thanks for the awesome giveaway! i follow via GFC
Thanks for all the helpful tips! They’ll definitely be helpful with baby #2 comes along!
1flatlakegirl@gmail.com anna
Thanks for all of the info!! I follow you on GFC under anna violette donald
1flatlakegirl@gmail.com anna extra entry I like you on facebook under anna donald….thanks again
follow on gfc
this is a great giveaway – i wasn’t BF’d, but I plan on doing it for my LO
KDSyrjala at gmail dot com
i thanked simplisse on fb (Kristine Syrjala)
KDSyrjala at gmail dot com
getting ready for baby #5 and need new supplies! thanks for the giveaway
i posted on their fb wall (jeanine feldkamp)
I love this… too funny & interesting! Thank you! I follow you on Google!
following on GFC
mille_15@yahoo.com
thanked them on their FB page
mille_15@yahoo.com
Your pictures are so funny! I’m glad you livened it up with your cuteness.
Thanks for the chance to win.
nicolebang@gmail.com
I follow on GFC and This is a great giveaway thanks!
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
I’m so glad it is working out for you. It’s much easier for me the 2nd time around. I have to do it much longer too (an entire school year instead of half).
I’m the Jennifer that posted the “leave the parts in the fridge” info on your breastfeeding blog. I got it from LLL boards when I was pumping for my daughter . I wish I had known when I was first pumping. It really does save me time, so I don’t feel like I’m at the pump as much.
I hear so many people not/can’t Breastfeed for “101 reason” that it is nice to read/hear about someone else that can do it and work full time.
aweosme give away my sister breast feeds her newest baby and she always looks for new and betetrways to do it ty for this give away be awesome to win it for her
im anew follower
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
fanned and posted on facebook beverly gordon
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
I am a follower & would love to win this! 🙂
erica.heft(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m a GFC follower as mphin278
mphin278 at yahoo dot com
I liked them and thanked them on facebook http://www.facebook.com/Simplisse?v=wall#!/DragonLady/posts/487634971021
mphin278 at yahoo dot com
follow with GFC
mommy2skie@yahoo.com
follow simplisse on facebook; misty vanepps
Love to win that prize~!
barbee77 at yahoo dot com
-GFC followerr
Thanks so much for the tips, I’ll be a pumping/working mom (hopefully) and this helps a ton!
Oh, and I follow via GFC 🙂
heatherandscott030709 at gmail dot com
Love your post and awesome giveaway! I follow your blog on GFC! 🙂 creedamy[at]yahoo[dot]com
GFC follower.
Thanks for the giveaway!
petrellinyc-blog at yahoo dot com
I’m a GFC follower. I loved #3 – great advice!
ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com
The tip about just putting the pump parts in the fridge – AWESOME. Did not know that. And I too found that the Lansinoh bags leaked. And I bought Simplisse bags! They feel so much thicker.
I follow via GFC and I like tip #2, it will help 🙂
couponinggirl at gmail dot com
I follow you publicly on google friend connect
Rebecca Niehaus
imsosweepy [at] gmail [dot] com
thanks for the info
thanks for all the great info
tristaeanderson05 at gmail dot com
I just had a baby last Friday, and could use these! Thanks for the chance!
girlforgotten81@aol.com
brandy nelson
Oh my goodness…. I can’t thank you enough for this. Definitely saved to my computer! We need more people like you to help us new moms who feel so clueless!!
GFC: aa.powell at yahoo dot com
Those are some great tips! Hopefully I can win this, it would be great!
Wow, I wish I had this information back when I was working and pumping! Great advice!
brandielam3 at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway and all of the good advice. My first time breastfeeding and pumping
alholm.co at gmail dot com
I would love this breastfeeding package! 🙂 I’m breastfeeding for the first time with my second baby, as my first had a hard time latching on. I am really loving the experience! Thanks for the hilarious pictures in this post; I laughed out loud! Great info as well.
~Shellie
shellbelle1229@yahoo.com
I thanks simplisse on FB (Tearsa Keith)
alholm.co at gmail dot com
I also thanked Simplisse on their FB page.
~Shellie
shellbelle1229@yahoo.com
following you on GFC. Cool giveaway here!
bdavisnc at gmail dot com
following you on google friend connect
becky davis
bdavisnc at gmail dot com
I follow you on google friend connect-becky davis
bdavisnc at gmail dot com
(this form doesn’t want to work for me. It keeps giving errors) 🙁
like the sponsor on fb becky watts davis
bdavisnc at gmail dot com
New GFC follower, although I subscribe to you in my reader and love your posts!
The hubs and I are expecting our first together (I have a 3yo step daughter that I ADORE) in September, so I really appreciate the tips- I’m sure I am going to be referencing this post often, ha!
I am a GFC follower. Thanks for all the great tips.
Carly
WordyOwl@gmail.com
i thanked them on FB
mercer.hilary@gmail.com
I follow you on GFC
tssk10
tssk10(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow you via GFC
venturesofsahm at yahoo dot com
I also like the sponsor’s page on FB
Jessica A
venturesofsahm at yahoo dot com
I follow you via gfc
mk_mitchell90 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the tips! I’m due in May and have been thinking a lot lately about how I’m going to manage pumping/breastfeeding once I go back to work. I’m a GFC follower. 🙂
Thanked Simplisse on Facebook. 🙂
timmiedeluca@comcast.net
great advice and i follow
I follow (Farrah). I’m currently breastfeeding my twins but don’t have time to use the electric double pump during the day (wonder why?) I’m hoping this will be easier to use while I am chasing my 2 yr old. Thanks!
farrah dot ritter at gmail dot com
I commented on Simplisse’s page, thanks!
farrah dot ritter at gmail dot com
I’m a follower. Thanks for the chance to win.
And even more, thanks for the tips! I’ll have to bookmark for when baby comes along 🙂
kirsten.jason.2010 at gmail dot com
GFC Follower!
jswaks at gmail dot com
i follow on gfc!!
roccobelle@gmail.com
I have never pumped successfully! Hopefully these tips can help me. I would LOVE this package 🙂
GFC follower
snugglybugs@gmail.com
Thanked Simplisse on Facebook!
(using Andie’Kevin Kingsbury)
snugglybugs@gmail.com