Pumping is a great way to increase your milk supply, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are 12 tips for exclusively pumping successfully.
What is Exclusive Pumping?
Exclusive pumping is a type of feeding in which the mother pumps her milk as needed instead of nursing directly. The baby receives pumped breast milk via bottles, but no breast milk at the breast.
Exclusive pumping is beneficial to nursing mothers who can’t or don’t want to nurse directly for a variety of reasons, including: she has been separated from her child, is working full-time outside the home, has a restricted milk supply, has adopted a baby or kid with special needs that requires greater attention and energy from her, and so on.
12 Exclusively Pumping Tips
Here are the ten things I’d suggest that every new exclusive pumper do.
Use a Hands-Free Pump
If you exclusively pump, you know how challenging it can be to manage everything and still find the time to pump. But there are some things you can do to make the process a little easier.
For example, using a hands-free pump can help you save time and give you the freedom to multitask. Whether you’re working, caring for your baby, or just running errands, a hands-free pump can help you stay on top of your pumping schedule.
And when you have a moment to yourself, take advantage of it! Pumping can be a great opportunity to relax and unwind. So put your feet up, read a book, or listen to some music while you pump. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby.
Make sure that you have the right flange size
If you’re an exclusively pumping mom, it’s important to make sure that you have the right flange size. Breast shields are the pump component that you put on your breast.
They’re available in a variety of sizes based on the size of your nipple. If you don’t have the right size, it can be painful and can lead to low milk production.
You can talk to a lactation consultant or your pump manufacturer to help you figure out what size you need. Once you have the right size, make sure that you’re correctly positioning the flange on your breast. There should be no pain, and your nipple should be centered in the shield.
If you’re having trouble with low milk production, there are a few things you can try. Pump more often, use a hands-on pumping technique, or try a different type of pump. Exclusively pumping can be challenging, but with patience and persistence, you can do it!
Start out pumping every 2-3 hours, and drop sessions later
Pumping can be a daunting task, especially in the early days when you’re getting used to the added responsibility. Here are a few tips to help make pumping a little easier.
First, start out by pumping every 2-3 hours. This will help you build up a good supply of milk and prevent your breasts from becoming engorged.
Later, as your baby starts to nurse more and take in more solid food, you can drop some of the pumping sessions and combine the remaining ones into fewer, longer sessions. For example, if you’re currently pumping four times a day, you can drop to three pumps per day. Just be sure to listen to your body and pump when you feel full or uncomfortable.
Lastly, remember to take care of yourself. Pumping can be time-consuming and exhausting, so be sure to rest when you can and eat a healthy diet. By following these tips, you’ll be able to stick with exclusive pumping and provide your child with all the benefits of breast milk.
Pump for 120 minutes per day
If you’re exclusively pumping, you might be wondering how to make sure you’re doing it right. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some general guidelines that can help.
First, aim to pump for at least 120 minutes each day. This may seem like a lot, but it can be broken down into smaller sessions throughout the day. For example, if you start by pumping 8 times a day for 15 minutes, you can reduce the number of sessions as necessary while still meeting the 120-minute goal.
Additionally, try to pump for slightly longer periods of time (17-18 minutes) rather than shorter ones; this will help ensure that you’re getting all the milk you need. Finally, remember to take breaks as needed and to listen to your body. Exclusively pumping can be tough, but following these tips can help make it a little easier.
Feed Your Baby Fresh Milk When You Can
One tip is to pump and feed your baby freshly expressed milk the same day. This way, you won’t have to worry about keeping track of separate containers of milk and will save time spent maintaining all those bottles.
Another tip is to make use of your fridge space by keeping all that milk in one container and just warming it when you need it. This will help you save time and reduce the amount of work you have to do. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make exclusive pumping a bit easier and less stressful.
Stick to a Schedule
There’s no doubt that exclusively pumping is tough. Not only are you constantly attached to a pump, but you also have to make sure you’re pumping often enough to maintain your milk supply. It can be tempting to just let your pump gather dust in the corner, but if you want to keep up your milk production, it’s important to stick to a schedule.
That means pumping every few hours, even if it means setting an alarm for 3 am. It may not be pleasant, but it’s necessary if you want to continue exclusively pumping. And if you do have to miss or postpone a session, try to make up the time later on in the day. With a little dedication, you can successfully pump for your baby.
Pump and Feed at the Same Time
If you’re exclusively pumping, you may be wondering how you can save some time. One great tip is to pump and feed your baby at the same time. This can save you up to two hours each day.
You can do this by feeding your infant in your lap while pumping, or by placing your baby in a swing next to you. either way, you’ll be able to bond with your baby while getting some much-needed rest.
And, of course, your baby will benefit from the nutrients in your breast milk. So, if you’re looking for a way to make exclusive pumping a little easier, be sure to try this tip.
Make Your Pump Portable
When you are exclusively pumping, it is important to have a pump that is portable. That way, if you need to pump while you are out and about, you can do so without any problems.
It is also a good idea to have a dedicated breast pump bag that has everything you need in it. That way, you can grab it and go without having to worry about forgetting anything. Having a portable pump and a dedicated breast pump bag will make your life much easier as an exclusive pumper.
Keep Extra Pump Parts and Bottles
If you’re exclusively pumping, it’s important to keep extra pump parts and bottles on hand. Having multiple sets of pump parts means that you can wash them all at once, rather than having to wash them after each pumping session.
This can be a huge time saver. Additionally, having spares on hand is always a good idea in case a pump part breaks or something else goes wrong. By being prepared, you can make sure that you’re always able to provide your baby with the nutrition they need.
Set up a Pumping Space
If you’re exclusively pumping, it’s important to have a dedicated pumping space set up. This will make it easier to keep all your supplies in one place and within reach.
You may also want to add some hand sanitizer and a towel to your station. If possible, try to locate your space near an outlet so you can charge your pump if necessary. By taking a few simple steps to prepare your space, you can make pumping more efficient and hassle-free.
Set up a Pumping Space at Work
It’s possible that your pumping area may be anywhere other than a bathroom. Your workplace’s pump room could be:
- A private area with a secure door
- A closed space formed with room dividers or partitions
- A storage closet
Ideally, you should have two separate pumps: one at home and one at work so that you don’t have to carry your pump from place to place every day.
Find Pumping Support
For parents who are exclusively pumping, it can be difficult to find the support they need. There are some great online resources that can offer advice and guidance, but sometimes it’s helpful to speak to someone in person.
If possible, look for a lactation consultant who has experience helping parents who are exclusively pumping. They will be able to offer practical advice and support and can help you troubleshoot any problems you may be having.
Remember, you are not alone in this – there are many other parents out there who are successfully exclusively pumping, and with the right support, you can too!
Why do you Exclusively Pump?
Exclusively pumping has many benefits for both mom and baby. For mom, it can help to increase milk production, and it also allows her to have more control over her pumping schedule. It can also be a convenient way to store milk for later use.
For babies, exclusive pumping can provide a more consistent supply of milk, and it can help to reduce the risk of food allergies. Exclusive pumping can also be a good option for mothers who are not able to breastfeed directly.
In these cases, exclusive pumping can provide all the benefits of breastfeeding without any of the challenges. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong reason to exclusively pump. Every mother has to decide what is best for her and her baby.
When do you Pump?
While it might seem simple enough, there is actually a lot to know about when to pump your breast milk. If you are pumping at work, the general rule of thumb is to pump every three to four hours, depending on how old your baby is.
This will help to maintain your milk supply and ensure that your baby has enough to eat while you are away.
It is also important to make sure that you clean your pump parts after each use, as bacteria can quickly build up and cause illnesses. By following these simple guidelines, you can help to ensure that both you and your baby stay healthy and happy.
What Pump do you Use?
If you are a mom who is breastfeeding, you might be wondering what pump to use. There are several different types of pumps on the market, so it can be confusing to try to figure out which one is best for you. A double electric pump can be a good option if you are looking for something that is easy to use and relatively affordable.
Double electric pumps allow you to pump both breasts at the same time, which can save you time. They also tend to be more comfortable than other types of pumps, so they can be a good choice if you plan on pumping frequently.
If you are unsure about which pump to choose, talk to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. They will be able to help you select the best pump for your needs.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to follow these exclusive pumping tips. By taking a few simple steps to prepare your space, you can make pumping more efficient and hassle-free. And, by keeping extra supplies on hand and finding pumping support, you can make your pumping journey a successful and rewarding experience.
