7 Ways to Make Pumping Easier as an Exclusive Pumper

Exclusive pumping can indeed be quite demanding. Alongside the actual pumping, you also have to prepare feeding bottles, provide milk to your baby, clean both your bottles and pump components, and handle the storage of expressed breast milk. Here are seven strategies to ease your journey as an exclusive pumper and simplify the pumping process.

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7 Ways to Make Pumping Easier

Implementing a few adjustments can drastically reduce the stress of pumping.

1. Utilize Hands-Free Options

Hands-free pumping is crucial if you're dedicating a significant amount of your day to the pump. Whether you're feeding your baby, typing on your laptop, or enjoying a meal, a hands-free pumping bra or a hands-free pump option can help you multitask effectively [insert link to hands-free pumping bra].

There are two primary styles of hands-free pumping bras to consider: those designed for all-day wear as part of your nursing bra, and others meant solely for your pumping sessions.

2. Minimize Cleaning Frequency

Washing your pump components after every session can eat up valuable time. Here are some strategies to alleviate this burden:

Refrigeration Trick

A popular method is to store your pump components in a zip-top bag or a storage container like a Pumparoo in the fridge. You can then clean them after several uses. The CDC recently recommended washing pump parts after each use. However, if immediate cleaning isn't feasible, you can rinse them and refrigerate them for a few hours, which can help slow down bacterial growth.

Acquire Extra Pump Parts

Consider purchasing additional sets of pump parts. This allows you to have clean components readily available and enables you to wash everything in batches later. Furthermore, wet pump parts often do not function well, so having multiple sets allows parts to air dry.

Dishwasher Convenience

If your breast pump's instruction manual confirms that its parts are dishwasher-safe, you can wash them alongside your dishes. Utilize a mesh bag or dishwasher basket to keep them secure during the wash. The heated drying cycle can also help sterilize them!

Seek Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. If you have a partner, involve them in the cleaning process. Sharing responsibilities can help alleviate the mental load of exclusive pumping.

3. Pump Directly into Feed Bottles

Pumping directly into bottles that your baby uses can save time on transferring milk and reduce the need for washing separate sets of bottles. If your baby rejects the bottles from your pump, look for adapters or other bottles that fit—like Dr. Brown’s narrow bottles, which I used with my Medela pump.

Always keep a stockpile of bottles—aim for double the number your baby consumes in a day. This stock will allow you to efficiently manage storage and washing duties.

If you're looking to streamline the milk management process, consider using the pitcher method—storing all expressed milk in a large container before preparing individual bottles later.

4. Organize a Pumping Station

Creating a designated space for your pumping essentials can make sessions more efficient. Instead of searching for your hands-free bra or other tools before you start, consider a mobile pumping cart to keep everything at your fingertips.

5. Master Pumping on the Go

Exclusive pumping requires a bit of planning when leaving the house. You'll need to strategize your pumping sessions and consider options for doing so while away from home. Begin by trying to pump in your car, allowing someone else to care for your baby. Over time, you can build confidence to pump in different settings.

Keep a designated pumping bag packed, equipped with all necessary supplies.

6. Establish a Routine

Managing the mental load of pumping can be overwhelming at times; thus, a structured routine can help lighten the mental burden. Develop a systematic approach to regular tasks such as washing bottles and freezing milk, making these actions feel more automatic.

For example, set a specific time after your baby’s morning nap to tackle washing duties. Or designate evenings on certain days for freezing milk after bedtime, ensuring organization and efficiency.

7. Prepare a Backup Plan

Nothing is more frustrating than forgetting essential items during a critical pumping session. Formulating a backup plan can help alleviate some pressure. Consider becoming familiar with hand expression techniques, keeping spare pump parts at work, or packing a manual pump for emergencies.

Since adopting these practices, my experience as an exclusive pumper has improved significantly! If you have additional tips or suggestions, feel free to share your expertise in the comments!

Need assistance in creating a pumping schedule that prioritizes both your mental wellbeing and milk production? Check out the Exclusive Pumping Playbook! It offers useful resources to make your pumping routine more manageable. Use EPUMP30 for a 30% discount.