4 Tips For Pumping Moms On The Go

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4 Tips For Pumping Moms On The Go

Being a new mom is not for the faint of heart – from navigating your new sleep schedule (if you can even call it that) to finding the best diapers and toys for your baby to figuring out breastfeeding, there are so many things to consider every minute as a new mom, whether you just had your first or fifth child.

But perhaps one of the most comforting things every new mommy needs to know is that they are not alone. Whatever you may be working through at any given moment, you can rest assured there are hundreds of thousands of mamas around the world going through the exact same thing, and you are not alone in needing extra help or tips to figure certain things out.

One of the biggest questions breastfeeding moms have is how to find time and space to pump in their busy lifestyle. Finding a great pumping bra is one of the first things you should do when you’re first jumping into the pumping world – but where do you go from there? And in our hectic, unpredictable lives, how is a mom supposed to ensure she’s able to pump as soon as she needs to?

In case you need to hear it again: you’re not alone. Making time to pump in your busy lifestyle can feel tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are some helpful tips that will support you in this new journey:

1.  Find a Great Bra With a Great Pump

Not surprisingly, having the right supplies will make pumping on the go significantly less stressful for you. Start by finding a great pumping bra that will allow you to effortlessly and comfortably pump without having to fidget and fuss with a traditional bra.

The key is to find a bra that is comfortable and hands-free. Pumping bras come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your unique needs, but here’s a tip: if you can find a comfy one that doubles as both a nursing bra and a pumping bra, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Whether you’re pumping in a private room on your lunch break at work, pumping between errands or even pumping while driving, a hands-free bra will make all the difference. Take some time to research what the best fit for you might be, and if possible, try one on to ensure optimal comfort.

2.  Keep Your Bag Packed and Stocked

As a mother, you know how deeply frustrating it can be to be rushing out the door last-minute and realize you haven’t packed your diaper bag or breast pump bag. It’s so important to make sure your supplies are always in one place! If possible, you may find it helpful to have more than one of everything you need so you can ensure you always have a set of essentials in your bag at all times.

This includes spare pieces. You should keep these pieces in a little baggie and be sure to take that bag with you wherever you go. Be sure to store your pieces in the fridge as much as possible when they’re not in use – this will help reduce the number of times you need to clean them.

Another important tip to keep in mind is that you should always have a backup pump in case your bra or go-to suddenly stops working. You don’t want to be caught without any sort of pump at all! In addition to spare pieces, you should be sure to pack your pump, a power cord, pump bottles or bags, flanges, connectors, membranes and tubes.

3.  Do Your Research Ahead Of Time

Sometimes, pumping in your car or in a private conference room at work is your best bet for finding some peace and quiet. However, there are plenty of options for quiet pumping spots while traveling as well – you may just need to do a little digging to find them.

Nowadays, private pumping pods or rooms are available at several airports and hotels. Call and ask ahead if you don’t want to be snooping around when you arrive at your destination. And remember, you’re not alone – don’t be afraid to ask for support finding a spot.

4.  Be Patient With Yourself

If you’re feeling stressed, rushed or uncomfortable, you may notice that your milk ejection reflex is a bit slower, making it more difficult to pump. If this occurs, don’t worry – it’s completely normal for your body to have a harder time pumping in these situations.

As much as possible, try to find a quiet space and cultivate an environment that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Bring headphones and play your favorite playlist or podcast, or pack a few bottles of essential oils to help you relax. It can also help to look at photos of your baby while you’re trying to pump.

Learning how to pump on the go is a process, but you’re sure to get the hang of it after a while.