Breastfeeding can be tricky sometimes! You’d think that with it being such a natural thing, that it would just come easy! I’ve learned quite a bit with each of my five breastfeeding experiences. Here are my 14 best breastfeeding and pumping hacks. Hopefully they’ll make your life a little easier while breastfeeding:
1. Ribbon on bra
When you’re exhausted and breastfeeding, it can be hard to remember which side you last fed on. I learned to use a ribbon attached to a safety pin. I put in on the side that I last fed from, to remind me to switch tot he other side for the next feeding. I’ve also seen recommendations on using a bracelet or hair tie on your wrist, and switching it with each feeding. but, I find that using something actually pinned to my bra helps me to see it and remember to change it with each feeding.
2. Use a baby carrier
When you have more than one kid and you’re trying to get things done, using a baby carrier can be helpful. Not just to carry the baby around, but to also nurse him while he’s in the carrier! I’ve also done this not just in the house, but in the grocery store, and even at Disney World! It takes a little time to figure out the right position, but once you’ve got it down, it saves a lot of time. I used this Britax carrier.
3. Nursing tank under clothes
When you’re breastfeeding in public, it can be hard to be discreet and stay covered-up. Using a nursing cover helps. But, I found it helpful to layer a nursing top under my regular top. This way, I could just lift up my regular top and unhook my nursing top and feed. My belly stayed covered up, and only my breast was exposed (but still mostly covered by baby’s head and my top). I loved these basic tops by Motherhood Maternity. As an aside, remind yourself not to wear dresses while breastfeeding – unless it’s a nursing dress. I made this mistake with baby #1 at church for her christening and had to figure out how to feed her! I never made that mistake again!
4. Catch leaking milk
By baby #3, I realized I was losing a lot of milk from my opposite breast when I was feeding. That milk used to just get absorbed into nursing pads, and was wasted. I was introduced to the Avent Comfort Breast Shells, which were a lifesaver! I just put them over the opposite breast when I was breastfeeding, and was able to save whatever milk leaked out. The Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump does the same thing, with suction! I haven’t used it personally, but have heard good things about it.
5. Hands-free pumping bra
Pumping can be time-consuming. If you have to do it 3-4 times a day, and break away from work each time, you lose out on some valuable productivity. I invested in a hands-free bra with baby #3 and am so glad I did! I was still able to get charts and paperwork done while I was pumping. But, it also helped me to sneak in extra pumping sessions while driving to and from work whenever I was worried about my supply or knew I wouldn’t have time to pump when I got to work or home.
6. Massage breasts while expressing
It’s helpful to start from the top of your breasts and massage down whenever you’re expressing milk. This can be during feedings or while pumping. This helps the milk to flow, and can help to unblock any clogged ducts, especially early-on. I noticed a difference in the amount I was able to pump whenever I massaged.
7. Get a free breast pump!
Check with your insurance to see if your plan covers a free breast pump. I was able to get TWO free ones with my last 2, since it had been at least 3 years between my pregnancies. The Medela Pump in Style, is one that I’ve loved. I later was able to try out the Spectra pump. It’s a huge money-saver, if your insurance covers it! If you qualify for WIC and are breastfeeding, you can get a free pump through the program.
8. Kiinde system
Now, this is one system that I wish I knew about earlier! I used it with Baby #5, and it is truly a game-changer! With this system, you can pump, store, warm, and feed all from the same pouch. And these pouches are so sturdy and well-made, I’ve never had a leak from them once. Plus, the spouts are so easy to pour from, and they’re so affordable. I’m telling you, if there’s one thing you need as a nursing and pumping mom, it’s this system! I wrote a whole post about all the products because of how much I love this system! You can even get a free starter kit to try it out.
9. Milk storage
It’s so important to pay attention to milk storage guidelines. These guidelines are set, so that you can minimize the amount of bacteria that your baby is exposed to. Clearly label your expressed milk, even the ones you’re putting in the refrigerator. you never know how long it’ll be in there, even if you originally planned to use it soon. You always want to use freshly-pumped milk first (milk in the fridge), unless you have frozen milk that’s expiring. Medela has a chart with suggested milk storage guidelines.
I also recommend against using the commercially-sold breast milk storage trays. They don’t tend to hold very many bags of milk, and they tend to just take up space. I’ve seen pictures of empty soda boxes being used for breast milk storage (which is actually a good idea, but I never used it). I personally used plastic storage containers, which worked well.
10. Lay bags flat
When you store your breast milk upright while it’s freezing, it tends to pouch out at the bottom and be thinner at the top. This creates a storage nightmare. I recommend laying the bags flat until they’re frozen, so that they freeze evenly and are easier to store.
11. Leave extra set of pump parts at work
I’ve had to go out and buy an extra set of pump parts TWICE while pumping! I learned my lesson and started leaving an extra set at work. That way, if I forget my usual set during the big rush out of the house every morning, I at least have my back-up.
(In my resource library, I’ve included helpful printables with tips for pumping and working, creating a schedule, and things to have on hand to make it a success. Get access here.)
12. Put your car keys with your breast milk
Raise your hand if you’ve ever forgotten your breast milk at work! ME!! Pregnancy brain and mommy brain are really real. I had to learn to put my car keys with my pumped milk, so that it was impossible for me to leave work without the milk. That way, my baby could get the fresh milk he deserved!
13. Use breast flange as a funnel
The box for the Medela breast milk bags actually lists this as a recommendation, and I’ve missed this all along. I don’t use these bags anymore, since I was introduced to the Kiinde system. But, it’s still a great recommendation if you need to combine your expressed milk after pumping. After pumping, take off the breast flange (breast shield) that you used to pump. Place the long neck of the flange into the bottle that you need to pour your expressed milk in, and pour, using it as a funnel! This helps to minimize the chance that you’ll spill milk (no one wants spilled breast milk!).
14. Set reminders to drink water
I’m not a big water drinker, but I had to force myself to drink when I was pregnant and breastfeeding. I set an alarm on my phone every 3 hours during the day, to remind myself to drink a bottle of water. 100 ounces is what’s recommended for a breastfeeding mom!
Do you have any other tips to add to my best breastfeeding and pumping hacks? I’d love to hear them. Just leave them in the comments below!
Looking for more help?
If you’re experiencing any breastfeeding issues – or if you just want to make sure you’re doing things right – I’d be happy to help. Take a peek at the different types of breastfeeding consultations I offer, and request an appointment when you’re ready. I’m here for you and all your breastfeeding needs!
The post originally appeared on Wifey Mommy Doc, a blog for working wives and moms – focused on helping women find balance in their many roles.
Best Breastfeeding and Pumping Hacks
If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 75+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and the tools you need to learn the basics and adapt to life while breastfeeding, troubleshoot breastfeeding problems, go back to work while breastfeeding, wean – and so much more!
