Isn’t it such a crazy thought that your body makes the perfect nutrition for your child every day? It still boggles my mind when I think about how my breastmilk changes to fit Maverick’s needs on a daily basis. That’s why I believe that if I can pump milk for him, then I’ll do that. In my previous post, I said “fed is best.” Some moms may have a different opinion on whether [exclusive] pumping is considered breastfeeding, and in my personal opinion, it is. Breastfeeding is hard. Pumping is hard, and it can be discouraging in the beginning if you aren’t getting “enough”. So to try and make your sessions a little more relaxing, make sure your environment is set up so you can just chill for 20-40 minutes while you pump.
How I started pumping to start building my supply
I started hand expressing as soon as Maverick was born and I tried to get him to latch. When he was admitted to the nursery, I started hand expressing and manually pumping to try and get colostrum for him as supplementation to breastfeeding. In the beginning, Maverick was jaundiced, so we did breastfeeding, expressed milk, and then formula to supplement. You always want to start with breastmilk first if you plan on supplementing with bottle feeds. I wasn’t getting very much out in the beginning, but by day 5 my milk came in. That’s when I started using my Spectra S1.
I would pump about an hour after feeding him or 30 minutes before I knew he was going to wake up again. Luckily Maverick is like clockwork and wakes up at 2 hours on the dot, so it’s been easy to guesstimate when would want to feed. I wouldn’t get very much in the beginning when I’d pump. I’d actually get more from my letdown in the Haakaa. But the more I pumped, the more I got. I’ve learned that my biggest supply comes early in the morning around the 0600-0700 feeding. That’s because Prolactin is highest throughout the night, which is what stimulates milk production. So in the morning before I start pumping, I make sure that I have everything I need so I don’t have to get up or be interrupted.
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Setting the scene for your session
First off, you want to make sure you’re comfortable where you’re pumping. Whether it’s in your glider, on your couch, or cuddled in your bed. If you’ve got a pump that can’t be wireless, then this is even more important. I’ve found that when I’m uncomfortable on my couch because I sink into the crevices, I stop my session a lot sooner. Have your blanket and pillows if you need them, and adjust yourself so your legs aren’t asleep by the time your session is over.
If you’re like me, then you know nursing and pumping make you a savage hungry beast, also a dehydrated one. It’s so important to stay hydrated if you’re breastfeeding or pumping, and it’s also very important to maintain the appropriate amount of calories. I know a lot of women postpartum want to get back to that “pre-pregnancy” body quickly, but don’t let your focus on losing weight effect your supply. So choose a water source that helps you easily keep track of how much water you’re drinking, and have nutritious snacks that help with milk supply. I’ve tried Munchkin’s Lactation Cookies and Milky Mama’s Emergency Brownies. I noticed an increase in my milk supply when I was eating them, but it is important to be aware of how much sugar you’re taking in when you indulge in these treats. I’ve also made lactation cookies! I’ll post the recipe in another blog soon!
Now that you’ve got your environment set and your snackies on the side, let the pumping commence! The first night I tried pumping at home was awful. Not only was it in the middle of the night, but I didn’t have a hands-free pumping bra. Trying to hold two flanges up to your tatas when you’re half asleep is ROUGH. I invested in a Lansinoh bra and 3 Kindred Bravely bras. The Lansinoh bra is great if you’re just going to pump, otherwise it’s very difficult going back and forth between a nursing bra and that bra. The Kindred Bravely bras are worth the money though! There are two clips: one for pumping and one for nursing. So it makes it very easy if your little one is attached to you during a pump session.
Before you attach those flanges to you, make sure you have some lubies for your boobies. I hadn’t realized that pumping can be super uncomfortable after a few sessions and nursing in-between. To prevent chafed or cracked nipples, slather on some nursing safe lanolin. It helps prevent your nipples from getting sore due to all the suction that goes on. If you’re new to breastfeeding, you might still be getting used to the little one constantly trying to tear your nipple off (I’m 4 weeks in and it’s still a battle), so the lanolin helps heal those small cracks too. The one I use now is from Honest Company! It’s a lot easier to apply than the one I was using from Medela. I find that it glides on a little easier which is nice when your nips are super sensitive.
And lastly, make sure you have something to entertain you for those 20-40 minutes that you’re pumping. Use this time to read a book, catch up on a show, or like me, write a blog. Pumping has become a part of my “me” time, so make the most of it!