Top 5 Pumping Tips
Whether you’re still at home or transitioning back to work, we know that pumping can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some tips and tricks to make the process easier:
- Relax
When you’re pumping, you might stress about the amount of time it will take and how much milk is in the bottles. Especially at work, there’s also upcoming meetings and the next deadline to worry about. Shut off your mind, take some deep breaths and try not to think about the amount of milk you’re producing. To help you relax, scroll through your phone, watch a video or listen to some music while you pump.
- Think About Your Baby
Sometimes it’s hard to clear your mind when you begin pumping. What greater motivation is there than your baby? As you start, look at a picture or think about your baby to help with your milk let-down and get things flowing.
- Don't Forget to Eat and Drink
Life can be a little hectic, let alone with a baby in the mix. In a rush, you might skip breakfast, forget to eat lunch, or not drink enough water because you’re "too busy.” Make sure you take the time to nourish yourself; if you overlook your eating habits and water intake, it may result in a decrease in your milk supply.
- Experiment with Techniques
It might take a few weeks to realize that it takes you 20-30 minutes to pump, as opposed to the 10 that other moms talk about. That’s okay – techniques that work for some, may not work for you. Try different methods of pumping to find what does well for you.
- Most Importantly: Breastfeed that Baby
When you're with your baby, nurse based on their cues. For some, this is the best way to keep up milk supply for pumping. Another way to maintain milk supply is to nurse throughout the night. You can consider co-sleeping with your baby, so you don't have to get out of bed in the middle of the night.
Whatever you do, don't give up because you'll find what works for you!
Bravado Designs’ Clip and Pump™ Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory is a quick and discreet way to breastfeed wherever you are – it simply attaches to our nursing bras so you don’t have to remove your top. Bonus – it gives you hands-free pumping so you can multi-task.
