5 breast pumping hacks to make your life easier

Breast pumping can be an incredible way for moms to share the work of feeding so they can nap, shower, finish a hot bevvie before it gets cold, and of course, go back to work. In fact, a lot of moms even prefer breast pumping over breastfeeding.

If you’re searching for ways to make your breast pumping efforts more successful and your life a little bit easier, check out these five breast pumping hacks.

Tip #1: Enhance your senses while you pump

You can increase your breast milk in a big way by zeroing in on all of your senses. Seriously! Make a point to be in tune with your surroundings, look at a picture (or five) of your little one, pump in their room or smell a piece of their clothing, or maybe even record your little one’s noises (yes even the hungry cries) to help encourage letdown.

Tip #2: Have multiple pumping sets on hand

Backup pumping sets can come in handy for busy moms aka ALL moms. This will help you in between cleanings and you’ll have extra parts in case a valve or tubing breaks. Psst…don’t forget that your FSA funds cover breastfeeding needs and you can get extra parts here.

Tip #3: Bring on the HEAT 

Heat can help you express more milk because the heat helps soften your breasts to get the milk flowing. A heating pad works great or you can pack booby tubes in your pumping bag. Best part? They’re gel-free, made with organic cotton, and can be used to heat or cool your tatas. That means they don’t just help with milk flow, clogged ducts, and let-down, they also soothe tender, swollen, and engorged breasts.

Tip #4: Psych yourself out!

This piggybacks off of Tip #1: Using your senses. If you can see how much milk you’ve pumped, your brain is going to be the one to decide when you’ve done enough + when you’re done. But stressing and worrying about supply levels can play a big role in your milk output game. So, psych yourself out. Try the Sock Hack by covering up the baby bottle you’re pumping into with a baby sock. Just slip a baby sock onto the bottle and pump away! This way you can’t see how much you’ve pumped. Allow yourself a peek here and there though ‘cos spilt milk is not fun.

Tip #5: Freeze flat in a wipes container

This is one of those, ‘Oh man! Duh!’ tips that 90% of us at Bump share with each other. There are a lot of breast milk storage containers that show your milk freezing standing up. Cool, but this takes up a lot of space. Save space by zipping up your filled bag, laying it flat, labeling it, and then placing in an empty wipes container in your fridge! The container takes up close to no space & keeps your milk bags separate from everything else. By laying them flat, you can stockpile your breastmilk supply, too (a lot of bags fit in the container).

Breast pumping can do a lot for mothers who are trying to attain day-to-day efficiency and hold onto some kind of brain power or sanity. Whether you stay home with your little one or go to work and pump, having a supply ready is so helpful. And hopefully these hacks make things even easier!