Exclusively pumping is more than just a feeding choice. It is a full time commitment that often presents unexpected challenges. In this episode, we are going to talk about the reality behind the schedules, the struggles, and the small wins that keep it all going. If you are living it or just want to understand it better, this episode is for you.
Guest Speaker
On this episode we talked with Cassidy. She is an occupational therapist who works in a skilled nursing facility. She is also a mom to one son and has experience with exclusively pumping. She chose exclusively pumping because she knew she was going to be gone on some weekends for her OT program and wanted to ensure her son had breastmilk while she was away. She started by breastfeeding but ended up needing to do triple feeds so at 2 weeks postpartum committed to exclusively pumping. She used the Spectra 1 pump and the Momcozy S12.
Pumping Logistics
Storage
Breastmilk storage guidelines to keep in mind:
- Good in the fridge for 4 days
- Good in a regular freezer for 6 months
- Good in a deep freezer for 1 year
- Lay bags flat for 1 day until they are frozen, then put them in gallon bags and write how many ounces are in each bag
The Pump Itself
Typical parts include the pump itself, valves, membranes, breast shields, tubing, connectors, and anything needed to keep it powered including power adaptors and battery packs.
When choosing and using a pump, two key things matter: understanding the different types of breast pumps available and ensuring proper flange sizing. Flange fit directly affects comfort and output, so getting the right size is worth the effort early on.
Biggest Challenges
The reality of exclusively pumping comes with challenges that are not always discussed:
- Remembering when certain milk was pumped and how long it has been in the fridge
- Learning how to use the pump and understand all the components
- Keeping up with washing bottles and parts
- Finding the right storage bag (some are too thin and make it hard to pour the milk out)
- Middle of the night pumps
- Being sick while pumping
- The mental exhaustion of the routine and how time consuming it is
Tips and Recommendations
- Use the Huckleberry app for tracking pumping logistics
- Do not be afraid to try different things until you find what works
- Eat foods to support milk supply: avocados, peanut butter, oats, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and protein
- Find the right flange size early on
- Stick to a routine, especially if you are trying to increase supply
- Try the pitcher method for combining milk from multiple sessions
- Check what your insurance covers. Most plans cover a pump and some also cover storage bags
- Do not give up. It can take time to figure out a good schedule and what works for you
- A fed baby is the best regardless of the method
Resources
- Understanding Breast Pump Parts and How to Use Them
- Different Types of Breast Pumps
- Ensuring Proper Flange Fit
- Kaylee Rabaja on TikTok for evidence based feeding education
This article is a companion to Episode 14 of the Functional Fourth Trimester podcast.