Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins
Featuring Cassidy
With Lauren Zatezalo, OT student, and Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L
Exclusively pumping is more than just a feeding choice, it is a full time commitment that often presents unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you are in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.
About Cassidy
Cassidy 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.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
- Exclusively pumping is a full time commitment that requires learning how to use pump equipment, understanding proper flange sizing, and managing the logistics of milk storage including fridge life of 4 days, regular freezer life of 6 months, and deep freezer life of 1 year.
- The biggest challenges of exclusively pumping include remembering when milk was pumped, keeping up with washing bottles and parts, finding the right storage bags, middle of the night pumps, being sick while pumping, and the mental exhaustion of the routine.
- Nutrition plays a role in supporting milk supply. Foods like avocados, peanut butter, oats, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and protein can help. Sticking to a consistent pumping routine is especially important if you are trying to increase supply.
- The pitcher method, which involves combining milk from multiple pumping sessions into one container, can simplify storage and feeding logistics throughout the day.
- Check what your insurance covers because most plans cover a pump and some also cover storage bags. Apps like Huckleberry can help track pumping schedules and logistics. Above all, a fed baby is the best outcome regardless of the method.
Show Notes and Resources
Understanding breast pump parts and how to use them (lactationnetwork.com/blog/understanding-breast-pump-parts-and-how-to-use-them). Different types of breast pumps (my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/25244-breast-pump). Ensuring proper flange fit (youtu.be/oSnU5jcsKjY). Huckleberry app for tracking pumping logistics. Kaylee Rabaja on TikTok for evidence based feeding education (@kayleerabaja).
From This Episode
Exclusively pumping is more than just a feeding choice. It is a full time commitment that often presents unexpected challenges. Whether you are in the thick of it or just want to understand the reality behind the schedule, a fed baby is the best.
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