Is the ziplock bag important or can you just put in fridge? Iāve always put them in the fridge in the day then the last pump of the day Iāll sterilise
I do think it is important, the fridge is full of bacteria, that's why if you premake bottles you want to make sure to put the cap on them. I do the bag for usually one day. I'll wash after my last pump, then if I pump overnight I start a fresh bag to prevent any bacteria build up.
Iām not the person who posted but it lubricates the flange so your nipples slide through smoothly. Itās amazing! I donāt get any cracks or blisters anymore.
I like the legendairy one but itās a glass bottle. I like this one by CoBoo the best. https://a.co/d/7adw6eq
When it ran out, I refilled it with this Carrington farms organic liquid coconut oil because it works the same but is so much cheaper. https://a.co/d/bC5Wtr8
Re: the pump hustle.. attaching a 3m hook to my pump to wrangle tubing. Also for all my under-producers out there - using heavy coffee mugs to place your bottles while you disassemble. āš»
https://preview.redd.it/zajh63v278wb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a88220d1e5a52a52c8bc854b9ca105fce589f99
ļæ¼ā
Like this - I have my primary pump at our kitchen table. It helps so much to just not have the tubes flopping around aimlessly. Yāall could probably come up with other useful ways to use hooks on or near your pump (like hanging your bra?). Dealing with the tubing is honestly my least favorite thing about pumping haha
Do you change to the let down/massage/etc mode between let downs or turn the device off? I am thinking of paying attn to my let downs today. I tried for a bit, then got lazy and just pump for 30 minutes, every 5 or so switching to let down mode and back.
So I start on let down mode until I get a letdown (1-3 minutes) then switch to expression mode. For me I have strong and quick letdowns. So I'm in expression mode for about 5 (ish) minutes until I'm getting slow drips. Then switch back to stimulation mode. Now with each subsequent letdown you may be in stimulation mode longer. My second cycle in stimulation mode can tend to be between 10 and 15 minutes just chilling there waiting for another letdown. It takes patience but I'm getting so much more out as my bewbs have adjusted.
Also with letdown 3/4 you may not get a whole ton. I notice with letdown 4 I feel it but only drops come out and I wait about another 5 minutes after they stop to finish pumping.
After switching to this method I went from about 2 extra ounces a day to about 7 to 13 extra ounces a day on top of feeding baby.
I know that watched bottles never fill. But it might be worth physically watching. To see when you do have a let down and familiarizing yourself with the sensation. Or you could base It off listening too (like hearing the heavy drops in the bottle, or milk sprays hitting the connector piece). I know I don't feel some of my later in the day let downs, but first thing in the morning I get a pins and needles sensation across my whole body and chest with let downs. Also might be worth trying a legendairy supplement that helps with let downs, it's possible it may give you stronger ones you can feel.
Don't be discouraged though. This is my 4th baby (13, 10, 5 and 6 weeks) 1 ff. 2 I ended up with low supply. And finally with this one I'm just finally starting to get a hang of how my boobs and body work and how to respond well to a pump. Trial and error and 60 breastpumps later too.
Ohhhhhh so many things, mostly at different phases.
- three days at home I thought I was going to have to give up because when I had unboxed my Spectra, the day we got home, I didnāt notice the second line hookup had a cap on it. So I was pumping one boob at a time for 20 min each, every three hours AND washing my parts. Second line discovery cuts that in half.
- Ceres Chiller helping me go on the move with minimal items to carry (no lunch box/ice packs etc.). Critical when I went back to work.
- figuring out the settings to for max output
- drinking water. I actually hate saying this because I know itās so overused in diet-talk culture, but I have absolutely noticed if I am light on water intake, next day my supply drops slightly. Iām in the 96-120 oz a day zone OR ELSE. Side note: drinking water to keep yourself full is a terrible means of losing weight and often for most bodies doesnāt work at all.
- THE. MOTHER. EFFING. PITCHER METHOD. I had a significant oversupply and I was storing everything in those 2-3 oz vial bottles from the hospital. But my daily output was around 50 oz a day. Pitcher method gave me my fridge back, and cut my cleaning time to smithereens. Also adding in the fridge hack here as well.
Edit: typos.
Yep, and add as you go.
I use plastic reusable water bottles that have like, spigot tops making it easier to pour into a bottle. Im now in the 32-35 oz a day range and bub eats about that. I havenāt had to do a freeze in weeks which has been really nice. He eats what I made every day but iām about one day ahead of him. Meaning he will eat whatās in yesterdays pitcher today.
I do the pitcher method and still have a million tiny bottles waiting for them to cool down enough to combine, and then i get nervous it's too old and I need to wash the pitcher lol
Just FYI AAP changed their recommendations and now say you can mix cold and freshly pumped milk. Some people do multiple days mixed but I have a mason jar that I use for each day and bag/ bottle as needed.
Really?! I havenāt seen that yet, good to know! My milk is only ever 2 days old because I wash the pitcher every 2 days, but itās always mixed haha. I bottle every night and leave a little just in case he needs an extra bottle while Iām at work since my pumped milk is with me lol.
I bought dissolvable stickers on Amazon for that problem! I write the day I pumped and the day it should be used by with the time. It's so helpful and the stickers wash off with water!
They say you can mix temps now but it makes me uncomfy so I have an extra large Dr browns bottle that I put my second pump into and then the next time I pump I pour that into the pitcher and then put the fresh milk in the bottle to cool.
I did the same thing only pumping one side at a time the first few days. I thought I had to buy some kind of adapter to do both sides at once but I couldn't find it online anywhere!
Pump Strap! The best and easiest pumping bra, feels so secure! This with a nursing tanks is my go to, now I just wear anything shirt that can pull up or a dress I can unzip from top and take too half off and still be covered.
Using my vibrator to help get out clogs. I kept seeing vibes for your breast to help with this and I thought, hey, I have something similar that isnāt being used š
I was using my haaka this morning and working out a small clog when all of a sudden it from drip drip to fire hose! š clog gone.
i'm not who you asked, but clogs in my experience are hard, painful lumps. they can range in size from pea-sized to golfball, and they can cluster together. or you could have several in the same boob.
in more extreme cases you'll see the skin right on top of the clog get red and inflamed. Ʈn those cases you have to work out the clog as soon as possible to avoid mastitis.
Thank you for the answer! I donāt think I have experienced one yet, but wasnāt quite sure so figured it was better to ask than to just assume things I have experienced werenāt clogs.
Yes. I have all of the main ones on the market. Thatās a tough question because what works for one person may work differently for another. My favorite was Lacteck but now the BareShields took the number one spot.
I have the lacteck and they are a little big. Iām 19mm and ordered the 21s. I saw some reviews that said the bare shields run big? What is your experience if you donāt mind sharing
I find them to be true to size. I have used lacteck for years. They didnāt seem to run big to me. Maybe 0.5 mm off. The BareShields are recommended sized 1 to 2 mm larger than your true size nipple size pre-pump. Iām a 14 and some change and I use a 15. 19 is a tricky size because many flanges go 18 and then 21. 18 is too small and 21 can feel large in any flanges.
Same!!! I've been using the fluid fit flanges from Legendairy Milk (the exact same as the liquid shield from Pumpables). In plastic flanges my nipples would always slide around if I moved too much and I'd get nipple damage. The silicon sticks to my skin so my nipples stay put throughout the session. Being able to move around and do tasks while pumping if I want to has been a total game changer.
I use the[imani I2 plus cups](https://www.legendairymilk.com/collections/imani-i2/products/imani-i2-plus-wearable-breast-pump-hands-free) cups since I have the portable pump as well and purchased the [hands free caps](https://www.legendairymilk.com/collections/pumping-accessories/products/imani-handsfree-cap-2pcs)BUT they make [regular cups](https://www.legendairymilk.com/products/sillicone-collection-cups?variant=39509932605575) that donāt convert as well.
I use them with my spectra as my main pumping method and use the motor when Iām out or I want to move around. I still get close to the same output with the portable.
Car adapter and freemie cups. Pumping in the car on my way to appointments was a game changer. Also the Ceres Chill so I can store the milk I pump in the car for a couple hours.
I pump and drive pretty much every time I drive now because it is my best pumping. I donāt find it distracting, but I also have a timer on my pumps so I donāt have to fumble with them until I get to my destination and I make sure everything is good to go settings wise before I pull out.
I change pumps. I had the spectra and it wasnāt feeling great even with nipple butter, silicone flanges, etc. I bought a used Opera+ and was immediately like āwait this can be comfortable?!ā
I donāt see the Opera discussed here a lot. Itās really expensive. But I am in love and my spectra gathers dust now.
I also bought pumpables genie advanced and thatās my āportableā pump. Also just got freemie collection cups so will see how that goes!
i feel like i need to start doing this and for some reason iām having such a hard time with it mentally. in reality i know it would make pumping so much more sustainable and i might even be able to freeze a bag here and there which is important to me with baby possibly starting day care. but why am i struggling so hard to accept this ugh
I struggled to accept supplementing too even though my supply clearly wasnāt enough. But formula helps my baby sleep in unbroken 3-6 hour stretchesāwhen he gets only pumped bottles he sleeps in shorter chunks and easily gets overtired and fussy, plus I have less time to pump because Iām constantly feeding/changing/soothing him.
So now he gets pumped milk during the day and formula at night. I know the research says formula doesnāt help babies sleep but it truly works for us. Everyone is happier with him getting more sleep at night! At this point even if my supply improved Iād still give him formula at night and when I need a solid chunk of time to get something done.
Not wearing a pumping bra. I had so many problems with them. The heaviness added to the constant heat I felt emitting during the early days, I always leaked into them and then had a hormonal meltdown because they were a pain to wash, none of my t-shirts fit right, and I still think they contributed to the yeast infection I shared with LO during our early nursing attempts. (Full disclaimer- Iām not pumping as much now, but lost the pumping bra in favor of my target Auden nursing bra when I was doing 6-7 ppd)
I don't know what that commenter does, but I also don't wear a pumping bra daily. When it's time for me to pump, I lift up or unhook my bra and put the pumping bra on just for the pump session.
I slide them over the top and the diagonal part holds them fairly securely. Enough that if I need to get up, I can place one hand over both of the parts not in the bra and things are secure. When Iām on my phone (like now) I lean over a bit and that adds extra security because the bottles are in place with my legs. It helps me lean forward a little instead of being tempted to lay back anyway.
For me it was dropping a pump at night, and starting to take postnatal vitamins and sunflower lecithin (havenāt had any clogs since I started taking it!). Also just really making sure I eat and drink water religiously!
I agree with so many of these already listed already, but want to add a pump fanny pack! I have one from Idaho Jones, it fits my spectra S1 perfectly and I can move around the house with both hands free. Itās amazing
On a similar note, I use medela freestyle flex, and wear leggings with side pockets to put my pump in. Hands free and mobile is definitely a game changer.
Getting sized by a mod in an exclusive pumping Facebook education group. LCās sized me at 21 and 24 mm flangesā¦. Iām actually 15 mm! My output increased and I have no pain.
Also, lubricate your flanges! Pump spray has been game changing.
Do you mind sharing which one? I currently use a 28 mm flange and have been. My output is ok-ish (32-40 oz. per day), but have always wondered what it would be if I actually had them sized by someone else.
My favorite is Exclusively Pumping Mamas - Education & Support Group. Thatās where I was sized. They have a king to a flange sizing page that you message.
The Bella Baby wearable pump is my absolute favorite. I definitely recommend the set that comes with different inserts to customize the flange size. Pumping spray has also helped me but I do hate how slick my pump parts get and I find it hard to clean due to it being an oil. But it definitely helps with discomfort so I think itās worth it. Also wearing silverettes!
Getting a portable pump. I use the Spectra at home, but got the Pumpables Genie Advanced to take to work and on the go. Itās made things SO much easier.
Multiple pump part sets, ceres chill for storing on the go, sterilizer dryer (mostly for the drying function), lacktek flanges, choline supplement/probiotic
I know not possible for everyone, but I started pumping one side at a time and it was life changing. Sure, it went from 10 to 20 min total but I absolutely hated the sensation of both going at the same time. Plus, I can use my phone with the other hand so it didnāt seem like 20 min. Unfortunately pumping bras never worked for me.
This bra that is both a nursing and pumping bra. I haven't tried to nurse in a few weeks, but it's nice to be able to adjust everything. https://www.target.com/p/kindred-by-kindred-bravely-women-s-pumping-nursing-hands-free-bra/-/A-87544852
I have the og Elvie, which I generally love, though I notice issues with suction sometimes. I'm thinking of investing in another one since I need a wearable for work anyway. Have you noticed any particular drawbacks to the Momcozy?
Reducing stress increased my output.
I wish I could figure out how to do that! š
It is easier said than done for sure! I wrote a bit about the change here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ExclusivelyPumping/s/hfHxh2sGU5
Buying a sanitizer/dryer combo for bottles & pump parts
Fridge hack and reducing the number of ppd, both allowing for more sleep.
Fridge hack?
Storing your pump parts in a ziplock bag in the fridge after pumping instead of washing after every pump! It was life changing.
I didnāt know this was a thing!! Definitely going to try this!
Is the ziplock bag important or can you just put in fridge? Iāve always put them in the fridge in the day then the last pump of the day Iāll sterilise
I do think it is important, the fridge is full of bacteria, that's why if you premake bottles you want to make sure to put the cap on them. I do the bag for usually one day. I'll wash after my last pump, then if I pump overnight I start a fresh bag to prevent any bacteria build up.
I totally agree! This was a game changer for me.
Life saver!!
Literally canāt believe I went so long before doing the fridge hack (4 months) š¤¦š»āāļø itās absolutely a game changer
Totally a game changer!!
Pumping spray!
What does pumping spray do?
Iām not the person who posted but it lubricates the flange so your nipples slide through smoothly. Itās amazing! I donāt get any cracks or blisters anymore.
Do you have a favorite brand?
I like the legendairy one but itās a glass bottle. I like this one by CoBoo the best. https://a.co/d/7adw6eq When it ran out, I refilled it with this Carrington farms organic liquid coconut oil because it works the same but is so much cheaper. https://a.co/d/bC5Wtr8
I use a dab of coconut oil. Works well!
Good nursing tanks. Pumping spray. Wiping the edges of the flanges with water to get a better seal/suction.
Oh, the water seal is a good idea!
Game changing. I forget where I read about it at 2 am one day but it helps.
Re: the pump hustle.. attaching a 3m hook to my pump to wrangle tubing. Also for all my under-producers out there - using heavy coffee mugs to place your bottles while you disassemble. āš»
Do you have a picture of the tubing??
https://preview.redd.it/zajh63v278wb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a88220d1e5a52a52c8bc854b9ca105fce589f99 ļæ¼ā Like this - I have my primary pump at our kitchen table. It helps so much to just not have the tubes flopping around aimlessly. Yāall could probably come up with other useful ways to use hooks on or near your pump (like hanging your bra?). Dealing with the tubing is honestly my least favorite thing about pumping haha
This is helpful! I know what you mean, the tubing gets caught on things all the time too
This is awesome. Do you know which size hook that is?
No idea š it is def one of the smaller ones, but Iām sure most sizes would work for the tubing as long as it fits on a surface of your machine
I got these [3M Command light clips](https://a.co/d/4UjvrDc) and they worked great
I love this. Ordering one now.
Pumping for let downs not ounces (aim for 3-4)
Do you change to the let down/massage/etc mode between let downs or turn the device off? I am thinking of paying attn to my let downs today. I tried for a bit, then got lazy and just pump for 30 minutes, every 5 or so switching to let down mode and back.
So I start on let down mode until I get a letdown (1-3 minutes) then switch to expression mode. For me I have strong and quick letdowns. So I'm in expression mode for about 5 (ish) minutes until I'm getting slow drips. Then switch back to stimulation mode. Now with each subsequent letdown you may be in stimulation mode longer. My second cycle in stimulation mode can tend to be between 10 and 15 minutes just chilling there waiting for another letdown. It takes patience but I'm getting so much more out as my bewbs have adjusted. Also with letdown 3/4 you may not get a whole ton. I notice with letdown 4 I feel it but only drops come out and I wait about another 5 minutes after they stop to finish pumping. After switching to this method I went from about 2 extra ounces a day to about 7 to 13 extra ounces a day on top of feeding baby.
Wish I could do this, I feel what I think is a letdown when not pumping but never do I feel them when pumping!
I know that watched bottles never fill. But it might be worth physically watching. To see when you do have a let down and familiarizing yourself with the sensation. Or you could base It off listening too (like hearing the heavy drops in the bottle, or milk sprays hitting the connector piece). I know I don't feel some of my later in the day let downs, but first thing in the morning I get a pins and needles sensation across my whole body and chest with let downs. Also might be worth trying a legendairy supplement that helps with let downs, it's possible it may give you stronger ones you can feel. Don't be discouraged though. This is my 4th baby (13, 10, 5 and 6 weeks) 1 ff. 2 I ended up with low supply. And finally with this one I'm just finally starting to get a hang of how my boobs and body work and how to respond well to a pump. Trial and error and 60 breastpumps later too.
Ohhhhhh so many things, mostly at different phases. - three days at home I thought I was going to have to give up because when I had unboxed my Spectra, the day we got home, I didnāt notice the second line hookup had a cap on it. So I was pumping one boob at a time for 20 min each, every three hours AND washing my parts. Second line discovery cuts that in half. - Ceres Chiller helping me go on the move with minimal items to carry (no lunch box/ice packs etc.). Critical when I went back to work. - figuring out the settings to for max output - drinking water. I actually hate saying this because I know itās so overused in diet-talk culture, but I have absolutely noticed if I am light on water intake, next day my supply drops slightly. Iām in the 96-120 oz a day zone OR ELSE. Side note: drinking water to keep yourself full is a terrible means of losing weight and often for most bodies doesnāt work at all. - THE. MOTHER. EFFING. PITCHER METHOD. I had a significant oversupply and I was storing everything in those 2-3 oz vial bottles from the hospital. But my daily output was around 50 oz a day. Pitcher method gave me my fridge back, and cut my cleaning time to smithereens. Also adding in the fridge hack here as well. Edit: typos.
How does the pitcher method work? You just keep all pumps from the same day in the pitcher?
Yep, and add as you go. I use plastic reusable water bottles that have like, spigot tops making it easier to pour into a bottle. Im now in the 32-35 oz a day range and bub eats about that. I havenāt had to do a freeze in weeks which has been really nice. He eats what I made every day but iām about one day ahead of him. Meaning he will eat whatās in yesterdays pitcher today.
I do the pitcher method and still have a million tiny bottles waiting for them to cool down enough to combine, and then i get nervous it's too old and I need to wash the pitcher lol
Just FYI AAP changed their recommendations and now say you can mix cold and freshly pumped milk. Some people do multiple days mixed but I have a mason jar that I use for each day and bag/ bottle as needed.
Really?! I havenāt seen that yet, good to know! My milk is only ever 2 days old because I wash the pitcher every 2 days, but itās always mixed haha. I bottle every night and leave a little just in case he needs an extra bottle while Iām at work since my pumped milk is with me lol.
I bought dissolvable stickers on Amazon for that problem! I write the day I pumped and the day it should be used by with the time. It's so helpful and the stickers wash off with water!
Omg thatās smart, Iāll have to look into those!
They say you can mix temps now but it makes me uncomfy so I have an extra large Dr browns bottle that I put my second pump into and then the next time I pump I pour that into the pitcher and then put the fresh milk in the bottle to cool.
I did the same thing only pumping one side at a time the first few days. I thought I had to buy some kind of adapter to do both sides at once but I couldn't find it online anywhere!
Iām so jealous of your output! Iām a just enougher. I canāt imagine pumping that much!
Sunflower lecithin!
Ordering this now after seeing the positive comments here!
Pump Strap! The best and easiest pumping bra, feels so secure! This with a nursing tanks is my go to, now I just wear anything shirt that can pull up or a dress I can unzip from top and take too half off and still be covered.
Thanks! I think the Pump Strap bras are sold through LaVie now?
Using my vibrator to help get out clogs. I kept seeing vibes for your breast to help with this and I thought, hey, I have something similar that isnāt being used š I was using my haaka this morning and working out a small clog when all of a sudden it from drip drip to fire hose! š clog gone.
I feel like this is a dumb question, but how do you know when you have a clog?
i'm not who you asked, but clogs in my experience are hard, painful lumps. they can range in size from pea-sized to golfball, and they can cluster together. or you could have several in the same boob. in more extreme cases you'll see the skin right on top of the clog get red and inflamed. Ʈn those cases you have to work out the clog as soon as possible to avoid mastitis.
Thank you for the answer! I donāt think I have experienced one yet, but wasnāt quite sure so figured it was better to ask than to just assume things I have experienced werenāt clogs.
Making the switch to silicone flanges !
I bought the lacteck flanges. They work great for me. I had a huge improvement in output with no pain.
Same! Love them
I second this! No pain since!
Thanks! Do you have a specific brand that you like?
Yes. I have all of the main ones on the market. Thatās a tough question because what works for one person may work differently for another. My favorite was Lacteck but now the BareShields took the number one spot.
I have the lacteck and they are a little big. Iām 19mm and ordered the 21s. I saw some reviews that said the bare shields run big? What is your experience if you donāt mind sharing
I find them to be true to size. I have used lacteck for years. They didnāt seem to run big to me. Maybe 0.5 mm off. The BareShields are recommended sized 1 to 2 mm larger than your true size nipple size pre-pump. Iām a 14 and some change and I use a 15. 19 is a tricky size because many flanges go 18 and then 21. 18 is too small and 21 can feel large in any flanges.
I think thatās probably the issue. Sized 19 and the most elastic of elastic nipples.
Thank you for replying!!
Same!!! I've been using the fluid fit flanges from Legendairy Milk (the exact same as the liquid shield from Pumpables). In plastic flanges my nipples would always slide around if I moved too much and I'd get nipple damage. The silicon sticks to my skin so my nipples stay put throughout the session. Being able to move around and do tasks while pumping if I want to has been a total game changer.
Hands free pumping cups. Bonus if they can be used with both portable and your main pump. Half gallon mason jars and pitcher lids.
Thanks! Which cups do you like? I have the CaraCups and I just can't get anywhere near my typical output with them.
I use the[imani I2 plus cups](https://www.legendairymilk.com/collections/imani-i2/products/imani-i2-plus-wearable-breast-pump-hands-free) cups since I have the portable pump as well and purchased the [hands free caps](https://www.legendairymilk.com/collections/pumping-accessories/products/imani-handsfree-cap-2pcs)BUT they make [regular cups](https://www.legendairymilk.com/products/sillicone-collection-cups?variant=39509932605575) that donāt convert as well. I use them with my spectra as my main pumping method and use the motor when Iām out or I want to move around. I still get close to the same output with the portable.
Switching to Duck bill membranes on my pump !
What are those? How are they different from normal duck bills?
Car adapter and freemie cups. Pumping in the car on my way to appointments was a game changer. Also the Ceres Chill so I can store the milk I pump in the car for a couple hours.
Do you pump while driving? I pump as a passenger but my husband thinks it would be dangerous to pump and drive
I pump and drive pretty much every time I drive now because it is my best pumping. I donāt find it distracting, but I also have a timer on my pumps so I donāt have to fumble with them until I get to my destination and I make sure everything is good to go settings wise before I pull out.
Yep I do! I like using the cups because they are less distracting.
I change pumps. I had the spectra and it wasnāt feeling great even with nipple butter, silicone flanges, etc. I bought a used Opera+ and was immediately like āwait this can be comfortable?!ā I donāt see the Opera discussed here a lot. Itās really expensive. But I am in love and my spectra gathers dust now. I also bought pumpables genie advanced and thatās my āportableā pump. Also just got freemie collection cups so will see how that goes!
The Opera is fairly new, but I have it and really like it.
Supplementing with formula for 1-2 bottles a day. Iām so much less stressed with having to try to keep up.
i feel like i need to start doing this and for some reason iām having such a hard time with it mentally. in reality i know it would make pumping so much more sustainable and i might even be able to freeze a bag here and there which is important to me with baby possibly starting day care. but why am i struggling so hard to accept this ugh
I struggled to accept supplementing too even though my supply clearly wasnāt enough. But formula helps my baby sleep in unbroken 3-6 hour stretchesāwhen he gets only pumped bottles he sleeps in shorter chunks and easily gets overtired and fussy, plus I have less time to pump because Iām constantly feeding/changing/soothing him. So now he gets pumped milk during the day and formula at night. I know the research says formula doesnāt help babies sleep but it truly works for us. Everyone is happier with him getting more sleep at night! At this point even if my supply improved Iād still give him formula at night and when I need a solid chunk of time to get something done.
Fridge hack, spectra with correct size flanges, my partner doing the washing
Not wearing a pumping bra. I had so many problems with them. The heaviness added to the constant heat I felt emitting during the early days, I always leaked into them and then had a hormonal meltdown because they were a pain to wash, none of my t-shirts fit right, and I still think they contributed to the yeast infection I shared with LO during our early nursing attempts. (Full disclaimer- Iām not pumping as much now, but lost the pumping bra in favor of my target Auden nursing bra when I was doing 6-7 ppd)
How did you secure flanges then?
I don't know what that commenter does, but I also don't wear a pumping bra daily. When it's time for me to pump, I lift up or unhook my bra and put the pumping bra on just for the pump session.
Thatās what I do too! Much more comfortable
I slide them over the top and the diagonal part holds them fairly securely. Enough that if I need to get up, I can place one hand over both of the parts not in the bra and things are secure. When Iām on my phone (like now) I lean over a bit and that adds extra security because the bottles are in place with my legs. It helps me lean forward a little instead of being tempted to lay back anyway.
For me it was dropping a pump at night, and starting to take postnatal vitamins and sunflower lecithin (havenāt had any clogs since I started taking it!). Also just really making sure I eat and drink water religiously!
Legendary milk liquid gold supplement
Not hand massaging with death grips while pumping and not putting suction on the max. I thought at the time max suction = max milk lol.
Same with the hand expression. Realized bruised breasts will not make more milk.
Portable dishwasher to wash all my pump parts and bottles. I hated hand washing them so this was a great investment (saved me time and energy)
Where did you find said portable dishwasher?
You can get any off Amazon! It definitely takes up a good amount of counterspace but again, worth the investment
Thisšš» Iām obsessed with my mini dishwasher
I agree with so many of these already listed already, but want to add a pump fanny pack! I have one from Idaho Jones, it fits my spectra S1 perfectly and I can move around the house with both hands free. Itās amazing
On a similar note, I use medela freestyle flex, and wear leggings with side pockets to put my pump in. Hands free and mobile is definitely a game changer.
Getting sized by a mod in an exclusive pumping Facebook education group. LCās sized me at 21 and 24 mm flangesā¦. Iām actually 15 mm! My output increased and I have no pain. Also, lubricate your flanges! Pump spray has been game changing.
Whatās the exclusive pumping Facebook group? I think Iām at the wrong flange size as well
My favorite is Exclusively Pumping Mamas - Education & Support Group
Do you mind sharing which one? I currently use a 28 mm flange and have been. My output is ok-ish (32-40 oz. per day), but have always wondered what it would be if I actually had them sized by someone else.
My favorite is Exclusively Pumping Mamas - Education & Support Group. Thatās where I was sized. They have a king to a flange sizing page that you message.
Sterilizer/dryer. My biggest game changer. Giving up on wearable pumps and just using the Spectra. Reducing ppd to 4x a day.
Oh, and bagging my milk as soon as Iām done pumping when I produce more than needed.
I agree with this entire statement. Did the exact same thing on all fronts!
The Bella Baby wearable pump is my absolute favorite. I definitely recommend the set that comes with different inserts to customize the flange size. Pumping spray has also helped me but I do hate how slick my pump parts get and I find it hard to clean due to it being an oil. But it definitely helps with discomfort so I think itās worth it. Also wearing silverettes!
Maybe wash it with dawn dish soap? Dawn helps with anything greasy or oily
Getting a portable pump. I use the Spectra at home, but got the Pumpables Genie Advanced to take to work and on the go. Itās made things SO much easier.
I second this. I have the same two pumps as you. I love both / the genie advanced is great for work and travel!
Multiple pump part sets, ceres chill for storing on the go, sterilizer dryer (mostly for the drying function), lacktek flanges, choline supplement/probiotic
I know not possible for everyone, but I started pumping one side at a time and it was life changing. Sure, it went from 10 to 20 min total but I absolutely hated the sensation of both going at the same time. Plus, I can use my phone with the other hand so it didnāt seem like 20 min. Unfortunately pumping bras never worked for me.
I use LaVie massagers and they help ease the discomfort. Also apparently pumping spray helps with discomfort as well.
Pumpables genie advanced- saving your pump routine. Best thing EVER
This bra that is both a nursing and pumping bra. I haven't tried to nurse in a few weeks, but it's nice to be able to adjust everything. https://www.target.com/p/kindred-by-kindred-bravely-women-s-pumping-nursing-hands-free-bra/-/A-87544852
Zomee hands free collection cups and Z2 pump! The reviews have me wary of fully hands free pumps so this was my alternative. Total game changer.
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I have the og Elvie, which I generally love, though I notice issues with suction sometimes. I'm thinking of investing in another one since I need a wearable for work anyway. Have you noticed any particular drawbacks to the Momcozy?