5 Things to Know When Breastfeeding and Pumping for the First Time
Jasmine Flournoy – October 24 2024
First Thing to Know
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Breastfeeding is undeniably a significant commitment, and let me emphasize, it requires a tremendous amount of effort. As a first-time mom, I fully intended to breastfeed and pump, but I quickly learned just how intensive this journey can be. I pump between 3 to 4 hours regularly (except during those early morning hours). Without fail, every time I look up or take a moment to sit down, it’s already time to pump again. My strongest recommendation is to prepare yourself mentally for the reality that a substantial part of your life will revolve around pumping.
- My personal rule for myself, the latest (or earliest) I will pump is between 12AM or 1AM. After that this mom is sleeping. There have been times when I’ve gone about 6 hours without pumping due to getting sleep and still pumped a good 4oz to 5oz afterwards.
- Remember! Breastfeeding and pumping is a lot of work but it is only temporary. Soon that little baby will eating solid food and breastfeeding will quickly become a memory. Hang in there momma!
Set up a Little Area Strictly Dedicated for Breast Pumping Items
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For my breast pumping area, I am using a two tier fruit basket (minus the fruit) that I purchased on Amazon. This small designated area in my kitchen is in a small corner on the edge of my countertop. Having this area for pumping items to be housed will make life so much easier because you don’t have to constantly look for items over and over again when it’s time to pump.
Nursing Pads
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Nursing pads turned out to be something I never expected to need during my pregnancy, especially after that one morning when I woke up freaked out and soaking wet from breast leakage. Honestly, I’m not a big fan of cloth nursing pads, so I’ve become a huge fan of disposable ones instead. After trying out a bunch of different brands, I can’t recommend the Frida nursing pads enough! They’re seriously the only ones that stay comfy and don’t crumple up in my bra.
Do You Qualify for a Free Breast Pump with Your Insurance?
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I found out at this Prego Expo that I could score a free breast pump through my insurance! They sent a cool Zomee portable breast pump right to my house after I filled out a super quick form at the Expo. I couldn’t believe it since I never get anything for free, but I was so thankful! This pump is super easy to take with me wherever I go, and I just totally love it!
Clogged Milk Ducts in Breast
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One thing I was not was aware of while breastfeeding was milk ducts becoming clogged in the breast. When this happens it is painful. One trick I saw on Instagram from another mom to get unclogged is to let your baby drink from your breast. I pump most of the time. So if I go a few days just pumping sometimes I will get clogged and it does hurt. When I put my son on my breast the pain immediately subsides. Other methods to help with the clogging ducts:
- Placing a warm pad on the area of the breast where the pain is.
- Breastfeeding and pumping to empty the breast out. Continuous pumping did not work for me but it may work for you.
- Soaking in warm water