Exclusively pumping breast milk. Tips?

[TTC94]

Hello,

Is anyone else exclusively pumping for their newborn? My little one is just over two weeks old and I’m exclusively pumping.

I currently only have one breast pump (medela swing) and it’s not hands free. I can use batteries but they run out quickly so I often have it plugged in at the walk and I’m sat down.

My husband goes back to work soon and I have no idea how I’ll have time to pump, sort out bottles, sterilise, nappy change, interact with my baby and look after the dog, house and myself.

I’m not getting much sleep at all either.

Does anyone else exclusively pump? Do you have any tips or product recommendations to make my life a little easier and to make pumping less of a drain on my time.

TIA xx

I didn't exclusively pump but when I did express I used the Ameda Lactaline. It was a closed pump system, could be used as a single or a double and is Hospital grade. Might be worth having a look at?

It might also be worth asking @MNHQ to move this over to Infant Feeding. You'll probably get some MNers in there with experience of exclusively pumping.

Congratulations on your new LO ad well

Can you get rechargeable batteries and a hands free pumping bra? I did it for a little while and it made all the difference being able to be mobile and get on with other things. Feel free not to answer if it’s too personal but it might be helpful to know why you’re exclusively pumping rather than breastfeeding? For me it was initially because I couldn’t latch my baby due to inverted nipples, but I was able to eventually after using nipple shields for a while. Just thought it might be worth mentioning in case it’s something you’d prefer / be able to do. Exclusively pumping is hard, time consuming work and I applaud anybody who’s able to keep at it. Well done you for getting this far with it, and congratulations on your baby! X

Oh and I found @bemybreastfriend on Instagram to be an amazing resource for tips and hacks for EP mums

I exclusively pumped for ds2 for 4 months with a plugged in pump with a toddler around. I just had to stop start sometimes if I needed to pick the baby up or sorry the toddler out. My husband worked from home so sometimes would try and time pimps around when he was having lunch etc. I appreciate that may not be an option but you just kinda make it work.

Hospital grade pump
Pumping bra
If it's not working for you then stop without guilt. There is more to being a mum than breast milk and imo being well rested and having time for cuddles/playing is just as important.

I always planned on breastfeeding, my baby arrived 9 weeks early, so had to pump as he was in nicu, first I had a hospital grade spectra to establish my supply, and I was fed up with it, it was hard work being attached to a pump although it was great at establishing my supply, I then got the double elvies on Black Friday in the sale and thought what have I got to loose I will sell them if there no good, honestly I don’t think I would still be pumping now if I didn’t have them they are amazing, I get the same output and I am mobile, yes if I bed over to much they do leak but I can do way more than with a standard pump.
My baby was discharged on bottles as it was the quickest way out of nicu, but won’t take enough breastfeeding so I plan to continue to exclusively pumping for a year, I know the initial outlay is expensive but I’m so happy I can provide my breast milk for him with minimal effort!
Sorry for the long reply! I pump 6 times in 24 hours. Any more I was going insane.
Good luck there are a few more xclusively pumping groups on fb which are great for advice.