5 Things I’ll Do Different Breast Pumping For Baby #2
When you started your breast-pumping journey were you completely lost like me? I bet these were only a few of the many questions running through your head:
- How do I get my breast pump?
- Is it free?
- What breast pump should I get?
- Does my insurance pay for my breast pump?
- I’ve never breast pumped before, what do I do it?
These were just a few questions that ran through my mind. My goal was to make it a year either pumping or breastfeeding. But for my first daughter, I made it 5 months, which totally should be celebrated! For 5 months I learned a completely new skill, I bonded with my baby and I explored my body in a way that I never have before. I was very proud of myself and my body. However, a little sad that I did not make it to my goal.
Afterward, I began to research and learn about so many things I could have done differently that would have helped me reach my 1-year goal. With the help of 1 Natural Way, I chose the Freemie Independence Breast Pump. It finally arrived and I couldn’t be more excited. Here are 5 things I will do differently breast pumping for baby #2.
Choose A Cordless Pump
My first breast pump worked great. However, it was a pump that had to stay plugged into an electrical outlet to work. At first, that was not a big deal, but as time went on I realized how often I needed to pump, and being immobile hindered my experience. I am a stay-at-home mom who had just undergone a c-section. I was learning how to breastfeed and pump while also healing from my surgery.
In the tender few months of baby’s life, you can easily pump every two hours, at least I was. I was also changing diapers, washing an endless mountain of dirty baby clothes, and soothing baby’s cries. This lead me to stop my pumping multiple times in a session to address my daughters needs. You can imagine how frustrating and overwhelming this could become. Not being able to pump the way I needed to lead to my supply dropping and eventually stopping altogether.
I knew for baby #2 I needed a cordless pump that allowed me the freedom to pump when I needed, allow me to heal from delivery, and cater to my now 3-year-old toddler. I knew if I chose another pump that required me to stay plugged in to a wall, I would not reach my goal again. So I decided to choose the Freemie Breast Pump. A mobile, wearable, hands-free breast pump that allows me to pump on demand whenever and wherever I needed to.
Choose A Discreet Pump
Over the years, multiple cordless pumps have come on the market. Thank you evolution! One big downfall. They required the use of baby bottles to attach to the flange. Which also means you needed a pumping bra. How many of you remember walking the isles of a supermarket and having to leave your cart where it was or rushing out without all the products you needed so you can run to the car and pump? I’m not going to lie, I was not a happy camper when this would happen.
Another reason I chose Freemie was for their discreet, hands-free cups that allow you to pump in the middle of a store, on a road trip, walking a theme park (I live in Florida, where theme parks are our second home), or anywhere you can imagine.
If your insurance does not cover a Freemie, but you love their cups and want them for your pump, here is a list of breast pumps that are comparable with the Freemie cups:
- Ameda Purely Yours, Ameda Finesse
- ARDO Calypso
- BabyBuddha Portable Double Electric
- BellaBaby Duo Pocket, Bellababy Duo Rechargeable
- Evenflo Advanced Double Electric
- Freemie Independence, Freemie Liberty
- Lucina Melodi Prime
- Motif Duo, Motif Luna
- Philips Avent Twin Electric
- Spectra M1, S1, S2, S1 Plus, S2 Plus, 9 Plus
Using Lactation Supplies
Wait a minute, you’re telling me that if I eat oatmeal cookies and drink some of my favorites drinks, it may help my body produce more milk? Yup, that blew me away too. I was the first in my family to breast pump and feed, so I did not have an army of women to guide me and give me tips. One thing I was not doing was staying hydrated or eating snacks and meals to help me produce milk. Here are 5 different kinds of food that may help you with your milk production:
- Oatmeal or oat milk
- Lean meats and poultry
- Fennel and Fenugreek seeds
- Garlic
- Whole grain
Don’t limit yourself here, continue to research as there are many more things that can help. And remember, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This was my number 1 mistake.
Ask For Help
Who here feels like they need to be “Super Mom”? I did. I felt this unrealistic weight to do it all on my own. Anytime someone would try to help, I would always respond with “I can do that, don’t worry”. So eventually the help stopped coming. What I really needed to do was sit my butt down and allow my friends and family to help so I could lay in bed all day and focus on me and baby.
Mom, accept the help. Allow your mom, sisters, friends, cousins and whoever else feels inspired, help you. Let your mom cook your meals and wash your clothes. Let you friends clean the dishes for you and your bathroom. Let your sister comb your hair and start a shower for you. It does not make you weak. In fact, it makes you stronger. It allows for you to heal, focus on pumping, and bond with your baby. Do not feel ashamed. Feel empowered.
This time I already reached out to multiple family and friends asking when they are able to stay a week with me and home to help. I’ve learned I am not Super Woman, I understand my limits, and I learned that by saying “yes” to help will help me become a better and stronger mother for both of my girls.
Join Mom Support Groups
Oh how I wish I would have known about this for my first baby. So many times I felt overwhelmed, lost, confused, and to be honest, like I was failing as a mom. Pumping at 3a.m with very little sleep can make you feel and think a lot of things. How helpful it would have been to open a mom’s support group to ask for help and advice.
Facebook was my go to for support groups. I recommend finding a group for moms who exclusively pump, moms who exclusively breastfeed, and a group for moms who do both. This way no matter what chapter you are on in your journey, you have a group of moms who are exactly in your shoes or who have been in your shoes and can give you a word of advice and inspiration.
Remember these groups are only support groups and not medically trained doctors. If you have questions or are worried about your health and the health of your baby, always call your doctor.
So mamas, order that cordless breast pump, eat those oatmeal cookies, accept the help and remember you are an amazing mom. No matter if this is baby number 1, 2, 3, or more, it’s okay to still feel lost. With so much out there who wouldn’t. Just take it one pump at a time. You got this!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1 Natural Way, an insurance breast pump and maternity wellness products provider. All opinions are my own.
If you want to see if you qualify for a free breast pump and maternity supplies through your insurance provider, visit 1 Natural Way.
