If you're a nursing mom on-the-go, switching between nursing and pumping can be difficult, frustrating and painful. However, with the right tips, tricks and equipment in your arsenal, switching from one to another doesn’t have to feel like mission impossible.
Equipment You Need for Efficient Switching
To switch between breastfeeding and pumping seamlessly, you need the following items:
Double Electric Breast Pump
Using a double electric breast pump is essential when it comes to easing the transition from nursing to pumping. It allows both breasts to be expressed at once – which means more milk production in less time.
High-Quality Bottles
Having high-quality bottles that seal tightly not only prevents spills but also cuts down on wasted milk.
Portable Cooler Bag for Fresh Milk Storage
With a portable cooler bag for fresh milk storage at hand, you don't have to worry about storing fresh milk properly while out of the house.
Know Your Work Schedule
Knowing your work schedule ahead of time will allow you ample time to prepare something good enough for your little one, especially when traveling long distances or waiting longer periods for meetings. Both events can leave mom feeling stressed out without enough free time left over after work hours spent commuting back home again!
Make Sure Baby Latches Properly During Feeding
You want to make sure baby latches properly during feeding so they get all their nutrients effectively without any spills matching away into their clothes - adjust yourself up close as needed until things start coming together smoothly! Once done correctly then proceed with focused attendance only there isn't much room for multitasking here unless absolutely necessary (i.e., calls etc).
Pack Extra Clothes Just in Case
Packing extra clothes - not just diapers - ensures that mommy avoids sticky messes reaching her lap later on after feeding while working hard perfectly adjusting posture while holding baby steady during mealtime.
Use a Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Using a hands-free pumping bra provides moms the convenience needed when on-the-go. It securely holds breast pump flanges and frees up your hands to complete other tasks at the same time – thus making it very easy for multitasking while lactating your baby.
Use Breast Shields When Needed
Breast shields can help alleviate discomfort due to chafing or sore nipples from milk extraction using an incorrectly positioned flange. They also allow you to closely monitor any irregularities that may occur with milk flow pumptime, resulting in sorted issues like clogged ducts automatically without having manual, tedious hand massages afterward!
Flange Sizing
When purchasing breast shields make sure you take note of sizing options available since personal anatomy does vary leading some people experiencing cracked nipples out very quickly quite painful results initially as well. This is why choosing one's perfect fit makes everything easier going forward and much more comfortable than improperly fitted parts usually leading to sufferance for mothers later! Especially ones just getting started with newborn care.
Contoured-Shaped Breast Shield
Contour-shaped breast shields promote breast compression which ultimately leads to higher amounts of extracted milk as opposed to regular molded shield shapes typically used this past finding better solutions combining various designs into single pieces yielded greater suction power per individual experience conducted previously by various investigation teams over years within breastfeeding field doing their own independent researches aimed toward similar goals improving routines already put in place or introducing brand new concepts altogether!
Set Realistic Expectations During Work hours
Set realistic expectations regarding how much work-related stuff can be accomplished during feeding breaks including switching betwixt two forms without limiting baby’s nutrition intake throughout period of expected focus activity ahead? If not planned well enough then stress might follow affecting both mommy and little one alike!
Consider Portable Options Wherever Possible
You need portable options that allow you to switch easily from nursing to pumping when you're always on the move. There are portable electric pumps that fit right in your purse!
Have a Schedule That Works for You and Your Little One
Creating a schedule that works for you and your little one is paramount! Keeping things relatively simple helps mommy appreciate being productive while enjoying every moment spent nurturing her baby.
Pumping Times
Make note of different feeding times, quantity needed per meal or within each day, aiming at strategic breaks during work hours but also noting peak performance periods - allowing flexibility based on daily routines as well such planning out crucial bonding experiences both parenthood partners can enjoy together too!