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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Parenting, Pregnancy

Breast Pumping Tips for More Milk

January 11, 2019 Comments : 19

Struggling with breastfeeding and wondering if pumping may be right for you? Here are 9 ways on how to pump like a pro even if you are a first time mom. | Breastfeeding | Breast pump | Pumping Tips | #breastfeeding #breastfeedingtip #pumping
Struggling with breastfeeding and wondering if pumping may be right for you? Here are 9 ways on how to pump like a pro even if you are a first time mom. | Breastfeeding | Breast pump | Pumping Tips | #breastfeeding #breastfeedingtip #pumping

Breastfeeding is difficult. Some babies get it while others just don’t. Even if your baby is unable to get the hang of breastfeeding there are other ways to give your baby breast milk!

I know pumping is hard too. It takes a lot of work and dedication but if you stick with it, it will be worth it. I have made it to almost 10 months of pumping using these breast pumping tips for more milk. In the beginning I did a combination of both breastfeeding and pumping but have stuck with mostly pumping since Avery started getting teeth (and biting). Check out my post on breastfeeding essentials HERE and how to increase your breast milk supply HERE for more tips and tricks on breastfeeding.

However, if you do decide to go the pumping route here are 9 breast pumping tips for more milk.

The best breast pumping tip for more milk I can give is to invest in a good pump.

I love the Spectra. It has done me well these past 9 months. It is also important to invest in an extra seat of parts since these items do wear out overtime. I experienced a drop in my supply around 6 months and after replacing the worn out parts, viola, my supply went back up!

One con about the Spectra is that you have to purchase these parts online or on amazon (linked below) while with Medela you could just head to your local Target to get some. Medela is still a good pump but I didn’t find it as powerful as the hospital grade Spectra. Check out the Spectra at Amazon.com.

Pro Tip: Many insurances cover breast pumps now so check with them before making a purchase of your own.

Struggling with breastfeeding and wondering if pumping may be right for you? Here are 9 ways on how to pump like a pro even if you are a first time mom. | Breastfeeding | Breast pump | Pumping Tips | #breastfeeding #breastfeedingtip #pumping

The next best breast pumping tip for more milk I can give is learn how to use that pump!

When I first sat down to pump with the Spectra it was like looking at a Manuel in Chinese. I had no idea what the little buttons said or where even for. It was also super helpful that my insurance slacked and didn’t give me an instruction manual. Once I learned how to use the pump, my supply sky rocketed.

Pro Tip: YouTube!! You can literally find anything on YouTube and lo and behold there was a video (or 20) on how to use the Spectra to it’s full advantage.

Pump around the clock

I promise this won’t be forever but if you want to exclusively pump then for the first few weeks you should be pumping every 2-3 hours even throughout the night. This is to help boost up your supply. I did this for the first 6 weeks after Avery was born. I would either breastfeed or pump when she woke up at night.

Pro Tip: Pump just a little bit extra after your baby is done feeding, this will help create more of a supply. Just be careful because an oversupply can be just as harmful as an under supply. So do what feels right for you and your baby. 

Create a comfy pumping nook

Creating a little area in your home that has your pump, a good book or magazine, snacks and water will help you get cozy and settle in to pump. Even if you need to have your baby with you while you pump have a little chair for the baby to sit in.

Pro Tip: Massage your breast while pumping. This can help can milk out of the ducts that otherwise would not come out.

Invest in a pumping bra

Nothing is worse than having to sit there and hold the pump parts while pumping. Investing in a good pumping bra can hold them in place leaving your hands free to read, scroll through Facebook or take pumping selfies (you know you will!). Some nursing bras can also be clipped around the pump parts and held in place that way. So experiment with what you have! Check out Amazon.com for this one and more!

Pro Tip: If your cheap like me, take an old’s sports bra you already have and cut holes in it. Put that on when your going to pump.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!!

Drink your water! Trying to squeeze water out of a stone is nearly impossible, the same goes for producing breast milk when you are dehydrated. Stay as hydrated as possible to help produce more and feel better physically!

Pro Tip: Carry a water bottle around with you where ever you go. This will encourage you to drink your water.

Struggling with breastfeeding and wondering if pumping may be right for you? Here are 9 ways on how to pump like a pro even if you are a first time mom. | Breastfeeding | Breast pump | Pumping Tips | #breastfeeding #breastfeedingtip #pumping

Treat yourself

While it is important to stay hydrated, it is also important to eat enough calories to sustain what you are putting out. Our bodies burn about 20 calories per ounce of breast milk produced (thank you Dr. Pinnette for this info) which means you can burn a lot of calories in one day breastfeeding alone. I know that when I don’t eat enough calories, I start to feel extremely tired and notice a significant drop in my milk supply.

Pro Tip: Keep healthy snacks on hand such as granola bars and cheese sticks to make sure your eating enough throughout the day.

Prepare to head back to work

If you are a working mama like me, prepare yourself to head back to work. Think about what pumping schedule you will want to maintain, if there is a room for you to pump in at your work, and what items you will need while there. Planning for these things ahead of time will help you be more successful when you have to go back to work.

Pro Tip: Create a pumping bag that is strictly for work. I have a bag that has my pump, my parts, a little bit of soap, a storage bag if needed, as well as a little cooler with an ice pack to store my freshly pumped milk.

The final breast pumping tip to get more milk is don’t give up!

Both breastfeeding and pumping can be hard. I have struggled with both my kids and often wanted to just throw in the towel. While it is perfectly fine to use formula (no shaming here) if things don’t work out or you just decide the pumping life isn’t for you, I urge you to at least try a couple of more days before quitting. Sometimes all you need is that extra push to really get the hang of it.

Pro Tip: No real pro tips here. Mostly just hang in there mama, you can do this.

Struggling with breastfeeding and wondering if pumping may be right for you? Here are 9 ways on how to pump like a pro even if you are a first time mom. | Breastfeeding | Breast pump | Pumping Tips | #breastfeeding #breastfeedingtip #pumping

 

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Easy New Year’s Resolutions for a Happy, Healthy 2019
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Meal Time with Nuby

Comments

  1. Stacie says

    January 15, 2019 at 11:23 am

    Having a really good breast pump is so important. Lower-quality pumps are so horrible. They take forever, and they rarely do a good job.

    Reply
  2. Shannon says

    January 15, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    Loved reading about your blog! Both my kids were totally different. One was mostly bottle because of tortacollis and the other was a natural at the boob. Thanks for sharing your blog!

    Reply
  3. Lydia Smith says

    January 15, 2019 at 1:12 pm

    Nice post thou am not breast feeding mum but I find it very helpful and useful… Great post.

    Reply
  4. Maggie Unzueta says

    January 15, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    This is such a good blog especially for mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. And that’s a really amazing pump from Spectra. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply
  5. Lydia Smith says

    January 15, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Great tips here for all breastfeeding mothers. I had thought it was okay to do away with the stress that comes with pumping, but reading your post now, I see it in a better light. Kudos all the mommas out there.

    Reply
  6. Gabriel says

    January 15, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    I think more people need to talk about this topic and the information you provided is a great way to get the conversation started.

    Reply
  7. Kita Roberts says

    January 15, 2019 at 9:34 pm

    Very interesting article. I have never thought much about the logistics of filling milk bags for later.

    Reply
  8. Sam says

    January 16, 2019 at 12:40 am

    I’m not a mom, but these seem like really great tips. I would think investing in a good great pump would be very wise.

    Reply
  9. Brianne Tursi Manz says

    January 16, 2019 at 7:15 am

    That looks like an excellent pump. It’s important to get adequate amounts of breast milk for moms on the go.

    Reply
  10. Erica D Ardali says

    January 16, 2019 at 7:37 am

    I wan’t able to breast feed my kids, but I am really happy there are so many resources for moms these days

    Reply
  11. Sara says

    January 16, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    Love the bond breastfeeding creates between mother and child. Great review and good job Mama!

    Reply
  12. Kara says

    January 16, 2019 at 1:29 pm

    I found pumping a nightmare until I discovered an electric breast pump – it changed my life!!

    Reply
  13. Jasmine Hewitt says

    January 16, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    youre right about youtube! theres a wealth of information and it helps to not feel so alone when on your pumping journey

    Reply
  14. Dominique Brooks says

    January 16, 2019 at 8:41 pm

    My experience with breastfeeding and pumping was so different between my two children. My son could nurse without any problem but I couldn’t pump to save my life! The doctor said the baby could get the milk but the pump couldn’t or something to that effect.

    But with my daughter — she couldn’t nurse very well. But I pumped like a champ! I probably could have fed a couple of babies!

    I wonder if my first pumping experience would have been different if I had one of these newer pumps!

    Reply
  15. Catherine Santiago Jose says

    January 16, 2019 at 10:28 pm

    Even you say it’s not like a pro advise however while reading this, it makes me wonder that you really pin point every detail. Breastfeeding mother should or a must read this and be guided on proper way of pumping their milk for their dear baby.

    Reply
  16. Preet says

    January 17, 2019 at 2:41 am

    Breastfeeding is very important. When I gave birth to my youngest. I always make sure to give whats the best for her and pumping.is such a big help.

    Reply
  17. Courtney says

    January 17, 2019 at 6:10 pm

    Oooo great advice!!! I sucked big time when it came to pumping. I wish I had this advice a few years ago lol

    Reply
  18. twinspirational says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    This is such helpful advice for new moms. We aren’t moms yet, but we will definitely come back here when we are.

    Reply
  19. Eryka says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:56 pm

    I really struggled with pumping so these are greta tips

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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Missed miscarriage. Something I wasn’t prepared Missed miscarriage.

Something I wasn’t prepared for, something I didn’t even know was possible until it happened to me. Something I have thought about for the past couple weeks. Essentially my body still thinks it’s pregnant even though there is no fetal heart activity and so I sit here, after my D&C with all these emotions coursing through me. 

I’m sad. Sad for the little life that never really grew and I will never know. 

I’m disappointed. Disappointed in my body for not doing what it should have done on its own and having to sit with this while I waited to be scheduled for a D&C.

I’m upset. I’m upset that this happened to me. Upset that it has to happen to any woman. 

Finally, I’m pissed. Pissed that I had to go through this alone. That I had to sit in that ultrasound room alone because of the office policy of no visitors. That my husband couldn’t be there when they told me that my baby no longer has a heartbeat and having to make the decision about what to do by myself. I’m pissed that people can go to bars, restaurants and pack themselves into the mall but I couldn’t have someone there to hold my hand while I was delivered news that would turn my entire world upside down. 

It just doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.
I debated even sharing this sine miscarriage is such a taboo topic, but a lot of people have reached out to see if I’m ok and I don’t want to pretend it didn’t exist as well as to let others know that they aren’t alone during this time even when all they feel is alone. 

I took this photo the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping to share it eventually but instead I’ll share it now.
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
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#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
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#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
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Missed miscarriage. Something I wasn’t prepared Missed miscarriage.

Something I wasn’t prepared for, something I didn’t even know was possible until it happened to me. Something I have thought about for the past couple weeks. Essentially my body still thinks it’s pregnant even though there is no fetal heart activity and so I sit here, after my D&C with all these emotions coursing through me. 

I’m sad. Sad for the little life that never really grew and I will never know. 

I’m disappointed. Disappointed in my body for not doing what it should have done on its own and having to sit with this while I waited to be scheduled for a D&C.

I’m upset. I’m upset that this happened to me. Upset that it has to happen to any woman. 

Finally, I’m pissed. Pissed that I had to go through this alone. That I had to sit in that ultrasound room alone because of the office policy of no visitors. That my husband couldn’t be there when they told me that my baby no longer has a heartbeat and having to make the decision about what to do by myself. I’m pissed that people can go to bars, restaurants and pack themselves into the mall but I couldn’t have someone there to hold my hand while I was delivered news that would turn my entire world upside down. 

It just doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.
I debated even sharing this sine miscarriage is such a taboo topic, but a lot of people have reached out to see if I’m ok and I don’t want to pretend it didn’t exist as well as to let others know that they aren’t alone during this time even when all they feel is alone. 

I took this photo the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping to share it eventually but instead I’ll share it now.
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Follow Me on Instagram
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