[amazon_image id=”B004HWXCJS” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote[/amazon_image]

Pumping breast milk can be very draining.  I pumped milk for three of my kids.

At First

When we decided to breastfeed, I knew that meant pumping because I was still working.  I didn’t think that pumping would be any big deal.  I thought that once I got used to nursing that pumping would come naturally.

Reality

While the actual act of pumping is pretty easy to get a handle on, I was still surprised by a few things.  My work was not supportive.  I ended up pumping in a storage room, not very relaxing.  There were also several times I pumped while sitting on a toilet.   I only had 20 minutes to pump and that included set up and clean up.  While I was pumping I was often thinking about everything else that needed to be done instead of trying to relax.  I was surprised at how quickly pumping  became a “chore.”

Tips

• try to prepare yourself mentally for pumping
• drink lots of water
• make your pumping space as relaxing and calming as possible
• find a great pump (everyone is different, some prefer hand pumps, I had to have an electric pump)
• have a picture of your child to look at while you pump
• remember why you are taking the time and energy to do what you are doing

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