How to Multitask While Pumping and Care for Baby at the Same Time

Multitasking while Pumping Tips and Ideas

Are you pumping all of the time?

If you answered yes, you may feel like a prisoner in your home because you’re stuck on your breast pump for most of the day…

I know how that feels and it can be torture at times!

What’s even worse, is when you are stuck on the pump and you’re sitting there thinking about all of the other things you could be doing instead.

Pumping really is a mind game.

In this post, you’re going to get some great tips, ideas and inspiration on how to stay productive while pumping and learn how to master multitasking while pumping.

This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosures here.

What to do with Baby while Pumping

You do have a few options when it comes to caring for your baby and pumping. Idealy, having a hands-on partner to take over baby care while you pump would be the best scenario.

However, many moms don’t have this as an option for most of the day.

How to Pump with Baby while You’re Home Alone

If your little one is still in the newborn stage, you can try and coordinate your pumping sessions with their nap.

A baby swing (like this one at Amazon) is especially useful for this and if you’re lucky – they’ll sweetly drift off to sleep and you can get to business.

I also used to put my little one in her jumperoo with some Super Simple Songs and she was happy as a clam for the 30 minutes or so it took me to finish pumping.

A bouncer is also handy to place baby in next to you while you pump. You can use your foot to keep baby moving and interact with them.

If you’re looking for a baby bouncer, this one at Amazon looks awesome!

How to Pump and Bottle Feed at the Same Time

Bottle feeding your baby while you pump may feel a little awkward at first. In most cases, you may want to try and perfect this technique for late night pumps and feedings.

This way, you can greatly reduce the amount of time you need to be up taking on both tasks. Again, yay you if you have a partner who is willing and able to take on late night baby duty while you pump.

Wear a Handsfree Pumping Kit

A handsfree pumping bra and a cordless breast pump, like the premium Willow pump or this more affordable version is going to give you the best ability to multitask while pumping.

If wearable breast pumps don’t work for you, try the portable BabyBuddha that I have a discount code for LOVEOURLITTLES10. To use the 10% OFF coupon code, shop with this link.

The BabyBuddha is small, discreet and POWERFUL. You can hang it from your neck and still have your hands free while pumping.

Place Baby in a Supportive Pillow

Once you are all hooked up, grab a Boppy Pillow and place this between your legs (or next to you, if that’s more comfortable).

Baby goes into the Boppy and you can bottle feed him like that while you pump. The illustration above demonstrates this maneuver.

Troubleshooting Pumping and Feeding at the Same Time

Let’s quickly touch on some important points that may end up being a challenge for you when performing a feeding while you pump.

How to Burb Baby while Pumping

If you find that baby needs to be burped while you’re still pumping, try putting baby in a seated position in your lap, lean them forward slightly while you support their chin and gently pat their back.

What to do if Baby Wakes Up Starving while You’re Pumping

Your baby may wake up in a frantic hunger-craze and want the bottle NOW. In this case, A favorite pumping hack of mine is to have a thermos with hot water ready to go and your bottle pre-made.

Simply place the bottle into the thermos and wait a few minutes for it evenly heat up.

Prepare as much ahead of time as you can to reduce the time it takes to accomplish each step.

Productive Things to do while Pumping

Would you like to accomplish more than just pumping and priming on Amazon while you’re plugged in to the pump?

Obviously being stuck in one position for long periods of time limits what you may be capable of doing.

However, there are quite a few things you can do while pumping that will give you a sense of accomplishment and make you feel productive too!

1. Start A Blog

I feel as though it’s my duty to list this idea as number #1 on the list. Thanks to my experience as an exclusive pumper, I started this blog.

Pumping is the perfect time to blog. You mostly get uninterrupted time to sit and focus on one task. A blog can be very productive and lucrative too!

If you are looking for a creative outlet that is challenging, yet also rewarding – creating a blog while you pump is a great idea!

If you’re interested in what it takes to start a blog, join my free facebook group, “Interested in Blogging”!

2. Work

You may already have a busy career that keeps you busy enough. If this is the case, you can use your time on the pump to multitask and answer emails.

3. Take an Online Class

This would be the perfect opportunity to learn as much about pumping as you can (while you pump!).

Even the most experienced pumping moms can pick up pumping tips and tricks from the online courses I’m about to recommend.

If you are new to pumping, these courses by Milkology would set you up beautifully for a much smoother ride.

The Ultimate Exclusive Pumping Class covers ALL bases of pumping breast milk in the most detailed manner possible. You will discover techniques and hacks you never would have discovered on your own!
Pump it Up! is Milkology’s quick kick-start mini course on pumping up your milk supply! If you want to grab two of Milkology’s courses, grab this one as your second option. P.S. get a nice discount when you enroll in more than one course at checkout.
The Ultimate Back to Work Pumping Class is all about preparing new moms for the transition of continuing their breastfeeding journey while going back to work an protecting their milk supply.
First Steps to Pumping Success gives you the practical tools and real-life expectations for moms who just want straight forward pumping tips.

4. Make Lists

Some people are list-makers.

Lists are awesome for keeping organized and staying motivated. Use your time on the pump productively by planning ahead and writing out all of you to-dos.

You’ll feel so accomplished after doing this! Check out this daily-to-to list notepad at Amazon I use everyday to stay motivated.

5. Pump While You Drive

Did you know you can totally pump and drive at the same time?

Let’s say you’re a working mom, to be as productive as possible with your time on the pump, you can use your commute to pump on-the-go and in the car.

6. Order Groceries

This is the ultimate luxury of living in the times we do. Online grocery ordering is so convenient and saves us busy moms loads of precious time.

By the way, Amazon is the way to go for ordering groceries!

They give you great discounts on items and there’s usually no additional charges. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member yet and you want these perks – sign up to be one here.

7. Join or Start a Facebook Group

Facebook groups are pretty much becoming the only reason we use Facebook anymore. Use your time pumping to connect with other pumping moms or reach out to other moms in your area.

You could also be a super go-getter and start your own Facebook group on a topic you have always been passionate about.

Find your tribe, mama!

8. Read

If you’re not a big reader or maybe you used to be, but haven’t been in a while, now is the time to let your imagination run wild.

Start a book you’ve been recommended or re-read and an oldie, but goodie.

9. Bullet Journal

Bullet journaling is a fun way to get your creative juices flowing and check off your planning tasks. Take the time while pumping to relax and do some doodles in your journal and come up with creative spreads.

You could also use a bullet journal to keep track of how many ounces you’ve pumped, how much water you drink per day and baby’s daily stats.

Here’s a bullet journal starter pack at Amazon if this is something you think you’d be interested in taking up as a little hobby.

10 Shows to Watch while Pumping

There will be many nights you are up pumping and the rest of the house is fast asleep. This is a golden opportunity to binge-watch some cringey, but great tv.

Not to mention, if you have trouble waking up to pump for those late night sessions, having a favorite show to watch as something to look forward to will help ALOT!

Fleabag on Amazon Prime
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime
The Morning Star on Apple TV
The Crown on Netflix
Glow on Netflix
Big Little Lies on HBO
Younger on Hulu, Amazon Prime
Gilmore Girls on Netflix
Parenthood on Hulu, Amazon Prime
Parks and Recreation on Netflix, Hulu

Multitasking while Pumping Last Thoughts

There you have it, many different ideas on how to multitask and be productive while you pump. You don’t have to feel like you’re pumping your life away being an exclusive pumper.

You may even look forward to your time on the pump now that you have an important mission or goal to accomplish, (other than being a rockstar and providing your little one with expressed breast milk).