Preparing to Pump Breast Milk for Beginners: Here’s Where to Start
How do You Prepare for Breast Pumping?
This article is meant to help new moms prepare for pumping breast milk as a complete beginner.
Did you know that more women now than ever before are choosing to give their babies breast milk exclusively for at least the first year of life?
Did you also know that a lot of women struggle with aspects of nursing and like for me, it doesn’t end up being an option at all?
How do you prepare for something you have never done before, that is actually kind of a weird thing to begin with?
After all, placing a suctioning trumpet on to your breast isn’t something most women dabble with before becoming a mother.
Read on to find out how you can be perfectly prepared to pump breast milk like a pro!
What are Your Pumping Preparation Options?
Let me first say, I have been the new mom who was full of anxiety and felt very alone in trying to do everything the “right way.”
I wanted to breastfeed the “right way” and be one of those moms who’s baby just sat at their breast adoringly in this picture perfect moment, but that is not what went down.
My nursing dreams ended at 4 weeks postpartum.
My baby had gums of steel and after a week of nursing and probably a poor latch (unbeknownst to me) I had a clean gash almost half way through my nipple that caused a horrible bout of thrush for both of us.
I don’t share any of this to discourage you, only to be real and give you all of your breastfeeding options incase you need them.
Because this unexpected breastfeeding turn happened to me, it makes me want to reach out to help other moms prepare themselves to pump before they find themselves in a similar situation.
We do everything else as new moms to prepare for our baby’s arrival, but somehow we skip preparing for the different scenarios of providing breast milk.
I truly can’t think of a more important gift we can give our baby than our white liquid love.
Below are some instant ways you can start preparing right now for breast pumping.
Take An Online Pumping Course
Knowing how difficult of a time I had teaching myself how to pump and provide breast milk for my new baby, I knew I didn’t want other moms to face those same challenges.
Which is why knowing where to find trusted information is so important.
Now you don’t have to be left in the dark worrying about providing breast milk for your baby without knowing what to do!
The Ultimate Exclusive Pumping Class by Milkology is a popular online breast pumping course with step-by-step video modules that teach the practical methods of pumping breast milk.
P.S. Save yourself 15% on this course by using my exclusive code: LOVE15 at checkout!
Select A Breast Pump
Although this pumping preparation tip may seem obvious, the type of breast pump to select may not be.
There are three “types” of breast pumps to consider having, especially if you might be exclusively pumping full-time.
- Hospital Grade “Main Pump”
- Portable/Wearable Electric Pump
- Manual Breast Pump
As far as a main pump option, I recommend a Spectra S2 or S1. I like these Spectra pumps for beginners because they are gentle and intuitive to use.
For portable pumping options, I recommend the BabyBuddha portable breast pump (use my code LOVEOURLITTLES10 for 10% off at checkout).
To learn more about the BabyBuddha, visit this BabyBuddha Breast Pump review post.
A manual breast pump is always a must have for moms, this is a good option and is inexpensive.
Check here to see if you qualify for a free breast pump!
Prepare A Pumping Station
You will definitely want to prepare a place to pump and this should ideally be done BEFORE you deliver baby.
There are a number of must-have breast pumping supplies you will want to make sure you have ready.
You can read all about how to set up your pumping station here!
Prepare Your Partner
Getting your partner involved in your breastfeeding efforts can be a great source of support during the 4th trimester.
You can help prepare your partner for what to expect breast pumping by having them join you in taking an online pumping class.
It would also help to prepare your partner by giving them tasks that they can be in charge of. Such as, washing the pumping parts and bottles.
Your partner may not understand the stress pumping can put on a new mom’s body and mental, so make sure you keep communication lines open at all times.
Why Pumping Preparations are Often Overlooked
I can’t tell you how many new moms I have heard sadly express that when they went to their lactation consultant with latch or other nursing issues they never recommended pumping to them.
Some women even claim that their nurse or doctor scoffed at the idea of exclusivley pumping when it was brought up.
Why are new moms not told that they can breastfeed their babies and give them breast milk for as long as they want without ever nursing them?
Well, I’m here to tell you that you can, and that it is totally doable and sustainable!
Final Words on Preparing to Pump
With a little bit of before-hand prep, you get be confidently prepared to pump breast milk. Whether that ends up being a full time venture or a back-up plan.
An online pumping course like The Ultimate Exclusive Pumping Class, is a fantastic resource to help you get ready for pumping!
Preparing your supplies is also essential. A good breast pump should already be available to you before you begin pumping. This also goes for a proper space to pump in.
Your partner can also get prepared for pumping with you and that support will be invaluable to you.