Exclusive Pumping: What to Expect, Schedules and Tips

There is a new trend in breastfeeding called exclusively pumping, also known as EP.

It’s quickly becoming the alternative breastfeeding option for many mothers who want to give their babies nature’s liquid gold, but in somewhat of a less traditional way.

So what is it like to be an exclusive pumper and what can you expect exclusively pumping to be like?

Well, I’m about to fill you in on a lot of what you want to know about exclusive pumping. 

I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the topic, after pumping exclusively for almost 11 months straight. I hope you find a lot of good information in this read.

There’s lots more where this came from!

What to expect exclusively pumping

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What is Exclusively Pumping?

Exclusively pumping is the means by which to provide your baby with breast milk without the act of nursing.

The breast milk is expressed with the aid of a pump or manually expressed and then put into a bottle to feed to baby.

Exclusively pumping is by no means an easier road than traditional breastfeeding. It comes with many of its own challenges and a steep learning curve.

The process can often become an expensive endeavor as well, with all the new gadgets and next best breast pump that promise to get the job done better and faster!

If this is a journey you are considering, curious about or just really need more help navigating through, The Ultimate Exclusive Pumping Class Milkology is the perfect resource for you mama!

This online exclusive pumping course is as an option to help you not only survive exclusive pumping, but thrive!

P.S. If you choose to enroll in this course, Please use my special discount code: LOVE15 and this link for 15% off the already low enrollment price!

What to Expect Your Exclusive Pumping Schedule to be Like

Being an EP mama will assuredly tie you down some. Alternately, you may be pleased to use the excuse, “sorry honey, I can’t go to your mother’s today because I have to pump.” 

Not going to lie, all exclusive pumpers have used the “I have to pump” excuse to get out of those undesirable commitments.

Even so, an exclusively pumping schedule is extremely demanding. You will be pumping around the clock for at least a few months after your baby is born.

Plan on pumping 8-12 times per day until your breast milk regulates. This usually happens for most women around 6-12 weeks postpartum.

Below is an exclusive pumping sample schedule to give you an idea of what a typical day of pumping looks like for a mama who is under 4 months postpartum.

  • 6 am – Pump 20-30 min.
  • 8 am – Pump 20-30 min.
  • 10:30 am – Pump 20-30 min.
  • 1:00 pm – Pump 20 min.
  • 3:00 pm – Pump 20 min.
  • 6:00 pm – Pump 30 min.
  • 8:00 pm – Pump 20 min.
  • 11:00 pm – Pump 30 min.
  • 3:00 am – Pump 30 min.

If this exclusive pumping schedule looks a little like a prison sentence, just know there will come a when you can start weaning from the number of pumps per day and that is generally when your baby starts to sleep through the night.

What to expect exclusively pumping schedule infographic

The Best Breast Pumps for Exclusively Pumping

I have learned the hard way finding the right breast pump for exclusive pumping is crucial to your success as an EP mama!

After purchasing three on my own and one for free from insurance. I now know all breast pumps are not created equal.

I started my journey with a Medela PISA (pump in style advanced). It is a strong and sufficient pump and gets the job done, but not without a lot of discomfort!

If you’re a tough momma and think you can handle this pump’s intense tug, it is a great option.

The other fan favorite of exclusive pumpers are Spectra breast pumps.

I jumped on this band wagon, thinking this would be the pump that would change my plugged-in life. I do love this beast pump, it is a great choice for a hospital grade pump.

P.S. You will find yourself willing to try and buy anything that saves a busy and tired mom any precious time off the pump.

If you haven’t checked through insurance to see if you qualify for a free breast pump and supplies, do so now by following this link!

Cordless and Portable Breast Pumps: Which ones are worth investing in?

Let’s talk about cordless pumps and what to expect exclusively pumping when you’re on-the-go.

According to my exclusively pumping Facebook group, the BabyBuddha breast pump was the game changer for them. One-click buy on Amazon and it was in my hands a couple days later.

If you want to try this portable pump, here is a partnered code for a generous discount!

After hacking the BabyBuddha to adapt with the Spectra Handsfree Cups I had just bought, I powered on.

This little pump was powerful! 

I now knew why other exclusively pumping moms swore by this pump. The portability and freedom it offers is amazing!

As an exclusive pumper, you will want to make sure you have access to a portable breast pump kit that is also concealable. Having a hands-free set up like that will be a game changer! 

Three pin arrows surrounded by hearts.FREE Pumping Schedules!

Exclusively Pumping at Work

For many breastfeeding moms going to back to work and maintaining your milk supply is a concern.

Pumping at work is uncharted territory for most and it can bring on a lot of anxieties for many different reasons.

One of those being the concern of losing the milk supply you worked so hard to establish as an exclusive pumper!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious about transitioning back to work while pumping, I think I can help you ease some of those worries.

The Ultimate Back to Work Pumping Class is a fantastic online course that helps you overcome every concern you have about returning to work while breastfeeding.

If you like to learn online, go at your pace and in your pj’s – this is a great option! Plus, it’s comprise of all video content, which makes it much more engaging and easy to comprehend.

Here’s a sneak peek inside of the course!

Your New Exclusive Pumping Breast-Friend

As I said before, this journey is a challenge! It has taken more determination, research and selflessness I ever thought I could expend.

Pumping around the clock, 24/7 with a new baby is emotionally and physically exhausting. It is hard to put words to or explain properly to our spouse, friends and family what exclusively pumping is really like.

Those of us who have taken on this feat for the love of our little pumplings, can attest that we feel it’s worth it and is no less applaudable than the traditional way of breastfeeding.

I could go on and on about this topic, as I said, there is so much to know and learn. I just barely scratched the surface here on what I have come to know.

My hope is that you feel like you know more now as to what to expect exclusively pumping and have a place to go for the best pumping tips and resources I can find for you!

In Closing

Here’s one last what to expect piece of exclusively pumping advice for you.

By the way, your pump will start to talk to you.

The expression of air and rhythmic sequence will begin to form a repeatable phrase. Depending on your mind set, it can say some insidious things to you.

Don’t let it!

Choose to hear your pump being that positive cheer leader, rooting you on! After all, you’ll be spending more time with your breast pump than anyone or anything else for quite a few months, might as well make it your breasts’ friend instead of an enemy.