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How to Exclusively Pump Through Uncertain Times

Sometimes when someone decides to exclusively pump it’s to ensure a healthy, safe, and compatible food supply for their little one. Right now many people are asking themselves, should I keep pumping through this? There are a lot of things to consider including the immunological properties of breastmilk. I talk about deciding to keep pumping during flu season in my book, Pump Like a Pro, a Practical Guide for Exclusively Pumping.

Stress is a killer for Exclusively Pumping. So just reduce your stress…. right? HAHAHAHHahhahahah *SOBS* hahshahahah. This is one of those easier-said-than-done skills when schedules and certainty have disappeared.

People who were pumping at work suddenly find themselves trying to find time to pump while managing children – no easy feat. The logistics can simply be overwhelming.

Ask for help when you need it. Maybe a friend can engage your older child while you pump via a virtual playdate. Hydrate. And give yourself grace.

Practical Issues

Make yourself a pumping space where you can retreat

If you can try and carve a spot out where you can go and pump without interruption. A dedicated spot in your own bathroom, a comfy chair where you set up your gear, a giant sign that says:

It’s time to start streaming amazing shows while you exclusively pump so you can get away from work and home responsibilities.

If you can afford to spend money on a new pump consider a wearable model

Not everyone is in the position to spend money right now, but a wearable pump might be worth it if it lets you continue pumping while managing your newfound homebound duties (cause most of us never planned to be working remotely and homeschooling all while figuring out how to do both without going bananas).

Supplies and Supply

It’s time to start ordering routine supplies if you don’t already have them. Order or buy spare flappers (or valves), bottle wash, bags, spare nipples, and especially steam bags as soon as you can.

Don’t be a jerk and start hoarding things. But do make sure you have what you need for a couple of weeks. My ABCs of exclusively pumping lists many of the things you might want to have on hand.

Focus on Hygiene

If you haven’t established a strict hygiene routine for Exclusively Pumping it’s time to start. Not only is food-safety critical for healthy breast milk it helps us all focus on sanitizing routines as a habit.

Prepare for Disaster

There are three simple things you can do that will help ensure uninterrupted access to your breastmilk.

1. Pump a little extra every time you pump to start building some freezer stash. I never produced much more than my twins needed so I built my stash ounces at a time.
2. Freeze Blocks of ice along with your milk so that you can keep your milk ice cold if you need to move it or if your power supply gets interrupted. Blocks stay frozen longer than cubes. Fill gallon-sized freezer bags 3/4 full and freeze several of these.
3. Get a car adapter and practice pumping in your car. This can both be a way to escape a hectic house (my car is my refuge right now) and a power supply in case of emergency.

And as usual, my bottom line is Your Body. Your Choice.

Breast milk holds incredible properties that seem so very important right now. But what happens when you just can’t anymore. I say over and over again in my book. If it is killing you, quit. It’s okay. I won’t judge you. I will celebrate every bit you pumped and listen as you transition from a major part of your life.

I wrote This Sucks – Pump Like a Pro – A practical guide for Exclusively Pumping to share the things that helped me Exclusively Pump for my twins over 18 months. Make sure to check it out.

Are you exclusively pumping during these uncertain times? Had you planned to quit, but you decided to keep pumping until things settle down? How can we support you during a global crisis? Let us know

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