Pump Smarter, Not Harder: A Time-Saving Guide for New Moms

1. Create a Pumping Schedule

One of the most important things you can do when pumping is to create a pumping schedule.

Consistency allows your body and hormones to adjust and produce milk more efficiently at the same time each day.

Developing a pumping schedule is essential for new mothers navigating the world of breastfeeding and pumping. It’s all about finding the best rhythm for you and your baby. 

Begin by observing your baby’s feeding patterns and noting when they appear the most hungry or satisfied.

If you are exclusively pumping, you’ll need to pump every 3 hours during the day, with one longer stretch at night.  

Aim for a consistent schedule, pumping at the same times every day to signal to your body when to produce milk. 

Be flexible and adjust your schedule based on your baby’s needs and your daily routine.

You can read more about creating a pumping schedule depending on your baby’s age here.

2. Invest in a Double Electric Pump

A double pump allows you to express milk from both breasts simultaneously, cutting pumping time in half compared to single pumping. 

This efficiency is crucial for busy moms, enabling them to save time and maintain their milk supply while juggling other responsibilities.

When purchasing a double electric breast pump, consider factors like efficiency, comfort, and portability. 

Look for a pump with adjustable suction levels and a comfortable fit to maximize milk expression and minimize discomfort. 

Most women respond well to an electric pump and it will allow you to pump hands free. Manual pumps require you to actively use your hands while pumping and so you cannot multitask while pumping.

However, it is worth testing out if a manual pump or an electric pump works best for your body. 

Some moms respond better to a manual pump and finish in 10-15 minutes as opposed to 30 minutes with an electric pump.

You can read more about my favorite double electric pump here.

3. Use Hands-Free Pumping

Use a hands-free pumping bra to multitask while pumping. You can read, work on your laptop, or even eat a snack, maximizing your productivity during pumping sessions.

You can also check out some of the wearable pumps which will allow you to have even more freedom while pumping.

You can read more about if wearable pumps are worth it in my article here.

4. Multitask While Pumping 

When I was working in an office, I found that one of the best time saving hacks was to pump while I was driving to or from work.

I was commuting for about 25 – 30 minutes each way, and this was enough time to get in a pump session in the morning and in the evening.

Even if my commute time wasn’t on my normal schedule, by pumping in the car it would buy me a couple of hours until I needed to pump again.

It is important to be safe, and I always would be fully set up to pump. Then, I would cover myself with a large lightweight scarf before turning on my car.

If it was the weekend and my husband and I were driving somewhere, I would typically sit in the back seat next to my baby and pump during that time as well.

You can also try to take advantage of your baby’s nap times or enlist the help of a partner or caregiver to watch the baby while you pump. 

A big way that I was able to multitask was by making my Spectra S2 portable and by using a car adapter. You can read more about making your pump portable here.

5. Optimize Your Pumping Environment 

Setting up a comfortable and relaxing pumping environment is critical for increasing milk expression while reducing stress. 

Choose a quiet, private area where you can pump while feeling at ease. To create a calming environment, dim the lights, play soothing music, or practice deep breathing exercises to stimulate milk flow and reduce stress.

Watching videos and hearing your baby’s voice can help to stimulate let downs, which will help you to pump milk faster.

Make sure you have a supportive chair or cushion to sit on, as well as a flat surface like a table for your pump and pumping supplies. 

Keep water and snacks nearby to stay hydrated and nourished while pumping.

I found it very helpful to have a mini fridge upstairs in my bedroom. This was so helpful and I did not need to run up and down stairs in the middle of the night to put milk away in the refrigerator

6. Keep Pumping Supplies Handy

Something that will help you to stay organized is to keep all of your pumping supplies in one spot. Here are a few tips on how to do this.

Designate a Pumping Station

Choose a dedicated area in your home where you can comfortably pump and store all your pumping supplies. This could be a corner of your kitchen counter, a side table in your living room, or a space in your bedroom.

Organize with Storage Containers

Use storage containers or baskets to keep all your pumping supplies organized and easily accessible. Label each container for specific items such as pump parts, storage bags, cleaning supplies, and snacks.

I found that this cart was useful to keep my pump and all of my supplies nearby and organized.

Create a Portable Pumping Kit

Assemble a portable pumping kit that contains essential items you need for pumping on the go. This could include your breast pump, spare pump parts, a hand sanitizer, nursing pads, and a water bottle.

Stock Up on Supplies

Regularly check your inventory of pumping supplies and stock up on essentials to avoid running out unexpectedly. This includes breast milk storage bags or bottles, pump parts, and cleaning supplies.

Be sure to check out this guide on how often to replace your pump parts.

Prep Pumping Supplies in Advance

Before each pumping session, ensure your pump parts are clean and ready to use. Consider pre-assembling pump parts if you’re short on time, so you can quickly set up when it’s time to pump.

Keep Supplies Close By 

Store pumping supplies in a location that’s easily accessible from your usual pumping spot. This saves time and prevents disruptions during pumping sessions.

Utilize Travel Bags or Totes

Invest in a travel bag or tote specifically designed for carrying pumping supplies. These bags often have compartments and pockets for organizing your pump, accessories, and other essentials when you’re on the move.

7. Store Milk Efficiently

You may find that it is the most efficient store milk in the same bottles you use for feeding. 

I would pump directly into my Dr. Brown feeding bottles and did not use the bottles that came with my Spectra pump. 

For example, if my baby would typically drink 6 bottles that were 4 ounces each, I would fill up those 6 Dr. Brown bottles while pumping. 

If I had any excess I would put it into milk storage bags in 4-5 ounce increments, and then I would freeze it overnight. 

Because I was not constantly pouring from pump bottles into feeding bottles, I did not waste any drops of that precious liquid gold.

I found that I needed an adapter to be able to fit my Dr. Brown bottles onto my Spectra pump. You can read more about different adapters here.

When freezing milk, you should invest in breast milk storage bags that are easy to label and stack in the freezer. This will save you time when storing and retrieving milk for future feedings.

Here is more information on how to freeze milk flat in your freezer.

8. Clean Pump Parts Quickly

Rinse pump parts immediately after each use to prevent milk residue from drying and becoming sticky. This will make them harder to clean later. 

Consider investing in extra pump parts so you always have a clean set available.

Here are some tips on speeding up the cleaning process for your pump parts.

Here is more information on sterilizing pump parts quickly. Hint: Some pump parts can even be put into the dishwasher.

9. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: 

While you are producing milk, pay attention to your body’s hunger and thirst cues, and respond accordingly. If you feel hungry or thirsty, don’t ignore it.

Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals and snacks to maintain your milk supply and energy levels. 

Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, or more if you feel thirsty. Most likely you will need to drink at least 20 – 30 ounces of water more than you did when you were not breastfeeding or pumping.

So, if you were drinking 2 Stanley cups of water per day prior to pregnancy (80 ounces), you will probably need to drink at least 2.5 to 3 Stanley cups of water while producing milk.

Keep a water bottle handy and sip water throughout the day, especially during breastfeeding sessions and pumping.

Keep healthy snacks on hand for quick and convenient nourishment. Opt for nutritious options like nuts, seeds, yogurt, fruit, and whole grain crackers to keep energy levels up throughout the day.

Keeping your body nourished and hydrated can help optimize your pumping sessions and save time in the long run.

This drink was one that really helped to boost my milk supply.

I also found out that I really needed a surprising number of calories to maintain my milk supply. Here is more information on the number of calories you need.