12 things to do while pumping

When you are wearing a breast pump and pumping milk, it can seem like time just goes by.. A wearable pumping bra is a great tool to get things done.

I have put together a list of ideas, to make your time more productive.

1. Eat & Drink

Pumping is thirsty work and you need to replace your fluids in order to keep production high.

2. Sleep

You might want to rest your eyes and your body.

Don’t worry about napping too long, keep your baby next to you and they will wake you up.

3. Listen

Listen to yourself, an audiobook or the radio. Try to learn something or try to relax. Stay positive.

I don’t want to say binge on Netflix but you probably will.

4. Breastfeed

You can totally breastfeed on one side while you pump the other side.

5. Go handsfree

I wish I had a hands-free pumping bra with my children. You can do lots of things with your tired hands, knit, write thankyou notes for family.

6. Scroll through your newsfeed

You can check your friend’s posts but it might be depressing

Stay up to date on all your friends’ posts. It’s actually nice to get out of your own head for a while and see what other people are up to. Those newborn days are lonely sometimes and just chatting online with people can make you feel a bit more connected. Join a breastfeeding Facebook group, start that Instagram account that you have been meaning to start, create a Facebook page and document your journey through new motherhood or pin your favourite recipes.

7. Take photos

Take lots of photos of your baby. You may not remember all the changes in your baby face and capture those special expressions. It’s been hard work getting this far!

8. Check your nipples are OK

Check everything is ok. No soreness or lumps. Check your nipple is comfortable in the pump.

You might be able to pump more milk by massaging your breasts.

9. Do Lunges

Check your doctor’s advice, start working on your postpartum body!

Do lunges or squats or pump some iron.

10. Work

If you have a job then you are going to have to go back to it sooner or later. Talk to your boss before you even go on maternity leave so that you have your pumping schedule set up for when you come back.

11. Make lists for people to do

Make a grocery shopping list, a chore list, baby equipment needed, items to be collected or delivered.

Anyone who offers to help or steps foot on your doorstep might be a candidate for a chore.  If they come back within 2 hours they can hold the baby 😉