Pumping

What tips do you have for making pumping easier and more comfortable? For example, I have a hands-free bra and I try to prep all my supplies in advance. But, I'm uncomfy when I pump during the night. I hate sitting up but I can't think of an alternative. Well, actually, in the wee hours of last night I tried a sort of modified yoga child's pose, but I managed to spill 4 OUNCES ALL OVER MY BED (ARGH) before noticing. I mean, I felt like a huge, albeit sleep deprived, idiot. It was beyond ridiculous. But I digress. Anyhow, I'd love your tips for how to make it a little easier, especially at night. TIA

 

Does it work for you if you're sitting back in a comfy recliner? I usually had to be leaning forward to get milk out, but it's worth seeing if you can really sit back. Also, do you have a dimmer for the lights, or a nightlight that would give you enough light to see what you're doing, so you don't have to deal with bright lights in the middle of the night?

Sorry, I wish I had more ideas! :hug: I remember those days so well. I always wished that I had a magical futuristic robot pump that would come over and do the job while I slept. :crazy:

 

I wish I had some tips, but I always sat in my recliner and pumped after I fed my girls, and I did the same at night. I really don't know any easier way unfortunately.

 

The only advice I have is to do something to help you pass the time. I used the hands free bra and would read a book (using a little book light) just to make the time pass by faster!

 

I definitely took advantage of the DVR during the night - watching my fave recorded shows, or reading a book really helped.

At night, it may sound weird, but I was so tired, I'd lean forward, and we had a coffee table that you could pull up so that it was higher, so I'd put a pillow or something on it and lay my head down, and nod off a bit while pumping. Sounds sad, but I slept every chance I could get!!

 

When I'm pumping in the middle of the night I'll sit on the comfy chair or even the couch, I'll put pillows behind my head and get the pump all set up, lay my head back and close my eyes and get a few minutes of sleep.. I never turn on a light, we always keep 1 little night light on in the living room so there is just enough light to see what I'm doing...

Good luck!

 

I agree with pp's. I don't have anything to offer to make it easier or more comfortable, but doing something during that time makes time pass quicker. I usually get online or read a book. As much as I dislike having to take away from my sleep time, I like the little bit of time to myself.

 

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I downloaded some iPhone apps to help me pass the time, including a flashlight application so that I don't have to turn on any lights! I wish we didn't have to lean forward so much... seems like the flanges could be shaped differently to make it a little more comfy for all of us.

 

Makes you wonder whether pumps, like bras, are designed mostly by men! :lol:

 

Exactly what I was thinking!!!

 

I leave my pump set up at a desk in front of my computer. So, I pass the time by getting on TS and facebook and stuff while I am pumping. Makes the time fly by and helps it feel like less of a chore. ha.

 

Ive never tried them, but Ive heard lots of moms say they liked the " pumpin pals" they are downward slowed flanges so you can sit up straight

 

Thank you thank you. I purchased and began using these yesterday. They are WAY more comfortable on my breast than my Medela flanges. And I can LEAN BACK! I would give you more appreciation points if I could!

 

So, do they work with the handsfree bra?? I hesitate to buy them (even though Ive heard great things) because I use a larger than standard size in the medela flanges and I wasnt sure about the actual sizing on the pumping pals...

 

Yes, I replaced my 27 mm Medela flanges with the size medium and large Pumpin Pals. Either size work for me and my handsfree bra.

 

Awesome! Now I think I might need to try these LOL

 

Pumping in the middle of the night stinks!!!!! I think that someone someday will become a millionaire when they invent some way to pump while laying down!!! Once when I was pumping sitting up in the recliner I fell asleep with my head tilted back. My husband came in and found me an hour later with the pump still going! What a way to increase supply! Sorry I don't have any better tips!
Shannon