for the pumping mamas:
get a drink EVERY time...you will be thirsty.
make sure you have a stash of collection bottles and bags. you dont wanna run out.
consider a pumping station, the same spot every time in which to pump if possible, makes it routine for you, and for the older kids.
invest ina GOOD pump. i had 3 50$ automatic double breasted pumps with my son and they werent reliable. this time around, spending extra for the medela didnt seem so bad. youre saving an estimated 1500.00$ a year by not using formula not to mention the other costs, so spring for a good pump. my LC recommends Medela Pump in Style and the Ameda Purely Yours.
get yourself some good breast pads and some good creams. Lansinoh and Medela make great lanolin creams, and the first years has a cream lanolin free called Nipple Butter (is made with almonds and but oils...so read the ingredients for sensitivies).
if youre planning to try and go back to breast get a good LC to give you advice and support. it can be rough. my hospital gives unlimited visits for the first 30 days. ask yours!
along the same lines, look at some good breastlike bottles to avoid confusion or preference if you are using bottles. i like adiri, but im also using a medela specialneeds feeder (formerly known as haberman feeder) while we get through the tongue tie. Other options are Supplemental Nursing Systems with tubes and syringes to help baby until feeding@breast can be reestablished.
its hard to use a laptop for typing while pumping, at least for me, so i set my laptop up with netflix. my pumping usually takes me about 20 minutes and then a few extra to cream up and let some bmilk dry on the nips: just enough time to watch an episode of How I Met Your Mother :).
having pumped milk is fine and dandy to let daddy feed some too, but consider having his feedings be at night. and you can give day feedings to bub, so the awake baby knows milk comes from mom. may help when going back to breast if you can. besides, it's nice to be able to hold her close in a breastfeeding position, and look into her eyes :)
set alarms in the nighttime to pump. yes its hard on the brain and body, but your supply will thank you.
pumping doesnt have the same effect on the body as baby, so ask your doctor or LC about fenugreek or Blessed Thistle or Mothers Milk Tea if youre concerned about your supply. but dont try to fix what isnt broken :)
bringing baby in the room with you may help your release of oxytocin, by seeing baby's face :)
have support! I go to a group on Facebook (Breastfeeding-give it a go!) and i talk to those ladies all the time about my concerns and frustrations being attached to the pump. its nice to have support worldwide!
and remember, youre still giving breastmilk. youre making a really good choice in the midst of undesirable circumstances, be it going back to work or school, or a medical reason for not being able to have him or her at the breast. remember your reasons, you are succeeding!
