Happy Holidays to You and Your New Pump

Happy Holidays, Mama!

Although your new breast pump might not be the shiniest or fanciest package under the tree, it may well be your favorite.

Actually, if you’ve never used a breast pump before, it’s more likely that the contraption is still in its box, unopened, menacing you from across the room. Hardly a favorite. Unimaginably a lifesaver. Frustratingly complicated with its tubes and funnels and dials and hum bugs!

Take a merry breath and give out a jolly chuckle. Okay?

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when first learning to use your breast pump. So as a holiday ho ho ho to you let us offer a few starting pointers on how to approach your new low-humming, breast pumping pal.

• Millions of women use breast pumps. There’s something reassuring in that simple fact. If everyone else can do it, you know it can’t be that tough to learn.
• Open the box. You won’t become comfortable with your breast pump until you actually begin to handle it. And once you begin to handle it you will realize that it makes sense in its design.
• Read the directions—the paper version or the ones on the manufacturer’s website. You’ll be a great mom. You will become comfortable trusting your gut instincts. But reading the directions never hurts.
• Watch an instructional video. Almost every manufacturer offers instructional videos on their websites. Plenty of social media savvy moms produce how-to videos on youtube. Watch a bunch of different takes and instructions.
• Try it on. You can’t practice pumping before you give birth and your milk comes in. But you can try the pump on so you know what goes where and how.
• Ask your physician or lactation consultant. The experts in your life are there as valuable sources of information. Your physician will be able to direct you to great resources before you deliver and a lactation consultant will likely visit you in the hospital just after delivery. Ask them your questions. They are there to help you.

For other helpful hints read our previously published blog How Can I Get Comfy with My Breast Pump Before I Actually Have to Use It?

Happy Holidays, Mama. You will learn to use that pump and then you will most likely learn that you love it a whole lot. 

*This blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children.