This post is sponsored by The Care Connection and Motif Medical. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I have been pumping for a little over a month now so I thought I would share my best tips with you!

Read Giulietta’s birth story HERE.

These are some of the best pumping tips I have learned while still nursing both of my babies full time!

I was determined to be better at pumping with Giulietta than I was with Dominic. I figured having a toddler running around this time around, it might be nice to have others be able to assist with feeding the baby! I’m definitely not an expert in pumping at all and can still improve, but I thought I would share my best tips that I have learned along the way.

MOTIF MEDICAL LUNA BREAST PUMP

I learned how to use the Luna by asking the sweet ladies at The Care Connection! They were super informative on how to use the pump properly which has been a game changer in my pumping abilities. I would highly suggest asking a professional about how to properly use your pump, it will make a world of difference! I didn’t do that with Dominic and I had a much steeper learning curve, I feel.

The Luna is very easy to operate. You can choose the different modes for when it switches from massage to expression. This is helpful since everyone is different and your milk will let down at different times so I really like this feature! You can also control the cycles and level of pumping depending on your comfort level. Again, everyone is different so it’s nice to have that customization option!

This may not seem like a big deal, but I love that it keeps track of how long you have been pumping! It makes it easier on me to not continuously stare at the clock waiting to be done!

It’s super lightweight and portable. I can pump pretty much wherever as it takes up little space.

The Luna Breast Pump is very easy to assemble and all the parts come apart so that you can easily clean and sanitize them. It also comes with nipples so that the collection bottles can then be turned into bottles for feeding which is so convenient!

I’m so glad I opted for this pump as it’s been easy to use, has a quiet motor, and it’s efficient!

THE CARE CONNECTION

If you are local to Buffalo, NY, I can’t recommend visiting The Care Connection enough!!! I got my breast pump from here for both Dominic and Giulietta! I honestly wish I had taken advantage of their knowledge and expertise much more with Dominic than I did.

The girls who work at The Care Connection are a wealth of information for expecting Moms! They can help size you for a nursing bra, suggest certain products for increasing milk supply, plus help choose some baby items!

I got an amazing nursing tank that has been worn on repeat lately! It’s comfy and functional! I also got a Nip Stick which has been so helpful for sore nipples. I got some Boobie Bars to help increase my supply when needed and they also taste delicious!

I think the best thing about The Care Connection is their classes! They are so informative and helpful! Happy Baby is great for learning about the 5 S’s, the 4th trimester, and more! I learned a lot about calming a baby successfully through this class!

Another great class is Breastfeeding 101 which would have been incredible as a 1st time Mom! I learned about hunger cues, proper latch, and how to tell if the baby is getting enough milk—so much useful information!

I’m excited to take the Infant CPR and Return to Work: Pump for Success classes soon! I think both will be very beneficial!

You can get breast pumps at The Care Connection through your insurance too!

BEST PUMPING TIPS

• Pump 30 minutes to an hour after nursing, if possible

• Look at your baby or photos of your baby while pumping

• Relax as best as you can

• Talk with a professional about help with pumping, it will make a world of difference

• Wash the parts immediately after use

• Store milk in bags, if you are trying to create a stash

• Drink tons of water throughout the day

• Have extra parts on hand so that you aren’t constantly washing and drying the same ones

• Pump both breasts at once to save time

• Use a hands free pumping bra

• Create a pumping station with all the supplies you need

PUMPING SCHEDULE

Right now, I don’t pump more than once a day. Being that I work from home and my kiddos are with me, I don’t need to have much extra breast milk stored.

I typically pump once a day or once every other day. I will do it usually when John Paul is home from work so that he can entertain Dominic. I would like to get in the habit of pumping in the morning as that is when I have the most milk.

I usually get around 2-3 oz which is perfect for 1 bottle for Giulietta right now. I will be curious to see how much I pump when Giulietta is a little older as she will need more milk at that point.

With Dominic, I never got more than 3-4 oz at a time, so I’m hoping to get a little more than that this time around while using the Luna Breast Pump.

I have a love hate relationship with pumping, but by utilizing these tips, I have found it to be much more enjoyable! I hope they help you or someone you know too :)

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Thank you for stopping by the blog!
XO
-LA

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