Getting up in the middle of the night to pump milk for your baby can be tough. But don’t worry! Here are some simple tricks to make it easier. With these tips, you can make those late-night pumping sessions a breeze and maybe even get a little extra sleep. Let’s dive in!
Top Tips to Make MOTN Sessions Easier:
1. Sleep in your pumping bra
It’ll be one less thing you have to do when you wake up. Invest in a comfy pumping bra that you can sleep in. You could also make your own. ((Check out this post on DIY hands-free bras, or download my free guide – Top 12 Game Changers for Exclusive Pumping – for this and lots of other tips & hacks here!))
2. Don’t hit snooze
To make sure you actually get up, put your phone or alarm in a place where you have to get out of bed to turn it off.
3. Pump and feed baby at same time
The sooner you get both of these things done, the sooner you can get back to sleep! If you have a partner or someone who can feed the baby while you pump, that would be the easiest way. If not, check out this blog post on how to pump and bottle-feed your baby at the same time.
4. Sleep while pumping
If your baby’s sleeping through the night but you’re still waking up to pump, you can try sleeping while pumping. One way to do this is to use a hands-free bra, lean over a table, and rest your head on your arms or a pillow. And set an alarm so you don’t sleep for too long!
5. Pump half the time
If doing a full pumping session is too hard, don’t worry about fully emptying. Half a session is better than nothing! Then, make sure you fully empty first thing in the morning. It may take longer than your normal pumping sessions. ((Doing this once in a while is probably fine, but it could cause a dip in supply if it becomes a habit. Also be careful if you’re prone to clogs or mastitis.))
6. Save the dishes for morning
You could use the fridge hack or have duplicate parts, and then thoroughly wash and sanitize everything in the morning.
Your MOTN Pumping Station
Set up your pumping station before you go to bed, so you have everything you need to pump and feed your baby, and so you won’t have to leave your bedroom in the middle of the night. Here’s a little checklist for you.
- Something to look forward to :: Have a special snack that’s only for motn pumps, like cookies, chocolate, or candy.
- Something to make the time go faster :: You could watch a TV show or TikTok videos, listen to a podcast, read a book, or shop online 🤗
- Mini fridge or cooler :: You can use a mini fridge or a cooler & ice pack to store the bottles of milk for feeding, and to store pumped milk until morning.
- Pump parts, cleaned and assembled.
- Pump plugged in, so you don’t have to be fumbling with the cord in the middle of the night.
- Glass of water.
- Bottle warmer if you use one.
- Nightlight, so you don’t have to turn on any bright lights.
I know pumping milk at night can be tough, and it’s okay to feel tired and overwhelmed sometimes. Just know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to make it a little easier.
Try these tips, find what works best for you, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way.
You are doing an amazing job!
P.S. Exclusivey pumping is TOUGH. If you’d like some tips and hacks to make it easier, I’ve created a FREE cheatsheet of the Top 12 Game Changers for Exclusive Pumping. Click here to download it!
