Routines

9 questions to ask before using the fridge hack

9 Questions to Ask Before Using the Fridge Hack

Routines /

If there’s one thing exclusive pumping moms hate most, it’s all those dang dishes! It especially sucks in the beginning when you’re pumping 8 times a day & washing pump parts just as much.  The fridge hack is one thing I used in my pumping routine that saved me a ton of time. What is the fridge hack? The fridge hack is storing your pump parts in a ziplock bag in the fridge between pumping sessions, and washing them once or twice a day. This is a pretty controversial pumping hack, and there is a lot of debate among the pumping community over whether it’s safe or not. I used the fridge hack and it was a total life saver, but it may not be right for everyone.  If you’re worried about contamination when using the fridge hack, then it’s OK to skip it. Don’t use a hack that you’re not comfortable with. If it causes you more stress, then it’s not worth it and it’s not going to benefit you.  If you do want to give it a try, here’s a list of questions you can run through to help you decide whether or not you’re comfortable using this hack. 9 Questions to ask before using the fridge hack    Remember, it’s OK to skip the fridge hack if it stresses you out. But if you want to use the fridge hack safely, I’ve got you covered in my “Exclusive Pumping Made Easy” course.  In the dish washing lesson, I break down everything you need to know about keeping your pump parts clean – including how to use the fridge hack as safely as possible.  Want to learn more time-saving pumping hacks that actually work? Click here to check out the Exclusive Pumping Made Easy course!

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exclusive pumping, exclusive pumping breastfeeding, exclusively expressing, Exclusively pumping, tips for easier motn pumps, middle of the night pumping sessions

Top Tips For Easier Middle-of-the-Night (MOTN) Pumping Sessions

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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!

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how to burp your baby while pumping exclusively pumping

How to Burp Your Baby While Pumping

Routines /

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Copeland, RN, IBCLC So you’ve been thinking about trying to pump and feed your baby at the same time. You’ve seen pictures of other moms doing it, and they make it look so easy. But for some reason, every time you try, you hesitate or something happens and you end up right back in your old routine. If you’re like so many other pumping moms, one of the things holding you back is that you have no clue how you’re supposed to burp your baby while hooked up to the pump. If this is you, then you are in the right place! There are actually FOUR different ways to burp your baby while pumping. So try them out and see which one works best for you and your baby! Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only. You can read my full disclaimer here. 1. Burp your baby sitting up:  The easiest way to burp your baby while pumping is sitting up on your lap. To do this,  Sit your baby upright on your lap, and place a burp cloth on your baby’s lap. Use your thumb and index finger to support your baby’s chin ((not their neck!)) and support their body with the rest of your hand. Lean them forward slightly, and pat or rub their back with your other hand.  Here’s a short video from Eugene Pediatric Associates that shows you how to do this. Variations for “grabby” babies: Instead of having your baby sitting sideways on your lap, turn your baby so they’re facing outwards. Instead of having your baby sit on your lap, leave them in their Boppy or bouncer next to you. Lean them forward slightly, making sure you support their chin and body (as in step 2 above). 2. Burp your baby lying down: Place a burp cloth on your lap. Lay your baby tummy-down on your lap. Make sure you’re supporting your baby’s head and that it’s higher than their chest. Rub or pat your baby’s back. Variation for older, larger babies: Prop your legs up on an ottoman, stool, couch, or bed, depending on where you’re pumping. Sit your baby on your lap with their tummy down on your legs. Make sure that they are supported and that their head is above your knees, so they can breathe. If you need to, you can place one hand underneath them to support their head.   3. Burp your baby over your arm:  This way is very similar to burping your baby lying down on your lap. The difference is that your arm is underneath your baby. You might even be able to stand up if you need to. Lay your baby tummy-down across your arm with their head near the crook of your elbow and their legs dangling on either side of your arm.  Rub or pat your baby’s back.  4. Burp your baby over your shoulder:  If the first 3 ways don’t work for you, you can try burping your baby over your shoulder. This way is easier with a wearable pump that has collection cups that you wear inside your bra, but it’s not impossible with the regular type of pump! Place a burp cloth over your shoulder. Hold your baby up with their chin resting on your shoulder. Then, either move both of their legs to one side, or place one leg on each side of your breast, whichever way is more comfortable to you. Rub or pat your baby’s back. Variation for larger babies: Turn off the pump and unhook one side. Burp your baby and then re-attach your pump. It’s like a mini power pump! Takeaway: It’s actually pretty easy to burp your baby when you are hooked up to a breast pump.  If you’ve tried all 4 ways and still can’t get the hang of burping your baby while pumping, then let me leave you with one last tip… If your baby’s gas doesn’t come out one end, it’ll come out the other! So go try pumping and feeding at the same time – you’re gonna be glad you did! You are doing an amazing job! Sources:   https://kidshealth.org/Inova/en/parents/burping.html   https://norani.com/blogs/blog/3-easy-ways-to-get-your-baby-to-burp   https://milk-drunk.com/what-if-my-baby-doesnt-burp-after-feeding/ https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_j8jqtr2m

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top 10 tips and hacks for freezing breast milk and managing your freezer stash

10 Tips & Hacks for Freezing Breast Milk and Managing Your Stash

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Are bags of breast milk slowly taking over every square inch of your freezer? Are you worried about leaks when thawing? Are you struggling to keep track of oldest vs freshest milk? Then you are in the right place! Here are 10 tips and hacks for storing, thawing, and organizing your freezer stash. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase through these links. Tip 1 :: Don’t let your milk sit in the fridge for too long before you freeze it. Breast milk can be safely stored in the fridge for 4 days. But if you don’t think you’ll use the milk within those 4 days, it’s best to freeze it right away to preserve the quality. Freeze it as soon as possible, ideally within the first day or two, as certain nutrients and properties will begin to significantly decline after that time. Tip 2 :: Avoid putting a lot of milk in each bag. It might sound like a good idea at first because using less bags means you’re creating less waste. BUT you may end up wasting your breast milk.  It’s best to freeze milk in 2-5 oz portions, just enough for a feeding, because thawed milk doesn’t last as long as fresh milk. Once thawed, breast milk is good for 24 hours in the fridge, or 2 hours once warmed to room temperature. So if you thaw more than your baby eats, that extra milk will go to waste. Another benefit of freezing in smaller portions is that it also helps the milk thaw faster, so you’re not waiting around so long! Tip 3 :: Be sure to label each bag with the date it was expressed. This is especially important if you are storing more than just a few bags. This allows you to keep track and make sure you are using the oldest milk first before it expires. Bonus Tip: If your freezer stash grows, you might find it helpful to group bags into “bricks”. This is where you take bags with the same date or similar dates and store them in a larger gallon bag. Tip 4 :: Allow an inch of room for expansion. If you’re freezing in small 2-5oz portions, this shouldn’t be an issue. But if you decide to freeze larger quantities of milk, make sure you leave at least an inch of space at the top. The milk will expand as it freezes and if you put too much in, the bag can burst. Tip 5 :: Remove air bubbles by using the countertop. Seal the bag most of the way, leaving it partially open. Line up the top of the milk with the edge of the counter and check to see if there are any air bubbles. Then slide the bag down to push any extra air out. Seal it when you get to the edge. Check out this video that shows you how to do it. Tip 6 :: Never freeze your bags standing up. It’ll take up WAY too much space! Instead, lay them down so they freeze flat.  To save even more space, you can freeze the bags between 2 cookie sheets. This makes the bags evenly flat on both sides, so they stack together nicely and fit a little better into a gallon ziplock bag. To do this.. Make sure you put the same amount of milk in each bag.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Lay your bags out on a cookie sheet, alternating the zipper direction. Then lay the second cookie sheet on top. Tip 7: Try freezing breast milk in ice cube trays as a low-waste option. If you want to avoid using plastic ((and maybe save a little money in the long run!)) you can store breast milk in a silicone ice cube tray. The Ceres Chill Milkstache freezes in ½-ounce cubes, to make it super easy to measure out the exact amount you need to thaw for a feeding. Tip 8: Create a storage system out of soda can boxes. Cut the top off of an empty soda can box, and line up your bags inside with the oldest milk in front and the freshest in the back. This is an easy way to save space and stay organized.  Tip 9: Thaw breast milk bags in a bowl to catch leaks. Sometimes storage bags can get small tears or holes in them and you might not realize it until it’s too late. To be on the safe side, you can put your bag in a bowl in the fridge to thaw.  You could also use a large Pyrex measuring cup. That way, if it does leak, it will be easy to pour the milk into a bottle. NOTE: Make sure the bowl or measuring cup is BPA-free, food grade quality, and properly cleaned before you use it.  Tip 10: Try the Slushy Method to thaw breast milk and prep bottles for feedings. This genius advice comes from Kristen @bemybreastfriend. To do the Slushy Method.. Fill a bowl with warm water. Place the frozen breast milk bags in the bowl for about 10 minutes, until partially thawed enough so that you are able to easily break them up.  Break up into small chunks. Pour chunks into the bottles. Put the bottles in the fridge to finish thawing. The Slushy Method helps to.. Prevent leaks when thawing. Since you’re only thawing the milk partially, if there is a hole in the bag, it doesn’t matter too much. You may get some drops depending on where the hole is, but most of the milk will still be frozen, and you put the frozen chunks right into the bottles. Save time. You can do this the night before to prep bottles for the next day. Extend shelf life. Milk stays safe in the fridge for 24 hours from the time it is FULLY thawed, so this ensures that your milk will be safe

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exclusively pumping feeding and pumping at the same time

How to Pump and Bottle-Feed Your Baby at the Same Time

Routines /

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Copeland, RN, IBCLC If you’ve been pumping on a set schedule and it’s working for you, that’s great! But if you’re struggling to find time to pump in between feeding and caring for your baby, and it’s causing you a ton of stress, there is another option: pumping and feeding your baby AT THE SAME TIME. In this post, I’ll go over: Why pump and feed your baby at the same time Where to pump and feed your baby What you need to have to pump while feeding The basic step-by-step process Tips and suggestions Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase through these links. Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only. You can read my full disclaimer here. If someone had told me, when my daughter was first born, that I’d be exclusively pumping for the next 15 months, I would have laughed in their face. 15 months?! I don’t even think I can make it 15 days. My baby was slightly colicky, I struggled to find time to pump, let alone sleep, and my husband was going back to work.. on the night shift. How on earth would that even be possible? One day, I was looking through Facebook group posts and someone had mentioned that they fed their baby and pumped at the same time. ((Light bulb!)) It was a little tricky figuring out how to get started, but I remember, so clearly, the first time I tried it. The feeling I felt afterwards was so freeing. It’s like that hallelujah feeling you get when your baby starts taking 2 hour naps. That excited, hopeful feeling of WOW, what should I do with all this time I just got back?!!! And instead of worrying about whether I’d be able to get my baby to go to sleep so I could pump, I was able to actually relax and enjoy snuggling with her. I started thinking, could I do this for ALL of my pumping sessions? How would that work? Would my supply be affected at all? I decided to give it a try, and thank goodness I did! What this looked like for me: I started pumping while feeding when my baby was a little over 4 weeks old. I threw my “pumping schedule” in the trash and just pumped on demand whenever my baby was hungry.  Most days, that would be every 2 hours during the day, and then I’d get to sleep longer stretches at night! I only pumped in the middle of the night if she woke up. ((She started sleeping through the night consistently by the time she was 3 months…. but don’t ask me how I did it. My second is still waking up at 3 years old!)) I did get engorged in the morning, so I added in an extra pumping session before I went to bed to shorten the time between pumps. Once my supply regulated, I stopped getting engorged.  I ended up having a slight oversupply even after my supply regulated. I gradually dropped pumping sessions at certain times during the day and just snuggled her in my arms while I fed her. I became WAY less stressed, and maybe it’s just a coincidence, but this was also right around the time when my baby started crying less. Why should you pump and feed your baby at the same time? It mimics direct nursing: Experts are always suggesting that you feed your baby on demand. You don’t feed your baby on a schedule, so why should you have to pump on a schedule? Instead, you can feed and pump on demand. When you do this, you’re removing milk at the same time your baby is drinking, which is exactly what you’d be doing if you were nursing.  It saves time: When you can multitask by pumping while feeding your baby, you’re combining two time-consuming care tasks. When you don’t have to pump in between feedings, you can focus more on playing and snuggling with your sweet baby. And it helps you get more sleep as well. It’s less stressful: Caring for a baby can be very unpredictable at times. You won’t have to stress about when your next pumping session will be, and you won’t worry about whether you pumped enough times that day. As long as your baby is feeding enough times per day, you’ll be pumping enough times. (See feeding chart below for the average number of feedings by age). Also, if you are trying to increase your supply, it will be much easier to find time to fit in an extra pumping session. There may be less crying: My baby was a CRIER as a newborn. If she wasn’t eating or sleeping, she was crying. Before I started pumping while feeding, if I couldn’t get her to go to sleep fast enough, I would have to listen to her crying while I was trying to pump. Any mom knows how soul-crushing that sound is. And if you’re trying to pump while listening to your crying baby, your stress levels increase, which may lower your output. You’ll have a more natural weaning process: As your baby gets older and feeds less often, you pump less often, and so dropping pumping sessions becomes more natural. You may be more likely to reach your breastfeeding goals: One of the main reasons moms stop exclusively pumping before one year is because of how time-consuming and stressful it can be. I’m pretty sure that I would have stopped pumping way sooner if I hadn’t been pumping and feeding at the same time. Where to pump and feed your baby  On a bed: A bed gives you more space and there’s less chance your baby will roll off compared to being on a couch. This is how I first started when my baby was a newborn. I

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