I hate pumping! Any tips?

[DarlingMe]

I have to go back to work in 6 weeks so I have been pumping a once or twice a week to get a little stash saved up. I really, truely hate pumping! I have a good double electric pump (avent duo) with a hands free bra so I can still type at work. I know I will have to do it when I go back to work so how can I make the experience a little better?

 

[staceyp]

not sre i can help hun it sounds like you have a good set-up actually im quite jealous lol im pumpin away with my avet manual :s

 

[DarlingMe]

Thanks. I had to, it is hard to get a break when I go back to work! So I needed the quickest option possible!

 

[caitlyn2009]

I exclusively pump and bottle feed.. What do u hate about it?

 

[DarlingMe]

Not sure. I just feel useless sitting there pumping and tied to the machine. And the pump hanging off of me... It is just akward. Atleast if I am nursing I am comforting LO or I can carry him and nurse while I put dishes away sometimes or get dinner started. I don't know I do it in front of the tv or laptop to keep occupied. I dont know how you do it!

 

[caitlyn2009]

Well I was going to suggest doing something to distract yourself and make the time go faster but it sounds like you are already doing that. I guess just remember that everytime you pump you are doing it for the health of your LO

 

[Experiment13]

What helps me is a good book that I only have time to read while pumping. So, as much as I, just like you, hate hate hate pumping, I look at it as a chance to read my book. Do something that you find addictive, that can be done when sitting down and limit that activity only to pumping time.

 

[cheese lover]

One thing that's helping me right now is I'm becoming a milk donor. It makes my pumping have even more purpose since any extra goes to the preemies. I don't have a ton of extra milk but here they only require 200 oz of milk donation over a year.
I also use that time to shop for cloth diapers

 

[5ara]

I make little videos of my LO on my cell phone, and watch them when I start each pump session at work. It makes me smile, really helps me let down faster, and also reminds me why I'm doing this!

 

[popat]

I think you have a really good setup (I also use the Avent duo and it's excellent). I wish I could pump in front of my laptop but I have to go to the first aid room and theres no point in setting up a machine in there. I used to need nearly 25-30 minutes a session when LO was about 3.5 months old but now it's more like 10-15 mins, which makes it easier.

I find it really tedious and can't wait to stop but knowing my LO has his milk when I'm at work and I can carry on BF makes it worth while for me.