When I became Aurélie’s mum, I had a clear picture in my head of what breastfeeding would look like: warm, intuitive, and natural. The reality turned out differently.
Direct breastfeeding wasn’t possible, but pumping full-time was. And that’s how an intense breastfeeding journey began, guiding me for months—at home, during the night, and at work. Pumping wasn’t always easy, but it became my way of caring for her.
In this blog, I’m sharing the products that truly helped me.
1. A breast pump that fits your life
I used the Elvie Stride 2 double breast pump, but only after having a pump consultation.
That consultation made all the difference for me:
- Correct breast shield size
- Proper settings
- And above all: confidence in what I was doing
A good breast is important, but guidance and support are just as valuable.
2. Comfort starts with what you wear
Something I truly underestimated beforehand: a good nursing bra.
A bra that:
- Provides enough support
- Doesn’t dig in
- Works easily with pumping
Makes a world of difference.
For me, it wasn’t a luxury—it was essential to keep going.
3. Take care of your body (your breasts are already doing enough)
Pumping takes a lot out of your body. These basics made it more manageable:
- Lanolin cream
For sensitive nipples and recovery between pumping sessions.
- Breast pads (disposable + reusable)
Essential for engorgement and leaking moments.
- Lansinoh thermal pads
Warm before pumping and cold afterward—especially relieving for tension or blocked ducts.
- Breast shells
To prevent friction and give my breasts a rest between sessions.
4. Storing milk without stress
I used both storage bags and storage jars.
They helped me to:
- Stay organized
- Be flexible between home and work
- Keep mental calm
Less chaos in the fridge = less chaos in my head.
5. The mental side of pumping (and what helped me)
Pumping is not only physically demanding, it’s mentally heavy too. Here are the things I wish I had known sooner:
- You don’t have to enjoy every session for it to be valuable
- Each session does not determine your worth as a mum
- Milk supply fluctuates—and that’s normal
- You can be proud and find it challenging at the same time
- Love cannot be measured in milliliters
On World Breast Pumping Day, we take a moment to think of all the mums who pump: at home, at night, at work, quietly, or with many questions. To the mums who persist, doubt, let go, and start again.
My breastfeeding journey was different than I had imagined. But it became a story of caring in all its forms. I hope these tips and tricks help make pumping more visible, easier to discuss, and reassure every mum: your way is enough. 🤍
With love,
Lien
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