I’ve said it before. Pumping is the worst. So, let’s make it more enjoyable. During one of my pumping sessions at work, I compiled a list of a few things that can turn your pumping session into a mini vacation. Now, don’t get too excited, one of the ideas isn’t pumping on an actual beach, but that would make it better.
1. Watch something that isn’t Paw Patrol.
Or one of those YouTube videos where a ten-year-old is opening a bunch of toys. Go ahead, open up Netflix and chose a fun show with some adult humor in it. You deserve it. Seriously, you’ve watched way too many episodes of Paw Patrol.
2. Read a book without pictures.
Or, better yet, listen to an audio book! Audio books are great, because they don’t require a hand to hold the pump and a hand to hold the book and a hand to turn the page. That’s three hands, that just doesn’t work. And, I know the picture I chose for this post is one of me and my physical book, but just know that I fully dropped my pump mid page turn.
3. Listen to podcasts.
Podcasts have taken my 20-30 minute commute to work everyday and my pumping sessions to a more enjoyable level. They’re also great because they don’t require the three hand situation I mentioned above. I tend to stick with the funny or mom-related podcasts over the dark murdery ones that everyone loves. But, that’s just because they would give me nightmares during my approximately four hours of sleep I get every night since I became a mom. Some of my favorites are Gilmore Guys (Or, currently, Maisel Goys, for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Armchair Expert, and The UM Cast.
4. Eat.
Nothing makes a pumping session better than eating a snack that you don’t have to share with your three-year-old. Besides, you need more calories when your breastfeeding, right?
5. Sit and enjoy the silence.
Well, it’s not quite silence, since they haven’t figured out how to invent a completely silent breast pump. They all have that loud whir that slowly drives you insane. But, your pumping session might just be the only time, until your kids go to bed, that you aren’t needed for anything and no one is talking to you. Just sit and recharge for the rest of your day.
You’ll notice that none of my ideas were to mindlessly scroll through Facebook or Instagram. I’m sure you do plenty of that at 3 am while you’re trying not to fall asleep in the rocker while nursing your sweet six-month-old. Try to focus on things that are quieter than the rest of your day, and things that will make your pumping sessions a little more special. Happy Pumping!
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