I remember my first time using a breast pump. You have to understand that with my first born, I could not breastfeed at all. I had plenty of milk but because I was a first time mother, I did not know how to let the baby latch properly which led to soreness and sometimes even wounds. The only solution was to pump.

My mother, bless her heart, had bought me almost everything a new mother needs, including a breast pump. So one night after putting my son to sleep, I put him to bed and decided to pump. I must say it was hard at first but when I got the hang of it, we were good to go.

The only other challenge came when I returned to work after three months. We had or still have a breastfeeding room but it was so bad that I couldn’t even think of pumping from there. The best way out was to always pump on the go. My mother, who is also a nurse gave some useful tips that I think other mothers can also follow:

Find a great bra and pump

Having the right supplies will make pumping on the go significantly less stressful for you. Start by finding a great pumping bra that will allow you to effortlessly and comfortably pump without having to fidget with a traditional bra. The key is to find a bra that is comfortable and hands-free.

Keep your bag packed

As a mother, you know how deeply frustrating it can be to be rushing out the door last-minute and realize you haven’t packed your breast pump bag. It’s so important to make sure your supplies are always in one place. If possible, you may find it helpful to have more than one of everything you need so you can ensure you always have a set of essentials in your bag at all times.

Another important tip to keep in mind is that you should always have a backup pump in case your bra or go-to suddenly stops working. You don’t want to be caught without any sort of pump at all. In addition to spare pieces, you should be sure to pack your pump, a power cord, pump bottles or bags, among other items.

Research

Sometimes, pumping in your car or in a private conference room at work is your best bet for finding some peace and quiet. However, there are plenty of options for quiet pumping spots while traveling as well – you may just need to ask friends or family or investigate yourself.

Be patient and relax

If you are stressed, rushed or uncomfortable, you may notice that your milk ejection reflex is a bit slower, making it more difficult to pump. As much as possible, try to find a quiet space and cultivate an environment that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Bring headphones and play your favorite music or book. It might also help to take as many pictures of your baby on the phone and look at them to help you relax.

Learning how to pump on the go is a process, but you will soon be a pro. It will also help you to keep your baby breastfed, especially for the first six months.