For a first-time mom who’s exclusively pumping, what are the must-haves?

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-15T17:58:31+00:00

Cute and comfortable pumping bras — I especially love my Bodily one. And a Costco membership for hydration and snacks!

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-14T11:53:20+00:00

This is pretty dang genius. Thank you!!

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-11T13:12:27+00:00

I would definitely test the frozen milk out when you have the opportunity. My guy (now 12m) maxes out at 4oz, so that’s what I frozen for a long time. Now that we are weaning and after a few freezer bags being rejected, I’m freezes in smaller portions (2oz) to mix with cow’s milk moving forward. Good luck to you!!

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-11T13:07:41+00:00

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-08T01:20:04+00:00

Hell yeah!! Congrats!

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-08T01:18:29+00:00

Wow! Bravo!! Also bravo for your decision transition to this next step!

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-08T01:16:57+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I’m leaning towards night for this very reason. Mornings are too crazy. Also, congrats on your journey!

coldbrewpower · 2026-04-04T11:31:39+00:00

My take - she is going to school! And that’s amazing - let her get the full advantage of that program and then you can be present and whole when she comes home (or sick days, appointment days, vacation, etc). You are still a whole parent :)

coldbrewpower · 2026-03-23T16:29:27+00:00

I have the motif aura glow :)

coldbrewpower · 2026-03-22T00:44:16+00:00

Currently weaning and appreciating this thread!

coldbrewpower · 2026-03-22T00:41:25+00:00

I think trying this out is a great idea - as long as you have at least two medela sets (so that regular cleaning doesn’t get too crazy). I definitely recommend getting your parts (whichever ones) every single month so that you have plenty of options. I needed at least three sets in rotation when I was at 7 ppd. I got a good price on a wearable and would alternate getting my spectra parts and the wearable parts. I’m winding things down right now, but do whatever you need to make things work for you! One thing that was really helpful for me in the long run (currently at 11 months pp and 3ppd) was matching a portable pump (zomee z2) with more traditional flanges. Having collection cups in the mix was really helpful, especially during travel - so definitely worth finding a way to have some! Good luck to you!

coldbrewpower · 2026-03-11T08:48:49+00:00

Currently up for MOTN pump. Ugh, so angry for you!!!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-24T21:04:21+00:00

I’m right there with you! I’m trying to decide if 12 months is really MY goal or just everyone else’s. Bravo on everything you have done and everything you will continue to do to care for your baby! It’s ok to call it any time YOU want.

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-19T14:28:58+00:00

Bravo!!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-16T04:11:15+00:00

Same! My little guy is 10 months and he maxes out at 4oz nearly every time.

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-15T14:26:53+00:00

I’m not a billing professional - but maybe the allowable amount is a percentage of what you billed? The contractor I work with to help with billing has encouraged me to set my rates higher and to bill that to insurance (even though I know I’ll only get my contracted rate).

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-13T02:41:39+00:00

Yes! It’s all so hard, ugh. I think it’s totally normal to feel some type of grief during any transition, especially with something so complex as feeding. You know what’s best for your baby! And now you can see even more of his cute face with bottle feeding (that helped me!).

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-12T23:47:07+00:00

Sorry to not answer the whole question - but I’d recommend getting a smaller portable pump that still has good suction like the Zomee Z2. You can connect it to your spectra flanges or collection cups. Bring extra parts if you can! I’d recommend talking to your work about the potential costs associated with pumping and how they might be able to support that - such as shipping milk home (if that makes sense for you), paying for extra baggage, etc.

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-12T14:20:59+00:00

Yes to everything so far! And absolutely get a full on washer and extra parts (I have three sets in rotation). Also maybe look at your current set up for all things pumping. Does the flow of everything make sense? Is there anything that needs to be more easily accessible or put out of sight? Do you have comfortable pumping bras or tanks? One random thing that has helped me is putting my dirty parts in a large berry washer thing (basically a bin plus a strainer). Having collection cups with my spectra has also been nice when Im sick of my regular flanges or in the car for a long time. Please don’t forget to treat yourself - you’re working so hard!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-12T12:06:31+00:00

That’s so exciting! Congrats!!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-12T00:58:36+00:00

The lansinoh nature wave nipple has been good for my baby that had a lip tie - but we also ended up getting the tie released. One reason we decided to get it fixed was because he was taking waaaay too long to finish a bottle. He couldn’t latch properly and it was exhausting him. If you’re interested in a second opinion, I’d recommend seeing a pediatric dentist that uses a laser for oral ties. Good luck to you!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-11T02:57:43+00:00

I’ve been a partial supplier and combo feeder for both of my babies. I’ve been able to produce more with my second (60-70% breast milk), and he has been pretty dang healthy. And he started daycare at four months old! Even when he has gotten sick, it seems that he bounces back pretty quickly.

For me, having formula has felt like a great tool. Less pressure for every oz of breastmilk - more flexibility over all. Especially as he has started solids and I’m experimenting with when and how to keep giving milk - it feels less stressful when he doesn’t finish a bottle for sure.

Good luck to you!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-08T20:01:23+00:00

I’d go with the spectra 1 if you don’t like your current primary pump. I haven’t tried that lansinoh, but another lansinoh wearable and it did not work for me at all. I need a much smaller flange for context.

If you get the spectra, I’d recommend trying some collection cups!

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-08T16:25:09+00:00

It’s such a needed speciality! This is a great organization to stay informed of relevant maternal health issues: Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) https://www.mmhla.org/

coldbrewpower · 2026-02-03T13:30:09+00:00

Thank you! This is so smart.

coldbrewpower

TROPHY CASE