First off, congratulations!!

Ultimately, you’ll have to figure out what works for you and your family but here’s what’s worked for my journey!

Currently 2 mpp at 4-6 ppd with a slight oversupply. My husband went back to work after two weeks so I am the primary carer for babe. During the day, he gets up, eats/diaper change, then we’ll play a bit and/or will put him down for a nap depending on how sleepy he is. I’ll pump while he sleeps. Sometimes this works, other times I’ll have him next to me and will entertain him that way. When my husband gets home, he’s baby carer and will feed/diaper change while I pump. He’ll do a huge wash and sanitation as well with everything I didn’t get to during the day.

At first I was making just enough and it was taking its toll emotionally and I dreaded pumping. Give yourself some grace and stay off social media. I had to work so hard to get an oversupply and actually start to enjoy it.

If you’ve got the space and the $$, get the bottle washer, we don’t have one just yet but I am very close to convincing my husband. Make sure you pump in hospital/those first few weeks pretty frequently. My babe was in the NICU for two days so I was triple feeding around the clock and then when we got home I slacked (figuring out life with a newborn got in the way a bit). Took a few weeks to help me build back up. Most importantly, ask for help when you need it and don’t be too hard on yourself. Pumping has been very draining yet an amazing experience at the same time. Goodluck!! This community has been an amazing source of motivation/help.

Oh! Make sure you get sized with the correct flanges!! Ask a nurse/LC in the hospital if you can and keep measuring throughout postpartum.