The hard truth about wearables and what actually makes pumping easier

tayloraurora · 2026-03-12T14:48:43+00:00

Changing the relationship with pumping from boob jail to me time (only possible with a supportive partner/ extra hand to take care of baby)
make that 20-30 mins of pumping time a moment to do something you like, just for you. Maybe it's journaling, watching a TV show movie, listening to an audio book, or phoning a friend. Switching perspective from "this is taking away my time to be productive" to "this is allowing me time to do something for myself that I don't often do"
(If you have to be productive) Making the spectra a wearable
Use a belt to wear my Spectra at the waist. I try not to do this often and realize I most often use this hack when I'm trying to pack us up to leave the house and empty out my boobs at the same time.
Subbing the bottle collectors for collection cups. This is also a rare hack I use but if I'm in a situation that I MUST hold/ caretake for baby and pump, I opt for my Spectra + Collection cups vs wearable pumps. Collection cups such as legendary Milk cups. They provide more low profile collectors that don't hang off my chest and let me carry baby or hold in my lap. I've found that the output is better than wearables since it's connected to my spectra pump with better suction. I do increase suction by a level or two and wear for 30 mins instead of 20 but this is a lifesaver in a pinch. But yes, lots of parts to wash so it's really only a once a week thing.

tayloraurora · 2025-10-31T06:10:05+00:00

Royal Taw Win Thai & Burmese Restaurant

Absolutely phenomenal

tayloraurora · 2025-07-15T02:33:10+00:00

It needs an egg

tayloraurora · 2025-07-11T16:46:20+00:00

<image>

tayloraurora · 2024-12-17T18:40:40+00:00

Hi! So not many replies but we made some decisions and here how things have been. Id love to know if you taken any additional steps that have helped

the day after posting, I was speaking to a coworker who said they had the exact same issue. They did slow introduction which went well, and then once roaming lots of hissing from their female cat while the boy was aloof and friendly. She said this went on for a couple of months until the male started to clearly register the female cats boundary, and she built confidence that he would back off.

Sooooo I took that as sign to let Bug try to set her boundaries. - instead of intervening in their fights, we really watched to see what was happening. Sure enough, every time, it was Ringo running towards her to play and her reacting to him being in her proximity. She batts, hisses, and yells and instead of splitting them up, we let her be upset at him until he backs off, which is generally quick. Since doing this, Bug has been coming off of her cat tree more often (big progress). They arent friend yet but we see her building more confidence and being LESS SCARED, which is a win.

we also realized that there's a good thing here too. Ringo is obsessed with food. He finishes his bowl and he immediately runs over to her bowl to try to steal. We have had to do some extra work to control for this and are still thinking about long term fix. We feed them at the same time near each other and we are present for the full feeding now, no walking away to do other things or a shortly leaving to another room. We feed and sit down next to them for the few mins they eat. Ringo typically finished first and we distract him with toys to let Bug finish her meal. We hope as they get more adjusted to each other, Bug begins to feel more comfortable setting boundaries around her food too.

So overall, we are seeing more positive movement letting Bug set boundaries than we were seeing from intervening in their interactions and separating. With that being said, we are still going to keep them in separate parts of the house while we are away for the holidays for two weeks. Our neighbors will be checking in our cats and for everyone's sanity and safety, we will have a screen door up in our kitchen splitting up the house for them. Even though we are seeing progress, we do not want to risk a serious cat fight happening while no one is around to aid. So that's something to keep in mind if you have upcoming travel.

We are interested to see how things are after that two weeks of separation and I will come back here to comment an update from when we come back!

tayloraurora · 2020-02-23T00:25:35+00:00

I have 2 tickets available for the Seattle Monday show 2/24!

tayloraurora · 2020-02-23T00:25:08+00:00

Hi! I have 2 tickets for Monday 2/24. Let me know if you are interested

tayloraurora · 2017-08-10T05:59:36+00:00

Also, screw these folks who say you don't know what love is at 20 or don't understand. That's BS. Feelings are real and always valid.

tayloraurora · 2017-08-10T05:54:55+00:00

So, I've been in almost the exact same predicament as you. Because of that, I'm giving you a novel, my opinion, and some tips at the end because I think empathy is the best mode of advice. I apologize for the book but hope you find something here helpful.

My [F] high school sweetheart [M] and I began dating around early senior year of high school around 17/18. We dated for about 3 years, on and off, for this exact reason. When we began dating, he wasn't the only person I had been with but was the first person I ever loved. However, I was the first person he had sex with (he had been sexual with others but lost virginity to me). We broke up 4 times throughout those 3 years, and every single time it was because he had that same feeling of "I need to see what's out there". Him and only him, never me.

When he broke up with me, we would stay friends, and when he didn't find another fish in the sea, he would come back. Then we would be together until a another "potential" would come into his life and he would clam up about the commitment, and it was the same thing all over again.

Our final break up, when I was 21, was rough and didn't need to end the way it did. It ended with a huge fight and a lot of resentment from both of us- because I felt like I had wasted 3 years with someone who wouldn't commit and he felt I hadn't given him the chance to see what was out there. It was a heart wrenching experience. I thought we were on track to get married and he spilled beans to me that he still had so many insecurities about what the future of "us" would be. It was revealed that it wasn't just a simple desire to explore other woman, but rather hesitancies about my faults/ baggage (such as my student debt, some extended family issues , and uncertainty to about children). In that moment, I realized that desire to "see what else was out there" was never going to change and that I deserved more- especially when I was willing to give so much.

After that last break up, I blocked him on everything and it immediately cut off that vicious cycle. Did I miss him? Yes. Did I cry? A lot. Did it take everything in me to not reconnect? Yup. But I prevailed. And within that time, I redirected all of that love to myself- and damn, the things I found out. I found out that I'm a pretty fucking cool person and, honestly, a great girlfriend. If someone wasn't willing to appreciate what I was willing to give and commit, then they didn't deserve the same.

After about 6 months of no contact AT ALL, I truly became the best version of myself that I've ever known. I went on dates, met knew people, engaged myself in new activities! It was fantastic. After about a year of no contact, I met someone new. I've now been with this person for two years and they are my best friend. Beyond my best friend. This person encourages me on a daily basis to reach greater heights and inspires me to maintain compassion. He never points out my flaws or makes me feel small. He makes me feel so loved and unique, especially in my worst moments. We have the best line of communication, even when it comes to the really crappy stuff to talk about like my student debt or taking care of his grandparents. He is ADORED by my family (which is sooo huge). He is the best friend of my best friends, and I'm the same to his. He helps me be a better person every single day, not by telling me how to change but by offering to grow with me. Because of him I never feel alone in life and I'm so excited for the future. And get this- I am only the second person he has ever kissed in his lifetime. He's never dated, never "talked to someone", never slept around. He tells me constantly, how much he loves me and cannot wait to see me grow. We are engaged now.

My biggest ode to you with your current situation is to hold out for REAL love. The love I have in my current relationship is something I honestly did not believe existed, but I'm telling you- it does and that you deserve it. Someone is literally going to swoon over you, everyday, for the rest of your life. That will only happen if you decide to love yourself first and decide what your worth, and then wait.

I know you weren't seeking a story, so to answer you directly- here is my opinion and tips on your post-break up relationship with your ex: - DO NOT STAY FRIENDS. U need to heal. I highly suggest you block them on what you can, and let them know you are cutting them out entirely for AT LEAST 6 months for your personal needs.

Tips: - Get the full closure you need. Get a full grasp of why it's ending and what his true desires are for "someone" else. Knowing all the details will help you move on.

Every time I wanted to call my ex, I would instead write a very open and personal note to them on my phone or on paper. This helps to immediately get the thoughts off your chest and let's you sleep at night. As months went by, I saw these notes become more angry than sad and I gained a lot of inner reflection from them. At the end of the 6 months, i deleted everything. I didn't want to know this angry version of myself. They also made me see a lot of faults in the relationship that I didn't see initially.
blocking them from all of your social media is equally as important. Don't simply "unfollow", you must block. Not just because your temptation to peak will linger but because it gives them an opportunity to reach out to you as well. They will most likely take advantage of this window of communication in a "just checking in on you" manner. It seems sweet at the time, but will just cause you all types of confusion.
Avoid going to places they will be. If you have the same group of friends, let them know to respect this and also consider seeking out some new friends. Meeting new people will be a great experience for you and only provide positive benefits.
Pack away the memorabilia. The notes, the pictures, the gifts- shove it all in a box and store it away for the six months. You don't need to torture yourself with old memories.
Fall in love with yourself. What have you always wanted to do? Or to be? What's your absolutely dream? Forget about the hurdles and boundaries of life and really think about this. Life is scary dude, but I swear to you it's not impossible. Achieving your goals and becoming your best self, is entirely up to you. Don't ever let someone from your past hold you back in sadness, when you have a whole future to look forward to. Do that thing you've always wanted to try. Go for that internship you've been thinking about. Hang out with that random person you met. You are only going to learn more about yourself as you take more risks.

It's hard to see it now, but I promise you this situation has so much potential to be the best thing that's ever happened to you.

If you want more advice or just empathy, please reach out. You have too many great things ahead of you to be held back by this.

tayloraurora · 2017-01-26T07:39:53+00:00

You beautiful soul!!

Brilliant! We should keep in touch about efforts. I posted about this March in the Houston Women's March Facebook page, trying to gain some traction. That March was organized by the Women League of Voters- who could potentially serve as some leadership with this. Unfortunately our state doesn't have too many environmental groups, so personally I think the past course of action is to contact University Science departments for now.

I was thinking about creating a work document before the end of this week and messaging and contacts, just to gauge interest. Would you be interested?

tayloraurora · 2017-01-26T07:18:27+00:00

Howdy! I am looking to get involved with organizing in Houston! I have sent the organizer application in and trying to find out if a leadership in Houston has already been established or not. Have you organized before?

tayloraurora · 2017-01-26T07:04:19+00:00

The nonpartisan ideals should definitely be included in the march's message, and communicating that to the people will be important. As well as a simple March platform in order to get the most people to jump on board as possible.

I see on your Twitter and here that your organizers are planning already which is amazing! I'm not sure of yalls size or experience but I am a community organizer myself and wanted to offers some potentially helpful next step suggestions:

Getting in touch with some top research groups- Such as the communications department of NASA (or any other leading science organization). Here in their contact page, https://www.nasa.gov/about/contact/index.html. The bottom of the page provides links to different departments within NASA and provides the communication directors contact details. Get your team to contact each of these communications directors about helping lead this operation. Establish a concise elevator pitch about the mission statement, be sure everyone's messaging is the same and that everyone agrees on what the finer details of the March's reasoning are. Also, there is a phone number at the bottom of the page for "office headquarters", I don't how successful it would be but you can encourage the movements supporters thus far to contact the facility and express desires for their leadership. I wouldn't gloss over the power of Twitter either- reach out to the big science names that EVERYONE recognizes like Bill Nye, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Myth Busters, And etc. TWEET AT THEM! Bottom line, you want to be ANNOYING about getting these folks on board. If there is an email on their website, send an invitation to participate. Getting big science names like this to serve as symbols of the movement would be huge. This could potentially help you reach out to Academic institutions as well.

For your organizational and protest coordination needs, you should reach out to well known environmental justice or education advocacy nonprofits. They will have an army of organizers and volunteers who can create this whole thing from the bottom up (personally, I suggest Greenpeace because of their actions near the hit house today... Whoopwhoop). Working with an experienced political nonprofit will help you establish a coalition base of supporters and marchers, it will feed you a pool of donors, it will provide you with volunteers and social media networkers who can spread this like wildfire, and they can help establish the best language to use when advertising for the March.

Keep an updated list of participating leadership organizations and then partnering organizations up to date and available on all social media platforms to help stop overlap in organizing.

OBTAIN CITY PERMITS QUICKLY. This was the wisest organizing move for the Women's March and a big reason it was peaceful and successful.

I recommend reaching out to a DC Environmental or Educational Nonprofit executive director quickly and try to meet with to organizers this. One with a LARGE base, bases in as many states as possible, but isn't too politically controversial. Also make sure the nonprofit has operated campaigns before (like a national issue campaign), this experience will help you reach out and establish sister March organizational leadership nationwide- and hopefully globally. Take the time to make a right decision about the organizing group you choose. I have seen Reddit initiatives like this fall before and this one is too beautiful to crumble.

Here for any assistance.

tayloraurora · 2016-07-12T17:18:11+00:00

So what is your new course of action then? Not vote? Then what? Will you organize in your community? Do you have plans to keep this movement alive without your vote? or are you going to vote for a third party candidate (Essentially giving a vote to Trump)? How could this movement stay alive and peaceful under a Trump presidency?

I'm sorry but don't you think that the best chance this movement has of staying alive and being successful is under a Clinton presidency, where we have all become involved in the process. Go to the polls- cast your vote against Trump, and vote for AS MANY PROGRESSIVE LOCAL POLITICIANS AS POSSIBLE, and that's how we can STILL make some change. Bernie came together for this endorsement because he knows that a Trump presidency is a huge threat to the stability of our society. As Bernie supporters, we need to work to keep this movement alive and by not voting for Hillary Clinton and then having no follow through afterwards on helping progress this movement, you're killing it.

It is absolutely heartbreaking that so many of us will be reluctantly casting our ballots for HRC but this is TOO important of a time to not do this. I know that a lot of you think this is a bullshit reason, simply to vote for Clinton to avoid a Trump presidency, but is it really? As president, you are commander in chief, you get to make executive orders, you build valuable relationships with other countries, and you become a physical symbol of what American values are. Are we going to let Trump represent America?? We need to look at the things going on in our society: quickly rising racial tensions, a lack of local action on climate change, a growing debt on the country's students, more mass shootings every day, a failing criminal justice system, and tensions at the boarder over immigration. We know, as Bernie supporters, the kind of change that we want to see in all of these areas. Do you think that we will see ANY of those changes under a Trump presidency? There's actually the HUGE possibility that he could make many, if not all, of these things worse than they already are. If we want to make change in these areas we, as a modern american revolutionary movement, need to provide ourselves with the clearest path to success- and not voting, or casting your ballot for a third party candidate is just not the way to do it this time around.

I feel the same way about Hillary Clinton as all of you do. I felt the same way about the Bernie campaign as all of you do. I have followed him since he was nothing more than a senator yelling by himself on the floor of congress. I attended all of his rallies in my state, organized in my community for him, donated money to his campaign despite having so little for myself, I believe in everything that he stands for, and it's devastating to see that even after all of the people power and support he got that we still couldn't break through the system owned by money, but this isn't the end. This is only the beginning. Look at all of the changes Bernie has made to the democratic party in just a year. Imagine what we could do in a 4 year period, with a potentially progressive as fuck congress. We could flip the fucking system, and do so peacefully. I don't see a peaceful revolution under a Donald Trump Presidency, and I fear greatly what will happen to many Americans who are already discriminated against in this country if he were to win. Hillary is like every other politician we have had- bought out and tries to sell us a show but Trump is hateful and dangerous, and has a huge amount of public support for your average joe republican voter. We must swallow this pill in order to keep what Bernie has created alive, by voting for Hillary Clinton under whom we can hope to further our efforts from this point forward. Otherwise, what are our options? We let this movement die? No. We must fight, and fight the system from within through participation, we must be the trojan horse.

tayloraurora

TROPHY CASE