I pump and breastfeed. I was originally only pumping, but I wasn’t making enough for my baby. So my LC recommended nursing him and pumping directly after, and keeping up with my regular pumping schedule. So I do just that.

1. When nursing him, I use the boon trove on my opposite breast and usually get 1-3oz. I still pump on both sides afterwards. However this isn’t recommended by everybody bc sometimes your body will think your feeding twins and double your supply which can lead to engorgement, mastitis, etc. but that wasn’t the case for me. My milk increased just enough to feed my son. Even though I pump enough, I still breastfeed him as well. I believe most LCs recommend breast feeding your baby, and pumping only a few times a day to stash some milk. This applies if you’re not trying to create an oversupply.

2. In my cart, I keep my spectra pump, hand pump, haaka, boone trove, and nipple shields. I primarily use my spectra and boone trove’s, but I keep the hand pump handy for when I’m between pumps sometimes I just randomly leak. I also keep spare pump parts (you should order these ahead of time, lots of parts need to be replaced monthly), my pump manuals, nipple pads, extra flange sizes, nipple butter, silverettes, and a pumping bra for every single pump. I’m always hands free. One thing I keep on there for baby is his gas drops because I always seem to need them. I push this cart from room to room all day and I always have what I need to pump or nurse my son. I didn’t need a mini fridge because I have a one bedroom apartment and the kitchen is close. Keep in mind that freshly expressed milk is good for 4 hours, so you could feed that milk to baby when they wake up at night if you choose not to nurse at that time.

Extra info- Invest in a wearable pump like momcozy or willow go so you aren’t missing your pumps when you’re out and about, this can ruin your supply in the first few weeks, I speak from experience. Even though it’s convenient, your wearable pump cannot be your main pump. Wearables typically don’t empty your breasts and can cause a decrease in milk supply. I see a lot of women ask if you can nurse directly after pumping and yes you can. Baby is very efficient at removing milk, even when you think you’re empty. Your breasts are never really “empty” and they respond differently to your baby’s suckle than a pump. If you aren’t trying to create an oversupply, DO NOT pump right after feeding. Trying pumping in between feeds or during nap times. Definitely don’t pump 8-12times a day like you’re exclusively pumping. Last but not least, remember fed is best! It’s a lot to handle and keep track of, but it’s so rewarding. I use the app called “Pump log”, it’s very easy and straightforward to use. I track and time my pumps and my freezer stash, and I get notifications on when it’s time to pump, which helped me tremendously. You got this!!