Did you buy a single breast pump, and then ended up as an exclusive pumper? Here’s what you need to know to save time when you’re exclusively pumping with a single breast pump.
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Lots of moms buy a single electric pump (like the Medela Swing) when they’re pregnant, thinking that they will mostly nurse and will just need to pump occasionally.
However, if nursing doesn’t work out and you end up exclusively pumping, only having a single breast pump can be challenging.
Challenges with Using a Single Pump
When you’re exclusively pumping, you need to pump many times per day, up to 8-12 in the beginning. Generally, you want to aim for about 120 minutes (or 2 hours) of pumping every day.
That 120 minute number is for each breast. So if you only have a single pump, this can double the total amount of time that you have to spend pumping to 4 hours per day.
That’s a lot of pumping.
How to Exclusively Pump with a Single Breast Pump and Save Time
The best way to save time when you’re exclusively pumping with a single breast pump is to pump on one side while using a Haakaa or milk catcher pump on the other side.
Haakaa pumps are made of food-grade silicone. You can just suction one onto the side you’re not pumping, and it will work on its own to pull out milk. They are very affordable; most are under $15 and some are under $10.
More on how to use a Haakaa here.
You can try out different things to see what works best for you, but I would recommend starting with using your electric pump on one side with the milk catcher on the other side. Then, about halfway through your session, switch sides.
Another option is to use a wearable manual pump like the Elvie Curve and Haakaa Ladybug.
Hopefully, this tip helps you maintain your milk supply while saving time (and not spending too much extra money)!
Do you have other tips for exclusively pumping with a single breast pump? Share them in the comments!
Comments & Chitchat
Marina says
What if I was to some days use the haakaa to save time and other days pump both sides and take 40 minutes? I know that sounds silly but I mentioned your trick and some other exclusive pumpers said no that’s not right. This was before I received your response. I honestly don’t know any better so I went back to pumping one at a time. I lost about 200mls. If I go back to using that time saving trick can I rebuild my supply? I lost 200mls.
Marina says
Hi, when you use the haakaa with a single pump for 20 minutes. Do you mean use the pump for about ten minutes then put the pump on the opposite boob and place the haakaa on the boob you just pumped for another ten minutes?
Sorry if it seems obvious.
I’ve been pumping for the last seven weeks. It wasn’t my intention to be an exclusive pumping mum but circumstances are heading that way. Therefore I didn’t do any researching. Baby is now 12 weeks, and I’ve just realised how many errors I’ve have made that could potentially dry up my supply. Can I build it back up?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi! YEs that’s what I mean.
12 weeks is still pretty early – I do think that you have a good shot to build it back up. I would stick with a strict pumping schedule for at least two weeks and then see where you’re at. Good luck!