I have heard some crazy stories about where people have pumped: driving down the highway (hooray for hands-free pumping bras!); on an airplane; in a multi-stall bathroom at work surrounded by young 20-somethings who had no freaking idea what you were doing or why, only that it was weird. Ok fine, I was the young and rude 20-something in that story. But for those who are not busy running a marathon and pumping at the same time — yes, some dedicated folks take pump breaks during a long run — it can be a boring daily task where you are stuck alone in a room in a seated position.
Since we’re working with Philips AVENT as they launch their BPA-free double electric comfort pump, we thought we’d share some inspiration for how to use your pumping time wisely, focusing on three goals: treating yourself, being productive, and reconnecting.
Treat yourself
Read a book that takes your mind to another place.
Page through a guilty pleasure magazine.
Play a game or solve a puzzle on your phone.
Save a delicious treat to eat when you’re pumping. (This might break Heather’s very strict hygiene rules about pumping, but I’d do it.)
Play a favorite podcast in your earbuds.
Be productive
Order groceries for delivery.
Plan a vacation, or even just some weekend activities.
Take care of something that’s been on your list — a lost password that’s been stopping you from getting something done?
Go through the photos on your phone and delete the ones that aren’t worth saving.
Make a doctor’s appointment you need.
Reconnect
Call a friend, voice to voice, not just with your fingertips.
Write a thank you note for something you’ve been appreciating.
Email your sister-in-law just to let her know you like her.
Comment on a blog you enjoy.
Call your mom.
How do you spend your pumping time?
Thanks to Philips AVENT for sponsoring this post. We love that they’re trying to make the pumping experience better for working moms.
I watched so much TV on my laptop, with headphones, while pumping. All 5 seasons of The Wire in mere weeks. I can’t even remember what else. Watching that stuff really helped my brain break out of the inner sanctum of being a new mom!
I pump while I am at work on my lunch break. I sit there and eat my sandwich or whatever I brought for lunch that day. I love my pumping bra. It makes it easy to do other things while I use my double pump.
I do my Kegel/”Gymnastique Hypopressive” exercises. It’s perfect since my physiotherapist told me to do a minimum of 15 minutes each day, and that way I get them done at least on week days.