I’ve been turning this over in my head for a few weeks now and thought I’d reach out for some collective wisdom.
With my fourth, Benjamin, now 3 months old, I’m trying to figure out the logistics of pumping more regularly. I’m on my own with him, my 2-year-old Cassidy, and my 4-year-old twins, Emily and Rowan. My goal isn’t necessarily to exclusively pump, but to build a small freezer stash for those just-in-case moments and to have a bit more flexibility. The sheer logistics of being tethered to a baby or a pump with three other little ones running around feels like a major hurdle.
My biggest challenge is finding the time and space. Every time I think about setting up, one of the twins needs a snack, or my toddler decides the pump tubing is the most fascinating toy she’s ever seen. I’m constantly explaining what the ‘machine à lait’ is in both English and French! Then there’s the mental load of washing and sterilizing all the parts on top of a mountain of other dishes. It feels like one more complex task on an already full plate.
So, I’m turning to you all. For those who have pumped with multiple children, how did you make it work? Are there any game-changing but budget-friendly pumps or accessories you swear by? Any hacks for quick cleaning? Or even just strategies for communicating to toddlers that “mommy needs 15 minutes of quiet time” that actually work? I’m determined to figure out a system that works for us. Thanks in advance for any advice!