Hey, Pumping Friend!
Bringing a baby into the world is a wild ride, and while feeding your little one can be a beautiful journey, it’s also exhausting. If you’re the one making the milk, it might feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
But guess what? You don’t have to do it alone.
Your partner or support people have a real chance to shine here! They may not be the ones nursing or pumping, but their support can make ALL the difference. And no, we’re not just talking about ‘holding the baby so mom can shower’ (though that’s important too!).
Here are some of the most meaningful ways partners can show up in the postpartum period:
✅ Be the Pump Part Pro!
Pumping is a full-time job, and the last thing a feeding parent needs after a long day of nourishing baby is to also deal with pump maintenance.
Here’s how a partner help:
🍼 Manage the pump parts. Unpack, wash, and sterilize all the pump parts after each session. If you have multiple sets, make sure there’s always a clean one ready to go.
🍼 Prep the pump bag. If you’re pumping at work or on the go, your partner can help make sure your pump bag is full of all the essentials: flanges, bottles, storage bags, and extra parts.
🍼 Take charge of milk storage. Your partner can label, freeze, or thaw milk as needed so you don’t have to do the mental math. (Bonus! This helps them be more involved and in the know about baby’s feeding!).
✅ Anticipate Your Needs!
The little things add up in a big way. You’re running on fumes, and a well-timed snack or drink can be life-changing.
Your support system can make all the difference when they:🛋 Create a cozy pumping/nursing station, stocked with burp cloths, nursing pads, a phone charger, and your favorite snacks!
🍽 Make sure you’re eating real meals. Between cluster feeding and sleepless nights, it's easy to forget about the importance of nutrition.
✅ Set Boundaries with Visitors. In the early postpartum days, visitors can be both a blessing and a challenge. Some new parents love the extra hands, while others need space to adjust.
Your partner’s job? Be the gatekeeper.
👂 Just listen. You know you’re going through A LOT, and your partner likely wants to do nothing more than help. But we get it—sometimes the urge to fix the problem can be more grating than helpful. So be open with them! If you just need someone to listen, tell them so. Open communication is key.
😴 Protect Your Rest. Sleep deprivation is no joke. Even if you are the one waking up to feed the baby, your partner can still support you by taking over diaper changes, caring for baby while you nap or handling the middle of the night burping, rocking or comforting.
Postpartum is best handled as a team, and the little things your partner does for you add up in big ways. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t hesitate to accept it! You’ve got this!
✨ Want more expert tips on making pumping easier? Follow our Pumpologist series for weekly advice from our resident Pumpologist!
