When my husband and I decided to share parental leave, I knew I’d need to reassess my breast pump setup as I prepared to return to work. Working remotely allowed me to continue breastfeeding, but finding the perfect pump was a journey full of trial and error. From trying the Tommee Tippee Wearable Pump to experimenting with the BabyBuddha and various flanges, I finally found my ideal combination with the Spectra Synergy Gold and Maymom Pano flanges. Along the way, I realised how critical proper pump configurations are and why so many mums struggle unnecessarily. This journey inspired me to create The Pump Library to help others find the right tools and save their breastfeeding journeys.

Spoiler: it didn’t. In a desperate attempt to get things on track, I ordered the Medela Swing Maxi off Amazon, convinced it would solve all my problems. What followed was a whirlwind of frustration, hours of pumping with little reward, and the realisation that I had no idea what I was doing when it came to proper flange sizing or pump use.

With some help from a private IBCLC, an osteopath, and trusty nipple shields, things slowly started to improve, but the Medela and I never truly got along. In this part of my pumping journey, I share the ups and downs of navigating pumping as a new mum, what I learned, and why the Medela Swing Maxi wasn’t the solution I’d hoped for.

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a beautiful, natural journey that just "clicks" for every mum—but that wasn’t my reality. From latch issues to milk supply concerns, my journey quickly shifted, and I found myself navigating the world of breast pumps without any preparation. My story begins in the hospital with an Ardo Carum pump, where frustration and exhaustion became my daily companions. From holding flanges by hand to emotional breakdowns, these early days were anything but easy. In this post, I share how my pumping journey started, what I learned, and why asking for support is key. Stay tuned as I recount my transition from the hospital pump to my first personal pump, the Medela Swing Maxi.

Wearable Pumps: Convenience Meets Discretion

In part three of our breast pump series, we’re focusing on the rising stars of the pumping world—wearable breast pumps. These sleek, all-in-one units like the Elvie OG, Momcozy, Pipetta, MAM, and Eufy are designed with one goal in mind: convenience. If you’re a mom looking for a pump that fits seamlessly into your daily routine without tubes or wires, wearable pumps might be exactly what you need

Discover the power and reliability of tabletop electric breast pumps in part two of our pump series. Learn how hospital-grade pumps like the Spectra S1, Spectra S2, Spectra Synergy Gold Duo, and Ardo Calypso can boost milk supply, provide customizable comfort, and offer unmatched reliability for moms. Perfect for home or office use, these pumps are ideal for building or maintaining supply with powerful suction and fine-tuned settings. Explore why tabletop pumps are a go-to choice for many breastfeeding moms, and how they complement wearable pumps for ultimate convenience.

Looking for the perfect breast pump? It can feel like an endless search, but really, it comes down to three main types: portable, tabletop, and wearable. In this post, we’ll explore portable pumps, like the Elvie Stride and BabyBuddha, which are small but mighty, super customizable, and perfect for moms on the go. Whether you prefer the hands-free ease of wearable cups or the classic reliability of plastic flanges, there's a setup for everyone. Ready to find the right pump for your breastfeeding journey? Let’s get started!