While I was pregnant I envisioned breastfeeding but that didn’t include any form of pumping. I had already received my Spectra pump through our insurance early on but didn’t think much about it after that. I figured at some point I’d pump some to have milk so Kaleb could feed Camden or my mom when I’m away. It didn’t dawn on me what a pain in the backside pumping would be.
The first time I pumped I had no idea what I was doing. I was still amazed that my body was producing milk. I sat down with my Spectra and pumped one side. Pressing buttons to see how it changed my output. Just a new mom in awe of these discoveries.
It wasn’t until a week or so later that I began pumping more to give my nipples a break from nursing. There was a brief moment where exclusive pumping was a topic of conversation. I dreaded the idea because it involved sitting in one place to pump 15 minutes every 2-3 hours while I simultaneously bottle feed and hold my newborn baby. How was anyone expected to do this?!
Cue Baby Buddha. A couple of IG moms I follow had talked about the Baby Buddha paired with collection cups that sit in your bra as the way to go. Mobile pumping wasn’t something I had remotely thought about but once I saw the opportunity I was delighted.
The Baby Buddha pump is small but mighty! It’s also frequently sold out. I waited a couple weeks before the website had their next batch and placed my order. I also ordered Legendairy Milk’s silicone collection cups. You can read my review about those here.
At first I was intimidated by the Baby Buddha. The suction power is no joke. On my Spectra I typically go up to a 12 but on Baby Buddha I discovered anything above a 6 is too much for me to handle. There’s a couple different ways to “hack” this pump with LM collection cups but here’s how I found it to work best.
Plug BB tubes right into the cups. The end. Nothing fancy. They fit just right and get the job done! When I first used the pump, I used LM tubes instead which didn’t work well for me. I couldn’t understand why the output was so little. I was discouraged until it hit me, “just try a different way, Taylor.” It’s amazing to me that I have retained any brain cells post partum.
As recommended by @bemybreastfriend, I ordered a clip to adhere to the back of the pump so I don’t have to wear it with the strap around my neck. I can clip it onto my pants and continue about my day. I bring this pump with me everywhere just in case I run into a time where I need to pump. I don’t mind nursing in public but I find it easier to bring a bottle when we’re on the go. And for those times, I instead pump on the way to an errand or while we’re hanging with family.
This pump isn’t loud but it also isn’t totally silent. So you will hear those lovely pumping noises. I don’t mind it. I think it’s funny. Especially when I’m visiting with my grandparents. One of them is feeding my son while I’m in the corner just pumping away. It makes me feel accomplished to be able to multitask like that. It’s truly handsfree. The battery lasts a while but I can also plug the cord into my car’s usb when I’m out and about if I forgot to charge it at home.
My consensus? It’s worth the money. Your time is more valuable. The output (with collection cups) is comparable to my Spectra (with flanges).
Have you tried a mobile pump? Was it worth it? We’d love to hear about your experience(s)!
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