When it comes to breastfeeding, many mothers can agree that pumping can be one of the more challenging aspects. It often requires a lot of gear, can be noisy, and is not always convenient to do outside the home. Plus, it takes a long time, and let’s face it: using a machine to extract milk can be uncomfortable. To top it all off, some moms find themselves struggling to pump even a few ounces, despite having more milk to give.
While there are a plethora of tips and tricks for pumping, one recently shared hack has caught the attention of many mothers, gaining thousands of likes and shares on social media. The simple solution? Cover the pumping bottle with a sock to alleviate the stress of watching the milk levels rise.
Introducing the Sock Trick
Johanna Collins, a Board Certified Lactation Consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland, shared this idea on her popular parenting page. She developed the hack while trying to increase her own milk supply. “I realized that focusing on the bottle was causing unnecessary anxiety,” she explained. “So, I started using a sock to cover it up, and the results were remarkable. Many moms reported pumping 2-3 times more milk when they took their minds off the process!”
Collins emphasizes that stress can inhibit the release of oxytocin, which is essential for milk letdown. By removing the visual distraction of the bottle, moms can create a more relaxed environment, allowing for better milk flow.
Rethinking Traditional Advice
Interestingly, this approach contrasts with traditional advice that suggests mothers should think about their babies while pumping. “For some moms, that can actually bring on feelings of sadness, which can inhibit letdown,” Collins noted. “If watching videos or looking at pictures of your baby isn’t helping, then feel free to indulge in a game on your phone during your pumping session!”
Many moms resonate with Collins’s experience, as she faced her own challenges with low supply. She realized that her anxiety was likely counterproductive to her pumping success. The sock trick not only provided a cute distraction but also helped her manage her stress levels.
Additional Resources
In addition to this innovative tip, Collins’s Facebook page and website offer a wealth of insightful resources for nursing mothers. If you’re looking for expert advice and support, she also offers consultations via Skype for those who may not be near Zurich.
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Conclusion
In summary, if you’re feeling stressed about your milk production while pumping, try covering the bottle with a sock. This clever hack could help you focus less on the process and more on your own comfort, potentially increasing your output.