My Pumping Routine While Battling Postpartum Fatigue
Motherhood is beautiful, but let’s be honest it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. For many new moms in Pakistan, postpartum fatigue feels like an endless cycle of sleepless nights, baby care, and emotional ups and downs. In the middle of this chaos, finding the energy to pump regularly can feel impossible.
I want to share my personal pumping journey while battling postpartum fatigue the struggles, the adjustments, and the small wins that made a big difference. If you’re an exhausted mom trying to balance breastfeeding and self-care, this story is for you.
The Reality of Postpartum Fatigue
Doctors explain postpartum fatigue as a mix of physical exhaustion, hormonal changes, and sleep deprivation. For me, it wasn’t just being tired it was:
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Struggling to stay awake while pumping.
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Feeling emotionally drained.
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Skipping pumping sessions because I just couldn’t move.
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Guilt that I wasn’t doing “enough” for my baby.
And I know I’m not alone. Research shows that over 60% of new moms experience extreme fatigue in the first three months after birth.
My Early Pumping Struggles
When I first started using a breast pump, I thought it would solve everything more flexibility, stored milk for the baby, and less stress. But postpartum fatigue made it harder:
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I often forgot to sterilize pump parts.
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I would fall asleep mid-session.
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My supply felt inconsistent because I skipped pumps.
I even questioned: Is this worth it? At that time, I was using a non-wearable breast pump, which required sitting in one place for every session. It worked, but it wasn’t ideal for days when I could barely keep my eyes open.
Finding My Pumping Routine
Over time, I found small, practical changes that helped me balance fatigue with pumping:
1. Keeping Sessions Short and Realistic
Instead of long pumping sessions, I did 15–20 minutes every 3–4 hours. It was manageable and kept my supply steady.
2. Creating a Rest-Friendly Setup
I placed my wearable pump and clean bottles beside my bed, so I didn’t have to get up every time.
3. Pairing Pumping With Relaxation
I used pumping time to listen to Quran recitations, soothing music, or short podcasts, which made the process calming instead of draining.
4. Asking for Support
When I felt too exhausted, my husband or mother would help by sterilizing parts or labeling stored milk. Accepting help was a game-changer.
Tips for Exhausted Moms Balancing Pumping & Fatigue
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Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect — every drop counts.
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Use a hands-free electric breast pump so you can rest or multitask.
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Stay hydrated — fatigue often feels worse if you’re dehydrated.
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Pump when your baby sleeps (not when you’re most tired).
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Prioritize mental health — a calm mom is a strong mom.
A Message to Other Moms
If you’re reading this while exhausted, know this: you’re doing enough. Pumping, breastfeeding, or even supplementing what matters most is that your baby is fed and you feel supported.
My postpartum fatigue didn’t magically disappear, but having a realistic pumping routine gave me control and peace of mind. It turned pumping from a burden into a moment of care for both me and my baby.
Conclusion
Postpartum fatigue is real, and it makes the pumping journey tough. But with small adjustments, support, and self-kindness, it is possible to continue breastfeeding and still look after your own health.
