6 Things Experienced Moms Know About Pumping That First-Time Moms Don’t

Becoming a first-time mom is a whirlwind of emotions, surprises, and learning curves. One of the biggest challenges can be figuring out how to balance breastfeeding, pumping, and returning to work. If you’re reading this, you might already be diving deep into how to make it all work. I’ve noticed something interesting: first-time moms often reach out for help after things have started falling apart, while second, third, or fourth-time moms tend to seek support much earlier, sometimes even during pregnancy or maternity leave.

So, what do more experienced moms know that first-time moms might not? That’s what I’m here to explore. Let’s dive into six key things that experienced moms know about pumping and how it can make all the difference in your journey.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

As a first-time mom, everything is new, and that makes it hard to anticipate what challenges might arise. Roxanne, one of our clients, summed it up perfectly:

“Some things I go, ‘wow, I was doing that right the first time.’ And other things I’m like, ‘If I had only known that back then, it would have been so much easier.’”

Even if you’ve researched, watched all the YouTube videos, and gathered supplies, there’s a steep learning curve that you just can’t prepare for entirely. More experienced moms know what’s coming and are quick to ask for help because they understand how difficult things can get if they don’t. As a first-time mom, it’s easy to think, I’ve got this, only to realize months later that a little early support would have saved a lot of heartache.

Pumping is NOT Plug-and-Play

Many first-time moms expect pumping to be as simple as attaching the breast pump, pressing start, and watching the milk flow. But Kelsey, another one of our clients, had a big realization:

“I thought breastfeeding would just happen, and that pumping required putting on the breast pump and hitting start. I didn’t know what I didn’t know the first time around.”

Pumping is not as straightforward as it seems. It’s a completely different skill set from breastfeeding. Unlike a baby, a pump is a cold, lifeless machine that doesn’t respond to your body’s cues in the same way. It requires learning and practice to pump efficiently, from choosing the right flange size to replacing parts regularly. Unfortunately, many moms figure this out after weeks or months of frustration.

Focusing on the Right Things Makes All the Difference

When you’re a first-time mom, it’s easy to fixate on the wrong things. Megan, one of our community members, shared her early postpartum experience:

“I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed successfully after my first pregnancy struggles. But this time, I focused on skin-to-skin, limiting visitors, and cluster feeding. My supply is so much better this time around, and I’ve been able to relax and enjoy this precious time.”

New motherhood can be overwhelming, and you might find yourself stressing about things that aren’t actually the root of your struggles. Many first-time moms obsess over pumping schedules when the real issue might be something else, like flange size or letdown timing. Experienced moms tend to focus on what truly matters, making the journey less stressful and more successful.

Ask for Help Early and Often

One of the most significant differences between first-time and experienced moms is their willingness to ask for help. First-time moms often feel like they have to figure everything out on their own or prove that they can handle it. Experienced moms know better. They ask for help early, whether from a lactation consultant, a pumping coach, or their support system.

Here’s the truth: you don’t get a gold star for doing everything yourself. As one of our clients put it:

“Nobody gives you a medal for dragging your tired body across the finish line alone.”

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart, proactive way to ensure that you and your baby are thriving. There are experts and communities (like ours!) ready to support you in this journey. Don’t wait until things fall apart—ask for help when you need it.

It Goes Fast

This isn’t just a cliché—things really do move quickly when you’re a new mom. From the moment your baby is born, everything happens in rapid succession. You’re dealing with labor, birth, healing, breastfeeding, pumping, building a freezer stash, and then preparing to return to work. There’s always something new to juggle.

Many experienced moms will tell you that they didn’t have time to settle into one phase before another challenge popped up. The rapid pace of new motherhood, especially for working moms, is why it’s so important to set yourself up with support early on. Having a clear plan and knowing where to go for help will save you a lot of stress.

There’s More to Life Than Milk

This one is huge. As a first-time mom, it can feel like your entire life revolves around milk—pumping, breastfeeding, bottle feeding. But as Catherine, one of our clients, shared:

“I had a huge win at work today, and it boosted my confidence. It was the first time since I returned that I felt good about my decision to be a working mom instead of staying home. I’m starting to shed the guilt over putting my baby in daycare.”

It’s easy to get lost in the milk-making phase, but remember: you are more than a milk machine. You have your own identity, your career, and your passions. Milk is important, but it’s just one part of your life. Finding a balance that works for you—whether it’s continuing to pump, transitioning to formula, or cutting back—is key to maintaining your mental health and sense of self.

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Being a first-time mom is an incredible journey, but it’s also hard. And while experienced moms have the benefit of hindsight, you don’t have to wait until your next baby to gain that knowledge. The earlier you seek help, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the challenges of pumping, breastfeeding, and balancing motherhood with your career.

If you need support, we’re here to help. Our Pumping for Working Moms program is designed to guide you through this journey, whether you’re in late pregnancy, on maternity leave, or already back at work. Don’t wait until things fall apart—reach out for help today.

Happy pumping!