In this week’s episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I chatted with my friend Kristen Krahl who is an experienced pumping mama, certified lactation consultant, and the face behind the amazing platform Be My Breast Friend!
Kristen created her Instagram page, Be My Breast Friend to help and encourage parents who found themselves in a similar situation as herself – a new mom struggling with breastfeeding and pumping. This resource became a passion that led her to acquire her Certified Lactation Counselor credentials and the platform has grown into a truly incredible community.
Inside of today’s episode, Kristen weighs in on, well, all things pumping! She talks about what to look for in a pump, sizing, when to start pumping, tips for exclusive pumpers, what to do if you’re seeing a dip in supply, and so. much. more.
Ready to dive in? Let’s do it!
Here’s a peek at what we talked about
- About you, your credentials, mission + platform
- When should women get their breast pump during pregnancy?
- What are some of your top considerations for choosing the right pump?
- What about sizing for their pump (flanges)?
- When should mamas start pumping after birth?
- What about mamas who choose or need to exclusively pump? How should they get started after birth?
- Pumping can feel overwhelming for new moms, what’s your best advice? Where can they turn for support?
- What are your thoughts on mobile pumping (Willow, Elvie, etc.)
- What do you recommend to moms seeing a dip in their pumping output?
- Can you talk about hand expression before birth and your experience with this?
- What do you plan to do/are you doing to prepare for feeding your next babe!
- Final thoughts and advice to expecting mothers
About Kristen
Kristen is a mother to 3 under the age of 4 and expecting baby #4 due in June! She is also an experienced breast-pumping-mama turned CLC. Despite her current knowledge and experience of breastfeeding, her first pumping breastfeeding journey did not get off to the easiest start.
Following her multiples delivery, her daughter was taken to the NICU and her son was not successful at latching. With minimal help from lactation regarding pumping she had only one choice, to figure it out on her own. She later went on to pump for 18 months for her multiples and then again for 16 months for her singleton’s birth.
Kristen’s platform, @bemybreastfriend, was created to help and encourage parents who found themselves in a similar situation as herself. This resource became a passion that led her to acquire her Certified Lactation Counselor credentials.
