Why I Love It: The Two-Pump Setup That Helped One Mom Breastfeed

We’re talking to real parents about the baby gear they just can’t live without, from $30 teethers to everyday essentials and everything in between.

Why did she get it?

As the founder and CEO of organizing and design company Life in Jeneral, Jen Robin knows a thing or two about creating systems that make everyday life run a little smoother. But four months after welcoming her daughter, Delaney, her days revolved around something even she couldn’t time-block: feeding on demand.

Robin had been exclusively breastfeeding and loved the time it gave them together. As she started easing back into work and carving out time for herself, though, she was ready for a little more flexibility. As the founder & CEO of organizing and design company Life in Jeneral, Jen Robin has built a career creating systems that make everyday life run a little smoother. But four months after welcoming her daughter, Delaney, her days revolved around something even she couldn’t time-block: feeding on demand.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve realized is that it doesn’t have to be one or the other,” Robin said. “I can continue breastfeeding in the way that I love while also having pumped milk available when life calls for a little more flexibility.”

For a self-described “Type A Virgo and the queen of time blocking,” feeding on demand had also added a new kind of mental math to her schedule. Any time away from Delaney came with one eye on the clock.

“Even when I would leave the house, I was thinking about when she last ate, when she would need to eat again, and what time I needed to be back,” she said.

Introducing pumping has created a little more breathing room, whether that means staying at the office longer, taking a workout class or heading out for a date night with her husband, Dan. It’s also opened up a part of the feeding experience that the couple can now share.

“Breastfeeding has been such a special experience for Delaney and me, but now he gets to have some of those quiet feeding and bonding moments with her as well,” she said.

Medela Pump In Style Pro+ Traditional

$169.99

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Medela Motion InBra Wearable Breast Pump

$179.00

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Why does she love it?

Now, Robin has two Medela pumps for two different kinds of moments: one for when she can sit down and focus, and one for when life keeps moving.

• A strong primary pump: Robin reaches for the Pump In Style Pro+ Traditional when she has time for a dedicated session at home or the office. “I’ve been really impressed with the suction and how much control I have over it,” she said. “With 16 different levels, I can adjust it to exactly what feels comfortable for me, while still feeling like I’m getting a really efficient pumping session.”

• A wearable for everything else: The Motion InBra fits inside her bra, giving her a hands-free option for the parts of the day that do not leave much room to stop. “It makes pumping feel like something I can fit into my life rather than something I have to plan my entire day around,” she said.

• A more comfortable, customized fit: Having different sizing options helped ease some of Robin’s nerves about making the jump from exclusively breastfeeding to pumping: “I was honestly a little nervous about what pumping would feel like after exclusively breastfeeding for four months, and I’ve been surprised by how comfortable the experience has been,” she said.

• Less cleanup, fewer steps: “I think becoming a mom has made me realize that convenience isn’t necessarily about doing less,” she said. “It’s about making the things you’re already doing as simple and manageable as possible.” It’s something she appreciates in both pumps: The Motion InBra has just three parts to clean, while the Pump In Style Pro+ lets her pump directly into bottles—both small details that matter in an already-full routine.

Who would she recommend it to?

Robin's advice to other breastfeeding moms craving more flexibility: leave room for the routine to evolve.

"I still get all of those moments with Delaney that mean so much to me, but now I also have a little more freedom, Dan can be part of feeding her and I have tools that can meet me in different moments of motherhood," she said.

This article is sponsored by Medela. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.