“Breastfeeding is a Full-Time Job. Where’s My Paycheck?”

Who would have thought I’ll be switching tequila bottles for breastmilk bottles and that i would end up with. painful raw, sore nipples, instead of my awesome pierced ones. As a type B mom who decided to just go with the flow, I have to say i did not expect breastfeeding to be a full time job (additionally to the other full time job i got aka Mom), there is so much to do for it, plus taking care of a baby, oh wait and if you don’t pump on time you can end up with Mastitis, don’t even get me started with that…

Some of us are lucky enough to have babies that sleep through the night but we still have to get up and pump so we don’t stop producing or again Mastitis (trust me you don’t want to get it), for other moms nights are not so simple; waking up every couple of hours, pump consistently, be a zombie…

Breastfeeding or being a mom is not for everybody and that is totally ok. Breastfeeding also doesn’t look or feel the same for everybody, every mom has a different experience with breastfeeding and we as a society need to normalize that, understand that breastfeeding is not black and white instead is all the colors of the rainbow.

What matters the most is that you, the mom, is feeling good and that the baby is fed, healthy, and happy. Fed is best, perfection is a scam, and you’re already crushing it

The Breastfeeding Reality No One Talks About

Figuring it out how all of it works can take a while, it took me about me a month maybe more, I had to see a Lactation Consultant and you should too. At least one time just so you can understand what you will go through, what needs to be done when is time to do it, how to position the baby, etc.

Understanding how it all works is one important part of this process, but there is another part that not many talk about out and it is the emotional part, that part where mom guilt kicks in, where you feel like crying for spilled milk, where you keep doubting yourself if you are doing the right job, feeding the baby enough, or is the baby even latching?

All these feelings are completely normal but why people are not talking about them? why is there shame on talking about the most natural thing a mother can do and feel with her baby. Realizing that what you are feeling is normal and that perhaps you do need that village everybody talks about to go throught it all, is worth it after all,even when you don’t like it. I can tell you from experience that the village doesn’t have to be physical. I personally didn’t want want help from anybody, people wanted to come visit and I prolongued it as much as possible but you know who became my village, who kept me sane? Meredith Grey and the crew of Grey’s Anatomy, True Crime Obssesed Podcast, and Audible Books. Breastfeeding was peaceful that way, with my personal village not telling me what to do or how to do it. It has kept me sane..

The point is motherhood and breastfeeding are A LOT, both are an emotinal rollercoaster. Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding opprtunity between you and the baby but it is also draining, time consuming, painful, a total pain in the ass but they it all works is absolutely incredible, like when your baby gets sick and you get to kiss it so your body can create antibodies to fight germs through your breastmilk. Fascinating!!!

Pump Like a Pro, Store Like a Boss

If breastfeeding wasn’t already a full-time job, let me introduce you to her evil twin: milk storage.

First things first, stock up on storage bags. I’m obsessed with the ones that have a spout because pouring breast milk without spilling is basically an Olympic sport. And trust me, once you’ve cried over spilled milk at 3 a.m., you’ll never skip the spout again.

Motif Medical Breastmilk Storage Bags w/Easy Pour Spout (6 oz, 100 Count)

Next, you’ll need containers to cool and store that liquid gold. If you’re going back to work (or just want to pump without racing home like you’re in the Breast Milk 500), a good cooler bag with ice packs is non-negotiable. This keeps your milk safe until you can stash it in the fridge or freezer because warm milk sitting on your desk all day? Yeah… no. However keep in minf you can have milk out for 4-6hrs.

Momcozy 22oz Portable Breast Milk Cooler

Breast Milk Pitcher Mason Jar

Now, let’s talk storage times a.k.a. the expiration dates that live rent-free in every pumping mom’s brain. The rules change depending on whether your milk is freshly pumped, refrigerated, or frozen. Below, you’ll find my quick-reference chart for how long your milk lasts based on storage method. Want the deep dive? Download my Breastfeeding Survival Guide it’s packed with every storage hack and guideline you’ll need to stay sane.

All the info I share comes from trusted sources (research, my lactation consultant, and yes, trial and error in my own kitchen). But to keep it simple, here’s where to start with freshly pumped milk:

• Room temperature (up to 77°F): 4 -6 hours
• Refrigerator (32–39°F): 4 days
• Freezer (0°F): 3–6 months
• Deep freezer (-4°F): up to 12 months

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Pro tip: Always label your bags with the date and time you pumped. Why? Because morning milk and evening milk are slightly different in nutrient and fat content, and some babies can tell the difference (divas). Also, PM milk contains melatonin. This is why I also store AM and PM milk separately. Yes, it’s a thing.

And remember: pumping and storing isn’t just about logistics. It’s about giving yourself flexibility, freedom, and peace of mind. Whether you’re back at work, out with friends, or just enjoying a nap while someone else takes a feeding shift you’ve got options, mama.

Amazon Finds That Saved My Sanity

Here are a few things that made the journey less chaotic and yes, these are all on Amazon because Prime is basically my co-parent.

• Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump (for catching the liquid gold letdown)
• Lactation Massager + Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin (clogged ducts be gone)
• Lansinoh Nursing Pads or Reusable Nursing Pads (reusable are not my fave because they chafe my nips)
• Nipple Butter (just trust me)
• Breast Milk Storage Bags (the good kind that don’t leak and they have a spout)
• Pumping Bra (your multitasking uniform)
• Nipple Shield (for when your nipple deserves a break or looks like

Haakaa Milk Collector

Momcozy Warming Lactation Massager 2-in-1

Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin Supplement for Clogged Milk Ducts

Lansinoh Nursing Pads My Favorite!

Reusable Nursing Pads 14-Pack

Momcozy Nipple Cream Safe for Breastfeeding

Motif Medical Breastmilk Storage Bags

Pumping Bra

Medela Nipple Shield

Breastfeeding Isn’t Forever, But You Are

Doesn’t matter how long you chose to breastfeed, it can be 3 weeks or 3 years. Remember that you are more than just milk, your worth isn’t tied to your supply. Plus any bit of breastmilk your baby can get will help, it is your choice when to stop, unless your body decides for you.

Now that you all the tools to breastfeed, kick some serious ass and if you ever need some help or vent email me . You are doing an amazing job don’t ever forget that.

Ps: If you want a B&W printable version of the Breastfeeding Guide click here