Let’s be honest: breastfeeding and pumping are often seen as a "one-person job." But any Aussie mum will tell you that while she’s the one providing the "liquid gold," the logistics behind the scenes are a team sport.
If you’re the partner of a pumping mum, you might feel a bit like a spectator on the sidelines. You want to help, but you’re not sure how. "Do you need anything?" is a nice start, but by the time she’s answered that question for the tenth time today, she’s probably too exhausted to give you a list.
At The Night Owl, we know that a supported mum is a happy (and less stressed!) mum. Here is your official playbook on how to be the MVP of the pumping journey.
Master the "Invisible" Chores
The biggest hurdle to pumping isn't the actual expressing, it’s the admin. If you want to see her eyes light up, take over these tasks without being prompted:
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The Part Washing: Don't wait for the sink to fill up. If you see Night Owl pump parts or bottles in the sink, wash them and set them out to dry.
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The Charging Station: A wearable pump is only useful if it has battery life. Check her Mumma Owl or V2 after a session. If the battery indicator is low, plug them in for her.
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The Bag Pack: If you’re heading out, make sure the cooler bag has ice packs and clean milk storage bags ready to go.
The "Pumping Station" Delivery
When a mum sits down to pump (or even while she's walking around with her wearables), her hands might be free, but her energy is being zapped.
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The "Big Water" Move: Producing milk is thirsty work. Every time she starts a session, bring her a fresh, cold litre of water.
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The One-Handed Snack: Bring her something she can eat easily, think sliced apple, a protein bar, or the legendary Aussie lactation cookie.
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The Remote/Phone Slide: Ensure her phone charger and the TV remote are within arm's reach.
Manage the "Crowd Control"
If you have a toddler or a particularly chatty relative visiting, your job is to be the bouncer.
- Pumping can sometimes trigger sensory overload (check out our blog on that here!). If the house is too loud or the toddler is climbing on her while the pumps are on, whisk them away for a "special mission" in the backyard or another room.
- Give her 20 minutes of peace to just be.
Learn the Lingo (and the Gear)
You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing the difference between a flange and a valve helps.
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The Storage System: Learn how she likes her milk labelled and stored in the freezer (First In, First Out!).
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The "Out and About" Advocate: If you’re out at a café and she needs to pump, you be the one to scout for a comfortable seat or ask the staff for a glass of water. It takes the mental load off her.
Be the Encourager
Pumping can feel lonely and mechanical. A simple, "You're doing an incredible job feeding our baby," goes a long way. Remind her that her contribution is seen and valued.
The Ultimate Pro-Tip for Partners:
If she’s still using a bulky, corded pump that keeps her stuck in one chair, why not surprise her with an upgrade? A Night Owl wearable pump means she can sit on the couch with you, move around, or even head out for a walk while she pumps.
Ready to level up your support game? Check out our accessories page to stock up on spare parts so there’s always a clean set ready for her next session!
