Normalising the not-so-glamorous side of expressing milk.
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the most natural, intuitive thing in the world.
But when expressing or pumping enters the chat, things can get… complicated.
Whether you’re pumping to build a freezer stash, maintain supply, return to work, or because direct feeding isn’t possible, there’s no denying that pumping can bring a roller coaster of emotions along for the ride.
Let’s explore why pumping can feel so emotionally intense, and why not loving it is completely normal.
Pumping Is Physically and Mentally Demanding
Wearing a pump multiple times a day isn’t exactly a vibe. It interrupts your routine, your sleep, and sometimes even your social life.
And while wearable pumps like the Mumma Owl make it more convenient, the reality is:
you’re still on the clock and it’s often unpaid, invisible labour.
Add in:
The discomfort or soreness from ill-fitting shields,
The constant cleaning and drying of parts,
The pressure to “make enough milk,”
And the sheer time it takes…
It’s no wonder many mums feel burnt out by the process.
It’s Hard Not to Tie Self-Worth to Output
We hear it all the time “every drop counts” and while it’s true, it doesn’t always feel that way.
When you're expressing 10ml after 20 minutes, it's hard not to feel defeated, especially when social media is full of photos of overflowing bottles.
It’s important to remember:
💧Your worth is not measured in millilitres.
💧Milk output varies wildly based on time of day, stress levels, hydration, sleep, pump fit, and more.
💧What you pump does not always reflect what your baby gets at the breast.
You Might Feel Disconnected From Your Baby
Pumping can feel mechanical. Instead of feeding your baby directly, you're attached to a device. That loss of skin-to-skin, eye contact, and closeness can leave some parents feeling distant or emotionally flat, even when they're doing everything "right".
If that resonates, try:
Holding your baby during pumping (if possible)
Watching videos or looking at photos of your bub (this can even help let-down!),
Reminding yourself why you're pumping, whether it’s for flexibility, health, or bonding later on
Guilt, Grief, and Resentment Can Co-Exist With Gratitude
Here’s the real kicker: you can feel everything at once.
You might be grateful for your pump and the ability to provide breast milk, while also grieving the feeding experience you hoped for.
You might resent being the only one who can pump or feel trapped by the schedule.
You might even feel guilty for not enjoying something that’s meant to be “for your baby”.
You are not a bad mum for having these feelings. They are valid.
They are common. And they don’t make you any less committed, loving or strong.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Whether it’s tweaking your flange size, adjusting suction settings, boosting your supply or just venting your frustrations, support matters.
That’s why we created The Support Nest! A growing library of guides, fitting tips, expert advice and real mum stories to help you feel less alone. And if you need more one-on-one help? We have IBCLCs (lactation consultants) ready to guide you through your pumping journey.
What We Hope You Remember:
Pumping can be tough—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
You don’t have to love every moment of it.
Your feelings are valid. You’re not alone. And you are doing an amazing job.
No one gets a medal for powering through in silence. Let’s start talking about the emotional side of pumping with more honesty and a lot more kindness.
💛 We see you, Mumma. And we’re here for you, every step, every drop, every tear and triumph.