Morning Snuggles & My Secret Weapon for a Happy Supply: Willow Pump Love!

Okay, you guys. I just had to sit down and talk about something that’s been making my mornings so much sweeter lately. If you follow me at all, you know my life pretty much revolves around these three little humans – Stella, Ozzy, and our sweet baby Cherry. And let me tell you, those early morning hours? They’re sacred. They’re chaotic, sure, but they’re also just… everything. Especially those morning snuggles with Cherry. :,)

I mean, come on. Is there anything better than waking up to that sweet baby smell, those tiny hands reaching, and just soaking in all that pure, unadulterated baby love? Ngl, sometimes I just lay there and stare at her, and I’m like, how did I get so lucky? It’s truly heaven on earth fr. And honestly, I never want to get sick of these moments. Ever. I couldn’t imagine starting my day any other way. It sets the tone for everything, you know? Like, even if the rest of the day is a total whirlwind of toddler tantrums and spilled milk (which, let’s be real, it usually is hahah), I’ve got that little pocket of peace and connection to carry me through.

But here’s the thing about being a mom of three, especially with a newborn: life doesn’t stop. Even in those precious snuggle moments, there’s always a million things running through my head. And for me, right now, a big one is keeping my milk supply up. It’s something I’ve worked really hard at with all my girls, and it’s important to me to keep going for Cherry. But it can be a lot, right? Like, you want to be present, you want to soak in every second, but you also have to make sure you’re taking care of yourself and your baby’s needs. It’s a constant juggle, and sometimes I feel like I’m just trying to keep all the plates spinning without dropping one. I h8 that about myself hahah, always overthinking.

The Pumping Journey: Been There, Done That, Learned a Lot!

I feel like I’ve been on every pumping journey under the sun with my girls. With Stella, I was super new to it all, trying to figure out what worked, what didn’t. With Ozzy, I felt a little more confident, but still had my moments. And now with Cherry, I feel like I’ve finally found my rhythm, or at least, I’m getting there! And a huge part of that is finding tools that actually work with my life, not against it. Bc let’s be real, who has time to be tethered to a wall for 30 minutes multiple times a day when you’ve got two other little tornadoes running around?

I remember with Stella, I felt so isolated sometimes. Like, I’d have to go hide away in a room, plug myself in, and just sit there. And I hated missing out on what was happening in the living room, or not being able to help Tanner with something, or even just grab a snack. It felt like a chore, you know? And when something feels like a chore, it’s just so much harder to stick with it. I learned pretty quickly that for me, consistency was key for supply, but consistency was also the hardest part when it meant sacrificing time with my family or just feeling stuck.

Enter the Willow Pump: A Total Game Changer (for me, anyway!)

Okay, so this is where my secret weapon comes in. You guys know I’m all about sharing what actually works for me, and this is one of those things. I’ve been using the @willowpump, and honestly, it’s been a total game changer for my mornings, and just my overall pumping routine. I mentioned it in my Instagram post, but I really wanted to dive in a little deeper here bc I know so many of you are on similar journeys.

The Willow pump is a wearable pump, which means no cords, no bottles dangling, no being stuck to an outlet. You literally just pop it into your bra, and you’re good to go. I know, right? When I first heard about it, I was like, is this for real? And it is! This wave is truly the best!! I love using it first thing in the morning especially. It’s usually when my supply is highest, and it’s also when I want to be able to just chill with Cherry, get Stella and Ozzy their breakfast, and just generally ease into the day. Before, I’d have to choose between snuggles or pumping. Now, I can do both. I can hold Cherry, feed her, get her back down for a nap, and still be pumping. It’s wild. It feels like I’m finally getting some of my time back, and that’s priceless when you’re a mom.

How It Fits Into My Crazy Mornings

So, picture this: Cherry wakes up, I feed her, we get some good snuggles in. Then, while she’s still sleepy and content, I can pop on my Willow. I can then go make breakfast for the big girls, help them get dressed (which is always an adventure hahah), or just sit on the couch and have my coffee while Cherry naps on me. I’m not stuck. I’m not missing out. I’m just… present. And that’s what I crave the most right now. Being able to be there for my kids, fully, without feeling like I’m constantly behind or sacrificing one thing for another. It’s such a relief, tbh.

I feel like it’s helped me so much with keeping my supply up bc I’m actually able to pump consistently. Before, if I was busy, or if one of the girls needed me, I’d sometimes push back a pumping session, and then that would impact things. But with the Willow, it’s just so much easier to fit it in. It’s like, oh, I’m making lunch? Pumping. Doing laundry? Pumping. Chasing a toddler? Pumping! Okay, maybe not that last one hahah, but you get the idea. It just integrates into my life so much better.

Tips for a Happy Pumping Journey (from one mom to another!)

Okay, so beyond finding a pump that works for you, here are a few other things I’ve learned on this journey that have helped me keep my supply up and my sanity intact:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Seriously, I know everyone says it, but it’s true. I try to keep a water bottle with me literally all the time. If I’m not drinking enough, I notice it almost immediately in my supply. Tanner is always reminding me to drink more water, he’s my best hype man for that!
• Eat Enough Good Food: This one is harder for me sometimes bc I’m always on the go, but I try to make sure I’m getting enough calories and nutrient-dense foods. Smoothies are my best friend for this – I can pack so much good stuff in there.
• Don’t Stress (Easier Said Than Done, I Know!): Stress is a supply killer, you guys. I’ve seen it happen. So I try to find little moments of calm, even if it’s just five minutes of quiet while the girls are napping, or a quick shower. Anything to just reset.
• Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s journey is different. What works for one mom might not work for another. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you feel like your supply is dipping, try adding an extra pump session, or focusing on hydration and rest.
• Find Your Tribe: This is so important for everything in motherhood, but especially for things like breastfeeding and pumping. Having friends who get it, who can offer advice or just a listening ear, is everything. My mom was a single mom and she worked so hard, I’m so grateful for her example, and she always reminds me that I’m doing great.

At the end of the day, whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or a combination of everything, you’re doing an amazing job. Motherhood is hard, and we all just need to find what works best for us and our families. For me, right now, it’s those morning snuggles, my coffee, and my Willow pump helping me keep all the plates spinning. :,) I love this so much.

What are your favorite pumping tips or things that have made your mornings easier? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing from you guys. Sending all my love! ❤