Coconut oil for pumping: How to use it properly and what are the benefits and risks?

Okay, so, I gotta share this thing I’ve been doing lately while pumping. You know how sometimes it can get, like, super uncomfortable? The friction, the pulling, it’s just not fun. I was getting so sore, and I was dreading every pumping session. I heard some other moms talking about using coconut oil, and I thought, “Why not?” I already had some in my kitchen for cooking, the organic, virgin kind. I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

So, the first time, I just scooped a tiny bit out with my finger, like a pea-sized amount. Warmed it up between my fingers until it was all liquidy. Then I applied it to the inside of the flanges, you know, the part that goes on your breast. I also put a little bit directly on my nipples, just to be safe. And, I gotta say, it was a game-changer!

• First off, it made everything so much smoother.
• The pump just glided on, no more of that awful tugging sensation.
• And afterward, my nipples weren’t nearly as sore.

I’ve been doing this for a few weeks now, and I’m definitely a convert. I keep a little jar of coconut oil next to my pump now, and it’s become a regular part of my routine. I even noticed that my nipples are a lot softer and more moisturized in general, which is a nice bonus. It’s like a mini spa treatment during each pumping session!

A Few Things I Learned Along the Way

• Make sure you use food-grade, unrefined coconut oil. You don’t want any weird chemicals near your baby’s milk, right?
• A little goes a long way. You don’t need to slather it on, just a thin layer is enough.
• If you’re worried about it staining your clothes, you can wear nursing pads. I haven’t had any issues, though.

So yeah, that’s my little coconut oil pumping hack. It’s seriously made pumping so much more bearable for me, and I hope it helps some of you other mamas out there too! It’s such a simple thing, but it can make a big difference in your comfort level. And anything that makes the whole breastfeeding journey a little bit easier is a win in my book! Just grab some coconut oil and try it yourself during pumping!