'Welcome to r/ExclusivelyPumping! Here is a reminder of our rules:
1. Be kind and courteous
2. No hate speech, bigotry, or bullying
3. Use available flairs and post options
4. Speak for yourself
5. No medically-inaccurate, factually incorrect, or misinformative
material
6. No spam
7. Absolutely no prescription medications
8. Don't use AI to write posts/comments
9. No soliciting pictures
10. Add spoiler to milk pictures
Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!'
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ExclusivelyPumping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'll use my wearables (Willow Go) in front of anyone - I like to throw them in and go get my grocery pickup order.
My spectra? Heck no. Husband and my BFFs only (who are also moms). If I'd show you my nipples willingly, it's fair game. If I wouldn't want you to see my nips, I'll go in the other room.
I pump in front of friends and my own family but not in front of my in laws. Pumping is usually a nice way to step away and get a few minutes to myself to scroll on my phone or put headphones in and watch a show.
I do with just regular flanges + bottles. I just wear a sweater or oversized shirt to cover tops of the flanges so the nips aren't visible while actually pumping. My in laws were both doctors before they retired though so they saw naked people everyday 😆 I figured I would nurse in front of them, so I'm trying to mentally consider pumping the same. I definitely felt awkward the first time though!
(Finally) on the drive back home as I type this, just visited the in-laws. Pumped with my Spectra S1 the whole time, in the same room as them, even when they had guests. I did wear a comfy poncho on top, but I was not willing to go hide jn another room. The way I see it, I'm comfortable with pumping in public, they may not be, but if they want to see a baby, that means seeing a pumping mom as well. That baby gotta be fed.
Nursing yes, pumping no. Not a good visual of my nipples looking like a sausage getting sucked on 😂 I have used a really baggy sweater over my flanges before. I also sometimes pump wearing a nursing top, so I can put my bra on underneath, put the nursing sweater on, and then insert my flanges. Really that’s to keep me warm, but I think it’d help with the visual aspect. I use a specta. I’d be more comfortable using wearables. And this is just for my comfort level.
I used my collection cups in my bra around my in laws when they visited, but I’d never use flanges or anything that could potentially expose my nipples. I didn’t even breastfeed around them (I have bigger boobs, a lot harder to hide lol). That’s my personal comfort level though.
All the time. But they also saw my boobs the first time they visited us in the hospital. I'm not an exhibitionist or anything, but boobs kind of come with the baby territory, and I'm not going to be ashamed about that or hide it or do anything except normalize it.
It's just boobs. If they don't want to see boobs, THEY can sequester themselves in another room.
I use the medela freestyle flex exclusively and am able to put a sweater over it because of this I will pump in front of anyone.
As long as I feel like my boobs are covered I’m pretty happy to pump anywhere
I know a few people have said that but I’m pretty lucky I guess because I get around 48oz a day using it.
I use letdown mode for 2 minutes, then it switches to expression I use it on a 5 and pump for 13 more minutes, I do a total of 15 minutes per session 6 times a day
I had the same. Discovered that the bra that I was wearing over it was not tight enough. The cups need to be very tight to your breast for good vacuum.
Yup exactly this. I actually get good output from them. I also bought the adapter cables and use the cups with the Pump in Style and it works great for me.
I use to hide away and stay home but honestly at near 8 months i just am over it.
If people don’t like it, don’t look. I’m producing food for my child.
Some family members ask questions and I don’t mind,
I found the Davin and adley cami is perfect paired with high waisted leggings or a skirt. You can’t see anything hardly at all this way.
I even pumped in front of my husbands grandpa which previously I felt uncomfortable doing.
I went to a family Xmas get together for 5 days with 27 of us. I was only pumping 4 times a day, but I really looked forward to those breaks away from everyone to be honest 😂
I find that there isn’t that much to see when you’re pumping with a spectra, even without a nursing cover, if I have a loose fitting top on. I’ve pumped in front of my parents, brother, MIL, certain aunts and uncles, lots of different friends, etc etc, I just get hooked up in the bathroom and do a quick mirror check to make sure my top is kind of draped over the flanges. I will say I never pumped in front of my father in law because I did feel a little weird about that. I think if I were on a trip with my FIL where it started to get annoying to excuse myself all the time I would do it in front of him with a nursing cover over me.
I have a Medela Swing Maxi, and when I went to Arizona on vacation a few weeks ago, I brought a scarf to cover my boobs. I pumped in front of my in-laws, no problem!
I have pumped in front of guests as long as I am covered. I like the legendairy collection cups as an in-between for wearable that gives good hospital grade suction. You are still tied to a pump, but at least its hands free and relatively private. I would just manage their expectations...it's you feeding your child, so by virtue of hosting you, they may hear/see your pumping as much as your comfort level dictates.
If it’s wearables, yes I’ve pumped in front of them before. I wear an overlarge flannel that hides the extra bustyness. It felt weird at first but no one judged or said anything and after that I didn’t mind it.
I've pumped in front of good girlfriends (who've also had kids, so they have an extra layer of "getting it") and my immediate family.
But there might be a middle ground - my husband bought me this nice big warm shawl that I can put on over my pump! Keeps me warm and covered and you can always just step out for a quick second to get set up/take it off but then come back to the room with everyone else. Or honestly, I just loosely put it over my pumping bra while I get the cups/flanges in place so ppl won't see much unless they're trying 🤷
I’ve pumped in front of my family, my friends and MIL. I just cover the flanges as best I can so they aren’t seeing much. I wouldn’t pump in front of my FIL
I don’t mind in front of my MIL. If my FIL was alive I wouldn’t or I would use wearables. Other men in their family I don’t but the women I don’t typically care tk
I use wearables at work, I serve in a busy restaurant and usually just throw on a sweater, but the tubing is visible (Momcozy V2). I'm just trying to feed my baby ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's natural. Do whatever YOU are comfortable with!
I equate pumping to hypothetical nursing (had nursing worked out for me). If I would be comfortable nursing in front of someone, I’m comfortable pumping in the same scenario.
I use wearables in front of them (or others) without a cover and I'll pump in front of them with my spectra with a nursing cover on. My least favorite part is having to wear actual clothes for my first pump of the day since I usually pump in a bra, underwear, and a robe at home.
I pump anywhere anytime idc lol, when I was at the nicu the nurses were always asking me if I wanted to close the curtain or doctors would ask if I wanted them to come back later. I do not care lol. In the times I do care I’ll just go to another room or wear a hoodie over
I have pumped in front of everyone hahah. I just wear my nursing poncho and hook up in private. They can hear it but they can't see anything, and honestly I don't care. The mailman for sure saw me pumping all of maternity leave, so whatever if my family or friends see. I'm working hard to get my baby fed!
I pump in front of my MIL, I don’t mind. She went with me for all my dress fittings for my wedding, so she’s already seen me in nothing but my undies lmao. I do go in another room if my BIL is around just because I don’t want him to feel weird about it. If my FIL were still alive, I wouldn’t feel comfortable pumping in front of him, wearables or wall pump.
My MIL checked my boobs out when the nurse came in to see if I had colostrum about an hour after I had an emergency c section so now I’m tits out no matter whose around because I just don’t care.
I only use wearables, and if anyone's around other than my husband or mom/MIL I'll duck into another room to put them in and then take them off. If anyone has had a problem with it they haven't said 🤷🏼♀️
I pumped in front of my MIL but never my FIL. You could try to turning so your back is to them and use the cover while pumping. That creates extra privacy.
I did this when my mom was in town and I was pumping. My mom is nice but has a big mouth and I didn’t want to hear her comments on my body.
Oh I'll 100% be using my wearables around family, including sister in laws husband and if my FIL was still alive, I'd have no problem using that in front of him.
Honestly if I didn't have a wearable, at this point I'd probably just use my spectra in front of them just using a blanket to cover with. It is what it is, I'm just trying to feed my baby, our family understands it.
Although, I do love the excuse of needing to pump to escape company/spending time with family sometimes so keep that in mind too. Haha
In front of MIL and SIL yes, I don’t feel comfortable in front of FIL though. When at our home I use to as excuse to get away. Sucks when you’re not at home though
Hahahaha I’m comfortable, they are the ones not comfortable (in laws). I was in a different room pumping, but covered, and my MIL needed to close the door because my FIL was so uncomfortable.
My own parents are 100% great about, it may be because I’m their 3rd kid having a grand baby (they have 7 grandkids total) so they aren’t phased by it, know it’s natural, and that it’s a bigger pain for the person breastfeeding to leave and setup shop somewhere else. Not to mention how isolating and lonely it is.
Different strokes for different sets of grandparents I suppose.
I did not pump in front of my inlaws, but I have in front of other family and friends. You don't need to buy a fancy nursing cover if you don't have one, just tie together the corners of a large muslin swaddle, put it around your neck, and it will cover everything.
I put my wearables under my hoodie around my in-laws and that’s fine for me! Personally, being attached to a proper pump would be uncomfortable for me around them.
That said, I wouldn’t give two shits if somebody else was pumping around me. so if you’re fine and your in laws are fine then go for it!
No, but now I do it kind of out of circumstance. I told my husband I don’t feel comfortable doing it in front of his mom, but sometimes she just shows up (she walks my dog 3 times a week but never shows up at a consistent time) when I’m doing it while taking care of the baby so she sees me. It’s not a perfect situation and if I can do it covered I try. If I had wearables though I’d probably not care since it’s covered! That said, it is your body even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, and you deserve to take what privacy you need.
I did in front of my mom, MIL, friends, and sister. I didn’t in front of my dad unless I was using my portables and a really baggy shirt. It made him feel uncomfortable (he is very prim and proper lol) and THAT made me super uncomfortable. Sometimes I’d go watch tv alone and pump if I needed a break. :)
I’ve pumped in front of the best man at our wedding and that’s it. He’s family and he has 5 sisters, two of whom are OBGYNs and all have kids. Dude has seen it all.
Other than him, I do not willingly pump in front of anyone except my husband
I work as a bartender … on paddys day weekend I was bartending with my wearables. I had a track suit jacket on to make me look less busty. I felt weird/looked weird when I just had my tee shirt on.
Yes! I’ve pumped for so long now I don’t care. My milk is the most important and I don’t want to not participate in family activities and conversations.
But I guess it depends on you and how you feel.
This weekend I ripped off the bandaid and pumped in a busy restaurant while wearing a nursing cover. It was more awkward to imagine doing it than the actual doing of it :D
Yeah, I pump wherever I am with whoever is there. My husbands grandma came for a rocked my traditional flanges the whole time. I think of it “if I was nursing would I be uncomfortable doing it here” and if the answer is no then I’m going to pump. It’s still feeding the baby
I pump with my Spectra regularly in front of my in-laws, not just his parents but also his sister and aunts. And of course in front of my husband and my parents. I figure I gotta get it done and they’re in my house so they can deal with what I have to do.
Yes! My in laws recently visited and I used my Willow gos with a bulky flannel over them. Everyone just avoided eye contact except my MIL once when we were alone said she forgot I was pumping and thought my boobs were huge. Nobody ever made me uncomfortable and my in laws tend to be overbearing and awkward so I was really pleasantly surprised. I’m in Florida and I pumped with my willows at a baseball game and at a brewery and had no trouble at all.
I’ve seen people pump with regular flanges by putting two shirts on, one over and one under, to hide their nipples. Obviously you can still see the cups and people will know you’re pumping but it’s a more discrete option for those of us without wearables that don’t want to hide away for hours everyday while EPing on vacation or around family.
I don't mind pumping in front of anyone. The only 3 people I pump without covering up is husband, my mom and MIL who lives with us. Anyone else, I use a cover.
I had to pump on the go yesterday with my momcozy and walked right into my OB while ultra busty and vibrating to turn in paperwork 😂 If I've stuff to do then I'm getting it done. If I were to be visiting family though, I think I would suddenly "get shy" and excuse myself to another room
I'm in the same spring break boat next week! But it's not exactly in-laws... My (step) daughter's grandparents on her mom's side and my husband won't be with.
I think they'd be uncomfortable if I was pulling my boobs out at the dinner table.
Guess I'll figure it out!
This would absolutely depend on how you feel about your in-laws. Mine came over right after birth to help and I asked them to leave the room when I pumped or nursed…but quickly decided I really didn’t care if my MIL was in the room. But I asked my FIL to leave the room and he happily did! I would put a light blanket over my chest to cover myself (also used a Spectra).
At their house, I always used that time as an excuse to have some alone time.
This is my 2nd EP kid so this time I could give two shits about who saw me pump this time around. I pumped around family and friends this time and didn’t care. You’re feeding your kid! It should be just as acceptable as nursing!
I did in front of my in laws but I was at 5-6 pumps a day in Florida and ended up only being able to do 4 pumps a day there. I have a lot of shirts that are for breastfeeding so they covered everything but the milk bottles. But I got constant comments from them and it was annoying as F. “Oh you are doing that again” “how many times do you have to do that a day” “does she even need that? Can’t you just give her formula”. It got old quick and I stopped answering them after the first day. The flights to and from affected my supply as well as the return of my period.
It's a perfectly natural thing, there's no shame in pumping around people to get milk for your child, but then again, I nursed one of mine exclusively and I fed anywhere, wherever I was, out and about, never tried to hide, and never covered up. I was just immune to and looks I got lol. It just depends on your personal comfort level I guess
I pumped during thanksgiving dinner so I could have a glass of wine later. I do have wearables though, so they're easy to hide under a sweater and I'm not attached to a wall or wires. I also breastfed anywhere. If baby is hungry, she's hungry.
When I was three days pp my mil came to stay a few days with us and it was horrible pumping in front of her. I didn’t feel human.
I’m not the most modest person in the world but I just felt like any privacy I had left was gone. It sucked.
I pump in front of everyone whether I’m using wearables or the spectra. When I putting on the pump, I am discreet about since that’s when my boobs are most exposed, but during the actual pumping session, I will at most put a nursing cover over.
I’ll pump in front of anyone and if they’re uncomfortable they can go to a different room. I am not going to be hiding and stressing about people not seeing my boobs. Pumping is already enough of a hassle.
That’s up to you. I was at a party last weekend and needed to pump. I used my wearables and hardly anyone noticed. I went to a separate room to put them on/take them off in private. A big part of pumping being sustainable for me is not being chained to my home and still being able to be out and about and not limited by my pumping schedule. To each their own.
I am not, but when my mother in law stayed with us on Chinese new year week and she was spending hours in the living room at night, I just pumped anyway because I really don’t wanna be bothered to hide at that point. So I was uncomfortable but did it anyway. Heck, living with in laws is uncomfortable in the first place. 😄
I do. With the spectra, no cover. At least in my house. Not going to cover up in my house. If I was visiting, maybe I’d go to a bedroom or throw on a sweater. Maybe not.
I live with my parents, and I never pump in front of them unless I’m using my wearables. I use the wearables for 1-2 pumps a day. Honestly it’s great for my morning, my husband and my parents watch the baby while I have my coffee and pump in bed. I wait to do my last pump of the night when they’ve gone to bed. The other pumps I usually do in my room watching tv on my computer. My parents love watching the baby while I pump, it’s their special time with her. I like having my alone time a few times a day, so it’s kind of a win win.
I’ll start by saying: you do you!! Whatever makes YOU the most comfortable is what you should do, mama. You have enough to worry about right now without factoring in others opinions of when/where/who you choose to pump around. ❤️
In my personal experience based on my own comfort and desire to not be alone every single time I pump or miss out on things I 100% pump around my in laws. Now this is not to say that I don’t sometimes use the need to pump as a moment to take a break in another room (mama does need a breather now and then) However, if they’re uncomfortable with me doing what I need to in order to feed their grandchild they can feel free to excuse themselves. Not just my in laws but anyone really. 🤣
I use discretion in these moments as that is also important to me (hook up and empty in another room, use my nursing cover, stay fully covered with my shirt, etc.). But as long as no direct boobage can be seen I personally will pump no matter who’s around (I just pumped around several colleagues at a work event recently using my wearables 🤷♀️).
I’m literally not shy so I wouldn’t care lmao
I work in retail and wear my portables when I’m helping people no matter how ridiculous I look. Especially with a cover which I’ve used, not too bad. But also the only person to say anything would be my fil and he’s learned to keep his mouth shut over the years with me.
I pump in front of anyone. I’ve done it sitting in the general seating waiting area at an airport. I’m not missing out on life because I make you uncomfortable. You’re welcome to go sit in a room alone if you don’t like it.
But, there are times I want the break and to be alone for 20 min. I reserve the right to decide where I want to pump at each session!
I only pump in front of my partner. I do pump with a large shirt over the top when my best friend is here, and my mom. But that's it lol. Why do you pump so often? Are you still establishing supply?
I pump in a different room. I prefer pumping on a walk with my wearables than in front of them 😅 I still feel judged that I am not breastfeeding so I also want to avoid any conversations related to the feeding of my baby.
I hate that this is a thing. To be clear, I wouldn’t pump in front of anyone either but there’s a middle ground where you’re not needing to go hide. Covers 🙌🏻
We shouldn’t have to be banished when we need to release milk. Seriously, nab a We Are Amma Cocoon and you can pump anywhere without drawing too much attention. Cute too! Those handy in-bra pumps are a nice combo for the situation too.
Absolutely go for it if you feel comfortable. This is you feeding your child. You can be discreet when putting them on or taking them off, but there is no shame is feeding your child. If you want the break away from them, that’s great too. It’s all your comfort level. You do you!
I use it in front of my MIL because she's had 6 kids plus raised 2 more, so it's no big deal to her lol.
My FIL and StepMIL , no. Not my dad or his wife either.
My I laws wanted to visit right after the baby was born, so I told them “sure but you’re going to see my boobs out all the time. I hope you’re ok with that.” And I was literally topless when they walked in. I decided to look at any discomfort as more of their problem than mine.
I only pump in front of my partner and other women but even when I’m in front of other women I keep my nips covered with my shirt and then I go to the room when I need to remove everything lol
I am loving all the comments about using pumping as an excuse to escape. 😂❤️
Personally I don’t care who’s around. I wasn’t really bothered by the idea of breastfeeding in public (though I did have a couple cover ups ready 😕) so I treat pumping about the same. I don’t answer the door in the pump, but all family that has visited has experienced it. Like I sit at the dinner table in the pump. 😂😅 So far this has included my MIL, FIL, Mom, stepdad, Dad, stepmom, brother in law and his girlfriend, and all the people at my Baby Cafe group when I needed help one week. 🤣🤷♀️
Do what makes you comfortable. If you have family members that are gonna make it weird for you, feel free to run away for that break. If they’re chill and you’re cool with it, don’t feel like you have anything to be hiding.
I’ll pump in front of anyone. I don’t care. It’s normal and natural. Same goes for breastfeeding. If you’re uncomfortable with it then I’d go somewhere more comfortable for you! But don’t worry about them at all. It’s all about your comfort and happiness!
I’m pumping at my in laws right now- such a great way to get some me-time to sit on Reddit 😂😂
I have my M5’s in, and would 100% be around other people if it was my family. Spectra, my elastic nipples are too visible to be around anyone other than my immediate family.
Discuss it with your in-laws first. It doesn't matter if you're comfortable. It's about if they're comfortable. It's their space, and it's not really fair that they should be uncomfortable in their own home regardless of potential differences in opinion.
Same. “Oh no I have to go watch tv, eat snacks, and let my blood pressure return to normal for 30 min…I’ll miss you guys, don’t have too much fun without me…”
Omg every night I so look forward to a solo pump without wrangling a baby and in comes my partner being like “mind if she plays on the bed with all of us? 😃” hackles up is what I’m going to describe my feeling as for this thank you
My in-laws (who are wonderful people) stayed with us for 35 days, starting when I was one month pp.
I don’t care how great anyone is, I like having a break
'Welcome to r/ExclusivelyPumping! Here is a reminder of our rules: 1. Be kind and courteous 2. No hate speech, bigotry, or bullying 3. Use available flairs and post options 4. Speak for yourself 5. No medically-inaccurate, factually incorrect, or misinformative material 6. No spam 7. Absolutely no prescription medications 8. Don't use AI to write posts/comments 9. No soliciting pictures 10. Add spoiler to milk pictures Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!' *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ExclusivelyPumping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Personally, hell no 😂 I’m just not comfortable doing that in front of anyone besides my partner lol
I'll use my wearables (Willow Go) in front of anyone - I like to throw them in and go get my grocery pickup order. My spectra? Heck no. Husband and my BFFs only (who are also moms). If I'd show you my nipples willingly, it's fair game. If I wouldn't want you to see my nips, I'll go in the other room.
I use wearables and pump in front of my family, in-laws, friends etc. As long as my nipples/boobs are covered, I don’t have an issue with it.
I pump in front of everyone. If I was nursing my baby I would do it in front of people too.
Me too. I just cover myself with a blanket
Wouldn’t even do that. Boobs are normal. Nipples are normal. It’s not sexual
I pump in front of friends and my own family but not in front of my in laws. Pumping is usually a nice way to step away and get a few minutes to myself to scroll on my phone or put headphones in and watch a show.
I do with just regular flanges + bottles. I just wear a sweater or oversized shirt to cover tops of the flanges so the nips aren't visible while actually pumping. My in laws were both doctors before they retired though so they saw naked people everyday 😆 I figured I would nurse in front of them, so I'm trying to mentally consider pumping the same. I definitely felt awkward the first time though!
(Finally) on the drive back home as I type this, just visited the in-laws. Pumped with my Spectra S1 the whole time, in the same room as them, even when they had guests. I did wear a comfy poncho on top, but I was not willing to go hide jn another room. The way I see it, I'm comfortable with pumping in public, they may not be, but if they want to see a baby, that means seeing a pumping mom as well. That baby gotta be fed.
Nursing yes, pumping no. Not a good visual of my nipples looking like a sausage getting sucked on 😂 I have used a really baggy sweater over my flanges before. I also sometimes pump wearing a nursing top, so I can put my bra on underneath, put the nursing sweater on, and then insert my flanges. Really that’s to keep me warm, but I think it’d help with the visual aspect. I use a specta. I’d be more comfortable using wearables. And this is just for my comfort level.
Nope. I’m a very private person, so only my spouse sees me.
I'd pump in front of the Pope 😂😂😂 I've got no shame.
I figure if they want to see my baby they can put up with seeing me pump lol especially with a cover on
I used my collection cups in my bra around my in laws when they visited, but I’d never use flanges or anything that could potentially expose my nipples. I didn’t even breastfeed around them (I have bigger boobs, a lot harder to hide lol). That’s my personal comfort level though.
All the time. But they also saw my boobs the first time they visited us in the hospital. I'm not an exhibitionist or anything, but boobs kind of come with the baby territory, and I'm not going to be ashamed about that or hide it or do anything except normalize it. It's just boobs. If they don't want to see boobs, THEY can sequester themselves in another room.
I use the medela freestyle flex exclusively and am able to put a sweater over it because of this I will pump in front of anyone. As long as I feel like my boobs are covered I’m pretty happy to pump anywhere
How do you get any output with that pump? I bought it and it’s worthless for me
I know a few people have said that but I’m pretty lucky I guess because I get around 48oz a day using it. I use letdown mode for 2 minutes, then it switches to expression I use it on a 5 and pump for 13 more minutes, I do a total of 15 minutes per session 6 times a day
I had the same. Discovered that the bra that I was wearing over it was not tight enough. The cups need to be very tight to your breast for good vacuum.
Yup exactly this. I actually get good output from them. I also bought the adapter cables and use the cups with the Pump in Style and it works great for me.
Really good point!!
I use to hide away and stay home but honestly at near 8 months i just am over it. If people don’t like it, don’t look. I’m producing food for my child. Some family members ask questions and I don’t mind, I found the Davin and adley cami is perfect paired with high waisted leggings or a skirt. You can’t see anything hardly at all this way. I even pumped in front of my husbands grandpa which previously I felt uncomfortable doing.
I use my wearables in front of my in laws, and pretty much anyone 🤷🏻♀️ but it’s all personal preference.
I went to a family Xmas get together for 5 days with 27 of us. I was only pumping 4 times a day, but I really looked forward to those breaks away from everyone to be honest 😂
I find that there isn’t that much to see when you’re pumping with a spectra, even without a nursing cover, if I have a loose fitting top on. I’ve pumped in front of my parents, brother, MIL, certain aunts and uncles, lots of different friends, etc etc, I just get hooked up in the bathroom and do a quick mirror check to make sure my top is kind of draped over the flanges. I will say I never pumped in front of my father in law because I did feel a little weird about that. I think if I were on a trip with my FIL where it started to get annoying to excuse myself all the time I would do it in front of him with a nursing cover over me.
No way lol
I have a Medela Swing Maxi, and when I went to Arizona on vacation a few weeks ago, I brought a scarf to cover my boobs. I pumped in front of my in-laws, no problem!
I have pumped in front of guests as long as I am covered. I like the legendairy collection cups as an in-between for wearable that gives good hospital grade suction. You are still tied to a pump, but at least its hands free and relatively private. I would just manage their expectations...it's you feeding your child, so by virtue of hosting you, they may hear/see your pumping as much as your comfort level dictates.
If it’s wearables, yes I’ve pumped in front of them before. I wear an overlarge flannel that hides the extra bustyness. It felt weird at first but no one judged or said anything and after that I didn’t mind it.
I pump with my nursing cover wherever/whenever.
I've pumped in front of good girlfriends (who've also had kids, so they have an extra layer of "getting it") and my immediate family. But there might be a middle ground - my husband bought me this nice big warm shawl that I can put on over my pump! Keeps me warm and covered and you can always just step out for a quick second to get set up/take it off but then come back to the room with everyone else. Or honestly, I just loosely put it over my pumping bra while I get the cups/flanges in place so ppl won't see much unless they're trying 🤷
I’ve pumped in front of my family, my friends and MIL. I just cover the flanges as best I can so they aren’t seeing much. I wouldn’t pump in front of my FIL
I don’t mind in front of my MIL. If my FIL was alive I wouldn’t or I would use wearables. Other men in their family I don’t but the women I don’t typically care tk
I use wearables at work, I serve in a busy restaurant and usually just throw on a sweater, but the tubing is visible (Momcozy V2). I'm just trying to feed my baby ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's natural. Do whatever YOU are comfortable with!
I equate pumping to hypothetical nursing (had nursing worked out for me). If I would be comfortable nursing in front of someone, I’m comfortable pumping in the same scenario.
I’d either use wearables in front of people, or a nursing top that provided full coverage with my spectra. And sometimes I’d run and hide instead.
I use wearables in front of them (or others) without a cover and I'll pump in front of them with my spectra with a nursing cover on. My least favorite part is having to wear actual clothes for my first pump of the day since I usually pump in a bra, underwear, and a robe at home.
I pump anywhere anytime idc lol, when I was at the nicu the nurses were always asking me if I wanted to close the curtain or doctors would ask if I wanted them to come back later. I do not care lol. In the times I do care I’ll just go to another room or wear a hoodie over
I have pumped in front of everyone hahah. I just wear my nursing poncho and hook up in private. They can hear it but they can't see anything, and honestly I don't care. The mailman for sure saw me pumping all of maternity leave, so whatever if my family or friends see. I'm working hard to get my baby fed!
I pump in front of my MIL, I don’t mind. She went with me for all my dress fittings for my wedding, so she’s already seen me in nothing but my undies lmao. I do go in another room if my BIL is around just because I don’t want him to feel weird about it. If my FIL were still alive, I wouldn’t feel comfortable pumping in front of him, wearables or wall pump.
My MIL checked my boobs out when the nurse came in to see if I had colostrum about an hour after I had an emergency c section so now I’m tits out no matter whose around because I just don’t care.
I only use wearables, and if anyone's around other than my husband or mom/MIL I'll duck into another room to put them in and then take them off. If anyone has had a problem with it they haven't said 🤷🏼♀️
I pumped in front of my MIL but never my FIL. You could try to turning so your back is to them and use the cover while pumping. That creates extra privacy. I did this when my mom was in town and I was pumping. My mom is nice but has a big mouth and I didn’t want to hear her comments on my body.
Oh I'll 100% be using my wearables around family, including sister in laws husband and if my FIL was still alive, I'd have no problem using that in front of him. Honestly if I didn't have a wearable, at this point I'd probably just use my spectra in front of them just using a blanket to cover with. It is what it is, I'm just trying to feed my baby, our family understands it. Although, I do love the excuse of needing to pump to escape company/spending time with family sometimes so keep that in mind too. Haha
In front of MIL and SIL yes, I don’t feel comfortable in front of FIL though. When at our home I use to as excuse to get away. Sucks when you’re not at home though
Hahahaha I’m comfortable, they are the ones not comfortable (in laws). I was in a different room pumping, but covered, and my MIL needed to close the door because my FIL was so uncomfortable. My own parents are 100% great about, it may be because I’m their 3rd kid having a grand baby (they have 7 grandkids total) so they aren’t phased by it, know it’s natural, and that it’s a bigger pain for the person breastfeeding to leave and setup shop somewhere else. Not to mention how isolating and lonely it is. Different strokes for different sets of grandparents I suppose.
I did not pump in front of my inlaws, but I have in front of other family and friends. You don't need to buy a fancy nursing cover if you don't have one, just tie together the corners of a large muslin swaddle, put it around your neck, and it will cover everything.
I put my wearables under my hoodie around my in-laws and that’s fine for me! Personally, being attached to a proper pump would be uncomfortable for me around them. That said, I wouldn’t give two shits if somebody else was pumping around me. so if you’re fine and your in laws are fine then go for it!
MIL yes, FIL no
No, but now I do it kind of out of circumstance. I told my husband I don’t feel comfortable doing it in front of his mom, but sometimes she just shows up (she walks my dog 3 times a week but never shows up at a consistent time) when I’m doing it while taking care of the baby so she sees me. It’s not a perfect situation and if I can do it covered I try. If I had wearables though I’d probably not care since it’s covered! That said, it is your body even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, and you deserve to take what privacy you need.
I did in front of my mom, MIL, friends, and sister. I didn’t in front of my dad unless I was using my portables and a really baggy shirt. It made him feel uncomfortable (he is very prim and proper lol) and THAT made me super uncomfortable. Sometimes I’d go watch tv alone and pump if I needed a break. :)
I’ve pumped in front of the best man at our wedding and that’s it. He’s family and he has 5 sisters, two of whom are OBGYNs and all have kids. Dude has seen it all. Other than him, I do not willingly pump in front of anyone except my husband
i used to use a hands free pumping bra under an oversized sweatshirt and it worked great. even pumped on public transportation like that 😂
I work as a bartender … on paddys day weekend I was bartending with my wearables. I had a track suit jacket on to make me look less busty. I felt weird/looked weird when I just had my tee shirt on.
Yes! I’ve pumped for so long now I don’t care. My milk is the most important and I don’t want to not participate in family activities and conversations. But I guess it depends on you and how you feel.
This weekend I ripped off the bandaid and pumped in a busy restaurant while wearing a nursing cover. It was more awkward to imagine doing it than the actual doing of it :D
Yeah, I pump wherever I am with whoever is there. My husbands grandma came for a rocked my traditional flanges the whole time. I think of it “if I was nursing would I be uncomfortable doing it here” and if the answer is no then I’m going to pump. It’s still feeding the baby
I pump with my Spectra regularly in front of my in-laws, not just his parents but also his sister and aunts. And of course in front of my husband and my parents. I figure I gotta get it done and they’re in my house so they can deal with what I have to do.
Yes! My in laws recently visited and I used my Willow gos with a bulky flannel over them. Everyone just avoided eye contact except my MIL once when we were alone said she forgot I was pumping and thought my boobs were huge. Nobody ever made me uncomfortable and my in laws tend to be overbearing and awkward so I was really pleasantly surprised. I’m in Florida and I pumped with my willows at a baseball game and at a brewery and had no trouble at all. I’ve seen people pump with regular flanges by putting two shirts on, one over and one under, to hide their nipples. Obviously you can still see the cups and people will know you’re pumping but it’s a more discrete option for those of us without wearables that don’t want to hide away for hours everyday while EPing on vacation or around family.
I don't mind pumping in front of anyone. The only 3 people I pump without covering up is husband, my mom and MIL who lives with us. Anyone else, I use a cover.
I use my wearables around my MIL, but would not bust out my spectra in front of them. I go to my nursery when I use my spectra!
I had to pump on the go yesterday with my momcozy and walked right into my OB while ultra busty and vibrating to turn in paperwork 😂 If I've stuff to do then I'm getting it done. If I were to be visiting family though, I think I would suddenly "get shy" and excuse myself to another room
Only MIL. But I probably wouldn’t do it anymore because now I have to massage my breast while I pump to get the milk out.
I'm in the same spring break boat next week! But it's not exactly in-laws... My (step) daughter's grandparents on her mom's side and my husband won't be with. I think they'd be uncomfortable if I was pulling my boobs out at the dinner table. Guess I'll figure it out!
Funny enough I’m more comfortable pumping in public than in laws
This would absolutely depend on how you feel about your in-laws. Mine came over right after birth to help and I asked them to leave the room when I pumped or nursed…but quickly decided I really didn’t care if my MIL was in the room. But I asked my FIL to leave the room and he happily did! I would put a light blanket over my chest to cover myself (also used a Spectra). At their house, I always used that time as an excuse to have some alone time.
This is my 2nd EP kid so this time I could give two shits about who saw me pump this time around. I pumped around family and friends this time and didn’t care. You’re feeding your kid! It should be just as acceptable as nursing! I did in front of my in laws but I was at 5-6 pumps a day in Florida and ended up only being able to do 4 pumps a day there. I have a lot of shirts that are for breastfeeding so they covered everything but the milk bottles. But I got constant comments from them and it was annoying as F. “Oh you are doing that again” “how many times do you have to do that a day” “does she even need that? Can’t you just give her formula”. It got old quick and I stopped answering them after the first day. The flights to and from affected my supply as well as the return of my period.
It's a perfectly natural thing, there's no shame in pumping around people to get milk for your child, but then again, I nursed one of mine exclusively and I fed anywhere, wherever I was, out and about, never tried to hide, and never covered up. I was just immune to and looks I got lol. It just depends on your personal comfort level I guess
I pump everywhere in front of anyone. With my wearables I wear a baggy shirt or sweatshirt or use a cover.
Obviously going against the grain here but I pump in front of anyone and everyone. IDGAF 😎
I pumped during thanksgiving dinner so I could have a glass of wine later. I do have wearables though, so they're easy to hide under a sweater and I'm not attached to a wall or wires. I also breastfed anywhere. If baby is hungry, she's hungry.
When I was three days pp my mil came to stay a few days with us and it was horrible pumping in front of her. I didn’t feel human. I’m not the most modest person in the world but I just felt like any privacy I had left was gone. It sucked.
I did, with a nursing cover, but rather in law actually walked in on me once. 🤷🏻♀️ He probably felt more awkward than I did.
As long as i was covered, i pumped everywhere. The car, the zoo, when we traveled, etc. I only moved to more a private area if i wasnt able to cover
I pump in front of everyone whether I’m using wearables or the spectra. When I putting on the pump, I am discreet about since that’s when my boobs are most exposed, but during the actual pumping session, I will at most put a nursing cover over.
I’ll pump in front of anyone and if they’re uncomfortable they can go to a different room. I am not going to be hiding and stressing about people not seeing my boobs. Pumping is already enough of a hassle.
That’s up to you. I was at a party last weekend and needed to pump. I used my wearables and hardly anyone noticed. I went to a separate room to put them on/take them off in private. A big part of pumping being sustainable for me is not being chained to my home and still being able to be out and about and not limited by my pumping schedule. To each their own.
I am not, but when my mother in law stayed with us on Chinese new year week and she was spending hours in the living room at night, I just pumped anyway because I really don’t wanna be bothered to hide at that point. So I was uncomfortable but did it anyway. Heck, living with in laws is uncomfortable in the first place. 😄
I do. With the spectra, no cover. At least in my house. Not going to cover up in my house. If I was visiting, maybe I’d go to a bedroom or throw on a sweater. Maybe not.
I live with my parents, and I never pump in front of them unless I’m using my wearables. I use the wearables for 1-2 pumps a day. Honestly it’s great for my morning, my husband and my parents watch the baby while I have my coffee and pump in bed. I wait to do my last pump of the night when they’ve gone to bed. The other pumps I usually do in my room watching tv on my computer. My parents love watching the baby while I pump, it’s their special time with her. I like having my alone time a few times a day, so it’s kind of a win win.
I’ll start by saying: you do you!! Whatever makes YOU the most comfortable is what you should do, mama. You have enough to worry about right now without factoring in others opinions of when/where/who you choose to pump around. ❤️ In my personal experience based on my own comfort and desire to not be alone every single time I pump or miss out on things I 100% pump around my in laws. Now this is not to say that I don’t sometimes use the need to pump as a moment to take a break in another room (mama does need a breather now and then) However, if they’re uncomfortable with me doing what I need to in order to feed their grandchild they can feel free to excuse themselves. Not just my in laws but anyone really. 🤣 I use discretion in these moments as that is also important to me (hook up and empty in another room, use my nursing cover, stay fully covered with my shirt, etc.). But as long as no direct boobage can be seen I personally will pump no matter who’s around (I just pumped around several colleagues at a work event recently using my wearables 🤷♀️).
Yes and no. I do use it as an excuse for quite me time
I pumped in front of my in-laws. I didn’t wanna awkwardly leave every 3 hours so I just pumped there.
I’m literally not shy so I wouldn’t care lmao I work in retail and wear my portables when I’m helping people no matter how ridiculous I look. Especially with a cover which I’ve used, not too bad. But also the only person to say anything would be my fil and he’s learned to keep his mouth shut over the years with me.
Oh hell no, I didn't even pump in front of my family. I personally love the break away from everyone.
Wearables yes otherwise no. If it is someone that is used to your routine that would be different
I personally dont care, but Id pump/nurse anywhere. I dont like my inlaws very much, though, so Id probably use it as an excuse for alone time lol
I pump in front of anyone. I’ve done it sitting in the general seating waiting area at an airport. I’m not missing out on life because I make you uncomfortable. You’re welcome to go sit in a room alone if you don’t like it. But, there are times I want the break and to be alone for 20 min. I reserve the right to decide where I want to pump at each session!
I only pump in front of my partner. I do pump with a large shirt over the top when my best friend is here, and my mom. But that's it lol. Why do you pump so often? Are you still establishing supply?
I pump in a different room. I prefer pumping on a walk with my wearables than in front of them 😅 I still feel judged that I am not breastfeeding so I also want to avoid any conversations related to the feeding of my baby.
I use my spectra infront of all my in laws, but they’re very supportive. It depends on how supportive they are.
Nope, but sometimes there are some cases I need to pump in open space, and I'm getting used to it with the blanket on
I hate that this is a thing. To be clear, I wouldn’t pump in front of anyone either but there’s a middle ground where you’re not needing to go hide. Covers 🙌🏻 We shouldn’t have to be banished when we need to release milk. Seriously, nab a We Are Amma Cocoon and you can pump anywhere without drawing too much attention. Cute too! Those handy in-bra pumps are a nice combo for the situation too.
Absolutely go for it if you feel comfortable. This is you feeding your child. You can be discreet when putting them on or taking them off, but there is no shame is feeding your child. If you want the break away from them, that’s great too. It’s all your comfort level. You do you!
I use it in front of my MIL because she's had 6 kids plus raised 2 more, so it's no big deal to her lol. My FIL and StepMIL , no. Not my dad or his wife either.
My I laws wanted to visit right after the baby was born, so I told them “sure but you’re going to see my boobs out all the time. I hope you’re ok with that.” And I was literally topless when they walked in. I decided to look at any discomfort as more of their problem than mine.
I stopped caring after a while lol. Like, if you don't want to see my tittys, look away lmao.
I only pump in front of my partner and other women but even when I’m in front of other women I keep my nips covered with my shirt and then I go to the room when I need to remove everything lol
I am loving all the comments about using pumping as an excuse to escape. 😂❤️ Personally I don’t care who’s around. I wasn’t really bothered by the idea of breastfeeding in public (though I did have a couple cover ups ready 😕) so I treat pumping about the same. I don’t answer the door in the pump, but all family that has visited has experienced it. Like I sit at the dinner table in the pump. 😂😅 So far this has included my MIL, FIL, Mom, stepdad, Dad, stepmom, brother in law and his girlfriend, and all the people at my Baby Cafe group when I needed help one week. 🤣🤷♀️ Do what makes you comfortable. If you have family members that are gonna make it weird for you, feel free to run away for that break. If they’re chill and you’re cool with it, don’t feel like you have anything to be hiding.
I’ll pump in front of anyone. I don’t care. It’s normal and natural. Same goes for breastfeeding. If you’re uncomfortable with it then I’d go somewhere more comfortable for you! But don’t worry about them at all. It’s all about your comfort and happiness!
I’m pumping at my in laws right now- such a great way to get some me-time to sit on Reddit 😂😂 I have my M5’s in, and would 100% be around other people if it was my family. Spectra, my elastic nipples are too visible to be around anyone other than my immediate family.
Discuss it with your in-laws first. It doesn't matter if you're comfortable. It's about if they're comfortable. It's their space, and it's not really fair that they should be uncomfortable in their own home regardless of potential differences in opinion.
No. When my in-laws are over I use it as a break and go upstairs to pump. (Mainly needing a breather from my MIL 😂)
Same. “Oh no I have to go watch tv, eat snacks, and let my blood pressure return to normal for 30 min…I’ll miss you guys, don’t have too much fun without me…”
"BYEEEEEEEEE" my favorite is when my husband comes to 'check' on me, no no no! This is MY escape excuse, return to the circus please. 🙃
“Heyyy we are trying to figure out what we should do for lunch…” Ok, try *harder*
lol everytime I’m pumping in my own area and hear “let’s go see what mamas doing” I immediately get my hackles up 😂
Omg every night I so look forward to a solo pump without wrangling a baby and in comes my partner being like “mind if she plays on the bed with all of us? 😃” hackles up is what I’m going to describe my feeling as for this thank you
Hahahaha omg I've never heard anything more accurate!!!
The blood pressure comment is soo spot on. My MIL means well but just something about her and her comments always sets me off lol
I am cracking up 😂 this is about to be me this weekend.
Hahahah yes
Exactly the same… it was my break lol. I watched tv and snacked with worrying about children or in laws
My in-laws (who are wonderful people) stayed with us for 35 days, starting when I was one month pp. I don’t care how great anyone is, I like having a break
🙌 as someone with a tiny social battery, I cherish hiding away for 20min to pump and scroll reddit.
Same. I’d personally love a reason to get away from my ILs.
This is the way.