By Yanina Boshes, Mom of 2, Former Exclusive Pumper (26 Months), Now 11 Months Nursing + Pumping for Baby Ruby
Let’s be real: just saying “night pumping” can make your eye twitch a little. You’ve finally dozed off, baby’s snuggled, and then…bam…it's time to pump.
I’ve lived both sides of the story. With my first, Sean, I exclusively pumped for 26 months (yes, twenty six!!!). It was a full-time relationship with my pump. Now, with Ruby…my second…I nurse and pump, and I *still* find myself plugging in at weird hours. Some nights she wakes and I skip it altogether; other nights it’s just me, the pump, and a quiet house that feels almost sacred.
So, from one tired but seasoned milk-making mama to another, here are my favorite *real-life* night-pumping and storage hacks - tested, survived, and shared with love.
Set the Stage Before You Crash
Future-you will thank past-you if you prep *before* your head hits the pillow.
Build your milk command center: pump, flanges, milk bags/bottles, Chiller, burp cloths, all within arm’s reach. Nothing good happens when you’re half-asleep digging through cabinets.
Plug it in: Nothing worse than a dead pump at 2 a.m. (Been there.)
Soft light only: Red or amber nightlights = your circadian rhythm’s BFF.
Nourish yourself too: Keep your emotional support beverage close by, plus a snack you can open with one hand.
Don’t Skimp on Comfort
You’re literally fueling a human. You deserve comfort.
🤱 Pumping bra = hands-free scrolling or micro-naps.
🌡️ Heating pad or cozy blanket = faster letdown, happier you.
💧 Water and snacks = because running a 24/7 café burns calories.
Little comforts make a *huge* difference when the clock reads 3:07 a.m. and you’re questioning all your life choices.
Store Smart: Overnight Milk Management
You’re half-asleep, holding gold. What now?
🕓 Fresh milk can sit at room temp for ~4-8 hours so if you’re up again by sunrise, you’re fine.
❄️ For longer nights (or peace of mind), move it to cold storage. *Wink wink, your Ceres Chiller/Warmer*
🏷️ Label as you go…because 2 a.m. memory is a myth.
My Game-Changer: A Portable Chiller
I got my first Legacy OG almost 13 months into my exclusive pumping journey with Sean. Seriously do not pass up on one of these. With Ruby, it has been my trusty sidekick. Instead of blinding myself with the fridge light, I could pump straight into it, twist the lid, and crawl back to bed. It keeps milk safe for 20 hours…no extra containers, no dishes, no drama. Sometimes I like to bag it and put it into my outer chamber - um mom hack!!
It’s the kind of quiet luxury moms deserve.
Hack Your Wake-Up Routine
Make the “ugh” factor less ugh.
🕰️ Set a gentle alarm (vibration, soft light, or favorite song).
🎧 Save a podcast or playlist you *only* listen to while pumping… turns it into “me time.”
📱 Track sessions if it helps, but don’t obsess. Every ounce counts.
Give Yourself Grace
I’ve spilled milk, skipped sessions, slept through alarms…and guess what? I’m still feeding my baby, loving my baby, and doing my best.
Night pumping isn’t forever. It’s exhausting and holy all at once. One day you’ll look back and think, “Wow, I did that.”
Don’t Do It Alone (Seriously)
If you have a partner:
💪 Have them set up the station before bed.
🧼 Wash and reset parts in the morning.
☕ Handle the coffee.
If you’re solo, you’re still not alone. Lean on friends, family, or online mom communities. Trade freezer bags, share memes, send late-night DMs. (Join communities like Judgment-Free Breastfeeding Support with Ceres Chill so we can help each other stay sane.)
Parenting is a team sport. You don’t have to play every position.
Final Thoughts from One Tired-but-Proud Mama
Night pumping will never be glamorous, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. With a little prep, cozy hacks, and tools that make life easier (looking at you, Ceres Chill), you can get through it…maybe even thrive through it.
So here’s to us…the midnight milk mavens, the half-asleep milk magicians, the moms who make it work even when we don’t know how.
May your letdowns be quick, your chillers stay cold, and your morning coffee hit just right!