Guest Writer: Sarah Crnobrna

I was winging it when I started my breastfeeding journey as a new mom. I was so focused on my dream home birth I didn’t educate myself on breast pumping or nursing. Can you relate? I ultimately landed in the hospital with an emergency c-section (how ironic) and had no idea that could drastically lower the chances of milk production. I knew from the reading I did before having my son that I would likely experience pain, bleeding, and cracked nipples (that was just part of the experience, right?). So, I was sure to stockpile all the creams, lotions, and salves, and that’s about as much preparation as I did. And as far as breast pumping goes, I didn’t have a clue. After finding the Pumping Pretty Course, all of that changed for me.   

“Most new moms have no idea that the size of their flange is likely causing the bulk of their breast pumping problems and that the online sizing guides you’ve been following are ALL WRONG. In this module, you’ll learn how to use our Nipple Queen Ruler that’s so easy, even your husband can do it!”  

Crystal put together an easy-to-follow, relatable troubleshooting course that covers it ALL. It left me so empowered and taught me things I didn’t know I needed to know. For example, you need to measure your nipples to know what size flange/insert is required. I had yet to learn sizes existed outside of what came with my pump. Along with the breast pumping course I received the Nipple Queen Ruler which I used to measure at 15mm.  I had been using what was recommended to me by the pump manufacturer at 24mm! Pumping was always painful because most of my areola went into the flange tunnel. I had no idea this was not supposed to happen.

This all-inclusive course covers and explains in detail many pumps and pumping products, tips and tricks, and how they may help you specifically. Foods and supplements you can try and what to avoid. Crystal demonstrates how to pump with different types of nipples: including flat, inverted, or elastic. She covers all kinds of issues a mom may encounter, such as mastitis, thrush, dermatitis, vasospasms, and more. She dives into supply, pumping schedule, and milk storage. There’s nothing that isn’t covered! My only regret is that I didn’t get the Pumping Pretty Course BEFORE having my son.   

If you know a pregnant mom who plans to pump, this would be the best gift you could give her (and maybe some cookies after the baby comes).