Video iPod turns "pumping time" into "Mom time"

Video iPod to the rescue! Ruth uses it to make her dates with the breast pump more enjoyable:

The most helpful thing I found was to make pumping "my" time, so I didn't resent the huge time commitment that it was. I bought myself a video iPod, downloaded Handbrake (free software that rips DVDs for the Mac, at least), and developed a close, personal relationship with Netflix. As a new disc came in the mail, I ripped it to my computer and uploaded it to my iPod. Then, when it was time to pump, I'd set my watch timer for 15 or 20 minutes, pick out a TV show or movie and watch that, instead of watching the clock. Easier than trying to work while pumping, and I needed the mental break.

Related: Hacks for moms who use breast pumps

Comments

[Marta]

That sounds really fun.
I kinda did the same thing for free, with library books. If you keep pressure on one cone thingie with your forearm, and hold the other one with the hand of the same arm, you have the other hand free for turning pages and putting tasty snacks in your mouth.

[ikate]

I use my video iPod when breastfeeding to play Solitare or other games. Makes the it feel like less of a time suck and keeps me from feeling antsy. If I turn the brightness all the way down, it doesn't bother the babe even in the middle of the night (since for whatever reason I have a hard time allowing myself to sleep during those midnight feedings)

[megan64]

I got a "hands free" bra - best $ ever spent - and I must have read 20 different books over the course of my first few months of motherhood.

[rebecca]

You don't even really need the video part. I love podcasts, and in particular ones that feed into my hobbies. You can download podcasts on the computer and if you happen to be pumping near said computer you can listen to someone talk about things you like to do and daydream about the time you will be able to get back to doing those fun things. :)

[Amy]

My IPod has saved my pumping sessions and I pump in a shower room right off the main entrance into the office building. The sounds of the door opening and people talking in the hallway used to be so distracting and unnerving that I could not pump as much milk as I do now that I can focus on various podcasts and book on tape.

[Julie]

I agree with the best money spent on the hands-free pumping "bra"!! I read during my pumping sessions (and have managed to finish all of my books for book club), and in the last month or so also do some excercises - standing leg lifts, and squats mostly. How's that for multi-tasking - pumping, reading, and excercising.

[christi]

I think that's a great idea! If you
don't have a video ipod, podcasts are awesome, I agree. I like to listen to language-learning podcasts. I switch back and forth between Italian and Spanish lessons (I listen to them faster than they post them). Universities are starting to upload podcasts, so you can learn all kinds of things - not just listen to entertaining casts.

A good tool I've seen for iPods is the Tadpole (http://ifrogz.com/tadpole/index.php), which makes it easy for kids to hold it safely. Expands the uses for long fidgety waits.

[christi]

I think that's a great idea! If you
don't have a video ipod, podcasts are awesome, I agree. I like to listen to language-learning podcasts. I switch back and forth between Italian and Spanish lessons (I listen to them faster than they post them). Universities are starting to upload podcasts, so you can learn all kinds of things - not just listen to entertaining casts.

A good tool I've seen for iPods is the Tadpole (http://ifrogz.com/tadpole/index.php), which makes it easy for kids to hold it safely. Expands the uses for long fidgety waits.