If you have spent any time on social media, you know that pumping breast milk is a popular topic. There are many voices and opinions about it (like most things these days).
It feels like everyone is an expert.
But what is the truth? Do you really need to pump in order to successfully breastfeed your baby?
Reasons why you may need to pump early
There are many reasons why you want to pump breast milk early on in your breastfeeding journey.
Baby is in the NICU
If you gave birth to a premature baby who is spending time in the NICU, pumping is the main way to provide breast milk for your baby. This is especially true if the baby is born extremely premature. Pumping with a high quality breast pump with adequate suction should begin as soon as 6 hours postpartum. After that, you will need to pump every 3 hours around the clock in order to establish your breast milk and supply your baby with the milk that he needs.
While you and your baby are apart, pumping is the name of the game. Once you are able to be with your baby, putting the baby to breast as soon as it is safe for the baby will be another important step towards establishing breastfeeding.
Baby is not latching well
A second reason to pump early is if the baby is not a good pump. In the early days of your baby’s life if he is not latching well or not transferring milk from your breast, you will need some help in establishing and maintaining a milk supply. The goal in the early days of breastfeeding is to protect your milk supply while at the same time, ensuring that your baby is receiving adequate calories to grow. Often, pumping is a temporary solution while your baby is figuring things out.
Often lactation professionals will recommend triple feeds if your baby is not gaining weight adequately. Triple feeding means basically, feeding your baby while protecting and establishing your milk supply. This includes feeding your baby at the breast, pumping your breasts afterwards and feeding the pumped breast milk to your baby.
This is a process that can get you over a small hump. If you feel like you need to do this for more than a few days, then you need some extra help. I do not recommend triple feeding for more than a couple of days. This process can be very taxing, especially on a new mother. It leaves you with little time to rest and enjoy your baby.
Returning to Work
Another time that you will need to consider pumping is if you need to return to work. Of course, taking as much time off as possible is always recommended. This is not always possible for all women, so learning how to maximize your breast pump is essential. A few weeks in advance of your return to work, you should pump once for 15-20 minutes after your first morning feeding. You can begin storing this milk in 1-2 ounce amounts in the freezer. You should work to store enough milk to cover your baby for a few days worth of feedings. Ideally, you would be pumping at work while your baby is eating, but life happens and sometimes that is not possible.
I do not recommend creating a large freezer stash of breast milk. It is unnecessary and causes undo stress on mothers.
When pumping at work, it is important to find a private area where you feel comfortable and can safely pump milk. Moms who return to work full time will need to pump 2-3 times during their workday to maintain a full milk supply. The goal is to return home with about 1 to 1.5 ounces of pumped breast milk per hour that you were away.
Exclusive pumping
A final reason to pump early on in your breastfeeding experience is if you choose to exclusively pump. Deciding to exclusively pump to provide breast milk for your baby is a very personal decision. Similar guidelines apply whether you are direct feeding or exclusively pumping. You need to empty your breasts early and often.
Reasons why you should not pump early
If breastfeeding is going well and your baby is gaining weight, you should avoid pumping in the first few weeks of your baby’s life. The reason for this is simple. If your baby is feeding well and you are pumping, your body thinks that there are two babies to provide milk for. While this might sound good, it is not. Creating an oversupply of breast milk causes just as many problems as an under supply.
A second reason to not pump early is if you stay home or spend most of your days with your baby. Don’t get me wrong. I still want you to leave the house without your baby. You just don’t need to be focused on pumping and storing lots of breast milk. Simply pumping a time or two ahead of when you plan to leave the baby will suffice for short outings. Pumping on an ongoing basis is unnecessary.
Choosing the right pump
There are so many options for breast pumps nowadays. Often, your health insurance will reimburse you for or help you to purchase a breast pump. Most of the time, they have a set of standard options that you can get through your plan.
A basic electric pump that is portable is a great option for most women. Many different brands, sizes and shapes exist on the market. It is best to research what is best for you.
Wearable breast pumps are also a great option, especially for women who are returning to highly demanding jobs. Often, what they offer in convenience they lack in suction power. Additionally, these pumps can be difficult to use for women who have large breasts.
Another option for a breast pump is a manual hand pump. These pumps are easy to learn, but sometimes hard to use. The drawback with hand pumps is that you can only pump one breast at a time. This may not be a good option if you are returning to work and only have a finite amount of time to pump. Hand pumps can be an excellent and cost effective option if you mostly stay home with your baby, but need to pump to provide milk for your baby while you are away for short periods of time.
Allow me to help you
If you are a breastfeeding mother in need of help, give me a call. If you would like more information to help you to make an informed decision about whether or not breastfeeding is right for you, 127 Pediatrics offers online breastfeeding education. The information is taught in a non-judgmental manner. We provide evidence based information so that you can learn the process and the science behind breastfeeding and make an informed decision for you and your child. So come join us!
© 127 Pediatrics; September 2022
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls only pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
