To balance breastfeeding and pumping effectively, establish a routine that fits your day. Start with exclusive breastfeeding to get your baby comfortable with latching. Hold off on using pacifiers or bottles until nursing is going well. Gradually introduce pumped milk in a bottle. If pumping hurts, ask a lactation consultant for help.
Pumping is important for times when you’re away from your baby. It helps you save up milk. A good rule is to leave 1 ounce of milk for each hour you’re apart. It’s important to choose the right pump for you. A double electric pump saves time because it lets you pump both breasts at the same time.
How Can I Do Both?
To successfully breastfeed and pump, make a routine that fits both into your day. Start with only breastfeeding so your baby can get used to it. Try not to give your baby a pacifier or bottle until they’ve gotten good at breastfeeding, usually after about a month. When it’s time to start using a bottle with pumped milk, some babies will adjust quickly while others might need more time.
If you’re going back to work, start pumping a few weeks before. Try giving your baby a bottle of pumped milk once a day to help them adjust. Pumping shouldn’t hurt. If it does, ask a lactation consultant for advice.
Pumping can take some time to get used to, but there are ways to make it easier. You can try gently massaging your breasts, looking at a picture of your baby, or using something that smells like your baby to help with milk flow. You don’t need a freezer full of milk when you go back to work, as long as you keep breastfeeding when you’re home and pumping while you’re away.
Why is Pumping Important?
Pumping is important because it makes sure your baby has enough milk while you’re away. Even if you don’t pump a lot of milk at first, every little bit helps you build up a supply for later. Before you go back to work, you’ll likely have enough saved up for the first day. Babies need about 1 ounce of milk for every hour you’re apart. So, if you’re gone for 8 hours, you should leave around 8-10 ounces of milk. Each bottle can hold about 3-3½ ounces.
Even if you’re a stay-at-home mom, pumping can still be helpful. It gives you the freedom to be away from your baby without missing a feeding. Whether you’re at work or home, pumping lets you keep feeding your baby breastmilk when you can’t be there.
Tips for Choosing a Pump
When picking a pump, think about what you need. Do you need something easy to carry? Is it easy to clean? A double electric pump can save time by letting you pump both breasts at once. Check with your insurance to see if they cover any pumps.
It’s also important to know how to hand-express milk. This can be really helpful if you can’t use your pump, like during a power outage or while traveling. If you don’t know how to hand-express, ask a lactation consultant for help.
Breastfeeding and pumping can be challenging, but with practice, you and your baby will find a routine that works. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a doctor or lactation consultant. Be patient – breastfeeding is worth it in the end!
