The Exclusive Pumping Mom

Having a baby really makes you contemplate on what's best for your child. Deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed is a huge decision to make. I already knew during my pregnancy that breastfeeding was the way to go. After my breast feeding class, I was so ready to tackle on this awesome bonding experience with my daughter. However, it wasn't as easy as my lactation nurse made it seem. My daughter was born smaller than most due to a rare condition (read my Expect the unexpected article to know more). Due to this, while at the hospital, they strongly recommended that I breastfeed along with supplement with formula since my colostrum would probably not be enough for such a small infant in need of extra calories. This broke my heart to feed her formula because of all the additives and junk the FDA has allowed in them. I made it my duty to give my daughter the best nutrition ever! I opted for breastfeeding but due to some minor complications with latching on and soreness, I needed another way out. So instead of feeding formula through the bottle, I started pumping and giving my baby breast milk through a bottle. Now, whenever my daughter is at the breast, she gives up after 5 minutes because my "let down" is a little to slow for her unlike a bottle. So, I've been making her life easier and opted to become an EXCLUSIVE PUMPING MOM. 

In spite of pumping around the clock, my daughter really seems to love how much easier it is for her to suck from a bottle. In my opinion, as long as she's getting the best milk, it really doesn't matter how it's given. I know I will get some slack about it since all the breast feeding moms out there will just ridicule and tell me to just nurse. I think nursing is cool and all but after the repeated gnawing on my sensitive breast, I became to not like it as much as bottle feeding. I know most moms breast feed and supplement when they are away from baby by pumping... an exclusive pumping mom does the exact opposite. I pump around the clock, at least for the first few months until my milk has pretty much been established. And I can supplement by breastfeeding like at night or whenever a bottle isn't ready to go. Most would think that this would confuse a child, but when I decided to exclusively pump and supplement at the breast, I researched the easiest way to switch back and forth and found these awesome bottle nipples that mimic human nipples making it easier to switch. I bought those nipples and my daughter seems to love them! Its like the best of both worlds to her. 

I say all this to say, don't let people discourage you. YOU do what's best for you and your baby. And remember, just because you're not pregnant anymore, doesn't mean you can eat whatever. I learned that the hard way. Talk about crazy screaming nights of gas pains! I'm glad we are getting out of that era. My daughter's pediatrician gave me this revelation. She told me she knows I'm probably trying to drop those pounds but my baby is obviously showing signs that her sensitive stomach can't handle all the green leafy vegetables in my salad and all the gassy foods like broccoli and beans. So I deleted those things out of my diet and my baby's gas has gotten better. 

My Routine:

After researching on how to exclusively pump, I could not find any actual routine. So for all the moms that would like to exclusively pump, here’s mine! In my research I learned that in the first few months postpartum, it is important to establish a good milk supply. To do this, you should be pumping every 2 hours and pumping at least 8 times a day. After the first few months, you have trained your body to produce a good amount of milk and pumping this much wont be necessary.

First, make sure you have a good pump! I have a Medela pump in style advance which is an electric double pump. This makes pumping so much easier and quicker since you can pump both sides at the same time! I think it retails at $54-$60. I got mine for free from my insurance company. Make sure to ask your insurance company and request this pump.

Second, create a schedule. I pump every 3 hours for 20-30 minutes a session. I have a good flow so I can get about 3-4 oz each breast. When I skip a session, I can get up to 8 oz! Yes, I have a very good supply!

Third, make sure to store. A benefit of pumping this much is that you can establish a good supply for storage. I was overwhelmed at first because I would pump enough to just fill a bottle to feed my baby. If I did not pump, she could not eat. When I established a routine, things got so much easier. I now have so much milk, I started storing in the deep freezer! (Pumping increases milk supply)

And that’s basically it. It’s hard. It takes a lot of work and dedication. And you will need tons of support from your significant other and family members to help out during your pumping sessions so you have someone to tend to your baby while you pump. If you don’t have someone all the time, do what I do, invest in a nursing bra that will hold your pumps to your breast leaving your hands free and prop your baby up next to you in a boppy pillow or baby swing or seat. As long as you pump for at least 15 minutes or even hand express, you’re good. Just make sure to get in a few good pumping sessions a day. You can do this!