Exclusively PumpingWhen I became a lactation consultant some 6 years ago, the breastpump was used for one main reason: you were separated from the baby and needed to maintain your supply until you could get the baby to breast. But over the last several years another phenomenon has occurred - moms CHOOSING to never have babies suckle at the breast but instead pumping and giving expressed breastmilk via bottle. Why has this become a trend? Perhaps it is because breastfeeding itself has become a trend or maybe it is because our culture has become focused on ease. And many think this option will be easier. A common comment I hear is "why does it matter how the baby gets the breastmilk?" It matters because the breast milk will NOT be the same as if the baby suckles. Suckling enables the mothers body to respond to his needs. There are special cells on the nipple that will activate immune properties as needed. The pump will not activate this response and will not allow this amazing process to happen.
Here are the pros and cons of exclusive pumping.
Tips to make Exclusive Pumping Work:
Common Pitfalls/Mistakes of Exclusive Pumping: Dont want to pump every 2 hours? You have options. It is not my goal of this website to encourage this practice. If it means not breastfeeding then yes exclusive pumping is an option. It is just my opinion that it is not optimal. Better than formula but not optimal. As a lactation consultant my recommendation is for a baby to nurse at the breast WHENEVER possible. But if it is not possible or preferable, of course I will support expression of breastmilk for bottle feeding. I do not call it breastfeeding, I call it bottle feeding expressed breast milk.<> Go from Exclusively Pumping to Breastpumps main page
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