Exclusively Pumping

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. Yes, some babies have difficulty at the start due to being premies or other issues but even most of those babies can learn to suckle eventually.

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 exclusively pumping.

Tips to make Exclusive Pumping Work:

• Buy a good double electric breastpump

  Need help choosing a pump to buy? Or consider renting a hospital grade pump.

• Pump every 2-2.5 hours all day and night to make 100% breastmilk for your child
• have baby nearby or look at a photo of baby during pumping sessions (really, it helps)
• work closely with a lactation consultant or peer for support who may recommend a galactogogue to stimulate supply. THIS IS A CRITICAL STEP: working with a LC.

Common Pitfalls/Mistakes of Exclusive Pumping:
#1 Trying to make it work with a hand pump or single pump
#2 Sleeping through the night and not emptying. Can you say "dry up"?

Don't 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.

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