Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, but if for whatever reason you can’t breastfeed exclusively, pumping is a great alternative.
Working moms who pump are more likely to continue breastfeeding than those who don’t. It’s not just about your physical health breastfeeding has been shown to improve mental health as well, and if you have to go back to work it’s good for you and your baby.
To know more about how breastfeeding and mental health are connected, check the link.
When breastfeeding and pumping, it can be very difficult to know when to do what in order to produce the most milk.
Moms often want to know whether they should pump after every time they feed their baby or if it is okay to let their breasts fill up before pumping again. It really depends on the mom and her body and how much she wants to produce.
Why Mix Breastfeeding and Pumping?
Many mothers may want to breastfeed and pump at the same time. There are a few different ways to do this, but you’ll want to figure out what arrangement works for you and your baby. Here are some tips:
1) Choose a pumping space where there’s little activity and noise.
2) If you’re pumping after every breastfeeding, take the time to have a break after every breastfeeding.
Just because you are breastfeeding your baby does not mean you have to stop pumping. Most mothers find themselves returning to work or need to take care of other tasks away from their babies, so they have no choice but to pump.
Pumping for 10 minutes, three times a day can help you maintain your milk supply and produce enough milk for your baby at the same time. This is especially important if you are returning to work after maternity leave.
What are the benefits of combining Breastfeeding and Pumping
Breastfeeding and pumping are two very important aspects of caring for a child.
Breastfeeding is often the optimal choice for mothers who are able, but pumping can be necessary for mothers who are unable to breastfeed or choose not to.
It is key for both breastfeeding and pumping mothers to understand how they can combine the two practices.
Breast milk contains antibodies that help newborns to develop protection from illness and infection.
Breastfeeding has been associated with an increased rate of infant survival, a decreased risk for many infections, and a decreased risk for childhood obesity.
Breastfeeding also improves cognitive development and reduces behavioral problems in childhood.
Related: Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Baby
Combining breastfeeding and pumping can be a way to have the benefits of both options while being able to return to work or have time to do other important things.
Other well-known benefits of mixing breastfeeding and pumping are an increased milk supply and frequent feeds for the baby
How many times a day should I pump while breastfeeding?
Pumping can be done up to 10 times a day, for about 20 minutes while breastfeeding, however, your newborn is able to take in eight to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period. You need to make sure that you are feeding your child often enough to meet this need.
Will my milk supply decrease if I only pump?
Milk supply will not decrease if you only pump. In fact, a mother who exclusively pumps is more likely to have a good milk supply than a mother who doesn’t.
The amount of breast milk that can be produced depends on how much and often the baby nurses at each feeding session as well as what kind of food they had beforehand.
So it’s important for new mothers to nurse their babies frequently in order to establish an adequate supply of breast milk.
The bottom line
In conclusion, combining breastfeeding and pumping may seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and support, it can easily be done.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience for both mother and child. If you are planning on returning to work, pumping while at work provides your child with the nutrition they need to grow.
Utilizing a breast pump to supplement breastfeeding will not only provide the benefits of breast milk but also allow you to maintain your milk supply while you are away from home.
Resources:
Psychological effects of breastfeeding on children and mothers.
