Written by Gayathri Lakshminarayanan
It’s now more popular than ever to pump on a semi-exclusive basis. The reasons may be many, ranging from health issues to having to go back to work. In some cases, new mother may also have to resort to exclusive pumping. Given our mother’s instincts, we may feel a little guilty of to pump exclusively. But done in the right way, exclusive pumping also gives the same amount of nutrition to a baby as breastfeeding.
This article will explain in detail about exclusive breast pumping, the pros and cons, and how to do it the right way.
In This Article
Exclusive Pumping is when a mother pumps breastmilk for her baby but does not breastfeed. This means the milk is only given to the baby via a bottle. Some mothers do this because they have to return to work soon after their baby is born or have difficulty breastfeeding.
It is important to talk to a lactation consultant or other medical professional to get advice on whether or not exclusive pumping is suitable for you and your baby.
Some mothers pump because they must return to work and want to continue providing their babies with breast milk. Others may not be able to produce enough breast milk and need to supplement with formula or use a supplemental nursing system. Exclusive Pumping also allows fathers and other caregivers to participate in feeding the baby, which can be a bonding experience.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the pumping frequency will vary depending on individual circumstances. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that mothers who are exclusively pumping should aim to pump at least every 2-3 hours during the day to maintain their milk supply. This means pumping around 8 times in 24 hours.
The most important thing is to try to pump as often as possible and not go for longer than 4 hours without pumping during the day. If you are going longer than 4 hours without being able to pump, you can try expressing your milk by hand to relieve some pressure and prevent engorgement.
[Read : Expressing Breast Milk By Hand]
The length of time you pump will depend on your personal pumping goals. If you are pumping to relieve engorgement, you will only need to pump for a few minutes. If you are trying to increase your milk supply, you will need to pump for at least 15 minutes.
And if you are pumping to maintain your milk supply while away from your baby, you will need to pump for at least 20 minutes. It is entirely up to you and what your personal goals are.
There are many advantages to exclusive pumping, including having more control over your milk supply, providing your baby with breastmilk even if you are away from them, and not having to worry about engorgement or blocked ducts. Let’s have a look.
[Read : Storing Your Breast Milk]
Some of main disadvantages moms might face when exclusively pumping the breast milk:
Here are some tips you can follow to ensure proper exclusive pumping.
A good quality pump will make all the difference in exclusive Pumping. Not only will it make the process easier, but it will also help you to pump more milk in less time. There are a lot of different pumps on the market, so do your research and find one that will work well for you.
Once you have your Pump, it’s time to get into a good pumping routine. Try to pump every 3-4 hours during the day, and don’t skip any pumps. The more consistent you are with your Pumping, the better results you’ll see.
If you want to be successful at exclusive pumping, you must also be prepared to pump at night. Many women find that they produce more milk at night, so taking advantage of this time is essential. Set up your Pump next to your bed so you can quickly pump in the middle of the night if needed.
It’s essential to stay hydrated when you’re exclusively pumping, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is always the best choice, but you can also drink herbal teas and other non-caffeinated beverages.
[Read : How Much Water To Drink When Breastfeeding?]
Pumping can be stressful, so ensure you care for yourself physically and mentally. Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and give yourself some breaks from time to time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from family and friends.
Exclusive pumping can be a boon for mothers who cannot breastfeed for many reasons. Pumping will ensure that the babies enjoy all the nutrition of mother’s milk despite not being able to breastfeed directly. It is important to follow the safe storage methods and proper sanitization of bottles and other accessories to ensure full safety for the baby.
There are benefits to both breastfeeding and exclusive Pumping. Breastfeeding provides your baby with antibodies that can help protect them from illness. It also helps to promote bonding between you and your baby. Exclusive Pumping has the advantage of giving you more control over how much milk your baby is getting. It can also be easier to schedule around work and other commitments. Ultimately, whether to breastfeed or pump exclusively is a personal decision.
If you exclusively pump, your milk will change. This is because when you pump, you remove more milk from your breasts than a baby would. This means that the milk left behind is richer and higher in fat. Exclusive Pumping can also lead to an oversupply of milk, which can cause the milk to become spoiled more quickly.
It’s a personal decision you’ll need to make based on your unique circumstances. If you think it’s something you want to try, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant first so they can help you make a plan and answer any questions you may have.
If you are exclusively pumping, you may be at risk of developing mastitis. If you do develop mastitis, it is essential to seek medical treatment right away.
It is generally recommended that you wait until the milk has cooled down to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how hot the milk is. If you are in a hurry, you can put the milk in the fridge after about 15 minutes, but it will be more susceptible to spoilage.
Read Also: How to Choose the Right Breast Pump For Your Baby?
Gayathri’s passion for writing had its foundation at the very early stages of her life when she was on her college editorial board and also won several awards for writing events and book review competitions. She combines her corporate experience with her writing skills and her experience as a homemaker makes her an empathetic contributor in the parenting domain . Her shift from full-time accounting professional to a homemaker gave her career a new direction.Read more.
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