Impact of Pumping on Breastfeeding Duration: How Flexibility Extends Your Breastfeeding Journey
Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC
Without a doubt, breastfeeding is among the most gratifying aspects of being a parent, and yet it is not devoid of challenges. For parents who balance work and family life or other unforeseen events during pumping, the process of drawing out milk from the breast is the most effective way to boost their breastfeeding experience. New research indicates that pumping allows parents to achieve their breastfeeding goals while accommodating modern lifestyle changes.
The Research Pumping Seeks To Address and Solve
Parents who incorporated pumping into their breastfeeding routine were more likely to continue breastfeeding for more extended periods, as discovered in research conducted by the Journal of Human Lactation. This is because pumping removes the dependency of direct breastfeeding after work, separation, or even medical reasons.
Additionally, the babies’ suckling patterns are alleviated while the breast is pumped, which aids in maintaining or even increasing the overall milk supply. This makes pumping convenient during growth spurts when babies cannot nurse efficiently or are sick. The ability to store the pumped milk for later use assures that the baby gets breastfeeding even when the mother is not present, thus encouraging a prolonged breastfeeding relationship.
How Pumping Makes Life Easy
- Working or attending college once again
A concern whilst going back to work or school for many parents is that it marks the end of their breastfeeding journey. With a good breast pump, mothers can express milk during breaks, store it appropriately, and carry on breastfeeding. This is convenient and allows working mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals without too much hassle.
- Shared Responsibility for Feeding
Pumping also allows other caregivers to feed the infant so the mother can rest or pursue other chores. This division of labor can go a long way in ensuring that breastfeeding is done reasonably for a long time.
- Overcoming Initial Hurdles
In cases where breastfeeding is negatively impacted in the beginning, such as problems such as latching or less milk production, pumping can play an essential role in enabling mothers to provide breast milk until the issues are resolved.
- Disaster Readiness
Life can be full of surprises, and having a backup of stored breast milk can aid in survival during these unforeseen circumstances or if the physical separation of the baby from the mother happens for a longer duration than expected.
Encouragement for Expectant Parents
If you are pregnant and deciding on a feeding strategy, you should know that pumping can be a great asset to your breastfeeding campaign. Not having the pressure to breastfeed every single time can help ease the anxiety of learning to manage this new stage of life. Many parents have discovered that if there is a pump available, the different dynamics of life as a parent becomes easier to manage, even if they personally intend to breastfeed all of the time.
Finding the Suitable Pump
Pumps are not the same. An electric pump is the best choice for full-time pumps or mules who plan on pumping every now and then, as it can be used with different settings. Hands-free, wearable pumps are gaining hands-down popularity for their comfortable and concealed features; however, they do not adequately empty the breast. This is where a lactation consultant can assist you in determining the most suitable pump for you.
Key Is Support
It is not always necessary to be alone while pumping. Avail yourself of lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, or even online communities for support. Sharing with others who have walked your path may avail some good tips and encouragement.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing process with breastfeeding. Pumping can be integrated into your routine in a way that offers the flexibility you need to continue providing your baby with breast milk, even when life gets busy. With the right tools, support, and mindset, pumping empowers you to extend your breastfeeding journey and make long-lasting memories with your little one.
References
• Froh, E. B., et al. (2018). “Breast Pumping and Milk Storage: Best Practices for Lactating Parents.” Journal of Human Lactation.
• Kent, J. C., et al. (2015). “The Role of Breast Pumps in Modern Breastfeeding Practices.” Breastfeeding Medicine.
If you’re considering pumping as part of your breastfeeding plan, start researching pumps and support options during pregnancy to set yourself up for success. Your breastfeeding journey is yours to design, and pumping might be the key to achieving your goals.
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