How to Exclusively Pump Breastmilk

As a pediatric nurse I am finding that more and more moms are choosing to “pump exclusively”. Exclusive pumping or “EP” is feeding your baby only breastmilk while never nursing at the breast. Women choose to exclusively pump for many different reasons. Whatever the reason, being well prepared and dedicated seem to be the two most important factors for success.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An electric breast pump
• Storage containers for freezing pumped breastmilk

1. 

   Rent or buy an electric breast pump. Your pump needs to be as close to hospital quality as possible. Many hospitals rent pumps for a monthly fee. You can also purchase or rent a pump online. I've found that pumps are one item where you really get what you pay for.

2. 

   Decide how you will be storing your pumped breastmilk. It is recommended that breastmilk be stored in hard plastic or glass bottles. This helps prevent some of the fat and vitamin loss that can occur when using plastic bags for storage. Even so, you may find it more practical to use plastic storage bags. Please see "Tips" for a great idea for storing breastmilk in plastic bags!

3. Get comfortable! The more comfortable you are, the more milk you will be able to pump. Make sure the room is a nice warm temperature, you have water to drink, and a cozy place to sit. You can grab a book to read while pumping, or you may want to sit your baby in front of you. Looking at your baby while pumping will relax you and help your milk to let down.

4. Pump often from the very beginning. You will want to pump every 2 hours during the day and at least every 4 hours at night. This is so important for stimulating your breasts to make more milk. After the first several weeks you may be able to decrease the number of times per day you pump. This will naturally occur as your baby goes longer between feedings. If you decrease the number of times per day you pump and your supply starts to decrease, just pump more often and it will boost your supply.

5. Pump for at least 15 minutes on each side. It is best to pump both sides at once. This will also decrease the amount of time you are tied to the pump. Pumping for at least 15 minutes ensures that your baby will get the fat and nutrient rich hindmilk. Your baby needs hindmilk to grow strong and healthy. Foremilk (the first milk that comes out) is high in lactic acid. If you don't pump long enough, the lactic acid content of your milk can cause a tummy ache for your baby.

6. Take care of yourself. Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, milk), avoid caffeine, and get plenty of SLEEP. Yes, I said sleep. Nap when you can. The housecleaning will always be there, but this time with your baby will be gone in a blink.

7. Join an online support group. You will find that there are many challenges unique to moms who exclusively breastfeed. You may not fit in with moms who breastfeed or with moms who formula feed. Your pediatrican and even your lactation consultant may tell you that it is impossible to pump and never nurse. They are wrong. With dedication and the support and help from mothers who are doing the same thing you are, you can and will succeed.

Tips & Warnings

• Breast milk can take up a ton of freezer space. It can also be hard to keep up with which milk to use next. This is the best way I’ve found to store breast milk: Take a small gift bag and cut a slit large enough for a bag of breast milk to slide through in the bottom on one of the shorter sides. Put milk in storage bag, date it, and lay it flat. When you need a bag, pull it out from the hole you cut. This way, you will always be getting the milk you need to use next and saving lots of space. Milk also thaws quicker when frozen flat, which is wonderful when you have a hungry baby to feed.
• If your supply is down, increase the time you spend pumping. You can also find herbs to increase your milk supply such as: Mother's Milk Tea and Fenu Greek.
• Do not take regular birth control. Some women are able to take an estrogen containing birth control pill while nursing, but most women will notice that it dries their milk up. EP moms are at a special risk for decreased supply, so avoid taking birth control pills with estrogen until you are ready to stop feeding your baby breastmilk. It is completely safe to take the mini-pill.
• Switch sides each time you give your baby a bottle. This will help to strengthen both his eyes as he focuses on you.
• Give your baby a bottle by holding him directly to your skin. This is great for bonding and also for increasing your milk supply (more stimulation).
• Remember, if your baby is having plenty of pees and poops and is gaining weight, then he is getting enough milk. When you start doubting your supply, go to these things for reassurance.
• Keep your pump parts that have to be washed (horns) in the fridge in a large ziplock bag. This way, you only have to wash them at the end of the day.
• Call your doctor if your breasts become red and painful or if you develop a fever.
• Always make sure medicines you take are on the safe list. http://www.kellymom.com/health/index.html

[katearquette]

on 2/24/2009 What a great article! I totally support breast feeding- If you look into most baby formulas, they are laden with toxins and pesticides! Not what anyone wants their baby to be drinking! 5*

[cosmopinkice]

on 1/23/2009 Great article. Very well written and useful information. 5*

[jbechtold]

on 1/21/2009 Great tips but I still love a mix of pumping and feeding on demand.