Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, adjusting to your body’s milk production takes time. While breastfeeding offers many benefits, there are times when combining breastfeeding and pumping can be helpful.
Whether you want to boost your milk supply, overcome breastfeeding challenges, or need to be away from your baby temporarily, knowing how to combine pumping and breastfeeding is important. Choosing the right equipment, like the best breast pump for your needs, along with helpful accessories such as breast milk storage bags and breastfeeding starter kits, can simplify your journey.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about successfully blending breastfeeding and pumping. Let’s get started.
Here are a few reasons why parents often choose to combine breastfeeding and pumping:
1. Boosting milk supply
Breast milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis. Combining breastfeeding with pumping can help stimulate more milk production, increasing your overall supply. Opting for a portable, wireless breast pump gives you flexibility to pump wherever you need.
2. Addressing breastfeeding challenges
Sometimes babies struggle with latching or taking in enough milk directly from the breast. Having pumped milk on hand can be a helpful supplement to ensure they get enough nourishment.
3. Relieving discomfort
Using a breast pump can help alleviate discomfort from issues like clogged milk ducts or mastitis, which is inflammation of breast tissue.
Quality pumps like Electric Breast Pump offer similar suction levels to hospital-grade pumps, effectively easing common breastfeeding discomforts.
4. Bottle feeding
Pumped breast milk provides a convenient option for feeding your baby when you need to be away from them for a while. This allows you to maintain the benefits of breast milk through bottle feeding.
5. Giving mom a break: Breastfeeding can be exhausting, so giving your baby pumped breast milk in a bottle gives moms a chance to take longer breaks, run errands, or even indulge in some self-care, like a visit to the spa.
6. Useful for working moms
Pumping is essential for working moms who want to continue breastfeeding. Many mistakenly think they have to switch to formula feeding when they return to work, but pumping allows them to maintain breastfeeding while balancing their job responsibilities.
7. Involving your partner
Giving your baby some expressed breast milk allows your partner to participate in the feeding routine and bond with the baby. It’s a chance for dads to connect with their little one while the baby learns to drink from a bottle.
Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping Steps
Getting started with combining breastfeeding and pumping is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Feed then pump
Start by breastfeeding your baby before pumping. This ensures your baby gets enough milk before you empty your breasts further.
Remember, pumping can’t replace the special bond formed during nursing, and breastfeeding on demand actually boosts milk production during pumping sessions.
2. Use hands-on techniques
Hands-on pumping and hand expression can help increase the amount of milk you extract and stimulate milk production in the future.
3. Consider milk storage
To save every drop of breast milk, consider using a silicone breast pump or milk collector while breastfeeding. This helps catch any leaking milk from both breasts during feeding.
4. Check the fit
Before you start pumping, ensure that the flange of your breast pump fits properly. A correct fit prevents nipple damage and discomfort during pumping while also making the process more efficient.
5. Relax and warm up
Both breastfeeding and pumping are more successful when done in a calm, quiet environment where you feel relaxed. If you’re having trouble with letdown while pumping, try warming up your chest with something warm and consider looking at pictures or videos of your baby to help stimulate milk flow.
6. Keep essentials nearby
Make your feeding and pumping sessions easier by placing baskets around your house near your favorite breastfeeding spots. These baskets can hold water bottles, snacks, nipple cream, burp cloths, wipes, and diapers, so you have everything you need within reach without having to get up.
Tips and Hacks for Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping
Here are some practical tips to optimize your pumping routine while still enjoying those precious skin-to-skin feedings:
1. Stick to a schedule
Establish a consistent routine for breastfeeding and pumping sessions. Regularity helps your body adapt to milk demand and ensures your baby gets regular feedings. Typically, newborns feed every 2-3 hours. Start by adding one pumping session per day, then gradually increase to 2-3 sessions as your milk supply grows.
It’s generally recommended to wait an hour between feedings, but if you’re aiming to boost milk supply, consider pumping immediately after breastfeeding. This signals your body to produce more milk to meet your baby’s needs.
Many moms find their milk supply peaks overnight and in the morning. Take advantage of this by pumping early in the morning to collect the extra milk while supply is high.
2. Feed your baby on demand
Babies have different feeding patterns, and some may want to feed more frequently than others. It’s important to respond to your baby’s cues and breastfeed whenever they seem hungry. Instead of sticking to a strict feeding schedule, follow your baby’s lead on when to feed.
3. Empty each breast completely
Milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis, so it’s important to signal to your body that your breasts need more milk. Make sure to fully drain each breast during breastfeeding or pumping to encourage continued milk production.
4. Prioritize your well-being
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, Mama. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining milk production. Ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and getting enough sleep to support your breastfeeding journey.
Tips to Help Maximize Your Milk Production
1. Nurse and pump regularly
The more often you breastfeed and pump, the more signals your body gets to produce milk. Try to aim for at least eight to twelve breastfeeding and pumping sessions in a 24-hour period.
2. Empty each breast completely
Milk production relies on supply and demand, so it’s important to signal to your body that your breasts need more milk. Make sure to fully empty each breast during breastfeeding or pumping to encourage continued milk production.
3. Stay hydrated and eat well
Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial for maintaining milk supply. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in nutrients important for lactation, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
4. Pump more often
Adding extra pumping sessions between feedings can signal your body to produce more milk. Some moms find success with ‘power pumping,’ which involves pumping on and off for about an hour each day to mimic cluster feeding.
5. Avoid using formula
While it’s tempting to supplement with formula when you’re worried about your baby’s intake, it can actually decrease your milk supply.
Your body produces milk based on demand, so the less your baby nurses or you pump, the less milk your body will make. Only consider supplementing with formula if advised by your doctor.
6. Massage your breasts
Gentle breast massage before and during pumping can help stimulate milk flow. Use circular motions and light pressure to encourage milk letdown.
7. Enjoy skin-to-skin contact
Holding your baby skin-to-skin triggers the release of hormones that stimulate milk production. Regular skin-to-skin sessions can help boost your milk supply while fostering a strong bond with your baby.
8. Choose the right breast pump
Picking the correct pumping equipment is key for maintaining your pumping routine and boosting milk supply. Check out our guide to find the best pump for you.
Using an uncomfortable pump may lead you to give up pumping early if it causes too much discomfort.
Overcoming Challenges and Common Concerns
1. Finding balance
Juggling breastfeeding and pumping alongside other responsibilities can be tough. Prioritize self-care and seek support from your partner or family to help find a balance that works for you.
2. Managing time
Breastfeeding and pumping require time and commitment. Use strategies like hands-on pumping, double pumping, , and integrating pumping sessions into your baby’s feeding routine to save time.
3. Addressing supply issues
If you’re struggling with milk supply, consult a lactation consultant to identify the root causes and create a plan to tackle them. Techniques like power pumping, consuming lactation-boosting foods, and staying hydrated can help increase supply.
4. Staying motivated
Breastfeeding and pumping can be physically and emotionally demanding. Stay motivated by seeking support and encouragement, and remember that feeding your baby is a big responsibility that may feel overwhelming at times.
FAQs: Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping
1. How often should I pump if I’m breastfeeding?
You can start pumping right after your baby is born if you want. It’s up to you whether you pump exclusively or breastfeed often and pump once or a few times a day.
If you’re giving your baby occasional bottles alongside nursing, you might only need to pump a couple of times daily. Morning is usually the best time to pump when your breasts are fullest. If you’re supplementing, try pumping after regular breastfeeding sessions.
If your baby has trouble latching or you’re exclusively pumping, you’ll need to pump instead of nursing. This means pumping throughout the day and night, just like your baby feeds.
If you’re planning to pump when you return to work or school, start at least two weeks before you need the milk. This gives you time to build up a stash and get comfortable with pumping and storing milk. It also lets your baby get used to bottles.
2. How much milk should I be pumping?
Every baby is different, and their milk needs may vary, especially during cluster feeding periods. Breastfed babies usually eat more frequently than formula-fed babies.
Your baby’s hunger cues and stomach size are the best indicators of when to feed. Look for wet and soiled diapers to gauge whether your baby is getting enough milk.
Overall, aim to pump enough milk to meet your baby’s daily intake. Their stomach size will increase as they grow.
Here’s a general guide to average breast milk consumption by age:
– Newborns (first 1-2 weeks): Feed 8-12 times per day. Use an electric breast pump to stimulate milk production.
– Infants (1-2 months): Produce about 60ml – 120ml per session. Expect 8-10 sessions per day, with a peak intake of around 900ml at 4-5 weeks old.
– Infants (3-6 months): Babies may need up to 150ml per feeding, with some nursing more at night. Expect around 8 feedings per day until they start eating solids around 6 months old.
3. What is cluster feeding?
Cluster feeding happens when your baby wants to nurse frequently and seems fussier than usual. They may feed for a short time, take a break, then want to nurse again soon after.
This behavior often occurs when babies are preparing for a growth spurt or developmental leap. While cluster feeding can be tiring and emotional for parents, it’s a natural way for your baby to signal your body to produce more milk.
As your baby grows, these feeding patterns should become more regular, although you may still experience cluster feeding during growth spurts or developmental milestones.
4. Can I pump colostrum before the baby is born?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by your breasts after giving birth, and it’s incredibly nutritious for newborns. It’s safe to start expressing colostrum before birth if you’re having a healthy pregnancy. This can be done through hand expression or pumping.
However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s not recommended as it may trigger premature labor due to the release of oxytocin. If you’re in good health, you can start hand-expressing colostrum around 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Pumping colostrum before birth can be beneficial for storing milk or providing essential nutrients to your newborn.
5. How long should a pumping session last?
Aim to pump for 15 to 20 minutes per session to ensure your breasts are adequately drained. Some women may need to pump for longer periods, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Pump until your milk flow slows down and your breasts feel empty.
6. When is the best time to pump?
The best time to pump depends on your schedule and preferences. For working moms or those who are away from their baby, pumping at the same times you would normally feed your baby can help maintain your milk supply.
If you’re pumping at home, try pumping about an hour after your baby’s morning feeding when your breasts are fullest. You can also pump between feedings to increase milk production or at the end of feedings to ensure both breasts are emptied.
7. Can I pump into the same bottle within 4 hours?
Yes, you can pump into the same bottle within a 4-hour timeframe if the milk is kept at room temperature.
After 4 hours, you should either use the milk immediately, store it in the fridge or freezer, or discard it. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and safety of the breast milk for future feedings.
3. What is cluster feeding?
Cluster feeding happens when your baby wants to nurse frequently and seems fussier than usual. They may feed for a short time, take a break, then want to nurse again soon after.
This behavior often occurs when babies are preparing for a growth spurt or developmental leap. While cluster feeding can be tiring and emotional for parents, it’s a natural way for your baby to signal your body to produce more milk.
As your baby grows, these feeding patterns should become more regular, although you may still experience cluster feeding during growth spurts or developmental milestones.
4. Can I pump colostrum before the baby is born?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by your breasts after giving birth, and it’s incredibly nutritious for newborns. It’s safe to start expressing colostrum before birth if you’re having a healthy pregnancy. This can be done through hand expression or pumping.
However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s not recommended as it may trigger premature labor due to the release of oxytocin.
If you’re in good health, you can start hand-expressing colostrum around 36 weeks of pregnancy. Pumping colostrum before birth can be beneficial for storing milk or providing essential nutrients to your newborn.
5. How long should a pumping session last?
Aim to pump for 15 to 20 minutes per session to ensure your breasts are adequately drained. Some women may need to pump for longer periods, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Pump until your milk flow slows down and your breasts feel empty.
6. When is the best time to pump?
The best time to pump depends on your schedule and preferences. For working moms or those who are away from their baby, pumping at the same times you would normally feed your baby can help maintain your milk supply.
If you’re pumping at home, try pumping about an hour after your baby’s morning feeding when your breasts are fullest. You can also pump between feedings to increase milk production or at the end of feedings to ensure both breasts are emptied.
7. Can I pump into the same bottle within 4 hours?
Yes, you can pump into the same bottle within a 4-hour timeframe if the milk is kept at room temperature. After 4 hours, you should either use the milk immediately, store it in the fridge or freezer, or discard it. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and safety of the breast milk for future feedings.
