Exclusive Pumping 101
This blog was written in paid partnership with Dr. Brown's.
As a first-time parent, one of the first questions you may receive from your healthcare team is: how do you prefer to feed your baby, via breast or bottle? Though the question appears to be a simple choice between two options, there is more nuance that you should consider before answering. Yes, you do have the choice of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, but you also have so many more options. An additional option is "exclusive" or "exclusively pumping," which is a term used to describe parents who solely pump breast milk and offer it to their baby via bottle.
Exclusive pumping can fit into both categories: breast AND bottle. Yes, it is considered a type of breastfeeding because you are giving your baby freshly pumped milk that your body worked hard to produce. You are also able to deliver that milk to your baby with a bottle (or syringe in the early days of nursing). The answer to "breast or bottle?" on paper, would be "breast AND bottle."
Prenatal Prep for Exclusive Pumping
If you have already decided to exclusively pump before your baby arrives, I recommend starting to prepare and educate yourself during pregnancy. During the first trimester, research the various options for breast pumps, including double electric and manual options. During your second and third trimester, you can obtain your breast pump and educate yourself on how to use it. (Remember to check your health insurance policy as most cover the cost of one breast pump with a prescription from your doctor.) During this time, you can also consider all the additional pump parts, bottles and bottle accessories you may need and consider adding to your baby registry.
Exclusively Pumping in the Early Postpartum Period
As soon as baby arrives, you can officially begin the exclusive pumping journey! To get started, I recommend using either a personal double electric pump or a hospital grade double electric pump. Typically, you can borrow the hospital-grade pump while you're at the hospital, or you can rent one once you head home. The key to successfully pumping is consistency. A schedule is going to be your best friend! While there is not a ton of research or information regarding exclusively pumping and how to navigate it, it is typically recommended to mimic an infant's average feeding schedule when pumping. Initially start with pumping "every three hours" to help establish a consistent routine. However, you should always tailor your pumping schedule to whatever works best for you.
In the early days of milk production, your body is making an early stage of milk called colostrum. Colostrum is typically really thick and heavy. It doesn't always drip fluidly into a bottle. Because of this, it is also recommended to learn how to hand express your colostrum. Colostrum is usually collected in syringes and syringe-fed to your infant. Syringe feeding can also be utilized when there is only a small volume of colostrum available to help ensure that the baby gets every drop. Colostrum transitions into the white breastmilk that is more commonly seen in bottles. Each day it transitions in color and consistency. As it changes, it flows easier into bottles.
Exclusively Pumping at Home
As time progresses, you will continue pumping and offering the baby bottle on a schedule that is appropriate for you and your baby. Your individual plan will develop over time. Working with an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant or your pediatrician, starting at the hospital and as you transition to home, can be helpful in determining specifically how much milk your baby should be drinking per feeding.
The Decision to Exclusively Pump
The decision to exclusively pump is completely up to you and your family. Some common reasons that people choose to exclusively pump include lack of latching by baby, desire to have family help bottle feed, personal preference and so many more! Exclusively pumping can feel complicated in theory but with practice it should become very manageable. Just like any feeding method, it has its pros and cons and highs and lows. Feeding your baby is a decision that should be made between you and your family. I hope this helps you learn more about all of your options so you can do what works best for you!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.