B R IN G IN G UP B O O N E B A B IES
NURSING AND PUMPING TIPS Breastfeeding is not only a nutrition option that’s best for your baby’s development, it can also be a valuable bonding experience. As a nurse and lactation consultant, I encourage you to enjoy the sweet memories you're making with your child. Of course, there will be times when you may be unable to nurse your baby but still want to provide your little one with the nutritional benefits of breast milk. Whether you’re waiting on a new baby to arrive or they’re already here, you may have questions about how to pump breast milk, especially when you return to work. Here are some helpful pointers to get you started and keep you going!
WHEN SHOULD I START PUMPING?
Unless your baby is unable to latch, I encourage most moms to wait before pumping and not start right after delivery. Always put your baby to the breast first before you pump, so that you can establish a good latch early – and then feed your baby often. For mothers whose babies are in our NICU, we recommend pumping or handexpressing breast milk shortly after delivery to provide stimulation to the breast.
CAN I EXCLUSIVELY PUMP AND BOTTLE-FEED MY BABY?
Yes. Many women are successful with pumping and feeding, however, the first few days of pumping may be discouraging for moms. This is because colostrum is very thick and hard to pump – most moms will see nothing or just a few drops from their first few days using a breast pump. Nursing babies can pull colostrum out much better than pumps or hand-expressing. For best results, start breastfeeding, then transition to pumping and feeding once your full milk supply is in. Count your baby’s wet diapers (see chart) and watch for weight gain to make sure your child is getting enough to eat. In their first few days, your baby only needs small amounts of breastmilk often. If you think your baby is not getting enough to eat, contact your physician or nurse.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PUMP? BY TARA PHILLIPS, RN, IBCLC, NURSE AND LACTATION CONSULTANT, BOONE FAMILY BIRTHPLACE
22
BOONE HEALTH
Summer 2021
You should pump and feed between 8 to 12 times within 24 hours – ideally, this means you’ll be pumping and feeding every 1 to 3 hours around the clock. Your breasts need this stimulation to produce breast milk – the more milk that is taken
