My thoughts on exclusive pumping
I have to get something off my chest. I've seen many moms on social media talking about switching to exclusive pumping, and it makes me a little sad. Yes, there are situations which exclusive pumping is the best or only option. But it seems like so many moms are not getting the support they need and having trouble with directly latching so they think it will just be easier to switch to exclusive pumping. If this sounds like you, here are some things I want you to know:
1. Exclusive Pumping is HARD. In order to keep producing you have to be disciplined with your routine. You'll be pumping at least every 3 hours, possibly through the night as well depending on your situation and output. You have to have your pump with you all the time and if you go out you'll have to find a spot with an outlet and privacy to pump. If you can pump out in the open in public, you are amazing and I want to meet you...but for most people including myself, pumping in public is just not going to happen even though I'm totally fine breastfeeding in public.
Sidenote-with the wearable pump options, this may be a mute point.
But you'll still have to store the milk and clean your parts if you are out for an extended period of time. Not to mention that they are a big investment.
Unless you have a super chill baby, you will have to figure out how to keep baby calm and occupied while you are pumping. This will be the case 8 times per day give or take. One of my favorite parts about nursing a young baby was being able to just zone out while he was feeding if you are not able to do this, keep reading).
Your milk is best straight from the tap, and it is not quite the same when it is pumped and then given to baby. When your baby is at the breast, your body is getting signals for what antibodies to provide, and creating the composition of the milk based on baby's age. Any human milk is still sooooo good for babies, but I want to point out that pumped milk is just not going to be quite the same.
Breastfeeding is really good for facial development. Did you know that in the first 4 months, baby's head grows faster than at any other time in their life? This means that the mouth and all of the other facial structures are growing as well. Breastfeeding supports optimal growth.
For more about this, I highly recommend a book by Diane Bahr called "Nobody Ever Told Me That!"
Support is available! If latching is the main issue, there could be an oral restriction or various other issues. I think a lot of moms blame themselves, but it's not your fault. Breastfeeding is hard and you don't have to struggle alone.
Here is a big one...some lactating people are just not going to be able to maintain their supply with exclusive pumping. The baby nursing gives the best stimulation to tell your body to make milk and the pump does an ok job but it may not be sustainable. This can vary widely from one individual to another.
I know there are voices out there, even medical professionals, that might tell you "oh, latching isn't going so well, how about just pumping" and as someone who heard that and questioned whether I was getting his tongue tie released just for me and felt like I might be being selfish
—IT IS NOT SELFISH TO WANT TO FEED YOUR BABY DIRECTLY AT THE BREAST. There are long lasting health and emotional benefits to breastfeeding for both you and your baby. It's completely normal to have challenges and support is out there. If vou aren't finding what vou need, keep looking.
If you are an exclusive pumper by choice, you are awesome and keep on pumping! This post is not meant to shame anyone who pumps whether it is exclusively or partially. Pumping is breastfeeding. If you want to be breastfeeding and need help, I'm here for you. If you want to continue exclusive pumping and need support with milk supply or other issues I'm here for you as well! The bottom line is support is available to help you reach YOUR goals.
Sources: https://www.cham.org/HealthwiseArticle.aspx?id=te6295