Will You Need a Breast Pump?
You might be surprised to learn that some women successfully breastfeed their babies without ever using a breast pump!
This “essential” item is a relatively new invention and while it is an important tool for many breastfeeding experiences, it is not always necessary. Humans breastfed for thousands of years without them!
The reasons women pump breastmilk fall into two categories:
Lactation Reasons
A baby who is latching well and feeding frequently will establish and maintain milk production independently. Sometimes pumping is required while working through attachment issues to protect the milk supply. Occasionally pumping might be needed for a baby unable to direct feed at the breast due to temporary or ongoing medical issues. This can include premature babies, those with issues like tongue tie or cleft palate, and babies who are jaundiced and sleepy.
Social Reasons
Beyond the early days of establising breastfeeding, some parents choose to regularly express breastmilk to allow others to care for their baby. This might mean the occasional feed by a partner or other support person or building a freezer store in anticipation of a return to paid work.
Read more: Caring for a breastfed baby: feeding, soothing and settling
Temporary Pumping
Sometimes expressing milk is needed for a short time while breastfeeding issues are worked out. Not all babies feed effectively at birth and need time to get attachment just right. Pumping milk and feeding it to baby by cup or bottle might be needed until the baby can reliably latch well. Very occasionally, milk production can be delayed and pumping is part of the plan to get things moving along.
These temporary circumstances don't mean you will need to continue pumping on an ongoing basis.
Over-pumping
Sometimes pumping too enthusiastically in the first few weeks can over-stimulate milk production and leave you managing a supply beyond your baby’s needs. Unless advised to address specific challenges, avoid routine pumping until your supply has settled.
Take care not to over-use milk collectors like this in the early days as they can lead to over production
Breastmilk Donation and Milk Sharing
Some women who produce excess milk choose to donate to milk banks or give to other mothers through informal milk sharing. This less-known reason for pumping breastmilk is a generous gift and is a modern version of the ancient art of wet-nursing. You can read more about it here
Exclusively Expressing
Learning to breastfeed can be overwhelming. Most parents are not prepared for the intensive first few weeks and the common challenges around attachment and supply. Sometimes when it all seems too hard, turning to exclusively expressing is an appealing alternative. However, there are some things to consider before making this decision:
Exclusively feeding your baby your own expressed breastmilk is a very time-consuming commitment. You can expect to be pumping every 2-3 hours including overnight, in addition to feeding your baby.
Pumping all your baby’s feeds will mean needing access to clean and private spaces outside the home if you need to be out for more than an hour or two.
The most efficient method of removing milk from the breast is a well-attached baby. Breast pump technology has improved over the years however it is not equal to a baby.
Pumping takes a similar time to direct feeding. A double pump reduces the time but you can expect each session to take 15-20 minutes, plus time for storing milk and cleaning equipment. Single pumping will take twice as long, around 30-40 minutes.
Many mothers find they eventually need to supplement with donor breastmilk or formula in addition to their own milk if they are unable to pump frequently enough to maintain their supply.
Hand Expressing
You might be surprised to learn that expressing milk with your hands is more effective than most breastpumps. While the technique is a skill you need to learn, once you master it you will be able to remove milk from your breast without needing any special equipment. Learning to hand express is important for anyone relying on expressed breastmilk for their baby: in the case of equipment failure or power outages, you will still be able to keep your breasts comfortable and provide fresh milk for your baby.
If you are worried about needing a breast pump as soon as your baby is born, it helps to remember the hospital you birth at will have them available for use on the ward and you can hire from organisations like the Australian Breastfeeding Association and other services if you still need one going home. Don’t rush into investing in a product until you have a good idea what your ongoing needs might be. Breast pumps are generally easy to get from local retailers if you do find you need to purchase one after all.
