Exclusively Pumping is Possible...It Just Takes a Little Work

When I had my first child, he never latched on so I decided I would exclusively pump my breast milk and feed him by bottle. At the time I thought I was the only one who had thought of that. Little did I know that there are hundreds, if not thousands of women who have and are currently doing the same thing.

Here are some tips to make your pumping career a little bit easier.

1. Choose your pump wisely. If you are going to pump for the long run, you are going to need a high quality DOUBLE breast pump. Hospital grade (Medela Symphony for example) is the best option. These however are expensive to buy, and not very portable. You can usually rent them from your local hospital, and some insurance companies pay for the rental.

If you cannot afford to rent a hospital grade pump, or you want something more portable look into getting a Medela Pump In Style Advanced (PISA) or Ameda Purely Yours (PY). I have used both and for eping I prefer the PISA over the PY. However the PY is more affordable and is actually FDA approved for multiple users as long as you purchase a new collection kit.

2. Pump Often. For the first THREE MONTHS (12 weeks) pump no less than every THREE hours start time to start time, for at least 20 minutes. Actually for 5 minutes past your last let down. It is not uncommon to have multiple letdowns in a 20 minute period.

3. Water, water, and more water. Did I mention water? It is very important to stay hydrated. It does not have to be water, although this is best. Aim for 12-16 8 oz. glasses per day. Yes, I do realize that this is a gallon a day. Drink one 8 oz. glass per pump. That is 8 if you are pumping 3X a day.

4. Rest as much as possible. I know it is hard. Have your hubby feed the baby at night while you are pumping. This will get you back in bed faster. It will also allow your significant other to feel more involved, and create a bond with the baby through feeding.

5. DO NOT skip the middle of the night feeding until you are at least 3 months post-partum. Why? Because between 1 am and 5 am your prolactin levels are at its highest and this is when you will get your biggest output for the day.

6. Relax. If you are stressed, your milk production will go way down. I know you didn't choose exclusively pumping as a first option (at least most people don't). You are probably feeling like a failure for not being able to feed your baby off the tap. We have ALL felt this way. Breastfeeding is supposed to be natural. For some of us it isn't. That is why they had wet nurses all those years ago.

7. If all else fails, and you are so miserable pumping, or it isn't working out for you, your baby, and the rest of your family for some reason. remember this: Formula, while not ideal, or perfect, is not the end of the world. You have done more than a lot of parents would even consider doing. You are not a failure for giving your baby formula. Any breast milk is better than no breast milk at all.

Supply Booseters

1. Water, water, water. I mentioned it above and I will mention it again. Water is a necessity for pumping.

2. Fenugreek. This is an all natural supplement you can get at any healthfood store. Taking three capsules 3X a day usually does the trick. When you smell like maple syrup you are taking enough to boost your supply. It doesn't work for everyone, but what does.

3. Mother's Milk Tea. Also can be found at healthfood stores. Doesn't taste the best, but people have found success with it.

4. Oatmeal. Old fashioned and steel-cut work best. Cookies work as well.

5. Lactation cookies. You can find a recipe here: http://inclotheslinealley.blogspot.com/2009/06/housepoets-lactation-cookies.html
or you can order the dry mix here: http://hardierlime.etsy.com

6. Reglan and domperidone. Both require prescriptions. Reglan you can get in the United States. Domperidone you cannot. It is not FDA approved, and is illegal to prescribe in the United States. People have gotten from Canadian pharmacies. **Note: I do not condone getting prescription drugs that are illegal here from other sources.**

As always, talk with your doctor before trying any new herbal treatment for milk production. I am NOT a doctor, I am just sharing tips that I have learned along the way.