Exclusive pumping is a wonderful sacrifice to make for your baby, but it’s a huge undertaking. This guide has tip & tricks to help make your journey easier. Show
While most would prefer to breastfeed their baby straight from the tap, that isn’t an option for every mom—and that’s where exclusive pumping comes in. Though it’s a wonderful sacrifice to make for your baby, it’s a huge undertaking. So if you’re about to embark on this journey, use this article as a guide. We’ll cover it all, including: What Is Exclusive Pumping?Exclusive pumping is when you provide breastmilk for your baby, but don’t do so through direct breastfeeding. Instead, you pump the milk your baby needs, and bottle feed at regular intervals. Reasons for Exclusive PumpingMost moms don’t make the decision to exclusively pump from the onset. Instead, this is a decision some moms make if breastfeeding isn’t successful. Here are the most common reasons a mother chooses to exclusively pump:
Get free updates on baby’s first year! – Free Updates on First Year [In-article] Sign me up! Exclusive Pumping Schedule: How to Exclusively PumpIf you have recently made the decision to exclusively pump or are considering it, you are probably wondering what your days as an exclusive pumper will look like. In short, you need to pump on the same schedule as your baby eats. Here are some basic guidelines:
Note: Beyond the first month, once your milk supply is fully established, you may be able to decrease pumping frequency and duration. Follow the guidelines below to determine approximately how much milk your baby needs. How Much Milk Should I Be Producing When Exclusively Pumping?Although most moms produce roughly the same amount of milk for their babies, all moms are different. Some moms have an oversupply, other moms have a more average yield, and some moms are never able to produce a full milk supply. Keep in mind, too, that not all moms respond favorably to a pump. That said, there are some general guidelines about how much milk an exclusive breastfeeding baby will need to grow and stay healthy.
Exclusive Pumping TipsExclusive pumping is an all-encompassing and time-consuming task. It’s a 24-hour commitment! Pump, feed, clean, repeat… it can feel like feeding your baby is all you’re doing. That’s why you need a good plan and some “tricks of the trade” to keep you afloat when the going gets tough:
Most of All: Pat Yourself On the Back!Besides the practical demands of exclusive pumping, one of the hardest parts is the guilt you might feel about not being able to breastfeed your baby. It’s natural to feel that way, but there is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. Feeding looks different for every mama and baby. You’re working your tail off to provide breast milk for you baby. That is an amazing and noteworthy accomplishment. But don’t forget: If you feel overwhelmed, try to give yourself some grace and consider these strategies for reducing stress. If exclusive pumping is weighing on you heavily, there are plenty of other options, including donor milk and natural formula. The single most important thing is that baby is fed, so they can continue to thrive. How About You?Did you exclusively pump for your baby for any amount of time? What tips would you share with your fellow moms?
How many ounces should I be pumping per session?It is typical for a mother who is breastfeeding full-time to be able to pump around 1/2 to 2 ounces total (for both breasts) per pumping session.
Will I produce more milk if I exclusively pump?One study of exclusively pumping mothers found that in 65.7% of pumping sessions observed, the right breast produced at least slightly more milk. In another similar study, only 2.6% of the exclusively pumping mothers displayed equal pumping output from both breasts.
How much milk should you get after pumping?5 ounces to 4 ounces (combined sides). You may have heard that some moms can express 4-8 ounces, and it's true, but that is a lot and more than average! How much milk do babies drink: from 1 month to 7 months babies drink an average of 25-35 ounces a day, or 1-5 ounces per feed.
How much should I be pumping exclusive pumping?When you're exclusively pumping, you should be pumping for about 120 minutes per day (this is a minimum – you can pump more if you want to). However, if your baby is a newborn, you'll want to pump more often and for shorter periods of time than if you have an older baby.
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