By Sr Teresa Hayward (RN, RM, Lactation consultant, Infant & Paediatric Nutritionist, Baby Sleep consultant)
For some moms, their breastfeeding journey may be easy and work, but for other it may be difficult, or it doesn’t fit with their lifestyles or just isn’t for them. And that is OK. As a Lactation consultant, and mom myself, I spend a lot of time encouraging my moms to do what works for them and their family and support them whichever route they take.
When it comes to breastfeeding vs pumping there are a variety of options, and as a mom you may be wondering what the best for you is. Some moms prefer breastfeeding over pumping, and other decide exclusive pumping is best for them.
Breastfeeding
The Pros
· ITS FREE! – not your times, but is does save you money. Once established breastfeeding is easy, free and is available everywhere you go. · LESS MESS – no need to wash, and sterilize bottles and pumps · BONDING TIME – one of the biggest pros is the bonding as only you can feed your baby. This can also be a con to some moms too · MAGIC MILK – another huge benefit to exclusively breastfeeding, is that your milk will change according to your baby’s needs. Their saliva contains an enzyme stimulates the nerve ending in your nipple and your milk adjusts according to their needs · IT’S QUICKER – your baby will empty your breasts better and faster than any pump will do. · LESS TO PACK – when you are out and about, you don’t have to worry about pump parts, bottles and more. All you need is your baby and boobs! It also means you can never forget your baby’s food. · MILK REGULATION – your baby will regulate your breastmilk supply. Breastfeeding is based on supply and demand, meaning during extensive growth periods, baby will drink more and increase your milk supply. When baby drinks less, your body will produce less. · NO WAIT TIME - whenever your baby is hungry, their meal is always ready. You don’t have to prepare a bottle and warm up milk · FEEL GOOD HORMONES – breastfeeding exclusively also releases hormones that improve relaxation, bonding and help soothe mom and baby
The Cons
· LEARNING CURVE – even though breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally. It’s a learned skill for both mom and baby and takes times. It can be challenging as you work through the hurdles. That is why I always recommend working with a Lactation consultant. But so is pumping · INTERRUPTIONS – because of how time-consuming breastfeeding can be, sometimes it feels like you are isolated away from the rest of your life. Similarly, if baby is hungry, you need to stop what you are doing and feed them. · LACK OF FREEDOM - breastfeeding moms may find it hard to step away from their baby, such a going to grocery store, Drs appointment, or even a date night may not seem possible for an exclusively breastfeeding mom. · MORE DIFFICULT IN PUBLIC – moms are often not comfortable to feed in public. This can make feeding more challenging · UNKNOWN CONSUMPTION – with breastfeeding, you don’t always know how much baby is taking in with each feed. This can cause worry and concern · IT CAN BE PAINFUL – working though painful latches, sleepless nights and engorged breasts can be rough. For some, they work through these issues easily, but for others, those first few weeks are enough for them to give up. · JUST SAY NO – with breastfeeding, you still need to avoid certain beverages (alcohol) and medications · NO HELP – if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you are the only one who can feed your baby for every single feed, morning, noon, and night.
Pumping
The Pros
· MORE FLEXIBILITY & FREEDOM – pumping allows you to pump on a schedule and provide you with more flexibility and freedom · OTHERS CAN HELP – it will allow others to step in and give feeds and allow you time to step out of the house or rest · PRECISE MEASUREMENTS – one benefit of giving bottles is you always know what your baby is taking in. This often provides peace and comfort · COMFORTABILITY -exclusive pumping can be a bit more comfortable in the first weeks when latching is painful · MONITOR YOUR MILK – you will know if your milk supply has changed because you will likely have an idea how much you pump at particular times of the day. · CREATE A STORAGE SUPPLY – exclusive pumping may allow moms to boost their breast milk storage supply. Sometimes you may pump more than the baby can drink which you can then store for later feedings.
The Cons
· CLEAN UP REQUIRED – pumping requires quite a lot of cleaning – pump parts need to be washed and sterilized after each session, not to mention the bottles. · LET DOWNS MAY SUFFER – moms often experience fluctuation in milk supply throughout the day. This may cause some anxiety, and they will struggle to have let downs · IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE – pumping can get expensive. Breast pumps, breast pump parts, milk storage bags and bottles are not cheap. · HOOKING UP CAN BE A HASSLE - it can be a hassle to hook yourself up to a pump every 2-3hrs for months on end, especially if you have a crying baby on your hands too. I see so often that moms start with good intentions and then start decreasing the number of times they are pumping. You need to be pumping as often as you feed. · MORE TO PACK – If you have to leave the housem you have to ensure you have all your feeding stuff. · LACK OF IMMUNE BOOST – exclusive pumping typically doesn’t help your body to detect when to change according to your baby’s needs. · LACK OF PRIVACY – finding a private space to pump can sometimes cause problems, especially if you have a noisy pump
As you can see, there are many pros and cons to breastfeeding vs pumping. Feeding a baby can be very time consuming and exhausting, no matter how you do it. However, doing what makes you feel comfortable is always best. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you think you need it, and a Lactation consultant is always the best resource, not family, friends, facebook groups, Google or clinic sister and doctors.
Feel free to contact Sr Teresa at 0824009501 to book a Lactation consultation.
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