Tips to Balance Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule

Becoming a mother is one of the greatest joys for most women. If you’re a new mom and love to spend every bit of your time with your baby, you know what we’re talking about. As a mother, you’d like to spend all your time with your munchkin and take care of him, but there will come a day when you’ll have to leave him behind at home, especially when you return to work after your maternity leave. And no doubt, you’ll worry how you will nurse him. Thankfully, you can always pump to meet your baby’s requirements! Pumping breast milk can ensure your baby gets all the vital nutrients he needs for his growth and development. Learn here how you can create a breastfeeding and pumping routine for your little one!

How to Successfully Combine Pumping With Breastfeeding?

Having a proper pumping and nursing schedule will help you make sure that your baby doesn’t go hungry. Breastfeeding basically works on demand and supply. The more you breastfeed your little one, the more you will make breast milk. The same will happen even when you pump. The more you pump, the more milk your breasts produce. If you’re not able to breastfeed your baby, you should always pump as it will prevent your breasts from becoming swollen and engorged.

However, if you are nursing but planning to return to work, combining pumping with breastfeeding can be your best bet as it will help you meet your baby’s nutritional requirements! Follow these tips for successful pumping and breastfeeding.

1. Pump After Breastfeeding

Pump after breastfeeding your baby because first, you will need to feed your hungry munchkin before his crying bouts begin. You should start pumping after two weeks of your baby’s birth so that there is enough time to establish a proper milk supply. This time frame will give your body a proper understanding of how much milk it needs to produce. And once you’re ready to start pumping, you can nurse the baby and then pump afterwards. You can pump after 30 to 45 minutes of breastfeeding your baby.

2. Continue Breastfeeding on Demand

Feeding the baby as per his demands is important because the more you breastfeed your baby, the more you will pump. Even while pumping, you must continue to breastfeed because it results in breastfeeding every couple of hours which can also mean at least one time a night. You can also pump while breastfeeding. Ask your husband or anyone else to hold the baby as you pump.

3. Avoid Stressing – It Won’t Help!

Stressing won’t solve the problem; therefore, try and avoid stressing about the things you have no control over. Furthermore, it can lead to an unsuccessful pumping experience. Stress can lead to the reduction of supply in general and also increase your cortisol levels which are important in the creation of milk-making hormones. So find a quiet place to pump and think about your baby. Massaging your breasts or using warm compress can help, too!

4. Pump in the Morning

Most women prefer pumping milk first thing in the morning as it gives their bodies the opportunity to provide the best supply. Most moms worry about having sufficient milk after they get about their day. Pumping after nursing to increase supply always seems to work in this case.

If you find it harder to pump after every time you feed, then pumping in the morning will be best. You will also notice that the overall volume of milk produced in the morning hours will be greater.

5. Relax and Stay Hydrated

Try to relax – listen to music, sing, meditate, and do anything that makes you happy. Whatever it is, distracting yourself will work wonders and ensure you have a more pleasant pumping experience. Also, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Water, warm water, juices, and milk can help you stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking caffeine as it can lead to irritability or disrupt your baby’s sleep pattern.

6. Stock Up On Supplies

Using a hands-free pumping bra can help you in this regard as the pump ends up flanging on your bra. It makes it easier for your hands to be free to hold the baby. There are also breast shields that can be placed inside the bra to soak any leaks while feeding or while nursing.

Having multiple parts of the pump available at all times is a good idea in case something gets damaged or misplaced. You can place them all in a zip-lock bag and refrigerate them. This way, you won’t have to keep washing the same equipment, and you can space them out accordingly. Refrigerating can help you prevent bacterial growth, which can affect your child’s health. Make sure you follow the guidelines for pumping though.

7. Have Realistic Expectations

Don’t expect perfection every time you sit to pump. The amount of milk pumped won’t always be consistent and can even change over time. Many women can pump around 2 to 3 ounces, and that in itself is good enough. The amount can vary, and you must learn to have realistic expectations.

Don’t compare yourself with other moms because then it can get harder and lead to stress. Do your best because that will be enough.

8. Establish a Pumping Routine

Set a consistent pumping schedule to maintain a steady milk supply. This routine can help your body anticipate when it needs to produce milk, making the combination of breastfeeding and pumping more effective.

9. Utilize Breast Compression Techniques

While pumping, use breast compression techniques to maximize milk flow. Gently compressing and massaging your breasts during pumping can help empty them more effectively.

10. Introduce Pumping Gradually

Introduce pumping gradually to allow your body to adjust to the additional demand. Starting with short pumping sessions and gradually increasing the duration can help prevent discomfort and promote a smoother transition.

11. Invest in a Quality Breast Pump

Choose a reliable and efficient breast pump that suits your needs. Investing in a quality pump can significantly impact your pumping experience, ensuring effective milk expression and comfort.

12. Maintain a Supportive Environment

This is one of the most important but underrated ways of combining breastfeeding and pumping. Surround yourself with a supportive environment that understands and accommodates your breastfeeding and pumping needs. Communicate with your partner, family, or caregivers to ensure you have the necessary time and space for both activities.

Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule

Here’s a sample schedule for pumping and breastfeeding. Refer to this schedule to get a fair idea of what to expect, and create one for yourself.

Note – This is only a sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule and may not work well for all mothers. You can make your own schedule using this sample. However, it is advisable to speak to a lactation consultant to chart one that suits you and your baby’s needs.

Once you get accustomed to a breast pumping and nursing schedule that works best for you and your baby, managing breastfeeding and pumping will no longer be a task!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping

Combining breastfeeding and pumping, often referred to as “mixed feeding,” offers a flexible approach that allows mothers to provide breast milk to their babies while also incorporating the convenience of pumping. This method can be advantageous in various situations but also comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this approach can help mothers make informed decisions that align with their lifestyle and preferences.

Pros

• Flexibility: Allows for flexible feeding times and involvement of other caregivers.
• Increased Milk Supply: Stimulates increased milk production, ensuring an ample supply.
• Monitoring Intake: Provides the ability to monitor the baby’s nutritional intake more precisely.
• Transition to Bottle Feeding: Facilitates an easier transition to bottle feeding when necessary.
• Shared Responsibility: Enables partners or caregivers to share in feeding responsibilities.

Cons

• Time-Consuming: Requires additional time for pumping sessions, equipment cleaning, and milk storage.
• Breastfeeding Challenges: May pose challenges like nipple confusion or latching difficulties during breastfeeding.
• Logistical Challenges: Presents logistical issues in planning, carrying equipment, and maintaining hygiene.
• Emotional Impact: Can lead to emotional stress and feelings of inadequacy or pressure.
• Possible Overstimulation: Frequent pumping may result in overstimulation and associated issues like engorgement.

What Are the Challenges of Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping?

Combining breastfeeding and pumping can be a beneficial strategy for mothers who want to provide breast milk to their infants while managing their schedules. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the common difficulties faced by mothers when combining breastfeeding and pumping.

1. Scheduling and Time Management

Balancing breastfeeding and pumping sessions requires careful planning. Mothers often find it challenging to establish a consistent schedule that accommodates both direct breastfeeding and pumping sessions. This struggle can lead to stress and fatigue as they try to synchronize feeding times with their baby’s needs while finding moments to express milk.

2. Maintaining Milk Supply

The transition between breastfeeding and pumping may affect milk supply. Some mothers encounter difficulties in maintaining an adequate milk supply when introducing pumping into their routine. Factors such as pump efficiency and the stress associated with pumping can impact the body’s natural response to produce milk, requiring careful attention and strategies to sustain breastfeeding goals.

3. Breastfeeding Latch and Bottle Feeding Transition

Babies may face challenges transitioning between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Introducing pumped milk through a bottle can lead to nipple confusion or a preference for the bottle, making it more difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast during direct breastfeeding. Finding a balance that satisfies the baby’s feeding preferences while ensuring they maintain a proper latch becomes a delicate task for mothers.

4. Emotional and Physical Strain

The combination of breastfeeding and pumping can take a toll on a mother’s emotional and physical well-being. Juggling both methods may result in fatigue, sleep deprivation, and increased stress levels. Finding time for self-care becomes essential to cope with the demands of breastfeeding and pumping, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for mothers navigating this dual-feeding approach.

Does Breastfeeding and Pumping Together Confuse the Baby?

Combining breastfeeding and pumping is a common practice for mothers who want to provide breast milk to their infants while also incorporating the use of a breast pump. However, concerns often arise about whether this dual approach can confuse the baby. In this exploration of breastfeeding and pumping integration, we’ll delve into key considerations and insights to understand if this combination might impact a baby’s feeding experience.

1. Nipple Confusion and Flow Preference

One potential challenge is nipple confusion, where a baby might struggle to differentiate between breastfeeding at the breast and bottle feeding with expressed milk. The difference in nipple shapes and milk flow rates can create confusion for the baby, leading to a preference for one method over the other. Striking a balance that allows the baby to comfortably switch between breast and bottle is crucial to avoid potential confusion.

2. Maintaining Breastfeeding Bond

Introducing pumping into the feeding routine can potentially alter the bonding experience between mother and baby during breastfeeding. Some infants may find bottle feeding more convenient due to the faster milk flow, potentially impacting the emotional connection formed during direct breastfeeding. Strategies to maintain close skin-to-skin contact and emotional bonding during both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding sessions can help mitigate any impact on the mother-infant relationship.

3. Adapting to Breast and Bottle

Babies may need time to adapt to the dual feeding methods. While breastfeeding involves a unique set of sensory experiences and oral motor skills, bottle feeding with a breast pump introduces different sensations and mechanics. Caregivers need to be patient and consistent in providing both breast and bottle feeds to allow the baby to adapt gradually and reduce the likelihood of confusion.

4. Observing Baby’s Cues and Preferences

Paying close attention to the baby’s cues and preferences is vital when combining breastfeeding and pumping. Some infants may prefer one method over the other, and caregivers should be attuned to signs of discomfort or resistance. Flexibility in adjusting the feeding routine to align with the baby’s preferences can contribute to a smoother transition between breast and bottle.

FAQs

1. Is It Okay to Pump Just Once a Day When Breastfeeding?

Yes, it is generally okay to pump just once a day while breastfeeding, especially if you are building a stash or need to be away from your baby for a short period. However, if you’re trying to maintain or increase your milk supply, more frequent pumping sessions may be advisable.

2. How Long Should You Pump and Breastfeed?

The duration of pumping and breastfeeding varies for each individual. Typically, breastfeeding sessions can last around 10-20 minutes per breast, and pumping sessions may take 15-20 minutes. It’s important to respond to your baby’s cues and pump until your breasts feel empty to maintain milk supply.

3. Is It Possible to Simultaneously Breastfeed and Pump?

Yes, it is possible to simultaneously breastfeed and pump, a technique known as “double pumping” or “hands-free pumping.” This can be efficient for saving time and increasing milk production. Some mothers use a breast pump on one breast while the baby nurses on the other.

4. Should You Worry If You Don’t Produce Milk While Pumping?

It’s not uncommon for mothers not to produce much milk or any milk at all during certain pumping sessions. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Factors like stress, fatigue, or the timing of pumping can influence milk output. Consistent pumping, proper equipment use, and seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can help address any concerns about low milk production during pumping.

Ensure you don’t put any stress on yourself while you breastfeed and pump as it is important that you’re in a good state of mind, physically and mentally. Breastfeed and pump whenever you feel comfortable, and you will be able to manage it. Good luck!

References/Resources:

1. Avital. A, Donchin. M, Springer. C, Cohen. S, Danino. E; Feeding young infants with their head in upright position reduces respiratory and ear morbidity (Scientific Reports); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5920104/; April 2018

2. “Power-Pumping” –Super Stimulation For Milk Production; European Lactation Consultants Alliance;
https://cdn.website-editor.net/fbecae35f0d04078b90baf90c3032ed5/files/uploaded/EN%20Power-Pumping.pdf

3. Increasing your supply; Australian Breastfeeding Association; https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/increasing-supply

4. Buckley. K; A Double-Edged Sword: Lactation Consultants’ Perceptions of the Impact of Breast Pumps on the Practice of Breastfeeding (The Journal of Perinatal Education); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684034/

5. Linde. K, Lehnig. F, Nagl. M, Kersting. A; The association between breastfeeding and attachment: A systematic review (Midwifery); Science Direct; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613819302839; February 2020

6. Moossavi,. S, Sepehri. S, Robertson. B, Sears. M, Khafipour. E, Azad. M; Composition and Variation of the Human Milk Microbiota Are Influenced by Maternal and Early-Life Factors; Cell Host & Microbe; https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/pdfExtended/S1931-3128(19)30049-6

7. Meier. P, Patel. A, Hoban. R, Engstrom. J; Which Breast Pump for Which Mother: An Evidenced-Based Approach to Individualizing Breast Pump Technology (Journal of Perinatology); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4920726/; July 2016

Also Read:

Exclusive Breastfeeding
How Breast Milk Can Be Pumped & Stored?
Power Pumping – Does it Help in Increasing Milk Supply
Breastfeeding Myths & Facts Every Mother Should Know