#asktheexpert my new born is taking my milk but she finds it easy if I pump and give her in a feeder. is it healthy to pump breast milk everytime rather than feeding directly?

Question

Accepted Answer

It is absolutely healthy to pump breast milk and feed it to your newborn via a bottle if that method works better for you and your baby. Many mothers pump milk for various reasons, and it can still provide your baby with the same nutritional benefits as direct breastfeeding. However, there are some factors to consider when choosing between pumping and direct breastfeeding:

Benefits of Direct Breastfeeding:

1. Bonding: Direct breastfeeding fosters physical closeness and bonding between you and your baby.

2. Stimulates Milk Supply: When your baby nurses directly, it provides better stimulation to your breasts, which can help maintain or increase your milk supply.

3. Convenience: There’s no need to pump, store, or clean bottles when breastfeeding directly.

4. Improved Digestion: Some studies suggest that direct breastfeeding can be easier for babies to digest, as it allows them to regulate the flow of milk.

Benefits of Pumping and Bottle Feeding:

1. Flexibility: Pumping allows other family members to feed the baby, which can give you a break and help with the baby’s feeding routine.

2. Tracking Milk Intake: Using a bottle makes it easier to track how much milk your baby is drinking, which can be helpful if you’re concerned about their intake.

3. Comfort for Mother: Some mothers find it more comfortable to pump milk and feed via a bottle rather than breastfeeding directly.

4. Convenience for Mother: If you’re away from your baby (e.g., at work), pumping and bottle feeding makes it easier for your baby to still receive breast milk.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Milk Supply: Pumping doesn’t always stimulate milk production as efficiently as direct breastfeeding. If you exclusively pump, it’s essential to pump frequently and ensure you’re getting enough milk to maintain supply.

Nipple Confusion: Some babies may develop a preference for the bottle nipple over the breast, which can make it difficult for them to latch correctly at the breast later. However, this is not always the case, and some babies switch between both methods with no issues.

Storage and Hygiene: You’ll need to properly store breast milk in clean bottles or bags and ensure bottles and nipples are sterilized to avoid contamination.

Conclusion:

If your newborn is more comfortable drinking expressed breast milk from a bottle, it is completely fine to pump and bottle-feed. It’s a good idea to try and maintain some direct breastfeeding sessions if possible to help with milk supply and bonding. However, if pumping works better for you and your baby, it’s a healthy option as well. Just ensure you’re pumping often enough to maintain your milk supply, and try to create opportunities for bonding in other ways.