Introduction
Exclusive breastfeeding is when the mother feeds pumped milk instead of breastfeeding. In exclusive pumping, the mother squeezes the milk from the breast with the help of a pump and then transfers the milk into the bottle. The mother feeds the baby with a bottle or a nasogastric tube in case the baby is premature. There is a pumping routine each time the baby needs milk. In some cases, pumping is done when the newborn is not getting sufficient milk during nursing. This occurs when insufficient milk is produced, or the baby is not feeding properly.
What Is the Reason for Exclusive Pumping?
Some of the reasons for exclusive pumping are
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Exclusive pumping is only recommended for some. Usually, direct breastfeeding is recommended for the baby in the initial six months, but in some cases, it may not be possible. In such cases, exclusive breastfeeding is advised, where the baby is fed through bottles. The most common reason for pumping milk is when the baby does not latch properly. Latching is the way a baby holds on to the breast while feeding.
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In some cases, a distance may be created between the baby and the mother. The mother may be asked to return to work even before the baby starts to wean, where the newborn takes food other than breast milk. In such a situation, leaving the baby with the caretaker and pumping milk is the only option. Exclusive pumping helps the baby to get breast milk even though the mother is not around.
Other reasons for exclusive pumping are:
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Having a newborn that refuses to breastfeed.
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Difficulty in gaining weight.
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The newborn does not transfer milk.
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Oral anomalies such as cleft palate.
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The baby was initially in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) post-birth and found difficulty in establishing nursing.
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Baby born with teeth.
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Child adoption.
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Anomalies of breast.
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Congenital condition.
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Maternal choice.
How Can Breast Milk Be Pumped?
Pumping is a strange process when one has never done it. Suggestions can be asked from those mothers who have done it before. First, move to a place without distractions; the mother should relax while collecting milk. Some can collect milk by looking at the pictures of their newborn or by listening to music. Some use the touch of the hand, which stimulates of milk. The mother should stay hydrated by consuming more fluids.
What Are the Benefits of Exclusive Pumping?
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The mother will always know how much the newborn eats.
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The mother will know how much milk is produced and can see the changes over time. This quick action can be taken if the amount of milk produced drops.
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There are no issues of biting.
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There will be more control in deciding when to wean, as the breast pump will not be as emotionally attached as breastfeeding.
What Are the Challenges Related to Exclusive Pumping?
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Exclusive pumping is a time-consuming process where women should spend at least 120 minutes per day along with the time they need to feed the pumped milk to the newborn. Nursing includes milk production and feeding.
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Pumping milk while taking care of the child can be challenging.
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It is a time-consuming process to wash all the bottles and pumps used.
How Should Exclusive Pumping Need to Be Scheduled?
Exclusive pumping can be scheduled in a comfortable way that is convenient for the mother to produce their entire milk supply. Things that need to be considered while scheduling exclusive feeding are
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Increase the milk pumping for longer than ten minutes once the supply increases.
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An app tracks how many times a mother can pump in a day.
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Pumping should be scheduled when the baby is asleep, or there are caretakers to take care of the baby, feed the baby, play, etc.
What Are the Disadvantages of Exclusive Pumping?
Some disadvantages are
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Babies can miss out on physical contact with the mother, which is important in mother-child bonding.
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If any exclusive pump is used, place the baby closer to the mother so they can still experience some close contact with the mother.
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A study revealed that an exclusive pump can make a mother stop feeding the child much earlier as there is no help to take care of the baby.
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Overfeeding the baby who bottle feeds is easier than the one who breastfeeds. Usually, babies being breastfed require less milk when compared to those who are being bottle-fed.
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How much and how often the baby should be bottle fed should be consulted with a pediatrician, as overfeeding can result in the baby being overweight.
What Are the Ways Through Which Milk Supply Can Be Enhanced?
The mother should stay hydrated through more fluid intake and a healthy and balanced diet to help enhance the milk supply. Also helps to manage stress and sleep. The mother needs to pump more often or longer to enhance the milk supply. The diet consumed by the mother should be rich in iron content. After consultation with the doctor, supplements can be taken.
How to Cease Pumping?
When the mother plans to wean the child, the pumping can be stopped, but this process should be gradual to avoid clogging of ducts, mastitis, or engorgement. Initially, the number of times the mother pumps in a day should be decreased. The amount of milk being pumped each time can be reduced. Gradually, the body will get used, and the mother can skip pumping or reduce the pumping frequency. Some time is required for the body to cease pumping.
Conclusion
Exclusive pumping feeds the newborn when breastfeeding cannot be done. Exclusive pumping is done for many reasons, and it may also be difficult for some mothers to start it. This method is used as an alternative to breastfeeding to ensure the baby gets all the nutrients. How and when to pump milk can be guided by the pediatrician. Exclusive pumping has advantages and disadvantages, but this method can be followed when required.
