How to Tackle Breastfeeding and Pumping

If you are pregnant or approaching the end of your pregnancy you might be thinking about whether or not you plan on breastfeeding your baby. There are many things to consider if you are going to attempt breastfeeding. This can be exhausting to think about, and when you are already doing the most exhausting thing (growing a human) it can become overwhelming. Now, I should state that I am not a specialist in breastfeeding or pumping. However, I figured that I should write a post on just how to tackle breastfeeding and pumping as it may be helpful to you. I am someone who has recently gone through these obstacles for the first time and am still successfully breastfeeding my daughter who is six months old. Here are some tips that I found helpful while going through the process. 

Don’t Research Too Much

I have to say, I did no research on breastfeeding or pumping while I was pregnant and wasn’t too concerned with it. I figured well I’ll either make enough milk and be able to breastfeed, or I’ll give her formula. Fed is best right? Having that outlook on breastfeeding really took the pressure off of myself from feeling like I would have somehow failed if I didn’t produce milk. If that happens, that is a-okay. Formula is sold for a reason and offers similar benefits that a moms breast milk has to offer. 

Get a Breast Pump

If you are at all considering breastfeeding, I suggest ordering a pump.I recommend doing this about six weeks before your due date. It is actually a very simple process and is usually completely covered by your health insurance. Personally, I used Aeroflow Breast Pumps to get my pump and they made the process very simple. Through this site I also purchased a pumping bra which I highly recommend. This way you can be hands free while you pump.

What I like about pumping is that it allows me to have options as to how I feed my baby. I can either nurse her or feed her a bottle with the milk I pumped. This just makes it easier if you are on the go and would be more comfortable bringing a bottle with you rather than having to nurse. Pumping also allows you to build a supply of your milk and freeze it in the freezer for up to six months. This way you always have milk available for use even if it is months later. 

Why I Love My Breast Pump

For me, pumping is extremely useful when I wake up in the morning and am engorged with milk. Now if this happens to you, you could always wake up your little one and nurse them to find relief. However, your baby might not be hungry at that time or you would rather let them sleep. This is when I find my pump the most useful. I will use my pump every morning first thing before my daughter wakes up. I am able to get her a bottle ready for when she does wake up and store the remaining milk in the fridge for later that day. Some days I will freeze a few ounces to store for a later time. How often you use your pump in a day is completely up to you. For me having a pump available is a game changer and made my journey much easier and I think it would for you too.

Get a Lactation Consultant

After ordering a breast pump, I recommend finding a lactation consultant. This again is pretty simple. I was hesitant if I would need a consultant or not but I am so glad I did. My consultant took away any stresses or concerns I had with breastfeeding and pumping and they will do the same for you. 

Your consultant will be able to teach you more on breastfeeding and show you multiple positions for nursing. If you already have your pump they will also be able to show you how to work it. Additionally, they will  be able to see if your pump fits properly and give you a proper measure for a flange if there needs to be adjustments. I recommend meeting with your consultant one time in person before having your baby. I did this and I found it extremely useful since you will be in the hospital the first time you are nursing and won’t have them with you. Having practiced positions with my consultant beforehand and getting familiar with it all made the process less intimidating for me and I think it will do the same for you. 

Feel Confident in Breastfeeding

What I loved most about my consultant was the confidence she gave me. She allowed me to have no limitations on whether I felt like nursing more one day or pumping and using bottles the next. My consultant really gave me the option and reminded me that I can do whatever is working more efficiently and allowing the baby to get the proper amount of milk. As long as the baby is growing and gaining weight then do whatever works for you. 

Don’t Let Breastfeeding Stress You Out

Breastfeeding shouldn’t become an added stress to your life. Yes, it can be difficult in the beginning and even a little painful at times. However, with practice breastfeeding will get easier and begin to feel like second nature. Just like how it will get easier for you it will also get easier for your baby. They will be able to latch faster and get comfortable. You will be able to figure out what positions work the best for you both.

Remember, breastfeeding is not for everyone. If you feel that you want to give it a try, I highly recommend giving it a shot. I hope this post gave you a little guidance and encouragement in starting the breastfeeding journey. Comment below if you found any of these tips helpful.