Balancing Breastfeeding and Pumping - Working Mothers Guide

About P Subashree (Author)

This article is contributed by our Lactation Expert, P Subashree. Subashree is a mother of 2. She completed her lactation course from BSIM to help the peer mothers struggling to breastfeed their babies, allowing the mothers to pump when they have returned to work, helping to wean their babies from formula, and bringing them back to the breast.

• Introduction
• Breastfeeding and Pumping Tips for Working Mothers 
• How to store the pumped milk
• How Long Should a Pumping Session Be
• Safe Thawing for Breastmilk
• Breastfeeding Pumping Tips For New Moms
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message from SuperBottoms

Pumping or expressing is a way of taking milk out of the body without your baby’s suckling. Breastfeeding using a pump helps working mothers and others who may need to store milk for later use. However, pumping output does not accurately reflect your actual milk production. Even the most advanced pumps can’t match the efficiency of a baby’s natural sucking.

Breastfeeding operates on a simple demand-and-supply principle. When your baby suckles, the hormone prolactin signals the mammary glands to produce milk. The more your baby feeds, the more prolactin is released, prompting your body to produce enough milk for the next feeding. This process ensures that the supply matches the baby’s needs. Therefore, babies need to breastfeed on demand, allowing them to determine the duration and frequency of each session.

Breastfeeding and Pumping Tips for Working Mothers

1. Talk to your HR and request a designated room for pumping. Inform your HR and manager about your needs.
2. Begin your breastfeeding pumping schedule 1 to 1.5 months before resuming work.
3. Try to pump during your work hours to help your body adapt.
4. It takes at least a week for your body to adjust to a pump.
5. If your baby is over 4 months old, wait 3–4 hours after feeding before pumping. Babies at this stage typically drain the breast more efficiently.
6. For babies above 4.5 months, consider using a sippy cup instead of a bottle.
7. If bottle feeding, follow paced bottle feeding methods.
   

How to Store the Pumped Milk

1. Store milk in disposable milk storage bags, bottles, or steel containers.
2. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep containers inside the fridge, not in the door.
3. At work, store milk in the office refrigerator. Use a cooler bag with ice packs to transport it home and refrigerate or freeze it immediately.
4. If no refrigerator is available at work, use a cooler bag with 2–3 ice packs and refrigerate within 24 hours.
5. Label all milk with the date to ensure proper use.
6. Consult a lactation expert when mixing two batches of expressed milk.
   

How Long Should a Pumping Session Be?

1. Pumping both breasts takes between 15 and 45 minutes.
2. Do not rely on a timer. Continue pumping as long as milk is flowing. When it stops, pump for another minute to check for a second letdown.
3. If using an electric pump, start with a lower suction setting and gradually increase.
   

Safe Thawing for Breastmilk

1. Always thaw the oldest breastmilk first.
2. Transfer frozen milk to the refrigerator and thaw overnight.
3. Warm milk by placing the container in warm water.
4. Do not heat breastmilk directly.
5. Never refreeze thawed breastmilk.
   

Breastfeeding Pumping Tips For New Moms

1. Check flange size before choosing a pump. Only some brands offer multiple sizes.
2. If pumping frequently, invest in a hospital-grade pump for better efficiency.
3. Stick to a regular breastfeeding and pumping schedule each day.
4. Include at least one session between 2–5 a.m., when prolactin levels are highest.
5. Use power pumping if you're trying to boost supply.
6. Replace pump parts regularly if you pump often.
   

Understanding the balance between pumping and breastfeeding is essential for new and working mothers. While breastfeeding offers natural cues for your body, pumping provides flexibility. A well-managed pumping and breastfeeding schedule, proper storage, and the right tools can help make your breastfeeding journey smoother. Remember, while both methods have their benefits, the natural connection and hormonal signals from direct breastfeeding often support better long-term milk supply. So, if you're transitioning from breastfeeding to pumping, do it mindfully and gradually.

Whether you choose to breastfeed, pump, or combine both, being informed helps you make the best choice for your baby and yourself. The benefits of breastfeeding vs pumping may vary, but your love and care remain constant.

Key Takeaways

1. Pumping vs Breastfeeding: Pumping does not accurately reflect milk supply, as babies are more effective at removing milk. Breastfeeding works on demand and supply, and frequent nursing boosts production.
2. Prepare in Advance: Working mothers should prepare for pumping 4–6 weeks before returning to work. Speak to employers for support and use paced feeding techniques for a smooth transition.
3. Storage & Technique Matter: Store milk safely and follow correct techniques. Pump for 15–45 minutes, focus on milk flow rather than time, and never refreeze thawed milk.

FAQs

Q1 - When to pump? Can we pump from day 1? 

Ans - It is generally not advised to pump during the first 6–8 weeks, as this is when your body adjusts to your baby's needs. Pumping too early may lead to engorgement or mastitis. Consult a lactation expert in special cases (e.g., NICU, tongue-tie). Always follow a schedule, and wean off gradually if stopping.

Q2 - Does pumping cause low milk supply? 

Ans - No, not if done correctly. Using the right flange size is crucial. Milk supply may be affected if the pump cannot drain the breast efficiently.

Q3 - Does pumping cause pain? 

Ans - Pumping should not be painful. If it is, check the flange size and start with low suction before gradually increasing.

Q4 - Can I pump with a fast letdown? 

Ans - If you have a fast letdown, pumping may worsen the issue and make your baby uncomfortable. Instead, hand express to manage the flow.

Q5 - Can an engorged mother pump to relieve engorgement? 

Ans - Frequent pumping may lead to more engorgement. Instead, use a warm compress, gently massage, and hand express to relieve pressure.

Message From SuperBottoms

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