How to Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping: A Comprehensive Guide

Using a breast pump can help alleviate discomfort from issues like clogged milk ducts or mastitis, which is inflammation of breast tissue.

Quality pumps like Electric Breast Pump offer similar suction levels to hospital-grade pumps, effectively easing common breastfeeding discomforts.

4. Bottle feeding

Pumped breast milk provides a convenient option for feeding your baby when you need to be away from them for a while. This allows you to maintain the benefits of breast milk through bottle feeding.

5. Giving mom a break:

Breastfeeding can be exhausting, so giving your baby pumped breast milk in a bottle gives moms a chance to take longer breaks, run errands, or even indulge in some self-care, like a visit to the spa.

6. Useful for working moms

Pumping is essential for working moms who want to continue breastfeeding. Many mistakenly think they have to switch to formula feeding when they return to work, but pumping allows them to maintain breastfeeding while balancing their job responsibilities.

7. Involving your partner

Giving your baby some expressed breast milk allows your partner to participate in the feeding routine and bond with the baby. It’s a chance for dads to connect with their little one while the baby learns to drink from a bottle.

Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping Steps

Getting started with combining breastfeeding and pumping is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Feed then pump

Start by breastfeeding your baby before pumping. This ensures your baby gets enough milk before you empty your breasts further.

Remember, pumping can’t replace the special bond formed during nursing, and breastfeeding on demand actually boosts milk production during pumping sessions.

2. Use hands-on techniques

Hands-on pumping and hand expression can help increase the amount of milk you extract and stimulate milk production in the future.

3. Consider milk storage

To save every drop of breast milk, consider using a silicone breast pump or milk collector while breastfeeding. This helps catch any leaking milk from both breasts during feeding.

4. Check the fit

Before you start pumping, ensure that the flange of your breast pump fits properly. A correct fit prevents nipple damage and discomfort during pumping while also making the process more efficient.

5. Relax and warm up

Both breastfeeding and pumping are more successful when done in a calm, quiet environment where you feel relaxed. If you’re having trouble with letdown while pumping, try warming up your chest with something warm and consider looking at pictures or videos of your baby to help stimulate milk flow.

6. Keep essentials nearby

Make your feeding and pumping sessions easier by placing baskets around your house near your favorite breastfeeding spots. These baskets can hold water bottles, snacks, nipple cream, burp cloths, wipes, and diapers, so you have everything you need within reach without having to get up.

Tips and Hacks for Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping

Here are some practical tips to optimize your pumping routine while still enjoying those precious skin-to-skin feedings:

1. Stick to a schedule

Establish a consistent routine for breastfeeding and pumping sessions. Regularity helps your body adapt to milk demand and ensures your baby gets regular feedings. Typically, newborns feed every 2-3 hours. Start by adding one pumping session per day, then gradually increase to 2-3 sessions as your milk supply grows.

It’s generally recommended to wait an hour between feedings, but if you’re aiming to boost milk supply, consider pumping immediately after breastfeeding. This signals your body to produce more milk to meet your baby’s needs.

Many moms find their milk supply peaks overnight and in the morning. Take advantage of this by pumping early in the morning to collect the extra milk while supply is high.

2. Feed your baby on demand

Babies have different feeding patterns, and some may want to feed more frequently than others. It’s important to respond to your baby’s cues and breastfeed whenever they seem hungry. Instead of sticking to a strict feeding schedule, follow your baby’s lead on when to feed.

3. Empty each breast completely

Milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis, so it’s important to signal to your body that your breasts need more milk. Make sure to fully drain each breast during breastfeeding or pumping to encourage continued milk production.

4. Prioritize your well-being

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, Mama. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining milk production. Ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and getting enough sleep to support your breastfeeding journey.

Tips to Help Maximize Your Milk Production

1. Nurse and pump regularly

The more often you breastfeed and pump, the more signals your body gets to produce milk. Try to aim for at least eight to twelve breastfeeding and pumping sessions in a 24-hour period.

2. Empty each breast completely

Milk production relies on supply and demand, so it’s important to signal to your body that your breasts need more milk. Make sure to fully empty each breast during breastfeeding or pumping to encourage continued milk production.

3. Stay hydrated and eat well

Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial for maintaining milk supply. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in nutrients important for lactation, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

4. Pump more often

Adding extra pumping sessions between feedings can signal your body to produce more milk. Some moms find success with ‘power pumping,’ which involves pumping on and off for about an hour each day to mimic cluster feeding.

5. Avoid using formula

While it’s tempting to supplement with formula when you’re worried about your baby’s intake, it can actually decrease your milk supply.

Your body produces milk based on demand, so the less your baby nurses or you pump, the less milk your body will make. Only consider supplementing with formula if advised by your doctor.

6. Massage your breasts

Gentle breast massage before and during pumping can help stimulate milk flow. Use circular motions and light pressure to encourage milk letdown.

7. Enjoy skin-to-skin contact

Holding your baby skin-to-skin triggers the release of hormones that stimulate milk production. Regular skin-to-skin sessions can help boost your milk supply while fostering a strong bond with your baby.

8. Choose the right breast pump

Picking the correct pumping equipment is key for maintaining your pumping routine and boosting milk supply. Check out our guide to find the best pump for you.

Using an uncomfortable pump may lead you to give up pumping early if it causes too much discomfort.

Overcoming Challenges and Common Concerns

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