Breast pumping is an essential practice for many breastfeeding mums, offering flexibility and ensuring that their babies receive the benefits of breast milk even when direct breastfeeding isn’t possible. However, there are numerous myths surrounding breast pumping that can cause confusion and stress for new mums. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths and provide hard facts to help you make informed decisions about your expressing journey.
Myth 1: Pumping Is Painful
Fact: While some initial discomfort is normal, especially when you’re just starting, expressing with a pump should not be painful. Pain can indicate that something is wrong, such as incorrect breast shell size or improper suction settings. Make sure to adjust the pump settings according to comfort, and watch our video for guidance on how to measure your nipple for the correct breast shell size. If you’re experiencing pain, contact us for advice and guidance.
Myth 2: Pumping Means You Won’t Bond with Your Baby
Fact: Breast pumping can actually enhance bonding with your baby. It allows others, like your partner or family members, to feed the baby, giving you a break and enabling them to share in the bonding experience. Additionally, spending more relaxed and stress-free time with your baby can strengthen your bond.
Myth 3: Pumping Will Decrease Your Milk Supply
Fact: When done correctly, pumping can help maintain or even increase your milk supply! The key is to pump regularly and frequently, mimicking your baby’s feeding patterns. Ensuring that your breasts are emptied completely during each session also helps signal your body to produce more milk.
Myth 4: All Breast Pumps Are the Same
Fact: Breast pumps vary significantly in terms of design, efficiency, and comfort. Ardo offers a range of pumps including the Amaryll Manual Breast Pump, the Calypso Single Electric Pump, the Alyssa Double Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump, and a range of hospital-grade breast pumps that can be rented on a pay monthly basis. It’s essential to choose a breast pump that fits your lifestyle and pumping requirements. If you’re unsure you can always read our recent article – Choosing the best breast pump for you.
Myth 5: Pumping is Only for Working Mums
Fact: Breast pumping is beneficial for all breastfeeding mothers, not just those who return to work. It allows you to build a milk stash, gives you the flexibility to be away from your baby, and can be used to help with milk supply issues or feeding difficulties.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Pump at Night
Fact: Your milk production is largely based on supply and demand. Skipping nighttime pumping sessions, especially in the early weeks, can lead to a decreased milk supply. If your baby is sleeping through the night, consider adding a pumping session before you go to bed or early in the morning.
Myth 7: It’s Impossible to Pump Enough Milk
Fact: While some mothers may initially struggle to pump enough milk, there are strategies to increase output. These include pumping more frequently, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, using breast massage and compression techniques, and trying different types of breast pumps.
Myth 8: Pumped Milk Isn’t as Nutritious as Direct Breastfeeding
Fact: Pumped breast milk retains most of the nutritional and immunological benefits of breastfeeding. While some minor components might be affected by storage and handling, the overall benefits of breast milk remain significant. Proper storage and handling techniques can help maintain the quality of pumped milk.
Myth 9: You Can’t Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping
Fact: Many mothers successfully combine breastfeeding and pumping. This approach, known as combination feeding or combi feeding, can offer the best of both worlds, providing the benefits of direct breastfeeding while ensuring a supply of pumped milk for flexibility. Establishing a routine that works for you and your baby is crucial.
Myth 10: Pumping Is Time-Consuming and Inconvenient
Fact: While pumping does require time and effort, it can be manageable with the right strategies. For example, using a double pump such as an Alyssa Double Electric Pump can significantly reduce the time needed to express milk. Equally, using a wearable breast pump gives you more flexibility whilst pumping as it allows you to do other things at the same time.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts about breast pumping can help alleviate concerns and make the experience more positive. By debunking these common myths, you can approach breast pumping with confidence and ensure that you and your baby reap the benefits. Whether you’re exclusively expressing, supplementing breastfeeding, or preparing for a return to work, accurate information is your best tool for success. We have a full range of breast pumping products available and if you have any questions you can always contact our friendly and helpful team.
