Breastfeeding has been a journey like none other. Entering into motherhood, I knew that breastfeeding was something that I wanted to do. Although I wasn’t 100% sure about all the details in between. At the basic level, I knew that breastfeeding involved giving the child milk directly from my breast and I made a deal with myself to breastfeed for at least 6 months. Six months is the minimum time suggested by the world health organization to receive the optimal benefits (https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/). Six months is what my mother encouraged me to aim towards. In the end I more than doubled this goal but I definitely started here.

Leading up to my labor, I researched the topic a lot. I watched a ton of youtube videos. I read so many different articles on the topic. I basically consumed and digested all the information I could find on it.

After all my research, one thing was for sure… as a breastfeeding mum, I would need a breast pump in my life. I wanted the flexibility that came with not always being attached to the child and the option of someone else (i.e. my hubby) experiencing the feeding/bonding time, also known as mummy getting a break time which sounded real good to me considering how often newborn babies eat (Every 2 hours!!!).

I felt like I saw the light and went full speed ahead in that direction. I went forward with researching different breast pumps and trying to figure out which one would be best for me. I of course was somewhat limited by the options available through my insurance because, I didn’t want to have to pay out of pocket for something that was freely provided by my health insurer. Also, my health insurance provider gave me several options as well so I was sure to find one that would fit my lifestyle. 

Read more about  health insurance companies providing breast pumps for mums here (https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/breast-pumps-insurance).

Eventually, I found the pump that I wanted to use on my journey and I was ready to go. The details of the process and some of things I considered when deciding on a breast pump is discussed on another blog post (click here to read it). 

Below are five benefits I found as a breastfeeding mum and why I think that pumping is a huge part of breastfeeding for some mums.

1. Pumping allows mums that work outside the home to still breastfeed. Often, mums have to juggle several hats including muming and working outside the home as well. So, for the mums that work outside of the homes or that have to spend hours away from their babies which will inevitable coincide with feeding times, pumping is a lifesaver for both mummy and child. Mum gets to work with the peace of mind that she can do everything she wants and needs to do while still providing nourishment for her little one. The little one gets stacks on stacks on stacks of nutrients in the form of milk stores available on demand.
2. Breast pumping can help to protect/regulate mum’s milk supply. For those who don’t know, a breastfeeding mum’s milk supply is constantly being regulated by the body, which means that, the supply is constantly at risk of decreasing or drying up if the body doesn’t get the correct signals at the right time i.e. when mum is away from baby as discussed in benefit 1 above. This also means that it can be used to increase the amount of milk produced by the body by making the body think that more milk is needed at a certain time. To trick the body into producing more milk, all a mum has to do is pump more often than the baby actually eats. This will send a signal to the body saying, “Need More Milk” to which the body will respond… “well geesh, I betta get to producing then”. After a few times of this, the mum will notice a boost in her milk supply. Amazing!
3. Pumping helps mummies and babies with difficulties latching. After birth, not every child is able to latch on to the mother’s breast directly or successfully for one reason or another including because of medical emergencies as in the case of premature babies that have to be cared for in the NICU. Pumping provides a way for mums to still supply their little ones with breast milk and allows the babies to still receive all the benefits of the breast milk, also known as liquid gold.
4. Pumping gives mums the option of varying their diet without concerns of how it may affect their baby. Introducing the concept of pump and dump. Pumping and dumping takes place when mum ingests something that maybe not agree well with the baby, i.e. gives the baby too much gas and hurts their stomach, makes the baby have an allergic reaction, or it’s not recommended for the baby at all like some medications and alcohol. Pumping and dumping allows mum to make changes to her diet or participate in a little adult behavior while still protecting her milk supply. Side Note: Another good reason why having milk stores is important for a breastfeeding mum. They definitely come in handy during such occasions as described here.
5. Pumping allows the baby to continue drinking breast milk, even after they get teeth and can bite. No explanation needed. If you need one, ask a breastfeeding mum with a teething child. Kudos to all the mums that continue to breastfeed their teething child/ren, U Rock! All my breastfeeding mums know about the pain that comes with the teething life. Don’t get me wrong, the clamp down from the tiny gums hurts too but bites with teeth are on another level. Again mums, you rock!!!!

With that, I’ll end this post and encourage you to read the other articles on breastfeeding. If you need a laugh, take a look at the one on my first time breastfeeding in public. If you need encouragement, read the one about how I kick-started my breastfeeding journey. Of course, our breastfeeding resource page has more resources for you there as well. Check it out!

I wish all the mums out there extra milk and calories on your personal breastfeeding journeys. That’s right, it’s personal and unique to each mum, so mums, don’t allow anyone’s presumptions about what you are or not doing deter you from continuing on. Your little one appreciates your sacrifices and unselfish acts.

I look forward to reading your thoughts on this post in the comments.