Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. It is natural and provides numerous benefits to the mother, baby, and family. But for many mums, breastfeeding does not come naturally and it can often be overwhelming.
One of the biggest questions that mums face is how often should they pump while breastfeeding?
The benefits of pumping while breastfeeding
Pumping while breastfeeding can offer many benefits for both mum and baby.
For example, pumping can help increase milk supply, relieve engorgement, save time for busy mums, prevent sore nipples from overfeeding, and offer additional nutrition when supplementing with formula.
Pumping also allows dads to join in the feeding process by giving them a chance to bottle-feed their babies.
How often should you pump?
When it comes to pumping while breastfeeding, there are no hard and fast rules on how often you should do it.
Every mum’s situation is different – some may find that they need to pump every 3 hours while others may only need to pump once or twice a day.
In general, experts recommend that mums pump 8-10 times per day if they are exclusively breastfeeding or 5-6 times per day if they are supplementing with formula. It’s important to listen to your body and find what works best for you.
Tips for successful pumping
The most successful pumping sessions occur when the environment is relaxed and comfortable.
Some tips for successful pumping include drinking plenty of water throughout the day (hydration helps promote healthy milk production), eating regularly (maintaining steady blood sugar levels helps stimulate milk production), wearing comfortable clothes (tight clothing can interfere with letdown), using a hands-free bra adapter (this will make it easier to multitask while you’re pumping) and maximizing your comfort level during each session by using a breast pillow or other support devices).
Additionally, ask your doctor about taking galactagogues (medications which stimulate lactation) if you need extra help producing more breastmilk.
Conclusion
Pumping while breastfeeding is an important part of any nursing relationship between mum and baby.
If done correctly, it can be an enjoyable experience that offers benefits for both mother and child alike! Remember though – every mum’s situation is different so take the time to understand your own needs before deciding on how often you should be pumping each day.
By following these tips on how often you should pump as well as establishing good habits around putting yourself in a relaxed state before each session, you’ll be able to maximize your success in this new chapter of being a parent! Good luck!
