Pumping Exclusively

Exclusively pumping, also known as "Eping" is a way for Mom to continue to give baby breast milk when breastfeeding has failed or is delayed. Most Moms resort to formula feeding when breastfeeding problems arise, not knowing that it is possible to feed baby their precious breast milk via bottle and also have enough milk for baby.

To all those Moms out there that have faced the odds and still decide to continue breast pumping exclusively, congratulations! You are a dedicated Mom, and should feel very proud of yourself.

Reasons why some Moms Resort to Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk

* Babies are premature and are kept in ICU.

* Cleft palate babies.

* Moms with extreme problems concerning concave or flat nipples.

(Here are our guidelines on breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples)

* Babies with suck problems.

* Many other problems are connected to pumping exclusively.

Exclusive Breast Pumping Tips

* Massage in-between and during pump sessions (more on breast massage here).

* Get yourself (or rent) an electric double action breast pump. This is needed for the best results (hospital grade pumps are built to establish milk supply) Electric breast pumps cannot be compared to hand pumps, but can be replaced by a manual breast pump once your milk supply is established.

* Make sure your breasts are lubricated before pumping them. Lansinoh , olive oil and even your own breast milk works well for this; this will also help for sore nipples. (don not use your own milk if you suspect a thrush infection – it could make it worse!)

* Pump at least eight times a day. Allow your body to recover two hours in-between pumping sessions as your body needs a chance to produce the milk.

* Have a comfortable place to pump with a pumping station already set up for you.

* Make sure that you have good back support while pumping.

* Extra flanges and bottles can help so that you do not need to wash them immediately after pumping.

* Don’t start any hormonal contraception pills until your milk supply is established, and then ask for the progestin-only pill (also called the mini-pill).

* Make things more comfortable and easy for yourself by using a hands free pumping system so that you can read a book or do something relaxing whilst you pump, as it can become tedious.

* Follow safe breast milk storage guidelines.

* Help for Moms who are pumping milk at work and breastfeeding.

* Try pumping at least once during the night.

* Pump for 20 minutes with each pumping session.

* Speed on the pump should be set for comfort, as Mom produces more milk when relaxed.

* Put your pumping equipment in the refrigerator whilst not in use during the day, this way you only need to wash it once at night.

* It is okay if you need to supplement with formula; just keep to your pumping schedule and your milk supply with increase. Any amount of breast milk will benefit baby.

The Benefits of Pumping and Feeding Expressed Milk

* It provides a way for Mom to still feed her baby precious breast milk if breastfeeding does not work out.

* The health benefits of breast milk.

* Other family members get to take advantage of the bonding that is created by feeding baby.

What are the Challenges of Exclusively Pumping?

* Pumping exclusively takes a lot of time and effort.

* Moms sometimes struggle with maintaining or increasing milk supply when pumping breastmilk.

What about Bonding between Mom and Baby?

* Sometimes bonding can improve between a Mom and baby that have been having difficulty breastfeeding when they switch to bottle feeding the breast milk.

* Make sure that your baby is held for feedings as this will also ensure better bonding between Mom and baby. Any other family members get to benefit from this as well.

How much Expressed Breast Milk should I Feed Baby Per Bottle?

* The average baby will drink about 900ml (30oz) per day (24 hours).

* Exclusive pumping amount by age calculated at Kellymom.

Increasing your Breast Milk Supply

* Empty your breasts with every pumping session; this will signal your body to produce more milk.

* Drink lots of fluids especially water, this will hydrate your body to increase milk production.

* Eat a well-balanced diet (breastfeeding diet guidelines)

* Get plenty of rest.

Herbs that can increase supply that are safe for baby.

* Other tips on the low milk supply page.

Does exclusively pumping breast milk get easier?

After about three months of exclusive breast pumping, your milk supply should be fully established, which means that you can actually pump fewer times a day.

Support group online for pumping exclusively.

Exclusive pumping is the second best option after breastfeeding, but can sometimes be just as difficult, although it is possible to exclusively pump for as long as most Moms breastfeed and longer.

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” connected to breast pumping exclusively.

- Breastfeeding preemies

- The benefits of breastfeeding

- Breast milk storage guidelines

- Working and breastfeeding

- Hand expressing breast milk

- From breast to bottle feeding