How to Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping Like a Pro

Combining breastfeeding and pumping is a fantastic way for nursing moms to ensure their babies get plenty of breast milk.

This approach lets you breastfeed when you can and use pumped milk for feedings when you’re not with your baby.

Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, breastfeeding and pumping can bring their own set of challenges.

So let’s get down to business, understand these challenges, and explore some tips and tricks to seamlessly blend breastfeeding and pumping into your daily routine.

Reasons for Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping

Increasing Your Milk Supply

Breast milk production operates on supply and demand. The more milk you draw out, the more your breasts will produce.

Combining breastfeeding with pumping can help stimulate milk production and increase your overall supply.

Ensuring Your Baby is Well Fed

If your baby has trouble latching or doesn’t drink enough from breastfeeding alone, having extra milk on hand can be a lifesaver.

You can follow up breastfeeding with a bottle to ensure your baby gets all the nutrition they need.

Helping with Breastfeeding Discomfort

Using a breast pump can provide relief from common breastfeeding discomforts like clogged milk ducts and mastitis.

Making Feeding More Flexible

Bottle feeding with expressed milk lets your partner get involved in feeding, giving them a chance to bond with the baby.

And let’s face it, sometimes a mom just needs a break. Whether it’s running errands, visiting a day spa, or just taking a nap, pumped milk gives you the flexibility to recharge.

Challenges of Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping

Struggles with Milk Supply

Some moms might experience low milk supply or have trouble getting enough milk production going.

Don’t worry; there are plenty of strategies and support to help increase your supply.

Time Commitment

Breastfeeding and pumping both take up a lot of time. It can be tough to fit pumping sessions into your busy day, but it’s definitely doable.

Finding Balance

Balancing breastfeeding and pumping sessions can be tricky. It takes careful planning and prioritization to fit both into your routine effectively.

Emotional Challenges

From feelings of guilt to frustration, it’s important to recognize and address these emotions as you navigate your breastfeeding journey.

Tips on Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping

Find the Best Schedule

Find your sweet spot when it comes to combining breastfeeding and pumping.

Some moms swear by pumping after breastfeeding sessions to ensure enough milk supply, while others find success in pumping between feedings.

Experiment and see what works best for you and your baby.

Invest in a Quality Breast Pump

Your breast pump is your sidekick in this adventure, so make sure it’s up to the task.

Choose a high-quality electric breast pump that suits your needs. A hands-free or double pump is great for more efficient milk removal while multitasking.

Create a Pumping Sanctuary

Designate a cozy corner of your home as your pumping oasis. Deck it out with comfy pillows, soothing music, and maybe even some photos of your little one for extra motivation.

Turning pumping sessions into mini relaxation breaks can make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Get into a Pumping Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to combining breastfeeding and pumping.

Try to pump around the same time each day to signal to your body that it’s time to produce milk. Plus, having a set schedule can help you stay organized in all this chaos.

Maximize Milk Production

Channel your inner dairy queen by incorporating lactation-boosting foods and drinks into your diet. Oatmeal, Brewer’s Yeast, and plenty of water can work wonders in keeping your milk supply flowing.

Build a Stash

Build up your freezer stash of pumped milk for those moments when you need to be away from your baby. Read all about handling and storing breast milk here.

Collect Every Drop

Use milk collector, such as the Haakaa cup, on the opposite breast while breastfeeding.

This simple yet effective method allows you to catch any letdown milk that would otherwise be lost in a nursing pad or nursing bra.

Keeping Your Spirits Up

Breastfeeding and pumping can be physically and emotionally demanding.

To stay motivated, seek support and encouragement from loved ones or online communities.

Remember, feeding your baby is a full-time job in itself, so give yourself credit for all your hard work.

FAQ About Breastfeeding and Pumping Combo

How many times a day should I pump while breastfeeding?

The frequency of pumping varies for each mom and depends on individual circumstances.

A good starting point is to aim for around 8-12 pumping sessions per day, which matches the typical feeding frequency for newborns.

As your baby grows and your milk supply regulates, you might find that you need to pump less often.

Is it OK to pump and breastfeed at the same time?

Absolutely! Some multitasking mamas find it convenient to pump one breast while breastfeeding on the other side.

This can be a time-saving technique, especially for busy moms who need to maximize their pumping sessions while still feeding their baby.

Do I have to pump if I’m exclusively breastfeeding?

While pumping may not be necessary for every breastfeeding mom, there are situations where it can be beneficial.

Pumping allows you to build up a freezer stash of milk for times when you need to be away from your baby, whether it’s for work, appointments, or some much-needed self-care.

Additionally, pumping can help maintain milk supply and relieve engorgement if your baby isn’t feeding as frequently as usual.

How long should I wait after breastfeeding before pumping?

It’s generally recommended to wait at least 30-60 minutes after breastfeeding before pumping.

This allows your breasts time to refill and ensures a more effective pumping session.

What is the best way to bottle feed a breastfed baby?

The best way to bottle feed a breastfed baby is by using a paced feeding technique.

This method mimics the natural flow of breastfeeding and helps prevent nipple confusion.

What is the best schedule for pumping while breastfeeding?

The best pumping schedule depends on your baby’s feeding patterns, your comfort, and your lifestyle.

If your baby is exclusively breastfeeding, try to mimic their feeding patterns when scheduling pumping sessions.

For example, if your baby typically feeds every 2-3 hours during the day, you can aim to pump every 2-3 hours as well. This helps maintain a similar frequency and ensures regular milk removal.

How to increase milk supply through pumping after breastfeeding?

One trick that really works is to pump more often. This will signal your body that it needs to produce more milk.

Another tip is double pumping. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone—you empty both breasts at the same time, giving your body extra encouragement to make more milk.

Another thing to try is power pumping. This involves pumping for shorter, more frequent intervals over the course of an hour to stimulate milk production.

How much milk should I be pumping?

Well, it really depends on your baby’s individual feeding habits. Every baby is unique, and some may need to feed more often than others.

Your goal is to pump enough milk to fulfill your baby’s daily needs. Read this to understand if your baby is eating enough.

Combining breastfeeding and pumping isn’t just about feeding your baby—it’s also about empowering yourself as a mom.

Establishing a consistent schedule for both breastfeeding and pumping is crucial for maintaining milk supply and managing your precious time.

Remember to celebrate your successes along the way, whether it’s reaching a pumping milestone or perfectly thawing the right amount of milk without any waste.

You’re doing amazing work, mama, and you deserve all the praise in the world! Keep up the fantastic job!