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Breastfeeding: Exclusive Pumping
A Look at Exclusive Pumping
By Cynthia Peterson
There are several types of breast pumps. Battery, electric and manual pumps are available in both double and single models. Double models pump both breasts at a time. Single models pump one breast at a time. Breast pumps are available for purchase and for rent. They are available to purchase online or through most baby specialty shops. Information on renting them, as well as performance of specific models, can be obtained through your local La Leche League, your area hospital or lactation consultant.
The pump itself requires almost no care. If you get milk on it, a baby wipe usually does the trick. If you have an extra set up (breast shields, valves and membranes) on hand you won't have to clean your parts immediately after pumping. Some moms rinse the parts then place them in a large Ziploc baggie and stick them in the fridge until the next use. They wash them either by hand or in the dishwasher (top shelf) at the end of the day. Replacement parts are easily purchased online if needed.
To meet Baby's nutritional needs you must build a plentiful milk supply. For the first 12 weeks you will be pumping often. Every three hours for 20 to 30 minutes should be enough. The more you pump, the more milk your body will produce. After your milk supply is established you won't have to pump as often. If you have trouble with low milk supply cntact a lactation consultant.
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Breastfeeding: Exclusive Pumping by Doula Cynthia on 04/21/2010 01:11PM
My first child would never latch on (he has a high palate and I had flat nipples) even though we worked with a lactation specialist for weeks and tried latching before every feeding for months. I ended up pumping exclusively for 9 months. During this time I also supported another baby who was failing to thrive on formula. However, during all this time I felt like a hypocrit saying I was breastfeeding. I got looks from others at my natural parenting groups and even in the church nursing room. I'm so glad I did it though! Pumping brought my nipples out and I've successfully nursed my next two children (for way longer than I ever planned.)
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Breastfeeding: Exclusive Pumping by Corinne on 05/18/2010 12:27AM
I always intended to breastfeed when I was pregnant. Flat nipples didn't help. I was advised by the lactation RN to pump to 'bring out my nipples' and get the colostrum at the same time. My baby never latched on but I wanted to continue to pump my milk. I felt very guilty that I couldn't breastfeed but I thought that pumping is the next best thing. My husband was very supportive. But not all family members were. I was told to just feed him formula because this was all such a hassle or pumping at work would not be sanitary (I'm a nurse). I ignored them because I knew that breast milk is best. At first, pumping was a chore...I was doing it every two hours, washing the bottles, feeding my baby, sleeping for one hour, and repeat. But eventually, I got used to it and my baby thrived. Despite occasional plugged milk ducts, being tired, and an undesired milk chemistry (I have high lipase and had to scald my milk to store it), I'm so close to my goal of one year!! Yay for pumping moms! PS, I hate when people say I'm taking the easy way out by not breastfeeding my baby. One, it is not by choice, and two, it is so much harder than it seems!