Q: Must you manually express milk or use a breast pump if you nurse? I’m undecided about breastfeeding my baby, and this is a big sticking point for me.
A: Contrary to what the books and magazines that list baby layette items might lead us to believe, a breast pump is not a required item for a breastfeeding mother. The only things a breastfeeding mother needs are a willing baby and at least one functional breast!
Your lifestyle will determine, in large part, whether you are likely to need a breast pump. If you plan to go back to work, or have some kind of regular separation from your baby, then you will need to consider some method of getting the milk out of your breasts–for your own comfort!
And occasionally, a pump can come in handy in the first week or so, if your baby is unable to nurse efficiently or needs special medical attention.
You can decide when the time comes whether you need that pump.
As for hand expression, that’s a “handy” (no pun intended!) technique to learn in case you are ever away from your baby at feeding time and need to get rid of some of the milk for your own comfort. However, it isn’t a requirement, either.
Breastfeeding doesn’t require gadgets and gizmos to be a wonderful experience for you and your baby!
By Melissa Clark Vickers
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.
