Breastfeeding and pumping can feel like two separate worlds, but many moms either choose or need to combine both to meet their unique needs.
Whether it’s for creating a backup milk supply, adjusting milk flow, getting some much-needed rest, preparing to return to work or need to spend some time away from a baby, a breast pump and baby bottle can be invaluable tools in your journey. However, it’s essential to understand how to make both feeding methods work together efficiently. Here’s how to manage it.
Why pumping?
A breast pump can provide flexibility, allowing you to substitute a breastfeeding session with a bottle of expressed milk.
This can be especially helpful if you're dealing with oversupply or a strong letdown that makes your baby gag or choke. Pumping for a few minutes before feeding can ease the flow and make it more comfortable for your little one.
On the other hand, if you're experiencing an undersupply, pumping after feedings can signal your body to produce more milk. The extra stimulation is beneficial for mothers looking to boost their supply.
Sometimes, latch issues can make it difficult for your baby to feed effectively at the breast, but with a bottle, they can still receive the necessary amount. This is especially common in premature babies or those with a weaker sucking reflex. If you're facing latch challenges, be sure to consult with a lactation specialist for guidance. If you wish to plan to bottle-feed for a short period, you can introduce the bottle and later return to breastfeeding when possible.
Pumping and introducing a bottle can also be a helpful solution if you need to be away from your baby or want more flexibility. For example, if you are a happy parent of twins, one baby can feed directly from the breast while the other gets expressed milk from a bottle, allowing you to share feeding duties with your partner or helper.
Therefore, breastfeeding while pumping can be a useful alternative for times when direct breastfeeding is not effective, possible, or comfortable for both you and your baby.
When to pump?
In the early weeks of breastfeeding, most experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4 to 8 weeks to help your milk supply regulate according to your baby's needs. Once you're past this phase, when to pump becomes a more personal decision, often influenced by your lifestyle and how much milk you need to store.
Some mothers find that they get the best milk yield by pumping about an hour after breastfeeding, while others may find a more spaced-out schedule—such as pumping after every second or third feed—works better. You’ll need to experiment a bit to determine what works best for you and your baby. Pumping for about 15 minutes per side is typical, but this will vary depending on your milk supply and the efficiency of the pump.
Choosing the right pump
Selecting the right breast pump is crucial for both comfort and efficiency. The right model depends on your needs. If you're unsure which one to choose, consider factors like portability, noise level, ease of cleaning, and whether you need a manual, electric or hands-free pump.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to pump milk but don’t have access to a breast pump, you can express milk manually with your hands. It’s an effective and natural method to remove milk from your breasts when needed.
Storing milk after pumping
After you've finished pumping, make sure to store your milk in the fridge or freezer. This ensures the milk stays fresh until it’s needed for feeding. It's important to follow the guidelines for milk storage to maintain its quality and nutritional value.
Breastmilk can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months for best quality. Make sure the freezer is set to -18°C (0°F) or lower to keep the milk safe.
When freezing breastmilk, use airtight containers or freezer bags, and avoid overfilling the containers since breastmilk expands when frozen. Always label the containers with the date and time the milk was expressed, so you can use the oldest milk first.
Milk stored in a regular refrigerator is recommended to be used within 3 days.
If you're storing breastmilk in the fridge or freezer, always remember to discard any leftover milk after a feeding session, as it can't be reheated for later use.
Warming the milk
Before giving the milk to your baby, gently warm it by placing the container in a bowl of warm water or using a bottle warmer. Avoid microwaving the milk, as it can create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth and destroy some of the milk’s nutrients. Make sure to test the milk temperature by dripping a small amount on the inside of your wrist; it should feel lukewarm.
Introducing the bottle to your baby
When you're ready to give pumped breastmilk to your baby, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since breastfed babies are accustomed to feeding directly from the breast, introducing a bottle may take a bit of time and patience.
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Start by introducing the bottle when your baby is around 4-6 weeks old, allowing them time to become familiar with breastfeeding first. Wait until the breastfeeding is well established.
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Choose a bottle with a round nipple that mimics the shape and feel of the mother’s breast. This helps prevent "nipple confusion" when the baby alternates between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Read more about nipple confusion and how to avoid it.
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Use a bottle nipple with a slow flow, so the milk flow is slowed like when breastfeeding. If the bottle’s flow is too fast you may experience that your baby becomes more interested in the bottle than the breast. This is because it is easier to get the milk out of the bottle compared with the breast. Read more about choosing the best baby bottle.
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It's also a good idea to have someone other than the breastfeeding parent offer the bottle at first. When the mother is present, the baby can smell the milk, and a breastfed baby naturally prefers to get breastfed when possible.
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Put a little breastmilk on the nipple, so the baby is familiar with the smell and taste.
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Try offering the bottle during a time when your baby isn’t too hungry or too tired, to keep the experience as stress-free as possible.
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Hold the baby in a semi-upright position while bottle feeding and keep the bottle horizontal. Make sure to allow your baby to latch onto the nipple and suck in a natural rhythm, mimicking breastfeeding. Let the baby drink at their own pace and take breaks. Pay attention to the baby's cues when they are full. Read more about paced bottle-feeding.
If you skip breastfeeding because the baby gets a bottle, it is important to pump out the milk to avoid clogged milk ducts and mastitis and to keep up the milk production. In efforts to maintain a good supply, try and avoid gaps of longer than 6 hours without pumping or breastfeeding.
By combining breastfeeding and pumping, you'll have more flexibility in your daily routine while still ensuring your baby gets the nourishment they need. Take your time to find what works for you, and remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique.
