Feeding our little ones with that precious liquid gold from our bodies is an incredible phase of motherhood. It's one of those topics that sparks never-ending discussions over coffee dates and moms’ hangouts. We're always weighing the pros and cons of direct nursing versus exclusively pumping. But let me let you in on a mom-to-mom secret: you can totally have your cake and eat it too by combining these two methods!
The real magic of this dynamic duo lies in its ability to adapt to your lifestyle. This flexibility is a game changer, whether you're a stay-at-home mama or you’re juggling work and home responsibilities. Being able to switch between nursing sessions and pumping sessions can be a lifesaver. It lets you split up feeding duties with your partner, build up your frozen stash for emergencies, and make sure your baby gets all the nourishing goodness, however it's served up.
And can we talk about how clutch this strategy is when you look at those short U.S. maternity leaves? The average is only 12 weeks! So many moms wind up needing to pump once they return to work, but still want those magical breastfeeding moments with babies whenever they can swing it. If this speaks to you then, say hello to hybrid baby nursing and pumping!
Let this highly-experienced mom walk you through tried-and-true tips for combining breastfeeding with pumping to get the most milk out of this combo! Lets’ get into it!
How to Combine Nursing and Pumping
Combining nursing and pumping doesn't have to be overly complicated, as long as you've got the right game plan. Let me break it down for you:
Get Purchase all necessary pumping gear.
First up, you'll want to make sure you've got all the must-have power pumping supplies locked and loaded. I'm talking about a high quality primary electric breast pump. As well as plenty of milk storage bags or containers, zip-lock freezer bags for stashing any amount of milk, and some hands-free pumping and nursing bras. Don't forget to check if your health insurance will cover a pump rental or purchase; it's definitely worth looking into!
Reminder that the flanges that come in with the pump barely actually fit most moms. Please make sure to size your flange before pumping!
If you are not the size that comes in the box, order the correct size here.
Establish a Nursing and pumping schedule.
Now when I say schedule, I mean this very loosely. The main thing to keep in mind when balancing the 2 is that your breasts need to be emptied. It does not matter how it just matters that they empty! So whether you choose to nurse, or pump for each feed does not really matter. Establishing a consistent routine that works for you when juggling nursing and pumping is important. In those first few weeks, your little one will likely want to nurse every 2–3 hours. But once you've got a handle on things, try slotting in one pumping session per day. You would only need to do this is you want to, or if you are gearing up for going back to work. Swapping out one nursing session, for pumping session daily can help get both you used to pumping, and your baby used to taking a bottle.
Don't jump into pumping too soon (if you can wait!)
As tempting as it might be to start pumping away right after giving birth, it's actually better to hold off for at least 6 weeks if possible. Those first few weeks are all about getting your breastmilk supply established and letting your body figure out its new feeding schedule!
Introducing the pump too early can lead to an oversupply situation, which means engorged breasts, clogged ducts, and a whole lot of discomfort for both you and your baby. You can learn more about how to pump successfully and stress-free by signing-up for The Ultimate Pumping Course!
Start with breastfeeding.
Listen up mamas, the general rule of thumb is to offer your liquid gold straight from the tap before hitting the pump. Let your little one have his/her fill first. That way, you can fully drain your breasts while pumping after breastfeeding your baby. Also, this will give your body maximum time to refill before the next feed!
Bottle-feed properly.
When it is bottle-feeding time, you’ve got to make sure you're doing it right. Get your baby in a comfy upright position and go slow with the paced feeding method. Give them little breaks so they don't drink the whole thing too quickly, which can cause an upset stomach.
Know your preferred pumping technique.
We all have our own little pumping routine to get our breast milk flowing. Some mamas need a breast massage to get started. Others are all about warm shower or compress action. Maybe you're more of a stare-at-your-baby-pics type to get those let-down vibes going. However you choose to pump it up, just keep it consistent time and time again. Also, make sure you've got the RIGHT pumping gear for the job. You can check out my top pumping gear recommendations and other free resources!
Avoid formulas (if you can).
Look, there's no shame in using formula if that's what your baby needs to gain weight. But if you've got the choice, sticking to the milk straight from your breast is the way to go. Formula can make non-breastfed babies so full that they get a bit too satisfied and lose interest in breastmilk. The next thing you know, your supply starts to dip and your baby may miss out on what has been termed as the best food for newborns. So unless medically necessary, avoid switching to formula if you want to keep your breastfeeding bond and power pumping going strong.
Practice hand expression.
Learning to hand express is a total must-have skill in your nursing and pumping toolkit. This can relieve engorged breasts, stimulate milk flow, and be a total lifesaver when your pump is out of reach. Study up on the proper hand techniques and start integrating them into your daily nursing and pumping routine!
Stay hydrated and fed.
Your breasts are milk-making machines, and they need the right fuel to keep operations running smoothly. I'm talking about staying properly hydrated and fed. Your body uses water, carbs, fats, and proteins to produce that milk. So, if you're running low on fluids, your supply is going to take a nosedive quickly. Pumping and nursing can be really draining, so make things easy on yourself by keeping a water bottle and plenty of healthy snacks within reach.
Steer clear of dehydrating meals.
Okay, so you're crushing it by downing all the juice, milk, and water. Go you! But be careful; some items could undo all your good work. I'm talking about salty snacks, sugary drinks, meats, fried foods they'll all suck the moisture right out of you. And don't even get me started on alcohol, coffee, and tea. Those beverages may as well have "bad for milk supply" stamped on the containers. So, if you want to keep your breasts primed and ready, lay off the dehydrating snacks and drinks!
Committing to the breastfeeding and pumping combo can feel like a lot at first, but it’s hugely beneficial for you and your baby.
Combining nursing sessions with pumping sessions can be such an empowering and rewarding experience as a new mom. But, taking care of yourself has to be just as much of a priority as caring for your little one. Make sure you're getting enough rest, drinking all the hydrating fluids, and fueling up with nutritious meals. Your milk supply and overall well-being depend on it! And never be afraid to ask for help or take a break when you need it!
That's where the One With The Pump family comes in! We're on a mission to help mamas like you have the happiest, healthiest transition into motherhood possible. As a lactation specialist, I’m passionate about making sure maternal support is available to all, whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or doing this magical combo. The tips and emotional cheerleading you'll get will help you navigate any bumps in the road.
That's why I’m recommending our Ultimate Pumping Course, small group pumping classes, and quarterly live workshops. Soaking up all that expert-led knowledge is going to make you feel powerful and unstoppable! Oh, and be sure to check out my top pumping gear recommendations and other free resources while you're at it!
Last but not least, our brand-new Breast Pump Quiz is kicking off in May! This innovative quiz analyzes your unique lifestyle and pumping needs to custom-match you with your absolute perfect pump. You're going to love it!
