Breast Pumping: The Alternative Feeding Option
by Wendy Williamson
Breastfeeding has been a part of our culture since human existence, so
why does it seem so difficult? Most soon-to-be-moms fantasize about the
sweet, quiet moments that they will share with their precious bundle as they
suckle at her breast, but moments after birth they find that the
breastfeeding experience does not come as natural as was thought, but is a
learning experience. Due to excruciating, long labors; post-partum
depression; decisions to return back to work and many other problems that
mothers are facing, some are turning to other feeding options.
Is this such a bad decision? Perhaps 30 or 40 years ago, when the
fad of breastfeeding was not in, the only option was to
use formula. However, we are very fortunate to have many feeding options to
keep our beautiful newborns healthy, plump and happy: breastfeeding,
formula, exclusive pumping, supplementing breast milk, supplementing
formula, and many other combinations. But, why is it that we are instantly,
right after the birth of our newborn, only given two options (breastfeeding
and formula)? It is very rare for someone in our society, especially the
medical community, to give you the option to pump, let alone give you a good
explanation of how it works, the advantages and disadvantages, or recommend
a good pump to use.
Today, our society pressures mothers to breastfeed because of the many
benefits that have been proven. This pressure entails bringing baby to
breast exclusively, and though this is an incredible way to create bonding
with your baby while providing the best milk for your little one, this
pressure can be detrimental to some mothers. Guilt, depression, inadequacy,
anger, and many other emotions are felt by many mothers who feel this
pressure, but are unable to successfully complete the beautiful fantasy of
rocking quietly in a serene environment as baby suckles at a contented
mother’s breast. Yet, instead of admitting that bringing baby to
breast exclusively is not for every mother, and helping those discover the
many other options, we impatiently thrust a can of formula in the confused
mother’s arms.
Most of these mothers do not selfishly decide that their newly born child
just does not deserve their time and sacrifice of bringing the baby to
breast, it is usually quite the contrary. There are numerous reasons why a
mother is unable to successfully bring baby to breast exclusively:
- baby is not nursing well (sleepy, low blood sugar, jaundice);
- baby is not able to nurse at all (premature, illness of mom or baby);
- mom or baby has surgery;
- postpartum depression.
And these are only a few of the many reasons that a mother is not
capable of bringing baby to breast exclusively.
How many of these mothers are informed that they can still give their
sweet babies their own perfect milk right from mom? Pumping has actually
been around since the late 1700’s, with a glass bowl and brass
syringe. Yet, the pumps of eras past are put to shame by the incredible
breast pumps of today. You can choose from many different brands, styles,
and usage requirements. Though it is not one of the first thoughts that come
into one’s head when thinking of feeding options, there are many moms
who breast pump exclusively, and are very proud of it.
There are many opponents of breast pumping who may inform others of the
disadvantages, such as finding hours a day to do the pumping, risk of
decreasing milk, or inconvenience of making and warming bottles. Yet, many
mothers who find that the only way to provide their own milk to their
infants is by breast pumping would argue that, although these are problems
that need to sometimes be overcome, there are still many more benefits.
One benefit may include the emotional stability that some mothers
experience when others are able to feed the baby while they get some extra
sleep, the confidence of actually seeing how much milk the baby is
consuming, or not becoming frustrated from latch-on problems, sore nipples,
and biting. Another benefit is the financial cost, which is pretty minimal
compared to the excessive prices of baby formula. Some babies may benefit
from the length of time mothers will continue to pump as opposed to bringing
baby to breast exclusively. Though 70% of mothers begin to breastfeed their
baby in the hospital, only 36% continue to breastfeed their baby by 6
months, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control. This decrease can be contributed to mothers returning to work, the
desire to begin to sleep longer periods of time, and many other reasons.
However, because of the many benefits pumping moms encounter, these are also
some of the reasons that they are able to continue to give their babies
breast milk longer. One of the most important reasons to breast pump is the
ability to help others in need. Many mothers who become experienced at
pumping find that they are able to pump far more milk than their baby is
consuming. For these fortunate mothers, they are able to share their milk
with the milk banks across the U.S., which pasteurize and distribute the
milk to sick and premature babies. This is one of the most satisfying and
heart-felt advantages of breast pumping.
So, again, with the great advantages of breast pumping, why are we not
promoting it as a major feeding option? We need to take it upon ourselves to
educate others of the incredible benefits of breast pumping. Some very
simple things that mothers can do to assist with breast pumping becoming a
feeding option can be talking with other mothers, informing pregnant women
about breast pumping as a feeding option, or asking your OB/GYN or
baby’s pediatrician about their views of breast pumping. Those
dedicated to making breast pumping a feeding option may contact government
officials or charities to assist new mothers with funding for breast pumps,
learn more and educate others about the wonderful services of breast milk
banks, or get involved with educating the medical community about breast
pumping and the benefits to both baby and mother.
One day, hopefully in the near future, mothers will be asked how they
feed their baby, and instead of receiving strange looks when they profess
that they exclusively pump, they will be greeted with a welcoming, "So
do I! What type of pump do you use?"
About the Author:
Wendy Williamson has pumped exclusively for each of her children.
Gabrielle, the last of three babies, received breast milk that was
exclusively pumped for over a year. Thoughts of charity and giving
pre-occupied Wendy for many years until she discovered breast pumping as her
passion. She is determined to help other mothers realize the benefits of
breast pumping for both baby and MOTHER, and hopes to help by creating a
greater awareness of donating breast milk and donating breast pumps to
mothers wanting to provide their own precious breast milk to their
pre-mature or ill baby. More information on breast pumping can be found at
her website, www.gotbreastpump.com
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