Pumping is a new thing. "The first pumps were patented in the mid-19th century, typically as medical devices used to treat inverted nipples and to help infants who were too small or too weak to nurse. But as widely available consumer products, they've been around for only a little more than 20 years. "It wasn't until 1991 that the Swiss manufacturer Medela introduced its first electric-powered, vacuum-operated breast pump—a pump not intended for in-hospital use... -" Atlantic magazine.
So most women did not have the opportunity until very recently to have a pump in their home or workplace to use. If you follow social media, it seems that many women feel as if is its an expectation they pump. If you have the opportunity to work from home, stay at home or have your infant brought to you for mid day feeding, you may never need to pump. The ease of an electric pump at your fingertips is amazing, and a curse at the same time.
Many women report "hating pumping", for sure it creates a different vibe than latching you baby. For those who must return to work or school, and can not have their infants readily available to breast feed during the time they are away from home, it can be a blessing.
I notice there seems to be much confusion in social media circles what the expectation of volume that infant needs of pumped milk. I caution you to remember breast milk volume and formula volume are not the same. Breast milk is nutrient dense in compact amounts, To provide similar nutritional content formula requires more volume.
We have. come to believe it is the norm for babies to consume a minimum of 1-2 ounces of formula at each feed initially. The volume must increase as the baby grows. Your body is capable of providing a custom designed nutrition package for your baby in lesser volume.
Knowing you are making enough milk should be based on weight gain and hydration status. If baby is having plenty of wet and poopy diapers and gaining weight they are getting enough. Even if you are exclusively pumping and feeding the usual maximum intake of breast milk volume for babies is no more than 5 ounces.
The best suggestion is have faith in the design, and focus on bonding. Keep an eye on wet and stool diapers and believe babies who are gaining are getting enough.
Comments