So, You’ve Decided to Exclusively Pump
So, you’ve decided to exclusively pump because you know that it is healthiest for you and baby. Exclusive pumping means the mother has decided to put her breastmilk into a bottle and feed it to her baby, exclusively. For one reason or another, she decided not to put the baby to the breast for his feedings. Exclusively pumping or “eping”, is a full-time commitment and takes good planning. For some moms, this is not how she pictured breastfeeding to happen and pumping is her last resort after many days/weeks of trying to latch her baby properly. For other moms, this is a choice and she always imagined herself only pumping and bottle-feeding breastmilk. Or maybe the choice was made for the mom, for example, her or the baby have been very ill, and they are not together. No matter what the reason is that you are “eping”, you are a selfless mother looking to do what’s best for your baby. With good proper planning (when possible), solid tools for success and keeping in contact with an expert, this technique can be a victory. 17 Amazing Tips because You Decided to Exclusively Pump Invest in a hospital-grade rental pump if you plan to do this for more than the first 3 months. This is not the “free or upgraded” pump from your insurance or WIC, nor is it the pump you see in a store on a shelf. These pumps are usually available as a rental from a durable medical equipment pharmacy, a lactation consultant or online. Only Ameda and Medela have this level of quality. Rental prices run between $65 and $100 per month, depending on where you get it. You may be able to buy a used one on ebay for a few hundred dollars. Think of this as an investment, you won’t need to buy formula. Regular pumps are meant to use 2-4 times per day for a mom going back to work and will lose its’ efficacy much quicker. Eping requires that you pump at least 8-12X per day in the first 4-6 months for the longevity of sustained milk supply. Remember that a pump is not as efficient as an effectively latched baby. For sensitive skin, lubricate before pumping. A little cooking olive or coconut oil on the breast or flanges will help keep skin from chaffing. Safe for baby to ingest. Invest in a hand pump for back up. Invest in a drying rack or system to clean parts. To expedite the system, put your pump parts into a container after each use and refrigerate to limit the amount of washing. At the end of the day, wash well and sterilize. Consider a nursing cover with a rigid neckline. This will help you see what you’re doing without always feeling isolated. Once you realize that eping is what you will be doing, make a plan and try to be consistent. The first month you are “blueprinting” your breast for optimal milk production. This is like ordering takeout, you call and wait for it to be delivered. With breastfeeding, the more you do the first month, the more yield you will have in the long run. Every time the baby eats, you should be pumping (you can do it simultaneously) both breasts for 15-20 minutes (including overnight). Continue to pump even if nothing is coming out. On the other hand, if you forget a pumping session and you are feeling overwhelmed just pick up where you left off. Your goal is at least 8x in 24 hours. Don’t go longer than 3-4 hours without pumping in the first months. Watch this video to optimize your production. It is worth investing in extra supplies to make your day go smoother. Consider having 2 pump kits, freezer bottles or bags, a cooler with quality ice packs, extra batteries/cords, car charger, a hands-free bra or pump and possibly a deep freezer. Try pumping pals for more comfort and yield. Replace valves or membranes every few months for best use. If you’re using Medela, run your pump after each use to get the condensation out of the tubing. Replace tubing if it is bad or has any sign of milk in it. Keep in mind that you will not always pump the same amount at each session. You will usually produce more volume in the morning and less at night. It is normal for one breast to make more than the other. Power pumping can be helpful to boost your supply. This means that you can try pumping 10 mins-turn it off for 10 mins-turn on 10 mins etc for an hour, once per day to stimulate more production. Or another way to power pump is to turn up suction until your let down, then turn it down until you are just dripping, then turn it up again until let down, etc. Pump into the bottles that came with your kit. The bags don’t make a good seal and you may see less volume. Pour milk into the bags for freezing and storing if that’s better for you. Don’t cry over spilled milk. Understand that it can come with the territory, especially if you have other kids around. Exclusive Pumping is Self-Less Some breast pumps work better than others, some flanges fit better than others so you may have to try a few before feeling confident in your pumping. It’s not uncommon to find a mom using a certain size flange for a few weeks but switching to a different size (a lot of body changes happen in the first 6 weeks postpartum) or maybe she’s using a different size on each breast. Completely normal! If you have the opportunity to prep ahead of time, this journey can go a lot smoother. If you were thrown into this blind, it’s ok too. Start with the tips above and do the best you can. Reach out for help, join a nursing mother’s support group like La Leche League , talk to your
Cooking with Breastmilk
Cooking with breastmilk doesn’t require a degree in culinary. Don’t let the term “breastmilk” throw you off your cooking game when considering how to use it. You could simply use what is leftover in the freezer or pump fresh for a specific recipe. There is no trip to the store required. The most straightforward way to use your milk would be by replacing the milk in any recipe -nut or otherwise-with your breastmilk. Do not throw away your remaining milk from the freezer. Get creative! The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year with both arguments that it is a preferential decision and no expiration of health benefits. Just to reiterate, the healthy milk you are successfully making, feeding, pumping, storing, using, etc. today doesn’t become incompetent on those milestones. These experts would like to see to it that all babies receive a minimum of this amount of time receiving breastmilk for health purposes. Questions I am Asked Frequently It’s absolutely normal to feel unsure of something foreign and have many questions. While pregnant, we spend the bulk of our time learning how the watermelon-sized baby will make it through the birth canal. We are not thinking too far ahead into the future of sustaining the little one. Definitely not considering what to do with the extra breastmilk in the freezer. It is common to question what to do with your breastmilk, besides the obvious. Consider a few of these: What do I do with my frozen milk if I have no need for it? Isn’t breastmilk for babies-not toddlers? Shouldn’t we run out of milk when the baby no longer needs it? My freezer is full of breastmilk, and my baby has weaned- how do I discard it? What is the benefit of human milk in recipes? Wouldn’t the nutritional benefits be gone after 1 year? How do I get my toddler to drink my frozen milk? And many more questions! Waste Not Want Not When your breastfeeding journey began, I am quite sure you never anticipated a freezer full of your milk a year later. Although that may have been a dream! In the beginning, some moms work overtime to make a stash of “back-up” milk for fear of running out before the baby is the age she planned to wean. If you are a full-time working mother or exclusive pumper or someone who effortlessly can produce copious amounts, you can find these recipes helpful. Even if you’re not a pumper, put some of these recipes in front of a toddler and watch them chow down. I know that sounds like a long time and a lot of work, but just because you stop pumping or feeding at the breast doesn’t mean you can’t keep giving a dose of “breastmilk antibodies” every day. This can give the little one a chance to fight off germs a little longer. Health Purposes As you are probably aware from my previous blog regarding the uses of breastmilk, the health benefits of this incredible liquid are not only good for the infant. The antibodies in your milk can heal many things, including sick people. Although, in my experience, feeding any ill family member human milk with their knowledge was met with fear and trepidation. I typically make smoothies or shakes and use the same recipe I know said person enjoys, then add a few ounces of breastmilk. No one knows the difference. It can be convenient to share your extra milk with an older sibling whenever possible too. We know children can be germ magnets, and this is a practical, proactive way to help you both. If you don’t usually give any milk to your older child, you may need to hide it in something. On the other hand, if you are giving the toddler cups or bottles of cows milk anyway, why not give what you make for free? The kiddo gets the needed calories and fights off germs at the same time. 8 Cooking with Breastmilk Tips Always use safe practices when storing, defrosting, warming, and feeding breastmilk. Reheating the milk can sometimes change the smell, but it is safe to use. When measuring breastmilk to replace cows milk, keep in mind that it contains less fat and may affect the consistency of the recipe. Thawed breastmilk cannot be refrozen. If needed, you can bring cold breastmilk to room temperature by putting in a warm bowl of water. Sterilize all the equipment used to cook with. Using frozen breastmilk is fine. Never use the microwave for any breastmilk recipes. Easy Recipes Popsicles-super simple to pour your milk into ice cube trays and place a pacifier or bottle nipple (if using) on top to freeze. Or put frozen ice cubes into a mesh teething bag. For a twist on this favorite, make a smoothie (keep reading), then freeze in the popsicle tray. Pancakes– make your favorite pancake recipe and replace the milk with your own. Even Bisquick, Aunt Jemima, etc. would work. Custard or pudding– you can always use your favorite go-to, including boxed jello. Just replace the milk with yours and adjust for more fat consistency. Here’s a popular recipe I use: 3oz breastmilk, 1/2c yogurt or healthy fat (coconut meat is excellent), 2 TBS chia seeds, 1c cherry chia jam (or whatever you like). Mix the 1st 3 ingredients and leave overnight. When ready to eat, layer with jam and serve. Sure to win a toddler. Add your milk to cereal-if you give your baby cereal of any type (baby food or otherwise), there would be no reason not to add your milk instead. Mashed sweet potato soup– tasty and easy. You could change the seasonings; however, you desire. 1.5c of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes, 5oz breastmilk, 1/4c applesauce (consistency), 2 tsp olive oil, cinnamon. Mix all together over low heat until desired consistency. Avocado puree-so simple for any age! Mash 1 ripe avocado with 1/2c breastmilk or until desired consistency. Feel free to add
Third Trimester Planning
Third-trimester planning takes the pressure off when you are busy learning your new role- MOM! It’s not essential for you to do everything on the list before the baby, but it can improve your recovery from birth. You will become an awesome mother whether you’re prepared or not; after all, babies don’t require much more than diapers, clothes, breasts, and shelter. It’ll be ok! To-Do List Employer conversation: Know the federal, state, and office policies on FMLA-pregnancy-maternity leave and the pumping at work laws before you broach the subject with your boss. Be well versed in your rights and start that conversation now about your plans to return even if you’re not sure or think you may not go back. Get a tentative return to work date agreed upon and explain that you’d like to ease back in. Potentially work from home before going into the office or go back on a Thursday instead of a Monday or possibly start with half days etc. shorten your first weeks back. Get creative and don’t be afraid to explain what you’re thinking. Most bosses want to work it out so that you can be successful when you return, not distracted. Don’t forget to discuss your breastfeeding plans and the need to pump. Find a place that you can safely, effectively pump 3-4 times per day until you get settled (it’ll be less frequent after the first month). Ask your seasoned coworkers where they pumped and how they made it work successfully. Be committed to doing what it takes to feed your baby organic, straight from the source, unprocessed food! Educate Yourself Class: If you haven’t had a birth-breastfeeding-newborn care class, do it now! Each class has valuable perks with the right teacher. Preferably, you’ve been working with a doula that has been teaching you throughout the pregnancy. Still, it’s never too late to find one. If a doula is not in your plan, get into a class ASAP. While I’m all for online learning, I do believe there are many more benefits to an in-person class or 2 when it comes to pregnancy. You will gain a lot from the questions asked in the room as well as likely make a few mom/dad friends. Plus, there is no comparison to having tangible props and a live expert to connect with. Especially if she is local. Support in the Third Trimester Build your tribe! Find local mom friends who can help you navigate new parenthood. People who have similar philosophies, backgrounds, and plans as you are preparing. You should be looking for the least judgy, always ready to help, and most supportive of kin to add to your village. She will be who you call/text late at night with what seems like silly questions or to cry on her shoulder. If you happen to be the first in your friends to be entering motherhood, it’s ok-you’ll have to look further than your close circle. There are thousands of women in your area who would love to connect and share. Find all the experts! Know who your community resources are ahead of time. You want to be familiar with those that can help in a variety of ways. Professionals who can help with baby questions/care, nannies or daycares, breastfeeding experts, alternative caregivers like a prenatal-newborn chiropractor-craniosacral therapist-naturopath-pediatric dentist or ENT-prenatal/postpartum yoga teacher-pelvic floor specialist, etc. Keeping a list of the most highly regarded experts can save you time later if you experience any setbacks or health conditions. Visitor preparations Prepare your visitors: Sounds frivolous and straightforward, but it’s worth the extra planning. You and your partner need to have a discussion, right now, about the people allowed in the labor/birth room. Be sure to include who will be allowed to visit in the days and weeks beyond that as well. Don’t leave it to family and friends to decide. Agree to what is most important to you both and stick with a well thought out plan. Share this arrangement with your over-exuberant folk, and don’t let them talk you out of it. It’s ok, it’s your right-your baby, and they can all wait. Have a meal plan: Every time you prepare a meal in the last trimester, make extra and freeze it. Even if it’s a small amount, these meals can quickly help you maneuver through the first few weeks. Honestly, it doesn’t take much to apply the same concept in a well-meaning friends’ kitchen. Just ask a few BFF’s to help out. Stock up on non-perishable, easy to grab, quick snacks to leave by your “nursing corner.” Always have fresh water by your side. You will be very thirsty in the fourth trimester. Most of your pregnancy is spent dreaming about what your baby will look like and dealing with the ailments that come with growing a human while the end slowly sneaks up on you. If you handle most of the “business” part of the 3rd and 4th trimester now, you’ll find yourself relaxing and enjoying your baby later. Third-trimester planning is a win-win for everyone!
