Not all mamas and pregnancies choose to breastfeed. The decisions may vary case-by-case. And if you can’t navigate your plan among countless recommendations, try out the pumping method.
The impact of pumping before birth is prevailing and far-reaching in the pregnant women community.
To a modern mother, grasping some vital knowledge about this method is worth it.We’ll reveal the pros and cons of pumping before birth. So, scroll down to learn more!
What Are Pros And Cons Of Pumping Before Birth?
Once you realize you’re pregnant, a million plans and ideas during pregnancy may come to your mind, including 21 day fix pregnancy, pumping before birth, and many more.
Dig deeper into the core part of today’s article! We’ve made a shortlist for all pumping’s merits and demerits:
Pros
1. You’re able to measure how much milk will come out
Pumping seems comforting as you could measure exactly how much is coming out and getting in for you babies. Knowing how much to feed your babies is always essential.
2. More me-time
You may pose a question: ‘’when is it ok to leave baby with grandparents?’’ The answer comes in easier with pumping.
You can have other people feed your baby while you’re occupied. Grandparents, dads, husbands, siblings, etc., can all help you out.
Getting more me-time is what all mamas need since other relatives could feed your baby. You would feel free while you’re napping, getting to the spa, or at the gym.
3. Less painful
Exclusive pumping is the best way to deal with biting. Apply this method, and you don’t fret about sore nipples anymore.
4. Accommodates emergencies
A breastmilk’s freezed stash is really handy for your baby in an emergency. For instance, while you take a temporary medication or get hospitalized, you’re unable to breastfeed your baby.
5. Safe
The bottle pump’s antibodies will protect your baby from viruses and bacteria.
No studies show that pumping is unsafe. It just causes mild contractions, which are harmless to your unborn babies at large.
These contractions come from the hormone oxytocin released while pumping. It has no effects on preterm labor, also.
Breastfeeding through pregnancy is normal. There shouldn’t be any concern about pumping before birth.
Cons
1. Can be painful
Although this method makes less pain, as aforementioned, it sometimes ends up with chafing on the nipple and areola case-by-case. And to some people, pumping isn’t as mild as a baby.
Yet don’t worry, it much less painful compared with the labor pain for sure.
2. More expensive
Pumping doesn’t require your boobs only. Other accessories like bottles, pumps, pump parts, bottle brushes, soap, and breastmilk bags are also needed to have things done.
3. Lots of washing
Pumping, notably exclusively pumping, the sanitizing, and washing, seems non-stop with all pump parts and bottles.
Anyway, you and your family would get busy while having babies, no matter breastfeeding or pumping.
4. Inconvenient
Public pumping is not a thing moms often do. Hence, some pump in the cars or bathroom stall while you’re out and about instead.
5. Have to lug your pump around
It’s a bit annoying to always have the pump around. Not just use the pump; you also need to lug it around, though.
Afterward, you must pack a cooler, ice packs, bottles, extra milk, sanitizer, and spare pump parts. In other words, that’s a lot to remember.
6. Increase the hormone oxytocin’s production
Expressing milk can result in initiating uterine contractions and milk let-down. In particular, the nipples’ over-stimulation will boost the hormone oxytocin, which may harm the uterine and your unborn babies (premature birth).
FAQs
Pumping and Breastfeeding – Which Is Better?
Breastfeeding is the best option, no doubt. This money- and time-saving way helps you strengthen your bond with your babies.
However, breastfeeding is inconvenient in public, alongside a bit of challenge and less freedom.
On the other hand, pumping your milk into bottles also makes sense, and your baby won’t directly latch onto your bosom.
Exclusive pumps somewhat deter the uterus from quick shrink after giving birth. At the same time, you’re still at lower risk for ovarian and breast cancer.
Beyond that, the bottle pump’s antibodies will protect your baby from viruses and bacteria.
Notwithstanding, the constant thawing, freezing, and reheating process can deplete some vitamins and proteins in the milk.
Accordingly, you’d better feed your baby freshly pumped milk most of the time.
Dirty bottles and breast pumps may facilitate mold and bacteria development. From there, your baby may be stuck in a serious illness.
Is It Safe To Pump Breasts Before Delivery?
Pumping before birth is safe, yet too early pumping before delivery can lead to considerable issues.
Pumping before the third birth trimester may cause stress for women. Too early expressing breast can make the babies arrive before the full term.
As such, babies are at risk of health issues and infections. Preterm labor and early delivery would endanger the babies’ survival somehow.
Also, pumping the breasts during pregnancy doesn’t cause the breasts to produce more milk after delivery.
You might even have nipple sores before giving birth. Hence, consult doctors if you tend to pump before delivering.
When Can I Start Expressing Colostrum?
From 32 to 36 weeks of gestation, expressing colostrum is good to go. To several pregnant women, colostrum begins producing at the second trimester’s end of the pregnancy.
Meanwhile, others dislike drawing up colostrum until they give birth. Still, conventional wisdom recommends consulting your doctor for instruction and help before commencing expressing.
Once you find any contraction during the expressing session, stop at once and seek medical treatment.
Final Thoughts
Among many ways to feed your children, let’s consider the best methods to take care of your babies.
Now that you’ve earned insights into the pros and cons of pumping before birth. It’s undoubtedly a safe and saving-time method that mamas should try out.
By and large, the pumping can be a lifesaver while your babies are born early and they can’t latch.
Anyway, your babies always love the golden milk from you. Let’s send the best things to them and you’ll get the bliss.
