Expecting & wanting to exclusively pump
some steps you may want to take
Learn about establishing your milk production
Meeting with an IBCLC for an individualized plan is ideal but some general guidelines are most pumping parents will need to pump at least 8 times per 24 hours & will pump between 20-30 minutes each time.
Meet with an IBCLC Prenatally
Meet with an IBCLC prenatally to determine which pump will help you meet your feeding goals, determine a ballpark measurement of your flange size (resizing may need to be done postpartum), and discuss a pumping plan.
Take a prenatal class specifically for exclusive pumping
Here is just one exclusive pumping course: https://www.flourishingfamilies.co/exclusivelypumping?wtime=%7Bseek_to_second_number%7D
Learn what is expected newborn intake
Babies have small bellies and are made to eat often. For example most infants eat (based on infants eating 8-12 times per 24 hours):
First 24 hours: 2-10 ml per feeding
24-48 hours: 5-15 ml
48-72 hours: 15-30 ml
72-96 hours: 30-60 ml
Older than 5 days: 60-120 ml
11-14 days: 2.5- 3 oz
14 days to 12 months: 3-5 oz
Please remember this is an educational resource and should not be seen as medical advice. Other factors may affect feeding plans such as stool output, infant weight, infant glucose levels, and jaundice levels.
Use a slow flow nipple
Slow flow nipples decrease passive dripping from bottles better allowing babies to control the flow of their bottles.
Learn about Responsive bottle feeding
Responsive bottle feeding is allowing your baby to control the flow of milk. This is important because:
1.Most bottle nipples have a passive flow. This means babies do not need to suck for milk to drip in their mouth.
2. It is very hard to not swallow a liquid in your mouth.
3. Babies have a suck reflex on the roof of their mouth. This means they will most like suck and eat from a bottle if it touches this reflex regardless of hunger
4. Babies have a need to suck and a need to eat. When babies drink from a bottle fast they may satisfy their hunger but still want to suck. When this is interpreted as hunger babies may end up being overfed.
Video on how to do responsive bottle-feeding https://youtu.be/OGPm5SpLxXY
Learn about pump maintenance
Most pumps will need replacement duckbills every 2-3 months.
Community
Find a community in-person or online who you can reach out to for tips on fitting pumping into your life, pumping hacks, and just general community.
Know that lactation consultants are on your team
The right lactation consultant will be supportive of your feeding choices and offer pumping/bottle feeding sessions. Call your chosen consultant, explain your goals and ask how they can help you meet these goals. If the conversation doesn't vibe with you and you want 2-3 referrals for supportive lactation consultants please call 6198885730.