Deciding whether or not to pump is a big decision that every breastfeeding mama has to make. While it’s not strictly necessary, many mamas choose to start pumping at some point for a variety of reasons (see below). If you’re one of those mamas who has decided to supplement breastfeeding with pumping (aka combination feeding), the next big question is: “How do I know the best time to start?” Well, just like with many aspects of motherhood, when it comes to pumping, what’s “best” is going to be super personal to your life, preferences and specific situation. Keep reading to learn all about which factors you’ll want to consider in order to make the right choice about when to add a breast pump for you and your baby.
Reasons to pump
New mamas add pumping to their breastfeeding repertoire for a variety of reasons. Maybe they have a set amount of maternity leave but want to continue nourishing their baby with breastmilk when they return to work. In some cases, a newborn may not be able to latch properly, requiring mama to pump in order to breastfeed at all. Other mamas simply want the convenience of being able to feed their little ones more easily and to enlist others to help. Still, others choose not to pump at all, especially if breastfeeding is going well and they don’t have a significant reason to add it in. Whatever your choice, mama: we get you, and we’ve got your back.
Choosing only pumping
Known as “exclusive pumping,” this scenario can happen for several reasons. Maybe your baby is not able to latch properly due to health reasons (baby’s, mama’s, or both). Sometimes mamas simply choose this option because they want their baby to have the benefit of breast milk but prefer the convenience of bottle feeding. If breastfeeding is especially difficult or painful, that might be another reason to pump exclusively. In any of these scenarios, you will need to start pumping right away, like, at the hospital. So come prepared. Bring your breast pump with you and be sure to work with a lactation specialist leading up to your birth so that you can be as physically and mentally prepared as possible.
The best time to start pumping
If you have a choice about when to begin pumping, things get a little more tricky. You may be excited to begin so you can have a little more independence from your baby; or maybe pumping is simply something you need to do so you can keep breastfeeding after your maternity leave. Either way, the “right” timing depends on multiple factors, including:
- The health of your baby
- The length of your maternity leave
- How breastfeeding is going for you and your baby
- Personal preference and lifestyle
- And several others!
While the common recommendation regarding when to introduce pumping is around 4-6 weeks, it really isn’t so black and white. Experts say that if you have the flexibility to choose when you start, make sure that breastfeeding is well-established before you begin adding the pump. This could be at that 4-6 week mark, or it could be several months in. The important thing is to make sure you and your baby are feeling good about breastfeeding before you introduce something new.
If you’re working with a set maternity leave, lactation specialists suggest giving yourself 2-4 weeks to start working with a pump before you go back. If you’re anxious about getting in the groove, start on the earlier side; otherwise, you should be able to feel comfortable within about 2 weeks. Although it’s nice to have a few days’ supply “in the bank” before you have to be away from your baby, it’s important to remember that you really only need a single day’s supply to go back to work⸺so take things one day at a time, and try not to rush or stress yourself out.
As with most things parenting-related, there is no “right” answer as to when you should start pumping. But that’s good news, mama because that means there’s nothing to get right. Listen to your baby and your body, consider how breastfeeding is going, your timeline for getting started on the pump, and how much runway time you think you will need to get acclimated to combination feeding. As always, relying on other mamas and a certified lactation consultant that you trust will be indispensable in helping you to find the best timing and to support you as you take that next step. You’re the expert, and we’re just here to help.
Did you know that Bébé Bru can turn your pumped breast milk into an easy-to-mix, shelf-stable powder? Click here to find out more about our trusted process and learn how we make breastfeeding even more convenient⸺yes, really!