Breastfeeding Guide for Moms: Choosing the Best Method for You and Your Baby
As a working mom with only 12 weeks of maternity leave, and with pediatricians recommending to breastfeed your baby for up to 2 years (or even longer), you are left with no choice but to pump your milk in order to go to your job.
This is to ensure your baby continues to receive your nourishing milk even while you’re away. You will, therefore, be required to combine breastfeeding and pumping milk. In this breastfeeding guide for moms, I will discuss various breastfeeding options in great detail so you can choose the one that fits your schedule.
Understanding Your Breastfeeding Options
Breastfeeding is the main way for your baby to be fed, and there are different ways to do it: exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive pumping, and combination feeding (also known as mixed feeding). Combination feeding, as the name suggests, combines breastfeeding and pumping or formula feeding.
Exclusive Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding means you feed your baby milk from the best. It’s great because breast milk has many nutrients that are good for your baby. Some moms love breastfeeding because bonding with their babies is a special time.
Cons
- It is challenging to breastfeed if you need to be away from your baby for a long time.
- Some mothers have a low milk supply
- Sore nipples
Combination Feeding
Many mums prefer combination feeding, that is, breastfeeding and pumping, due to its flexibility. It allows other people, apart from you, to feed your baby. Combining the two methods allows you to bond with your baby when breastfeeding and for your baby to be fed breast milk when you are away. For combination feeding, you can combine breast and pumping, or breastfeeding and formula feeding, depending on your milk supply and preference.
Cons
- Spoilt milk when it is not stored correctly
- High costs of breast pump
Exclusive pumping
Exclusive pumping means you express breast milk entirely using a manual or electric breast pump and feed babies with baby bottles. Many moms choose exclusive pumping because their babies are not latching as they should. Another reason is that exclusive pumping allows moms flexibility, as other partners can feed babies without the presence of moms.
It is used by new mums who want to increase milk supply, have breastfeeding difficulties such as sore nipples, and want to involve their partners in feeding their baby, just to name a few.
Cons
Exclusive pumping is time-consuming and requires extra effort.
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For combination feeding and exclusive feeding, moms should invest in electric breast pumps to help them have a smoother and more productive journey for mixed feeding and exclusive pumping. The best-rated electric breast pumps on the market are LolaLykke, Fraupow, Medela, etc.
Choosing the Best Method for You and Your Baby
According to a study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal, finding the best feeding method that suits your lifestyle and ensures your baby gets the necessary nutrients is important. What matters most is that your baby gets the nutrition he or she needs.
When it comes to choosing the best breastfeeding method for you and your baby, you need to consider various factors and they are;
Consider your Lifestyle
Your work schedule, daily routines, and travel plans will determine whether you will exclusively breastfeed the baby, pump the milk to be fed in a bottle, or do both.
If you need to work or travel, you must schedule pumping sessions. If you are a homestay mum and you do not have a busy day, breastfeed your baby.
Baby’s Needs
Every baby is unique, so it’s important to consider your baby’s needs, weight gain, and preferences. If your baby prefers breastfeeding to feeding from a bottle, you must breastfeed him or her more. Some babies struggle with weight gain as they get low milk.
In this case, you will need to combine breastfeeding and pumping milk. Pumping milk increases its supply. The more milk is pumped out, the more it is produced as your breasts follow the demand and supply principle.
Health Conditions
Health conditions also determine the breastfeeding method to choose for your baby. Do you or your baby have medical issues, allergies, or special considerations?
Use a breast pump if you have difficulties breastfeeding due to mastitis, which is the inflammation of the breast and sore nipples, to name a few.
Guidance from Health Professionals
It is crucial to seek guidance from healthcare professionals such as lactation consultants or pediatricians. They provide advice and support to help you choose the best breastfeeding method for your baby’s needs and lifestyle.
