Breastfeeding is one of the best, most common ways to feed an infant. As a matter of fact, any doctor or pediatrician will almost always recommend breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life except in specific cases. And although breastfeeding is one of the most reliable infant feeding methods, the decision is entirely a mother’s choice.
Some mothers may stop breastfeeding rather sooner than recommended for a number of reasons including a busy schedule or lower milk production. But with the right choice of a breast pump, you can breastfeed easier and for an extended period of time. Many new mothers who plan to breastfeed often don’t consider purchasing a pump prior to the baby’s birth. While a breastfeeding mother is perfectly capable of successfully nursing her infant without using a breast pump, there are several benefits to having one.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using best breast pumps on the basis of your needs, your baby and their suitability for your lifestyle.
Helping with Milk Supply Right after Birth
Any nursing mother hopes that their newborn latches on and starts nursing shortly after delivery. That’s not always the case. Inasmuch as newborns need very little milk, particularly colostrum in the first few days of life, it might take about 3-4 days for a mother’s milk supply to come in. And if the baby is born prematurely, this period may span out further.
Milk supply differs from one mother to another and factors such as having stress or being a first-time mother can delay supply. Using a breast pump helps to boost low milk supply. In fact, birthing centers and hospitals usually have breast pumps available to help new mothers feel confident and get the hang of breastfeeding. Through a lactation specialist, they are given pointers on using a breast pump at home and encouraged to pump every few hours especially if milk production is behind.
Milk Production for Premature Babies and Those with Latching Difficulties
While breastfeeding is one of the most natural things for mammals, some babies will occasionally have a difficult time latching onto the breast and getting adequate milk supply. Also, babies born prematurely are in most cases too fragile and rather underdeveloped to breastfeed but a mother’s milk can still provide essential nutrients to facilitate faster, healthier growth. In either case, breast pumping helps to provide the newborn with the benefits of breastmilk until nursing gets easier.
Relieving the Pain Associated with Engorged Breasts
It’s true that some mothers struggle when it comes to producing enough milk in the early days of breastfeeding, yet some tend to produce so much more than their baby needs leading to painful, engorged breasts. As milk supply increases without getting expressed, the baby might find it hard to latch on making the issue even worse. Pumping may very well help in relieving pressure and pain while preventing infection and regulating milk supply to a more tolerable or normal level.
Keeping Milk Supply Up While Not Nursing
Not all mothers are able to stay at home with their infant and stick to a set nursing schedule. Some are likely to experience interruptions in that schedule due to factors such as travel, illness and work among others.
Nursing mothers who intend to maintain their milk supply and keep it up can benefit from pumping while they are away from their babies. It guarantees that you don’t walk around feeling uncomfortable and that your baby still gets to benefit from the breastmilk nutrients even when you’re not around.
Bonding Between a Non-Parent and the Baby
Nursing provides a great opportunity for mothers to bond with their babies. But this privilege can be extended even to a person the child is not so used to. Pumping milk and storing it in bottles will allow a non-parent a chance to bond, partly relieving the mother of some of the feeding responsibilities.
As a matter of fact, it’s a great way to introduce your baby and familiarize them with a foreign environment, helping it get used to new faces without getting scared and crying. Pumping and storing breastmilk is similarly helpful for babysitters and in such a case where you have to leave your baby in daycare.