Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk

It is commonly recognized that breast milk is the best possible nutrition for an infant and more and more women are choosing to breastfeed their babies. But what happens if breastfeeding is not possible? Many people would suggest that the only alternative is to bottle feed formula. But, due to the improvement in breast pumps over the past decade or so, an increasing number of women are making the decision to exclusively pump breast milk for their babies.

Exclusively pumping, or exclusively expressing, is exactly as the term suggests. A woman exclusively uses a breast pump to induce and maintain lactation as opposed to breastfeeding. Some women begin to exclusively pump after initially starting to breastfeed, however, due to various problems or concerns switch to exclusively pumping.

The reasons for exclusively pumping are extremely varied: latching difficulties, illness of the mother or baby, prematurity, separation, and, for some women, the decision to exclusively pump is made prior to the birth of their babies. The reasons women make the choice to exclusively pump prior to delivery are also very diverse.

There is a wide range of normal when it comes to exclusively pumping. The range of experience can extend from constantly struggling to maintain a supply that is sufficient for the needs of your baby to producing far in excess of what your baby requires on a daily basis. Most women can at least meet the needs of their babies and can do so for several months. Many women exclusively pump for up to twelve months or even longer.

One of the most difficult aspects of exclusively pumping is maintaining a frequent pumping schedule. However, most women are able to drop pumping sessions and, by adding time to their remaining sessions, continue to produce similar volumes of milk. Many women are able to eventually pump as little as four times a day, and some as few as two or three, without losing significant volume.

Regardless of the reason a woman comes to exclusively pump, all women who choose to fed their babies by this method have one important thing in common: a strong belief that breast milk is the best possible nutrition for their baby and a willingness to provide breast milk by any means possible.

Stephanie Casemore is the author of Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk: A Guide to Providing Expressed Breast Milk for Your Baby. She exclusively pumped for one year for her son who was born nine weeks premature. Casemore also maintains her website, ExclusivelyPumping.com, which is a resource site dedicated solely to the needs of women who are exclusively expressing breast milk. She is working to educate women on the option of exclusively pumping to ensure women know there is an alternative to formula feeding when breastfeeding is not possible or does not work out.

---

Kegal Exercises During Pregnancy

You probably became familiar with Kegel exercises during your pregnancy.... Read More

Kegel Exercise for a Healthy Pregnancy

With Kegal exercise, your pregnancy can be more comfortable before,... Read More

How Do I Date My Pregnancy?

Accurate dating of pregnancy is one of the most important... Read More

Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't... Read More

Pregnancy and Exercise, How to Stay Fit While Being Pregnant

EXERCISE SAFELYThe first thing to understand when you exercise during... Read More

Morning Sickness Survival Tips

"Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".I don't... Read More

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Weight control is a prevalent concern for many women after... Read More

Sex & Pregnancy...Do They Mix?

As a pregnant woman, you may experience sex drives much... Read More

How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that... Read More

Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your... Read More

Homebirth Midwifery

What is Homebirth Midwifery? Homebirth Midwifery is prenatal care that... Read More

Extent of Pregnancy Prejudice

Extent of pregnancy prejudice in Britain's workplacesEach year around 30,000... Read More

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Think you may need to do a home pregnancy test?... Read More

Coping With an Unplanned Pregnancy

Your period is late and you start to think maybe... Read More

Pregnancy Sex - Its A Wonderful Thing!

Mums to be can often get worried about having sex... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Final Word

One point can't be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time... Read More

Calcium and Pregnancy

Studies show that most women do not get enough daily... Read More

How do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests identify a special hormone in the blood or... Read More

Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many... Read More

Pregnancy Preparation: Who is a Baby Whisperer?

A baby whisper is a Dr. Mommy who inspires and... Read More

Feeling Sexy During Pregnancy

Some people think that the word sexy and pregnancy do... Read More

Conception Tips and Tips For Getting Pregnant For Those Who Are Trying To Conceive

CONCEPTION TIPSConception takes place in three basic stages: ovulation, then... Read More

Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can... Read More

How to Get Your Pre-pregnancy Body Back

The second biggest question you will ask yourself as a... Read More

Sex During Pregnancy

It is important that you nourish your relationship as much... Read More

What You Need To Know About Pregnancy And Tanning Booths

If you are pregnant, there are things you should know... Read More

Myth or Reality? Dads Have Pregnancy Pains

Ah hah. So you thought that it was just your... Read More

Folic Acid - An Overview of Its Importanace Before and During Pregnancy

FOLIC ACID ? AN OVERVIEWFolic Acid, also know as Vitamin... Read More

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An... Read More

Is A Baby Allowed To Play In Its First Month?

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many... Read More

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number... Read More

How To Avoid Swelling When Pregnant

Edema, otherwise known as swelling, will affect almost all women... Read More