Is Pumping the Right Answer?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

19 Jan 2008 11:00 AM

There's a new trend in breastfeeding and I'm not so sure I love it. But I don't hate it either because after all, it does accomplish the same goal essentially. What is this new trend you might ask? Exclusive pumping. Exclusive pumping, at least in the United States, is becoming more and more popular.

There are a variety of reasons for this and really I'm somewhat speculating. I realize that women pump when their babies are in the hospital or they pump when they're having latch issues. I get that some women need to go back to work, etc., etc. But there seems to be this growing contingency of women who deliberately choose to pump over breastfeeding when actually breastfeeding is an option. They consider it the best of both worlds: babies get breast milk without the "ickiness" of breastfeeding.

On the one hand I'm thrilled with the idea that slowly but surely, society in general is recognizing breast milk as the best nutritional choice for an infant. I have said before that the conversation needs to change from 'breastfeeding' to 'feeding breast milk' and it seems that it's starting. So don't take this the wrong way. . .I'm not discouraging pumping!

However, I have to say that pumping almost defeats the purpose of breastfeeding for me. I'm lazy. I hate doing dishes--especially bottles where you have to use one brush for the nipple and one brush for the bottle. Then you have to wash the pump. . .and sterilize. . .and think about things like how long the milk has been stored. And you have to actually pump--which takes longer than breastfeeding. Then you still have to feed the baby. Yes, indeed, I'm really, really lazy. I commend women who do it because of their convictions of the nutritional benefits of breast milk. It's a big commitment.

I do have to wonder though, and I've been wondering for awhile now actually. . .if the message to pump is much better than the days of formula pushing itself off as the "more hygienic" way to feed a baby. Don't get me wrong. It still needs to be an option to meet the needs of various situations and in fact, I wish that there was more information about managing a pumping schedule to help mom avoid problems that are common with pumping. Pumping breastmilk, even for a little while, is much better than feeding formula nutritionally speaking.

But pumping mothers (regardless of their reason for pumping) are less likely to feed her child breast milk past 6 months. (WHO recommends a minimum of two years, while the AAP recommends a minimum of 12 months.) Some of the nutrients and immunological properties of breast milk can be lost in the storage (and subsequent reheating) process. Mothers who pump are more likely to suffer from PPD. Not to mention that supply issues are often associated with pumping. While pumping clearly needs to be an option, is it really the thing to encourage in lieu of breastfeeding when actually breastfeeding is possible?

Don't get me wrong pumping is not bad. If that's what needs to happen to get the baby breastmilk then that's what you should do. (And I should, in fairness, say that all of the problems I mentioned above can be managed very easily, especially when you're prepared for them.) But when I see a trend that actually makes mom's job harder, I have to say something. Pump if you must. Some breast milk is absolutely better than none--just know that you don't have to. In "normal" circumstances, breastfeeding the baby is much, much easier.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger