Breastfeeding Awareness Week: Doctor's guide to pros and cons of pumping

Understanding the pros and cons of pumping can help mothers make informed decisions about their breastfeeding journey. (Image: Canva)

Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant care, providing essential nutrients and fostering a bond between mother and baby. However, modern lifestyles and various personal circumstances often necessitate alternatives to direct breastfeeding. One such alternative is pumping, which offers numerous advantages but also presents certain challenges.

Understanding the pros and cons of pumping can help mothers make informed decisions about their breastfeeding journey, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both themselves and their babies, says Dr Manjusha Goel, lead consultant, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi.

Pros of pumping:

Flexibility: Pumping allows mothers to maintain a flexible schedule. They can store breast milk for later use, which is particularly beneficial for working mothers or those who need to be away from their babies for extended periods of time.

Milk supply maintenance: Regular pumping can help maintain and even increase milk supply, ensuring that the baby has enough milk.

Shared feeding responsibility: Pumped milk can be fed to the baby by other family members, allowing mothers to take breaks and share the feeding responsibilities.

Monitoring milk intake: Pumping allows mothers to measure how much milk the baby is consuming, providing reassurance that the baby is getting enough nutrition.

Relief from engorgement: Pumping can relieve breast engorgement and prevent issues such as blocked ducts and mastitis.

Cons of pumping:

Time-consuming: Pumping, cleaning, and sterilising equipment can be time-consuming and may feel like an added chore.

Expense: Breast pumps and associated accessories can be expensive, adding to the cost of baby care.

Reduced bonding time: Direct breastfeeding fosters skin-to-skin contact and bonding, which might be reduced with exclusive pumping.

Potential for overproduction: Frequent pumping can sometimes lead to overproduction of milk, causing discomfort and engorgement.

Storage and transportation: Proper storage and transportation of breast milk require careful attention to hygiene and temperature control, which can be challenging.

In summary, while pumping offers flexibility and ensures a steady milk supply, it also comes with challenges such as time commitment and expenses. Balancing direct breastfeeding with pumping can help mothers manage both their own needs and those of their babies effectively.