8 myths about breast pumping debunked by an expert

Breast pumps don't make your breasts sag! Here are some myths busted.

For mothers who are in favour of breastfeeding, the breast pump is a boon. You can pump and store milk for your baby and she can be well fed even when you are away. But despite its various advantages, the pumps have not received wide-scale acceptance. Partly because there is a lack of awareness regarding its usage and partly due to the various myths surrounding them. Today, Dr Payel Biswas Soo, BPT, ISTC, PTOBG(US), Member of CAPPA, Child Birth Educator & Lactation specialist at Diwakar Speciality Hospital, Bangalore and Member of Medela LC club tries to debunk a few of them.

Myth 1: Your baby will not get enough antibodies when bottle-fed breast milk

When the baby is suckling at the breasts, her saliva comes in contact with the mother's skin. This transfers germs from the baby to the mother, a natural process which helps in producing antibodies in the breast milk and boosts the child's immunity. When you bottle feed breast milk, you lose out on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact. However, there are ways to initiate skin-to-skin connection apart from breastfeeding like cuddling, hugging, kissing. This also helps the mother's body to respond to the baby s needs and prepare antibodies in the breast milk for its benefit. Here is all that you need to know about breast pumps.

Myth 2: Stored breast milk can never be as fresh as mother's own milk

Well, there is going to be a difference between natural nursing and bottle feeding breast milk. Mothers need to be careful with storing pumped milk. Some precautions such as using a sterilised glass or BPA-free bottle can reduce chances of contamination. Also, keeping the pumped milk at room temperature for too long is not advisable. In cold environments, you can keep it at room temperature for four to five hours, and in hot and humid climate, for two to three hours. If you plan to store it for long, then refrigerate it and keep it at the back of the shelf. Never keep pumped milk in the doors or in front of the shelves. Thaw breast milk before using it or keep it at room temperature. You can dip a cold bottle of milk in a bowl of lukewarm water for few minutes before using it. Never reheat or microwave breast milk. Following these little things can help to keep the milk fresh and preserve most of its nutrients. Here is why you should not microwave breast milk.

Myth 3: Pumping is a painful process

You will not be a pro at pumping from day one; it takes some practice to get used to it. Unless you are doing it the wrong way, pumping cannot cause breast pain. Some mothers start the pump on a full suction mode which could lead to pain. Ideally, one should start shallow pumping and do it for the first 30 seconds. Then gradually increase the suction to one's comfort level. The let down happens after suction. However, pumping with cracked or sore nipples could lead to some pain. Here are four breastfeeding problems and how to counter them.

Myth 4: Using a breast pump makes your breasts sag

This is a pregnancy hazard for which you cannot blame the breast pump. Pregnancy hormones make your breasts sag and breastfeeding just adds to the woe. Once your child has weaned off completely, your breasts do gain some elasticity. Breast massage further can make them look firmer. However, they will never go back to their pre-pregnancy state. Here are six changes that happen to your breast during pregnancy.

Myth 5: Pumping hampers mother-baby bonding

Breastfeeding is thought to be the most natural way of enhancing the mother-baby bond. But it is not the only way. There are other things you can do with your infant to strengthen the relationship like, cuddling, bathing, co-sleeping, anything that encourages skin-to-skin contact. Moreover, pumping is not only about bonding it helps the mother-baby duo in numerous ways. For instance, if the baby is not able to latch, bottle feeding breast milk can be a great option. This will still keep the mother-baby bond strong. Here is a step-by-step guide to bond with your baby.

Myth 6: You cannot breastfeed if you are pumping

Many mothers believe that if you pump, you are draining your breasts and might not be able to feed the child if she demands a feed any time soon. The belief is if you pump once it takes your breasts at least two hours to produce milk and it is difficult to feed your baby during that period. However, you can pump and breastfeed in sync. Pump for 15 minutes and then offer a feed to your baby. If you are exclusively pumping, then doing it every two hours is advisable.

Myth 7: Pumping leads to more production of breast milk which can lead to practical problems like leaky breasts

Pumping, like suckling, gives your brain a signal to produce more milk. If this leads to leaky breasts, a mother can hand express and counter this problem or use breast pads.

Myth 8: Pumping is a laborious process

It is a question of mindset. If you find it laborious, then make a schedule for pumping. A routine can make it easier for you to follow and collect milk. If you are unable to breastfeed and but are lactating well, using a pump by all means is a wise decision.

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