What are the benefits of pumping?
One benefit is that you will have breastmilk to feed your baby if someone else is watching her. This is especially helpful if a breastfeeding mother is going back to work, and can help avoid formula supplements.
Pumping can also be helpful to boost your breastmilk supply. Remember that breastmilk production is mostly based on 'supply and demand.' So any extra pumping you do, in addition to your baby's nursing, can simulate an increased demand and help increase your breastmilk supply. Just be sure to pump right after your baby is done feeding. If you pump too soon before your baby is going to nurse, then you may take breastmilk away from a feeding.
Are there any downsides to pumping?
The main downsides are the possible discomfort of pumping if you are not doing it properly, the costs involved in purchasing a breast pump, pumping supplies, and bottles. There is also the time involved in pumping and cleaning the breast pump and bottles.
Storing Breastmilk
If you have a good supply of breastmilk and your baby is nursing well, you may quickly build up a supply of pumped breastmilk that you now have to store safely.Common breastmilk storage guidelines state that breastmilk can be safely stored for:
- 4 to 6 hours at room temperature
- up to 24 in a cooler with ice packs
- 5 to 8 days in the refrigerator
- 2 weeks in the freezer (if the freezer compartment is inside the refrigerator)
- 3 to 4 months in the freezer (a separate freezer compartment)
- 6 to 12 months in a deep freezer
