Pump Up the Volume: Navigating the World of Exclusive Breast Pumping

The Motherhood Kit

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Today on The Motherhood Kit, we explore an essential topic for many moms - exclusive pumping. This is a feeding method where moms express milk using a breast pump and feed their baby exclusively with a bottle. More and more moms are turning to exclusive pumping so it's vital to address both the challenges and the opportunities this method can bring. In this episode, Yamel is joined by Sadiee of Wild Flowers and Milk who exclusively breastfed her third baby after experiencing some challenges when feeding at the breast. They discuss the pros and cons of this method, and share practical tips and advice regarding equipment, pumping schedules, mindset and much more, to help support, educate and encourage you on your mothering journey. Sadiee’s beautiful business, Wild Flowers and Milk, produces unique pieces of breast milk jewellery for mothers and families to celebrate and commemorate their breastfeeding journeys.
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Connect with Sadiee via her website at Wild Flowers and Milk or via her Instagram

Tune into this episode to hear Yamel and Sadiee discuss all things exclusive breast pumping including:
The Pros and Cons of Exclusive Pumping

Pumping has many pros, the key one being that it is a great means of still giving your baby with breast milk and all the nourishment that it can provide if you are struggling with feeding at the breast. Having a baby who exclusively drinks from a bottle can also give you a lot of freedom, as it allows other people to take on some of the feeding. Pumping can sometimes be a less painful method too, and it may also be the only option to provide your baby with breast milk if your baby has a special condition such as a cleft palette or if they are very premature.

Pumping does of course come with some challenges too, which Yamel and Sadiee explore in this episode – some mothers find it a hindrance to be attached to a device when pumping, it can be another cause of mental strain with concerns surrounding supply etc, and the schedule can be stressful as you may need to pump at set intervals.
Equipment, tools and gadgets

Sadiee recommends the Medela manual pump which she had more success with than electric ones, and also recommends the silicone inserts for the flange, from Legendairy Milk. She also liked the pump spray, which helps to lubricate the nipples to create less friction and therefore make it less painful.
Seek lactation support with Yamel: One Love Doula are here to help with their in-home and virtual lactation support services, designed to educate, empower and troubleshoot any issues you may be having during your breastfeeding journey. Led by experience, IBCLCs and CLCs are services available both in person and remote to fit your busy schedule, and the best part is this service is covered by most insurance providers, meaning you can receive professional support without any out of pocket expense. Click here to schedule a consultation