Let’s face it—while we all agree that fed is best, there’s one feeding method that often gets overlooked: exclusive pumping. I know this firsthand as I did it for my first baby and I’m currently following the same path for my second. In fact, as I pen these words, I’m hooked up to my breast pump, the mechanical hum serving as the soundtrack to this chapter of my life. I both cherish the ability to provide my newborn with breast milk and find the entire process a bit overwhelming.
My journey into exclusive pumping began unexpectedly. A no-nonsense NICU nurse noticed my struggle to breastfeed my son, who was born prematurely at 34 weeks. She suggested, “I know you want to breastfeed, but have you thought about pumping? He might latch weakly, but he can drink from a bottle just fine. Plus, this way, you can measure exactly how much he’s getting.” This seemed like a simple solution, but I had no idea of the commitment involved.
That initial choice to embrace pumping instead of traditional breastfeeding was a metaphor for motherhood itself. It’s rarely what you envision. You have to adapt, make tough choices, and let your baby lead the way. Say goodbye to control and hello to unpredictability.
Exclusive pumping is a whirlwind of organized chaos. I create a schedule—planning errands around pumping sessions—but reality often intervenes. Once, I found myself pumping in a Walmart parking lot while my baby wailed in the backseat. My entire day is dictated by a pumping routine that’s nearly impossible to maintain, especially with a newborn.
More often than not, I spend more time with my pump than with my husband. I’m practically married to this machinery that harvests milk from me like a dairy cow. I never leave home without my pump and its parts in tow. I pump during family gatherings, sneak away at rare nights out with friends, and wake up in the dead of night to keep up with my pumping schedule. It can be draining, frustrating, and at times feels like a bizarre form of self-inflicted torture.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s a profound sense of fulfillment. Recently, as I gazed at my 10-week-old daughter, I marveled at how she was thriving from the milk I provide. That connection, forged both during pregnancy and through pumping, is incredibly powerful. I pump, therefore I nourish, and in a way, I exist as a mother.
Ultimately, how I choose to feed my baby doesn’t define my worth as a parent. Exclusive pumping is just one facet of this selfless journey we call parenthood. So, to all the exclusive pumpers out there, I see you. You’re doing something remarkable, and trust me—your nipples will heal.
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In summary, exclusive pumping is a challenging yet rewarding journey that deserves greater recognition. It may not always align with our initial expectations, but it plays a crucial role in many mothers’ stories.