"You haven't started pumping yet?!"

Somewhere around week 30 of pregnancy, someone in your life (your mother, a coworker, a stranger in Target) is going to ask you "so are you pumping yet?" in a tone that implies you are already behind.

Let's get one thing clear: You are not behind.

So how about we talk about this properly.

There is no universal start date for pumping, and that's actually good news

The internet loves a rule. "Start pumping at 36 weeks." "Pump every session for the first two weeks." Most of these rules are either outdated, meant for a very specific situation that isn't yours, or just plain wrong. The real answer is that when you start pumping depends on your goals, your supply, and your baby, not a date on a calendar. (That being said, if your goal is to collect colostrum, waiting until you're at least 37 weeks is recommended to prevent pre-term labor caused by oxytocin release with nipple stimulation). 

If your baby is nursing well and gaining weight normally

You genuinely do not need to start pumping in the first few weeks just because you feel like you should be "doing more." In fact, adding in extra pumping sessions on top of a newborn who's already nursing frequently can sometimes create an oversupply, which sounds like a good problem until you're dealing with engorgement, clogged ducts, and a freezer full of milk you can't use fast enough. For most people with no specific concerns, waiting until around three to four weeks postpartum to introduce a bottle and start occasional pumping is a completely reasonable, low drama approach.

If you're going back to work, or need a stash for a specific reason

This changes the math. If you know you're returning to work at 12 weeks, you don't need to panic pump starting day one, but you do want a plan. Somewhere around weeks four to six postpartum (3-4 weeks if you're returning to work sooner) is a common window to start adding in one pumping session a day, or feed on one breast while pumping on the other. This builds a stash gradually without overwhelming your body or your schedule.

The "pump during, not instead" tip

If your goal is building extra milk without disrupting your baby's regular feeds, pump on one side while nursing on the other side is my favorite approach. It takes some practice but can be hugely time saving and a nice way to avoid pump/feed/pump/feed schedules. Tip: whenever baby is done feeding, you should be done pumping. 

How much you get is not a scoreboard

I need every person reading this to hear it. The amount you pump does not reflect the amount available to your baby directly at the breast. Babies are simply more efficient at removing milk than any pump, even a great one. Pumping half an ounce after a feed does not mean your baby only got half an ounce. Please stop doing math that makes you panic at 11pm...  (It's hard, I know). 

Give yourself permission to hate the pump a little

It's loud, it's awkward, and it is objectively less fun than your baby's actual face. That's allowed to be true and you're still doing a great job.

If you want an actual step by step plan built around your specific timeline, work situation, and goals, instead of piecing it together from fifteen different Facebook groups, that's exactly what the my 1:1 lactation consults are for. Together we can come up with a specific plan for YOUR lifestyle and goals. Best part? These are offered virtually and can be done anywhere (TRIWEST people this is covered for you!)

Happy you're here,
Kyndrick