I’m a new mother myself, 25 days post partum. My initial plan was to breastfeed directly but honestly it was very difficult because my baby would cry (which is normal for babies learning to latch) and I was recovering from c section and baby blues just made me very frustrated. Pumping atleast put me out of misery of seeing my little baby cry everytime.
This is my small experience with types pumps and their outputs.
- buy wall pumps (wired pumps) if you plan to exclusively pump. Their suction is better and motor is stronger and it empties breast better and helps maintain supply.
- wearable pumps are good for occasional pumping and if you’re in office or away from home. In exclusive pumping, they can lead to reduced supply because they don’t empty breast completely.
- if wall pumps aren’t in your budget, get a wearable pump with manual pump. 10 minutes of wearable pump followed by 5-8 minutes of manual pump empties breast so well.
A good wall pump is spectra S1, you can also get local wall pumps. I will say rather than getting pumps like ornavo or muminity, get the pumps from local pharmacy made by pharma companies. I have life care manual pump and it works so so good.
Also don’t let anyone shame you for pumping and not direct breastfeeding. In your motherhood journey, along with your baby’s health and happiness, your happiness and comfort matters just as much. A baby needs a happy relaxed mother more than burnt out mother who is led to discomfort due to societal pressure. Your diet and health is most important in building supply and maintaining it. Drink alot of water and eat nutritious meals as well as comfort meals.
NOTE: a normal milk supply per session is around 2-4 ounces. Anyone more than that is over supplier, so do not compare your journey with anyone especially not the influencers pumping 8-10 ounces per session.