This is exactly how my client was able to pump for one year without sacrificing her mental health. So, let's break it down.
Exclusive pumping is an incredibly tough journey. I will not sugar coat it. Many times women think that it’s easier to exclusively pump than to go through the intense work of helping a baby get a proper latch, feeling comfortable feeding a wiggly, squeaky newborn. Having my own experiences with breastfeeding and served dozens of women postpartum: I think the work of getting the baby to the breast is generally easier overall. Now that I’ve had that caveat: let’s move on.
I helped my client get to one year of pumping for her premature baby in several ways.
#1 I put the reality out there, which I have heard most IBCLCs affirm: To exclusively pump, you’re probably going to have to pump 8 times in 24 hours.
#2 I explained how challenging this is, even with overnight support. I suggested a minimum of 6 pumps per day, and never missing that 3-5am window when prolactin is at it’s highest.
#3 I celebrated milestones, literally making her little award ribbon graphics and celebrating “100 days of pumping” —”200 days of pumping” etc.
#4 I helped her learn how to unclog a duct with her pump and prevent mastitis.
#5 I washed her pump parts and bottles for her 5 nights a week (sorry I can’t do that for all of you!) (PS we only washed pump parts once a day and refrigerated between pumps)
#6 I helped her set a realistic expectation for milk production and balanced that with her sleep needs + mental health. EXCLUSIVE BREASTMILK was not likely to be an option for her when we added in sleep/mental health needs.
#7 I helped her procure donor milk when her supply started tapering off in the second half of the first year.
#8 We discussed how to mitigate the supply drop that often occurs with the return of menses
#9 I helped her create a weaning plan to prevent a sharp hormone drop, prevent clogged ducts & mastitis and breast discomfort.
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You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
If you feel like you're waiting for your childbirth prep class to start, but you want to be able to feels safe, calm and confident in labor then this is the one thing I'd implement immediately.
Practice progressive relaxation.
The truth is, when you are in labor and really any time you are in pain, the natural response is to resist the pain, to tense up to wince.
It’s the worst thing you can do in labor, and it will make the pain worse.
Knowing the stages of labor,
remembering the 411 rule of when to call the midwife or head to the hospital,
or that TACO acronym for what to note if your water breaks first
have very little value compared to mastering relaxation in between contractions.
If this is something you want to learn more about, I'm your digital doula.
This is part of Sage Mama Maternity, make sure you’re following the community here AND get on the waitlist for when the doors open again in November.
You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
