Does a Stay-At-Home Mom Need a Breast Pump? - Reasons to Consider One
April 15, 2007
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Stay-at-home moms tend to the children and the needs of the home but they aren’t chained to the house. While some women don’t mind breastfeeding in public, most would rather not. If you are a stay-at-home mother who breastfeeds, a breast pump is still an item that you need.
When the babies are young, breast milk is best. It gives the baby the much needed nourishment that they need. The milk is straight from the mother and gives mom and baby time to bond. Babies who are breastfed tend to maintain a more normal weight throughout their lives than a child who is fed from the bottle.
Breastfeeding should not be an excuse to hibernate in the house day in and day out. If you are getting cabin fever with the new baby and yearn for sunlight and fresh air between feedings, then do it. All you need is a breast pump and the appropriate bottles.
If you are concerned about confusing baby between the bottle and the breast, manufacturers make bottles with nipples that are shaped similar to the natural breast for breastfeeding babies. Playtex® makes a bottle that fits the bill. Check out Target and Wal-Mart stores or Babies R’ Us for baby bottle options.
Pump only as much milk as your baby can drink in one feeding. Breast milk will keep in the freezer for a week or two at the most. Depending on your schedule, you may need less milk pumped for certain weeks. Pump one breast each time. If baby only drinks from one breast per feeding then pump the other breast. If baby drinks from both breasts each time, try to pump between feedings if you can.
Perform a test run with the new bottle before the first trip away from home. Make sure that your baby is familiar with the feel. Once he/she begins to drink, they will know that it is your milk. Now you’re set. Whenever you want to go out, you are free to do so even if a feeding is coming up soon. Take a couple of bottles for baby.
Any breastfeeding mother can benefit from a breast pump. Once your baby is weaned from the breast, you don’t have to stop giving them breast milk. As long as you continue to use the breast pump on a regular basis, the milk supply will be kept up. Baby can continue to drink your milk for as long as you like or until the doctor says that cow’s milk is okay. The added immunity your baby receives from the breast milk will help them to stay healthy.
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Posted by admin | Filed Under Parenting
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