Going From Exclusively Pumping for One Baby to Primarily Nursing the Next

There are many reasons a mom might exclusively pump for one baby and then exclusively or primarily nurse with a subsequent baby.  If this is you, here are some helpful tips to better understand the differences between exclusively pumping and primarily nursing. 

Going from exclusively pumping to nursing takes a mindset shift.  Exclusive pumping and exclusive nursing are kind of polar opposites. With pumping, the mindset ends up revolving around set times/frequencies of pumping, and being aware of exactly how much milk is removed and how much baby eats.  For optimal nursing success, it’s about following baby’s lead.  This means nursing on demand for however long or short he/she wants, not knowing how much milk baby transfers and instead watching diapers, weight gain and the feel of nursing to determine if things are on track,  It also means adjusting your expectations and understanding that babies nurse for more than just hunger. 

While bottle fed babies don’t have to switch which side they are being held on for adequate milk consumption (although it does help them pace their feeding and supports healthy eye development) with nursing, babies typically eat from both breasts, so it’s important to watch the baby’s cues and switch sides when he/she is ready.  One way babies indicate they are done at the first breast is when they have a relaxed body and unlatch on their own,  Watch your baby, not the clock.  

Success in nursing also comes from allowing for variation in the frequency and duration of feeds and being flexible.  Overfeeding a bottle fed baby isn’t very difficult but overfeeding a nursing baby is because when nursing, babies have better control over the flow and pace of the feed and they will adjust their sucking to meet their needs.  If your nursing baby has gone more than 2-3 hours from the start of one feed to the start of the next without giving hunger cues, it is always appropriate to offer the breast.  On the flip side, don’t restrict nursing frequency if they want to nurse more often.  If your baby indicates a desire to nurse and you feel like he/she just ate, offer again and see what happens.  

As any nursing mom can tell you, cluster feeding is real.  Whether it’s baby’s second night, a growth spurt, sickness or evening, babies cluster feed for a reason and it’s important and appropriate to allow them to do this.  Babies typically cluster feed to increase mom’s milk supply or fill up before a longer stretch of nighttime sleep. Cluster feeding typically lasts a few days and then babies return to their previous nursing patterns, so hang in there! 

It can take time to feel comfortable and confident with nursing after exclusively pumping as it requires a different mind set.  Take heart mama, you can do this!  Be patient with yourself and your baby as you learn this new skill together.  You’re doing an amazing job!!

Looking for more individualized support around this topic?  Contact Niki and get your questions answered right away so you can get back to enjoying this time with your precious babe.