Becoming a new mother is a wonderful experience. But it also comes with its share of challenges. While some mothers find breastfeeding a breeze, others find it a bit difficult. From how to latch on to your baby to making sure you're getting enough milk, there are so many things to think about. By now, you've probably heard of "Pump and Dump." That means pumping milk and then discarding it without giving it to your baby. So today, let's talk about what this "Pump and Dump" method actually is and whether it's something you need.
Simply put, what is this "Pump and Dump"?
This is as simple as the name suggests. Instead of giving it to your baby at certain times, you remove some milk from your breasts using a `breast pump` or a breast pump. Then, you throw away the collected milk without giving it to your baby. Most often, this is done by pouring it down the sink. There are various reasons why mothers might be tempted to do this. Let's look at them.
Why do mothers do this?
Mothers turn to this method for two main reasons. The first is that they want to express milk for their own convenience or when they are away from their baby. The second is that they have some doubts or fears about the content of their breast milk.
Convenience and practical reasons
Imagine you are a working mother. You pump milk at work and there is no refrigerator to keep it safe. But after a few hours of not pumping, your breasts become full, hard, and painful. This is called engorgement . This pain is unbearable. In times like these, the best thing to do is to pump and remove the milk.
Other times, your baby may be making more milk than he needs. If your breasts still feel full after your baby has finished feeding, you may find it easier to pump and remove the extra milk.
Fears about the contents of breast milk
This is the other main reason. Especially when it comes to alcohol, mothers are afraid that it will get into their breast milk. We all know that alcohol is not good for babies. So some mothers think that after drinking a little alcohol, if they pump their milk and remove it, the alcohol will also be removed from the milk.
But what really happens? Studies have shown that pumping and dumping has no effect on the amount of alcohol in your breast milk.
Simply put, alcohol is naturally eliminated from your breast milk in the same way that alcohol is eliminated from your blood. Pumping the milk out won't speed up the process.
Therefore, if you drink alcohol, it is safest to wait about two hours after each drink before breastfeeding your baby. During that time, the body will eliminate the alcohol.
Pros, cons, and when to actually do this
Whether or not to `pump and dump` is largely a personal decision. There are very few medical reasons why this is absolutely necessary. And there are no major disadvantages to it. Let's understand this with a table.
| The reason you're thinking of doing `Pump and Dump` | Is that really a good idea? |
|---|---|
| Breasts feel full, hard, and painful (Engorgement) | Yes, absolutely. This is the best and most important reason to pump and dump. It not only makes you feel more comfortable, but it also helps prevent conditions like mastitis (a painful infection of the breasts). |
| Because of drinking alcohol | It's not necessary. Pumping your milk won't make the alcohol go away any faster. You just have to give it time. However, if your breasts become painfully full during the few hours it takes for the alcohol to leave your body, there's nothing wrong with pumping and removing it for convenience at that time. |
| Because of taking some medicine (prescription). | Only if your doctor advises you to do so. Most medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Therefore, if you have even the slightest doubt about a medication you are taking, never make a decision on your own. Be sure to talk to your doctor and get advice. |
| Maintain Milk Supply | Yes. This will help you maintain your breastfeeding routine when you are away from your baby (e.g. at work). If you don't have a way to store the pumped milk, you will have to throw it away. |
What are the disadvantages of `Pump and Dump`?
There really aren't any major drawbacks. For some mothers, pumping can be a difficult and frustrating experience. And doing it unnecessarily for something like alcohol will only waste your valuable time.
Another thing to consider is that some mothers may not produce enough milk. Pumping and removing milk will reduce the amount of milk available for the baby that day. However, if you can supplement the milk supply with formula as advised by your doctor, this should not be a problem.
So, the best time to `pump and dump` is when your breasts are painfully full. Unless your baby is hungry at that time, and you have nowhere to store the milk to give later, there's no reason to be in pain. Pump until you feel comfortable, and then dump the extra milk.
Take-Home Message
- `Pump and dump` means pumping milk and throwing it away without giving it to the baby.
- The best and most important reason to do this is to relieve the discomfort caused by painful engorgement of the breasts. This can also prevent infections like mastitis .
- Pumping and dumping will not remove the alcohol from breast milk quickly. The only way is to give the body time to naturally eliminate it (about 2 hours per drink).
- Always talk to your doctor before stopping breastfeeding or ``pump and dump'' due to any medication you are taking. Most medications are safe during breastfeeding.
- Ultimately, this is your personal decision, but it's important to be fully aware of why you're making that decision.
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