3 Ways a Breast Pump Benefits Mothers October 13, 2015 16:04

In the past, women had to self-express their milk to relieve pressure or store some extra breast milk. But thanks to modern breast pumps, women are able to feed their babies with comfort and independence. Here are some ways that a breast pump are beneficial to mothers.

Maintain Career

Not all women can or want to stay at home from work with their children, but many women do want to have the option of giving their babies the most nutrition possible for their growing bodies. With breast pumps, mothers are able to store milk for the daily caregiver and pump during breaks at work.

There are many workplaces that encourage mothers to do this and have a room set aside or an empty office for these employees. There are also many breast pumps that come in stylish bags for convenient pumping on the go.

Solve Latching Difficulty

Many mothers experience having infants that have latching problems. Even though they have plenty of milk, their child may be born too early to know how to latch, among other issues. Luckily, mothers are able to pump for these babies.

It is especially helpful for premature infants to receive the nutrient-rich breast milk, though they have the most difficult time latching. It is common for these babies to refuse to breast feed even when they are developed enough to do so because they are used to the artificial nipple. Mothers can continue to pump and feed these children for as long as they want with the aid of breast pumps.

Freeze a Supply

In the early weeks after birth, a mother’s supply will commonly overproduce and it will regulate itself lessen the output over time as the baby feeds. However, if a mother pumps, she can keep her supply producing large amounts to store for later. She can freeze milk for months, so when she chooses to stop breast feeding, she will be able to continue feeding her baby breast milk until her supply is depleted.

Many mothers also look into donating their breast milk to infants whose mothers cannot produce breast milk. There is information available about donation and about breast pumps in Seattle and across the country at hospitals where mothers deliver.