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There’s no doubt about it, breast milk is the best milk you can feed your baby. However, when it comes to breastfeeding or pumping, there’s no one right answer. Breastfeeding – where your baby latches directly onto your bosom – can be the best choice for many mothers, however others opt for pumping due to practical reasons such as baby just won’t latch. Whichever you choose, always remember that your baby is receiving the same benefits and nutrition from your milk.

Breastfeeding

Mothers who opt to breastfeed often do so for the strong bond it can create between mother and child. It can be more comforting for the baby and another huge plus point is that you will never forget to bring their milk on the go! In addition, you do not have to pay for pumping equipment and bottles, which can add up to a lot over time. Another huge plus is that you can feed your baby wherever and whenever they are hungry – no warming up of bottles necessary.

However, breastfeeding may not be a viable option for all mothers. This can be first and foremost due to practical reasons such as baby refusing to latch or uncomfortable symptoms like sore nipples. Furthermore, if you breastfeed exclusively, this means having to do so in public at some point. If you are uncomfortable with that, breastfeeding can be challenging. Another reason mothers opt out of breastfeeding is due to the inconvenience – whenever baby is hungry, you are the one who has to do the work. When you breastfeed, it is simply not possible to get dad or grandma to do the feeding when you are tired.

Pumping

Just as many mothers prefer to use a breast pump. It can seem like getting the best of both worlds: your baby benefits from the nutrients in your milk and you do not have to suffer the pain and inconvenience that can sometimes come with breastfeeding. With pumping, you can easily measure how much your baby is eating as well as get help with feeding. Dad, grandparents and siblings can easily give your baby a bottle if you are tired or overwhelmed. It can also be less painful, especially in the early weeks. When you pump, you are ensuring you always have an emergency stash for when baby is hungry.

The most obvious con of pumping is that the cost can add up – pumping equipment and bottles cost money. You also have to be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting all pump parts. In addition, pumping is not something most women do in public as opposed to breastfeeding, so you will find yourself having to locate a nursing room on the go. That is not to mention the huge bag, cooler, bottles, ice packs and more you will have to lug around.

Get Breast Pumping Equipment from Patient Solutions

At Patient Solutions, we understand that the decision to breastfeed or pump is a personal one and always in the best interests of mother and baby. Some mothers may not be able to breastfeed for several reasons and when that’s the case, pumping can be a lifesaver. If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us.