Can you pump while pregnant? This is a hot topic amongst many expectant moms. Choosing to express breastmilk is a big decision. Whether you wish to stock up on colostrum beforehand or plan to exclusively pump, the information for future moms can be mind blowing. So, is it doable?
Can You Pump while Pregnant According to Experts?
Yes, you can pump while pregnant, but it is generally considered safe only after 36 weeks and in low-risk pregnancies to avoid stimulating contractions and preterm labor.
Pumping while pregnant can release oxytocin which can stimulate contractions but on the other nursing or pumping for another child is seemingly ok.
Both views are correct but dependent on your pregnancy. If you are getting a head start you should avoid pumping before 36 weeks.
Is It Ok to Pump While Pregnant?
Whether you are nearing the end of your pregnancy or just at the beginning many of us are guilty of having a set idea of how we plan to feed our baby. The argument over bottle or boob has donned our search engines for years with many scientists looking at the outcome of formula and breastfed children.
It’s easy to sit and say that one way is better than another but it’s not until you are living in the moment that you actually recognize the sheer grit and determination it takes to consistently breastfeed.
Before this article makes a U-turn down the road of bottle or breast, I wish to turn to expressing milk. What do we need to consider whilst expressing? Can you do it before your baby is born?
If you are anything like me you are obsessed with planning ahead so not knowing if you are able to express breastmilk is a pretty big deal. The solution practice makes perfect and couldn’t hurt before the baby arrives right?
Check out all our info on whether can you pump while pregnant.
The Rule of the Boob
The first thing made in your boobs is known as Colostrum. Nicknamed ‘liquid gold’ this substance is super rich in vitamins that can help your perfect baby build an immune system.
Your body starts to get to work on making Colostrum from as early as 16 weeks, as the months roll by you may notice leakage in your bra which is normal, using breast pads can prevent you from any public accidents.
Breastmilk doesn’t initiate until the end of the second trimester but it won’t be gallons as your pregnancy hormones prevent your cells from producing too much. Your milk production tends to kick start a few days after you have given birth.
In my second trimester, I realized that I’d like to give pumping a go, but I knew I had much to learn about the ways of my boobs and found it unnerving that I couldn’t stock up the same way I did on my first baby who was formula fed.
This led me down the path of expressing antenatally.
Ways To Express Antenatally
Whether you’re a first time pumper or this is not your first rodeo, advice changes dramatically when it comes to regulations and rules of what we can and can’t do whilst pregnant.
When Can I Start Pumping While Pregnant?
Expressing antenatally shouldn’t even be considered until you are at least 36 weeks into your pregnancy. Dr Crystal Berry Roberts explains that “Pumping while pregnant can stimulate the release of oxytocin which can cause the uterus to contract.” So in hindsight pumping prematurely can stimulate labor which is both unsafe for you and the baby if done too early.
At 36 weeks your baby is classed as near full term and if expressing from this point did stimulate labor chances are your baby will be born healthy and fully developed.
There are two main ways to express antenatally, one being hand expression and the other would be using a pump be it manual or automatic.
Hand Expressing
Hand expressing is always a great way to start you on your journey of pumping. Using your forefinger and thumb you can gently massage in a downward motion to stimulate the breasts to produce more and more each time. To learn the correct technique check out the tips from Healthline.
Hand expressing can be fiddly and it will take practice but the more you schedule it into your routine the better and quicker you will be.
My first time was disappointing. I gathered a total of 0ml literally nothing but after a few tries, I was soon on my way to filling 1 ml syringes.
Electric Pumping
The more practical way to express is to use the electric pump. Using a hospital grade pump gives you the benefit of collecting breast milk at the ease of pressing a button however these pumps are constructed to collect breast milk after your baby is born and pumping regularly beforehand should always be done after obtaining advice from your doctor.
I became a pro at hand expressing and soon found that my body was making more and more Colostrum, so much in fact I was leaking considerably. I found this a huge waste seeing my breast pads soak up the glory that would potentially take me 30 minutes to collect. I sought advice from my midwife and with her green light, I turned to my electric pump whilst still pregnant. Hey presto, my collection went from 10 ml to over triple that in seconds!
It is important to note that I was having a low risk pregnancy and the levels of Colostrum I was collecting were amazing hence why I switched to my electric pump. Typically you are not advised to switch unless instructed by your doctor, they will assess your notes and weigh up the benefits against the risks.
To Pump or Not To Pump?
The answer to can you pump breast milk while pregnant? Doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. With so much evidence against pumping causing contractions, it can be worrisome to know what to do for the best so I put together a little table below listing the pros and cons of both pumping and hand expressing.
| Hand expressing | Electric pumping | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| – Builds better milk production than pumping. – Empties the breasts. – Encourages you to handle your breasts more. – No equipment needed. – Convenient and inexpensive – Builds a good stash | – Time consuming – Takes time to get the motion correct. You may wish for privacy. – A growing bump can get in the way. – Less volume of Colostrum obtained. | – Quicker – Increases volume from each session. – Allows you to become familiar with pump settings. – You can dual pump. – Hands free pumping. | – Machines can be costly. – Many on the market can find it hard to choose which is best. – Using a pump can exacerbate premature strain on breast tissue and nipples. |
Nursing While Pregnant
All moms are amazing. We all wear our invisible capes whilst multitasking around the home but there are super moms who find themselves pregnant while still nursing.
Having a child still breastfeeding and finding out you’re expecting again may strike some worries. Concerns over, can I pump while pregnant are genuine as we know doing so before 36 weeks can cause preterm labor.
Chances are you were already pumping or breastfeeding when you got pregnant, so the risks are minimal and you may continue to do so but if you have any fears check with your healthcare provider for advice.
How to Store
Storing your milk properly is important. You are gathering your baby’s food and it needs to be free from containment.
If you are collecting little and often then you can collect in the same syringe over one day but be sure to store it in the refrigerator in between sessions.
Once you have a full syringe you can place it in a freezer bag labeled with the date. You can save this for up to 6 months and once thawed, use it within 24 hours.
Pumping While Pregnant: Risks, Concerns & Safety
While pumping while pregnant is generally considered safe after 36 weeks and in low-risk pregnancies, there are potential risks and concerns that you should be aware of. It is crucial to understand these risks and how to avoid them safely.
- Preterm labor: As mentioned earlier, pumping before 36 weeks can stimulate the release of oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions and potentially lead to preterm labor. To avoid this risk, you should wait until at least 36 weeks into your pregnancy before considering pumping.
- Infection: Inadequate hygiene practices while pumping can increase the risk of infection in your breast milk (source: CDC). To avoid this risk, ensure that your hands are clean, and all pump equipment is sterilized before each use.
- Over-pumping: Over-pumping can cause strain on your breast tissue and nipples. To avoid this risk, start with a low pump setting and gradually increase as needed, while monitoring your comfort level.
Common Misconceptions about Pumping While Pregnant
- Pumping while pregnant will deplete the milk supply for your newborn: Contrary to this belief, your body is capable of producing milk for both your older child and the unborn baby. Your body will naturally adjust the milk supply according to the demand.
- Pumping while pregnant is harmful to the baby: As long as you are pumping after 36 weeks and in a low-risk pregnancy, it is generally considered safe. Always consult your doctor or midwife to ensure it is safe for your specific situation (source: American Pregnancy Association).
- Colostrum production will be affected if you pump while pregnant: Your body starts producing colostrum early in pregnancy, and it will not be depleted by pumping. In fact, collecting colostrum can be beneficial for your newborn.
- (source: Stanford Children’s Health).
- Pumping while pregnant will cause miscarriage: While it is true that pumping can release oxytocin, which can stimulate contractions, the risk of miscarriage due to pumping is very low, especially after 36 weeks and in low-risk pregnancies. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before pumping to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
- Pumping while pregnant is only for mothers who are already breastfeeding another child: Pumping while pregnant can be beneficial for various reasons, not just for mothers who are nursing an older child. Some women may choose to pump during pregnancy to become familiar with the process or to collect colostrum in preparation for their baby’s arrival (source: La Leche League). As always, consult your healthcare provider before beginning any pumping routine while pregnant.
Taking Your Colostrum to the Hospital
Taking your ready made batch to the hospital is easy. Using a freezer bag, you can take it with you and ask your nursing team to place it in their freezer. Ensure that your name and contents are clearly labeled for all to see.
Due to my obsession to be in control, I actually labeled all my bags with numbers so my midwifery team knew which ones needed to be thawed first. They didn’t take long to defrost and my little one tanked my entire 10 ml supply in under 2 hours. So I was grateful I managed to stock up.
FAQs
- How often should I pump while pregnant?
It is essential to listen to your body and your doctor’s recommendations. Start with short sessions, once or twice a day, and adjust according to your comfort level and milk production.
- Can I use a single or double electric pump while pregnant?
According to Medela, Both single and double electric pumps can be used, but it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using any electric pump to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
- What if I experience pain while pumping during pregnancy?
If you experience pain or discomfort while pumping, stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on proper techniques and help determine the cause of the pain
- How should I clean and sanitize my pump equipment while pregnant?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sanitizing your breast pump equipment. It’s crucial to wash your hands before handling the pump and ensure all parts are cleaned and dried thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection.
Wrapping Up
To finalize, can you pump while pregnant? Yes, you can it is totally safe but only after 36 weeks and in low risk pregnancies. If this is all new to you it can be a good way for you to practice and get your technique correct if hand expressing.
If you have moved on to using a pump then be careful not to overdo it. Overpumping can put stress on your nipples and breast tissue so you need to take things slow and steady.
If you need any advice then your doctor will be the best to recommend which route you take. Remember every mom is learning on the job so no matter if you try to prepare or not, your baby will still be able to feed as you wish be it with expressed Colostrum, direct from the boob, or with formula.
More to Read
- What Happens If You Don’t Eat Enough While Pregnant? – Surprising Facts
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- Is It Bad To Not Take Prenatal Vitamins While Pregnant?
- It Feels Like Baby Is Shaking Inside Me! Is That Normal?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
