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A Quick Guide to Exclusive Pumping
A Quick Guide to Exclusive Pumping
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Written by Emily Greenberg
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Exclusively pumping, often shortened to “EPing,” is when a mom pumps her breast milk and bottle feeds the baby.

Typically, this path is pursued when a mother can and wants to continue producing breast milk but is experiencing physical, medical, or lifestyle difficulties that interfere with being able to nurse. Instead of giving up breast milk, exclusively pumping is a way to continue without having to nurse.

Here are four overarching guidelines that are key to exclusive pumping:

  1. Create a consistent pumping schedule:When a baby nurses on demand, it lets your body know how much breast milk to produce. Without on-demand nursing, exclusive pumpers must commit to at least seven pumping sessions per day, about 2 to 3 hours apart, lasting between 15 and 20 minutes.

  2. Invest in a high-quality breast pump:Look for an electric breast pump with adjustable suction levels and double-pumping capacity. It’s important to note that a higher suction setting will not necessarily stimulate more milk but can cause a painful blister. Always choose a suction setting based on what feels comfortable for you.

  3. Get familiar with breast milk storage and handling:Did you know you can’t reheat your breast milk in the microwave? There are several things to learn for safe handling and storage. The Centers for Disease Control has a PDF chart that can be printed to have on hand.

  4. Get ready to do a little math:It can be hard to switch from breast to bottle when planning how much milk to offer – something you may not have had to pay attention to at the breast. Thankfully, there’s an easy formula for EPing moms when getting started: Take 25 oz and divide it by the number of times your baby tends to nurse in 24 hours.

So, if your baby is nursing about 9 times a day, try 25 oz / 9 = 2.8 oz. Your baby would likely need just shy of 3 oz per bottle.

Is exclusive pumping something that interests you? Start with your baby’s pediatrician and consult a certified lactation consultant for individualized feeding support.

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