In a recent Instagram story, Sharon Miller opened up about her experiences with exclusive pumping, shedding light on the challenges that come with it. Motherhood can be a wild ride, especially when it comes to feeding. While some women find breastfeeding to be a breeze, for others, it can be quite the uphill battle. Sharon has been candid with her followers about the struggles she faced while breastfeeding her little one, Blake, and she recently shared a glimpse into her current feeding routine.
In her story, Sharon posted a video showing her breast pump while sitting on the bathroom floor late at night. “Exclusive pumping life means never a full night of sleep,” she wrote, highlighting one of the realities of this method. Exclusive pumping, often shortened to “EP,” involves pumping milk at scheduled intervals and then feeding it to the baby via a bottle. For Sharon, this means late-night pumping sessions too.
What Does Exclusive Pumping Entail?
According to Kelly Thompson, a lactation consultant at the Wellness Clinic, exclusive pumping requires a significant time commitment. “Pumping is a great way to provide your baby with breast milk, but it takes a lot of dedication,” she explains. Typically, the goal is to pump eight to twelve times within a 24-hour period, which often includes those nighttime pumps.
Nighttime pumping is essential for exclusive pumpers, says Jane Doe, a certified lactation consultant and leader with the Breastfeeding Network. “Your body produces milk around the clock because babies naturally nurse frequently,” she adds. “Most people find they produce the most milk between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Skipping these nighttime pumps can really affect your milk supply.” This means that even if your baby is peacefully snoozing, you might still find yourself awake and pumping!
Resources for Aspiring Parents
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Conclusion
In summary, exclusive pumping can be a demanding yet rewarding experience for many parents. Sharon Miller’s journey serves as a reminder that while the road may be tough, you’re not alone in your struggles. For more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent guide here.