Baby vs Breast Pump: Milk Removal Pros and Cons

Breastfeeding is a remarkable journey, but what many moms don’t realize is that just because breastfeeding is going well doesn’t necessarily mean pumping will be easy. In fact, feeding at the breast and pumping are two completely different skill sets. This was a key topic I addressed when I was a keynote speaker at a recent conference where lactation professionals gathered to learn more about supporting moms who use breast pumps. While the differences may seem small, understanding them can make a huge impact on your pumping success.

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(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

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When I first returned to work after successfully establishing breastfeeding, I thought pumping would be a breeze. I believed all I had to do was set a schedule, hook up the pump, and milk would flow like magic. But I quickly learned it was not that simple. This experience inspired me to create a coaching program specifically for working moms who are separated from their babies and rely on breast pumps to maintain their milk supply.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between feeding at the breast and pumping, and why understanding these differences is crucial for your success—whether you’re feeding at the breast, exclusively pumping or combining both methods.

I recognize that “pumping” falls under the broad category of breastfeeding (#pumpingisbreastfeeding), but for the sake of clarity in this post, the term breastfeeding refers to “feeding at the breast”.

Baby vs. Breast Pump: The Key Differences

While feeding at the breast and pumping both involve milk removal, the process is quite different depending on whether you’re feeding your baby directly or using a breast pump. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Feeding Schedule

• Feeding at the Breast: With a baby, the feeding schedule is often more on-demand. Babies signal when they’re hungry and latch when they want milk.
  
• Pumping: Pumping is based on a set schedule since the pump doesn’t demand anything from you. You control when to express milk, which means you need to be consistent and disciplined to maintain supply.
  

2. Milk Removal Efficiency

• Feeding at the Breast: Babies need good feeding skills to effectively remove milk from the breast. This depends on their latch, positioning, and milk transfer abilities. If the baby is efficient, they can help maintain or even increase your supply.
  
• Pumping: Pumping requires good technique, including proper flange sizing, maximizing letdowns, and adjusting settings for optimal milk removal. Without efficient pumping, milk may be left behind, impacting long-term supply.
  

3. Milk Supply Regulation

• Feeding at the Breast: Supply is somewhat more variable when feeding a baby at the breast, as it adapts to the baby’s real-time needs. For instance, during growth spurts or when the baby is sick, they may nurse more frequently to boost supply.
  
• Pumping: With pumping, the supply is more consistent but must be manually adjusted. Since the pump doesn’t know if your baby is going through a growth spurt or if you need to increase supply, you’re responsible for making adjustments as needed.
  

4. Letdowns

• Feeding at the Breast: Letdowns tend to happen naturally when breastfeeding, triggered by the baby’s suckling and closeness. Babies often trigger multiple letdowns during a feeding session, even if you don’t notice them all.
  
• Pumping: Letdowns during pumping need to be manually stimulated through adjusting the pump settings or using techniques like massage. Multiple letdowns are essential for effective pumping, so it’s important to find ways to trigger them during your session.
  

5. Nighttime Feedings

• Feeding at the Breast: If you reduce nighttime feedings early postpartum, your supply may naturally decrease over time. Babies who nurse frequently at night help maintain a strong supply.
  
• Pumping: Similarly, reducing nighttime pumping sessions in the early months can lead to a long-term decrease in milk supply. It’s crucial to maintain regular pumping, especially during the night, to support milk production.
  

6. Control Over Milk Supply

• Feeding at the Breast: The baby often controls how much milk is removed based on their needs, which naturally regulates supply. This can lead to a gradual reduction in supply as the baby grows and requires less milk.
  
• Pumping: With pumping, you are in control of how much milk is removed. Inefficient pumping or skipping sessions can lead to a drop in supply. It’s important to ensure the pump is removing all the milk to avoid issues with supply.
  

Pros and Cons of Feeding at the Breast vs Pumping

While both methods have their benefits, there are also challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of feeding at the breast versus pumping:

Feeding at the Breast Pros:

• Milk supply adjusts naturally in response to the baby’s needs.
• Less risk of milk contamination as milk goes directly from breast to baby.
• Direct transfer of antibodies and immune-boosting properties.
• Baby controls how much they eat, reducing the risk of overfeeding.
• Promotes the natural development of the baby’s jaw and mouth.

Feeding at the Breast Cons:

• Requires mom and baby to be together for every feeding.
• Can be difficult to track the baby’s intake.
• Unpredictable feeding schedule based on baby’s hunger.
• More variability in latch and milk removal, which can cause nipple pain or damage.
  

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Pumping Pros:

• More control over the schedule, making it easier to balance with work or other commitments.
• Allows for separation from the baby as milk can be stored and given by other caregivers.
• Easier to track how much milk is being produced.
• Can create and manage an oversupply more effectively.
• Known milk supply, with clear data on how much is being pumped.

Pumping Cons:

• Requires a consistent pumping schedule to maintain supply.
• Pumping efficiently is key to success and can be challenging for some moms.
• Double feeding time: Pumping takes time, and then the milk must be fed to the baby.
• Potential anxiety over output tracking due to daily variations in milk production.
• Higher risk of milk contamination from bottles, storage, and feeding equipment.
  
  

Find What Works for You

The key takeaway is that breastfeeding and pumping are two different skill sets, and each has its own set of challenges and benefits. Whether you’re feeding at the breast, pumping, or doing a combination of both, it’s important to understand the unique demands of each method.

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding or pumping, don’t hesitate to seek help. Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) can provide guidance on breastfeeding. However, pumping coaching programs (like the one we offer) can be invaluable for working moms who need help balancing pumping and work.

At the end of the day, how you choose to feed your baby is entirely up to you. What matters most is that you feel supported, informed, and empowered to make the best choices for your family. If you need help navigating your breastfeeding or pumping journey, there are resources available. Whether you choose to feed at the breast, pump, or combine both, just know that you’re doing an amazing job.

If you’re a working mom needing personalized support with pumping, check out our Pumping for Working Moms Program. Good luck, and happy pumping!