We are entering into a new era of breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding rates are rising, and efforts to normalize breastfeeding are beginning to pay off.
- It’s legal to breastfeed in public in all 50 states, and thanks to people like @thelittlemilkbar_ and the #dropthecover hashtag, it’s becoming more common and supported.
- There are new laws benefiting moms who are pumping at work.
- We’re getting better pumping and nursing locations, as more women are refusing to breastfeed in the bathroom.
- And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, breast pumps are covered by insurance, giving more moms the opportunity to exclusively pump for their babies when nursing is too difficult or undesired.
It’s time we redefine what the term “breastfeeding” really means. Typically, when people ask if you’re breastfeeding, they are referring to direct nursing.
But there is more than one way to breastfeed a baby.
- Nursing is breastfeeding.
- Exclusive pumping ((or hand expressing!)) is breastfeeding too.
- Using donor milk ((including pumped milk from a milk bank or milk sharing, wet nursing or cross nursing)) is breastfeeding too.
- Plus any combination of these.
Exclusive pumping IS breastfeeding
If your baby is getting breast milk, then you are breastfeeding.
If someone asks you “Are you breastfeeding?”, the answer is “Yes.”
If you want, you can add “I’m exclusively pumping.” But unless the person asking is your pediatrician, don’t feel like you need to give a full explanation.
Most people will probably either be super impressed or totally clueless ((Check out this post if you’d like some help explaining what exclusive pumping is and why you’re doing it)), but some people may have a negative reaction. You can choose to only tell the people who you know will truly understand and who won’t start giving you unsolicited advice.
How you choose to feed your baby is your decision. Yes, exclusive pumping is hard work, but it’s worth it!
Also remember,
- If you’re breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, you’re still breastfeeding.
- If your baby is getting 100% breast milk, you’re exclusively breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding can look different for everyone, and there is no one right way to do it.
This is an exciting time to be breastfeeding in America. What is your favorite thing about breastfeeding today? Leave a comment below.
You are doing an amazing job!
