Should you pump or breastfeed?

Human breast milk is biologically designed to meet a baby's nutritional needs, and many doctors recommend breast milk rather than feeding with formula.

Still, people should choose the feeding strategy or combination of strategies that work best for them and the infant, while taking account of the

pros and cons of both breastfeeding and pumping, if necessary.

People do not have to choose exclusively between pumping and breastfeeding, as many of those who breastfeed a baby or infant decide to pump at times, as well.

Pros of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers many health and cognitive benefits to babies and reduces the risks of several long-term health issues in both the woman and the baby.

Some of the benefits of feeding a baby directly from the breast include the following:

1. Customized food for baby

Many women breastfeed and also use a breast pump at times.

Breast milk is customized food for a baby based on feedback from the baby's body. Letting a baby feed at the breast allows its saliva to interact with the milk. This interaction sends messages to the woman's brain about what the baby needs.

According to a 2013 study, this interaction between the breastfeeding woman and the baby ensures the baby gets the nutrients required, as well as antibodies that can protect against infections.

The breast milk has specific components if the baby is premature and changes composition as it ages. The milk also changes according to the time of day and even during a given feeding.

2. A natural feedback loop

Milk production follows a rule of supply and demand. The breasts produce more milk when the baby breastfeeds more. Allowing this natural feedback loop to control milk supply ensures that the child has enough milk but does not experience an oversupply.

Feeding a baby on demand at the breast rather than pumping to a schedule can encourage a continuing milk supply, and ensure a long and healthy feeding relationship.

3. Convenience and affordability

Breastfeeding is not free, in the strictest sense, as it requires significant labor from the woman who supplies the milk.

Exclusively feeding at the breast, however, does not impose any financial costs. Breastfeeding can save a significant amount of money, depending on the local price of formula.

Breastfeeding is also more convenient, as it requires no preparation. A baby or child can feed on the breast anywhere without the need for an adult to pack bottles, find clean water, or heat formula.

4. Easy soothing

Breastfeeding can help soothe an anxious, scared, or hurt baby.

A 2016 study found that breastfeeding a baby or infant up to 12 months old may help relieve the pain of it receiving vaccinations.

Again, feeding at the breast offers a chance to soothe the baby without the need to spend money or pack supplies.

5. Bonding time

Breastfeeding puts a woman and the baby in close skin-to-skin contact. This close contact can support bonding, help the two learn one another's cues and personalities, and promote relaxation.

Numerous studies have shown that newborn babies have a strong physiological need to be in close contact with a caregiver. Physiological contact may even offer lifesaving benefits for newborns.

A 2014 review of accepted practice shows that skin-to-skin contact following birth can reduce the risk of hypothermia, reduce stress, and may help babies sleep. Breastfeeding a baby encourages this close contact.

Pros of pumping

Babies who feed exclusively on pumped milk do not get the benefit of a feedback loop between their body and the breast milk. However, they do still gain access to a well-designed food that is rich in healthful fats and antibodies.

The benefits of pumping milk include the following:

1. Control over timing

By pumping milk, caregivers can control the timing of feedings. They can decide on a schedule that works for them and pump when necessary based on that schedule.

Controlling the timing of feedings can facilitate a return to work and potentially free up more time.

2. Ability to share feedings

Pumping milk allows the caregiver to manage the baby's feeding times.

It may be easier for people to split caregiving duties if they choose pumping over breastfeeding.

When only one person breastfeeds, that individual must handle the many feeds a baby demands, often including several nighttime wakings.

Sharing the feeding may promote a positive balance of childcare duties. The ability to share feeding may also offer some convenience and help the person who is breastfeeding feel more rested.

This ability to share feedings can be especially beneficial in the immediate postpartum period, when caregivers may be exhausted and recovering from childbirth.

If possible, parents and caregivers should not introduce a bottle until breastfeeding is well established.