In this duscussion of using the pump to build supply, and exclusive pumping
and bottlefeeding, I think we must also consider how the effects of mom's
hormones would be contradicted when pumping and bottle feeding.  The natural
order of events would not occur when pumping rather than direct
breastfeeding, and I think this would lead to support to the arguement to
try to let the baby build supply, rather than the pump, so that mom does not
become overtired and overwhelmed.

I've never pumped, but here's my theory.  The hormones prolactin and
oxytocin would occur when letting down to the pump, rather while feeding the
baby, and this turn the whole mother/baby dance on its head.   Here's what I
mean.

I found myself EXTREMELY aggitated when baby is fussing and asking to be
fed - so for the minute or two that it took to finish what I was doing, get
a water bottle, get comfortable in a chair, etc. I often found myself
irritated by all other family, TV, noises, etc. Then minutes later, after
settled in and MER occured, I was totally at peace with the world, and then
quite sleepy.

So with direct bfing, these emotions were totally in-line with my baby's
needs: First total attention to baby and pushing away everything else, then
sleepiness to entice me to sit (or lay down) and nurse long and leisurely.

I can't imagine how this would all be jumbled when letting down for a pump.
I would think moms would probably end up pumping while baby is either happy
or sleepy, so they would not be interrupted. And she'd probably force
herself to get back to chores after pumping rather than having a nap, as her
hormones would be telling her to. After baby signals to be fed, Mom would
still be left in the alert and aggitated phase after feeding bottle.   Baby
would then be sleeping and she'd get back to doing chores etc. When would
she rest.
Just my theory.

Janice Reynolds
(back from holidays, but not looking at my News Alerts, so I haven't been
sending items in.   I've actually been enjoying the break from trying to
stay on top of them).

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