Just pump your breastmilk! Don't whip your boob out!

[parentalrights1]

Okay. This is not a breastfeeding debate... well I guess it depends on how you look at it, but I'm not getting into my novel on why breastfeeding uncovered is okay. I just wanted to address this one issue that seems to keep coming up.

Pumping is not the magical solution and alternative to "whipping the boob out". I understand the uneducated men using the argument because you know... they're men. They don't get it until they get married and have kids of their own.. and even then they might not get it lol.

Ladies. First thing, as we all know (because it's just common sense) not everyone can pump and there can be supply issues.

Other things are that pumping just freakin takes forever sometimes okay? I don't know if it varies from woman to woman or not, but it can take an hour or more just to get a feedings worth (if that) of milk. Do you really expect women to say "Oh I have to go grocery shopping!" and then sit there for an hour and pump before they go out? On top of getting themselves and the kids ready? come on now.

Another thing. (and this is NOT an attack on bottle feeding in any way. I'm fully supportive of bottle feeding moms as well as formula) but the bottle is no where near as good for an infant as the breast. For one thing the bottle nipple cannot form to the baby's mouth. This is why bottles can potentially cause teeth problems later. The baby can also control the flow of milk from the breast way better than with a bottle.

And the biggest thing is that oh so wonderful NIPPLE CONFUSION. Nipple confusion is the freakin' devil. Why would a nursing mom want to subject themselves and their baby to struggling with reteaching the baby to eat from the breast just so they can go out with a bottle in public?

Again. I'm sure this will quickly turn into a breastfeeding debate. I can already hear all the "Use a cover!!!!" people but this post was meant to shed a little more light on the overused pump argument. Pumps just aren't a realistic alternative unless a mom is exclusively pumping.

[parentalrights1]

And of course I'm not a huge expert on pumps, but I do know they just aren't that great an alternative. If anyone has anything to add or if I was inaccurate in any way, please add your insight.

[Ellijaymom]

AFREAKINGMEN

[Anonymous]

I don't pump and won't pump. I tried it and it hurt and I can't produce with a pump.

I bf in public and idc if anyone likes it or not.

I have milk and I will travel.

[LectioDivina]

the only reason I can see to get mad at seeing a breast is that A) you're in a relationship with someone and you just can't handle the idea of them seeing a boob other than yours, or b)......

I don't know... what could "B" be?

[parentalrights1]

*fist bump*

Quoting Anonymous:

I don't pump and won't pump. I tried it and it hurt and I can't produce with a pump.

I bf in public and idc if anyone likes it or not.

I have milk and I will travel.

[Sweet_Britt]

This looks super easy, right?

[Jessica_Esqueda]

Thanks for this :-)

My breasts stopped responding to the pump by around 3 months. And because my son was used to nursing, even the slow flow nipples were too fast for him and bottles caused him to spit up and be excessively gassy. We gave up pumping and embraced nursing in public. It just wasn't worh it.

Oh, and by the way, I haven't used a cover since he was a wee tiny thing. He's 9 months now and will not have ANYTHING to do with a blanket/cover over his head. I use the two shirt method- pull one up, pull one down - and only expose about an inch of breast, which my husband usually covers by standing in front of me while I nurse.

I'm that chick sitting on the lower shelves of the paper towel aisle breastfeeding at walmart. It's all good!

[sarahmomto3]

agreed :-)

[whimsyjuggalett]

Pumping is a lot of work, I get maybe an ounce each hour and it takes 30 minutes to get that. The pump also hurts, I pump so I can go to my classes and it is such a pain in the butt. I cover up but it is difficult and the baby gets soo hot under the cover I feel so bad. Nipple confusion is a pain. People just don't understand and wonder why I don't formula feed. There is many reasons I don't formula feed. And it is non of their business.

[parentalrights1]

Lol. That brought back horrible memories.

Quoting Sweet_Britt:

This looks super easy, right?