I am an expert breast pumper and pumped for my daughter for over a year and know the best products out there (if you have any questions about what works best, please contact to me to chat about it)
Home ›› Breast Pumping FAQ's
Some people have asked if it was possible to begin to breast pump before baby is born to either make sure that their breast milk was in or to stock up on breast milk. To use your breast pump before the baby is born is not a good idea at all.
There are a couple of reasons why you should not breast pump before baby is born. Most importantly is the fact that breast pumping entails nipple stimulation. This stimulation may release the hormone oxytocin and ultimately lead to contractions. Using this method too early can cause premature labor, and a premature baby. Yet, even if you are far enough along in your pregnancy, inducing labor on your own through nipple stimulation can cause very quick, excessive contractions, which can be dangerous for both you and the baby.
Another reason to not begin breast pumping before is baby born is that your colostrum typically comes in after baby is born. This milk is very important for the baby due to the fact that it contains important antibodies and nutrients that is very important to the newborn. It also contains a mild laxative to assist your newborn with its first stool.
Therefore determine in advance what you will be using your breast pump for and have it available when the time comes (read our new article, Which Breast Pump is Right For You), but be patient and take that breast pump out when your baby comes home.
