Most women use a breast pump at some stage during their breastfeeding experience, or many find themselves pumping all the way through. Pumping is demanding work. In this discussion, Pam and Emma explore the role of pumping breast milk, including for increasing supply and returning to work. We explore strategies which support successful pumping, and also discuss problems which might arise and how to deal with them. We discuss when and how you might return to only feeding your baby directly from your breasts, and those situations when pumping might actually undermine your supply.

Emma McCabe is a popular breastfeeding counsellor in New York City, USA, and mother of two. Dr Pamela Douglas is Founder of Neuroprotective Developmental Care (or the Possums programs), a GP-Lactation Consultant, and Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor with the Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative, Griffith University, and Senior Lecturer with the Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Australia. Dr Pam and her team have developed a new gestalt approach to breastfeeding, which draws on the latest ultrasound, vacuum and MRI studies of breastfeeding biomechanics to support effective, pain-free breastfeeding . Pam is also author of The discontented little baby book: all you need to know about feeds, sleep, and crying.