I Pumped Over 2,000 Ounces of Breastmilk in 2 Months…

…for someone else’s baby!

I wrote a little bit about my surrogacy journey here and a little bit about my exclusive pumping journey here.

Today, I want to write a little more about the pumping journey. I’m excited to share a deeper aspect of my experience as a surrogate.. For this journey, I actually started expressing while pregnant! Before we dive in, I must emphasize that pumping or expressing breast milk during pregnancy should never be attempted without consulting a healthcare professional, as it can induce labor.

Starting the Journey:

As a surrogate, I wanted to ensure that the intended parents’ baby had access to essential nutrients, especially colostrum, the precious liquid gold of early breastfeeding. I discussed the possibility of pumping with the intended parents before the pregnancy so we were all on the same page from the very beginning.

The Birth and the Pumping Commencement:

This experience was an in-hospital birth, as most surrogacy journeys are. Almost immediately after the baby was born, the nurse provided me with all the necessary pumping supplies, and I began expressing my colostrum.

Understanding Colostrum, Transitional Milk, and Mature Milk:

Let’s talk about the stages of breast milk production. Colostrum is the first milk produced during pregnancy and after childbirth. It is rich in antibodies and nutrients, providing crucial immune protection to the newborn. Transitional milk follows colostrum and eventually transitions into mature milk, which becomes the primary milk source for the baby.

The Joy of Giving:

I expressed my colostrum into special containers designed for preserving the integrity of the milk. This precious colostrum was then delivered to the intended parents and their baby. Being able to contribute to their growing family in such a meaningful way brought immense joy and fulfillment, like a gift that keeps on giving.

Supply and Demand:

Understanding the supply and demand principle of milk production was vital in my journey. The more I pumped and expressed, the more milk my body produced. I was determined to maximize my milk production to provide as much breast milk as possible to the baby.

Shipping Challenges:

As the intended parents lived out of state, the next adventure was figuring out how to ship the breast milk without compromising its quality. We experimented with different methods, and eventually settled on a tried-and-true solution: a cardboard box with insulated styrofoam and ice packs. With this method, we could reuse the ice packs and boxes, and it also kept the milk remained frozen during transit.

Achieving Success:

At the beginning of my journey, milk production was a bit slow, but with consistent pumping and dedication, I was able to increase my output significantly. In some weeks, I managed to pump up to 200, and sometimes even 300+ ounces of breast milk per week!

More Tips for Breast Pumping:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintain milk supply.

Follow a Pumping Schedule: Create a consistent pumping schedule to mimic your baby’s feeding routine.

Proper Storage: Store expressed milk in designated breast milk storage bags or containers and label them with dates.

Maintain Hygiene: Ensure that all pumping equipment is clean and sanitized to avoid contamination.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or support from lactation consultants or other breastfeeding mothers.

My breast pumping journey during pregnancy and as a surrogate has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Expressing colostrum and breast milk not only provided essential nutrients to the baby but also allowed me to be an integral part of the intended parents’ journey. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and with the right knowledge and support, it can be an incredible and empowering experience for both the surrogate and the intended parents.

If you have any questions or need guidance on your own breastfeeding journey, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to support you every step of the way! Happy pumping!