“Pumping and dumping” describes expressing breast milk and then discarding it instead of feeding it to the baby. This procedure is performed when the milk may contain substances harmful to the infant, such as certain medications or alcohol. The primary purpose of this practice is not to rapidly detoxify the body or the milk supply. Instead, it is a method to maintain the mother’s milk supply and prevent painful breast engorgement while waiting for a substance to naturally clear the bloodstream and the milk.
Situations Requiring Pumping and Dumping
The need to pump and dump is limited to specific situations where a mother’s blood, and therefore her milk, contains a substance unsafe for the baby. This is most often associated with high levels of alcohol consumption or the use of certain drugs and medications. For alcohol, moderate consumption (one standard drink per day) does not necessitate the action, provided the mother waits at least two hours before nursing.
Pumping and dumping is relevant when a mother has consumed alcohol above the moderate level or is taking a medication contraindicated for breastfeeding. While many common medications are safe, those with long half-lives or high transfer rates into milk may require discarding milk. Consulting a healthcare provider or a lactation specialist is recommended to determine the safety profile of a specific drug.
The process is also useful when a mother needs to maintain her pumping schedule but is away from her baby and unable to store the milk safely. Expressing the milk prevents the discomfort of engorgement and signals the body to continue its normal rate of production. For substances like cannabis, which has a long half-life, the period of pumping and dumping may be prolonged.
The Step-by-Step Procedure for Pumping and Dumping
The procedure must prioritize hygiene and the preservation of milk supply. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly and ensuring all pump parts are clean and sterile before starting the expression session. Being in a relaxed, comfortable environment encourages the let-down reflex, which can be aided by breast massage.
To maintain your milk supply effectively, pump as often as the baby would typically feed, aiming for a complete emptying of the breasts. This signaling sustains milk production, preventing a significant drop in supply during the temporary break in feeding. Once the milk is expressed, discard it immediately; it must not be stored or used for feeding the baby. If the timing of the substance consumption is uncertain, clearly label any expressed milk with the date and time of the pump session to avoid accidental feeding.
Understanding Clearance Time and Milk Safety
The core principle is that pumping and dumping does not accelerate the rate at which a contaminant leaves the mother’s system. Substances like alcohol move freely between the mother’s bloodstream and her milk, meaning the concentration in the milk mirrors the concentration in the blood. Only time allows the mother’s body to metabolize and clear the substance from the blood, which subsequently clears it from the milk.
Milk safety is determined by the mother’s blood alcohol content (BAC) or the half-life of a medication, not by removing the milk already produced. For instance, the body typically metabolizes one standard alcoholic drink in about two to three hours. If a mother consumes two drinks, she should wait approximately four to six hours for the alcohol to clear.
As the mother’s BAC decreases, the concentration in the milk also decreases automatically. When the blood is clear, the milk becomes safe again. The main reason for pumping during the waiting period is to relieve engorgement and protect the long-term milk supply.