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If you’re reading this article, you may be a new or expectant mom, or someone who knows a mom who can benefit from this post. Being a mom is never easy, with its own set of challenges like managing children and the household, feeling distant from your partner, and struggling with self-care. One thing that all moms can agree on is that breastfeeding and pumping are unique journeys. Some moms have an easier time with consistent milk flow and following schedules, while others face difficulties and even meltdowns.
This article aims to reassure moms and highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and pumping. In fact, there are numerous advantages to providing milk from our own bodies. Even in the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) encourages mothers to breastfeed their children for two full years.
وَالْوَالِدَاتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلاَدَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ لِــمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يُتِمَّ الرَّضَاعَةَ
“Mothers shall suckle their children for two full years, – that for such as desire to complete the suckling.”
Qur’an 2:233
1. Treat Your Prayer Time as a Reminder to Pump
For some moms, finding a suitable time to pump is challenging. If you’re confused about when you should pump, try pumping right after your prayers! You’re already taking a break from everyday chores to pray so why not add a few more minutes to pump?
2. Eat Sunnah Foods to Increase Your Milk Supply
We’ve all done our fair share of Googling power foods to increase our milk supply. Believe it or not, some of the foods mentioned in most articles are considered Sunnah foods as well. Foods such as whole grains, barley, dates, olive oil, nuts, and seeds aid in increasing milk supply. Of course, don’t leave out protein and fiber from your diet!
3. Recite Bismillah Before You Pump And Engage in Dhikr
Before beginning a task, it is recommended to recite ‘Bismillah’ for the sake of barakah (blessings) in the activities we do. This applies to pumping as well! It is through pumping that a child receives its source of food and nutrients which makes it even more worthwhile to remember Allah (SWT) before beginning to pump.
It is narrated from the Prophet (ﷺ): “Any important and valuable act that is carried out without the dhikr “Bismillahi Rahmani-Rahim,” will be imperfect and without a (good) conclusion.”
Moreover, reciting duas (supplications) or verses of the Quran while pumping can help alleviate the pain and/or stress you may feel from pumping. The following supplication is intended to relieve one of pain, and stress and to put barakah in the milk supply.
Salawat Nariya / Tafrijiyyah
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ صَلَاةً كَامِلَةً ❁ وَسَلِّمْ سَلَامًا تَامًّا ❁ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ الَّذِي تَنْحَلُّ بِهِ الْعُقَدُ ❁ وَتَنْفَرِجُ بِهِ الْكُرَبُ ❁ وَتُقْضَىٰ بِهِ الْحَوَائِجُ ❁ وَتُنَالُ بِهِ الرَّغَائِبُ وَحُسْنُ الْخَوَاتِمِ ❁ وَيُسْتَسْقَى الْغَمَامُ بِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَعَلىٰ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ ❁ فِي كُلِّ لَمْحَةٍ وَنَفَسٍ بِعَدَدِ كُلِّ مَعْلُومٍ لَكَ
Allāhumma ṣalli ṣalātan kāmilatan, wa sallim salāman tāman, ʿalā Sayyidinā Muḥammadin illadhī tanḥallu bihi l-ʿuqad(u), wa tanfariju bihi l-kurab(u), wa tuqḍā bihi l-ḥawā’ij(u), wa tunālu bihi r-raghā’ibu wa ḥusnu l-khawātim(i), wa yustasqa l-ghamāmu bi-wajhihi l-karīm(i), wa ʿalā ālihi wa ṣaḥbihi fī kulli lamḥatin wa nafasin bi-ʿadadi kulli mʿalūmin lak(a.)
“O Allah, send a perfect prayer and complete greeting of peace upon our master Muhammad — the one by whom problems are solved, anxieties are relieved, needs are fulfilled, aspirations are attained and good endings are received, and by whose noble face the clouds give rain — and upon his Family and Companions, with every glance and every breath, by the number of everything that is known to You.”
4. Look at photos or videos of your child
Did you know that looking at photos or videos of your baby can potentially trigger a letdown? Especially when your baby is crying, the sound and visuals signal your milk production system to supply more milk, SubhanAllah!
However, it is important to note that letdowns don’t get triggered all the time, so don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t happen as much as you would expect.
5. Practice Deep Breathing
Your mood has a direct impact on your milk supply. When you maintain a positive and relaxed state of mind, your milk supply tends to increase. On the contrary, if you find yourself feeling anxious or upset, it can disrupt your milk production and leave you even more frustrated when you don’t express as much milk as you’d prefer.
6. Don’t Forget to Bring Your Pumping Essentials
Bring your pumping essentials even for a short shopping spree! Ignoring your pumping schedule can lead to a decrease in milk supply and, in severe cases, engorged breasts caused by clogged milk ducts.
Always bring these essentials wherever you go:
- Pumping bag
- Your preferred breast pump
- Breast pump charger just in case
- Ice pack (preferably two packs)
- Nursing cover or cloth
- Breast pads for leaking
- Tissues or handkerchief to wipe excess milk
- Breast milk storage bags/breast milk containers
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Pump Anytime, Anywhere
It can be pretty daunting to pump in public especially when people have a tendency to glare. But, don’t hesitate. If nature is calling, you must pump! If it’s more comfortable to go to a private place such as your car, make sure you take that call before your breasts become engorged.
Being a mother can be a challenging feat, but it is truly a rewarding experience. At the end of the day, you know your body and how it works. This article is just a simple guide intended to provide you with tips to pump! Do what’s best for you and never give up!