What to Consider for Providing Breast Milk for Your Intended Parents
For some surrogates, the surrogacy journey does not end when the baby is delivered. After the baby is born, your body will begin to produce breast milk, leading you to question — to pump or not to pump?
When it comes to feeding, fed is best, whether that be via formula or breast milk. Some intended parents do not wish to receive breast milk and are satisfied with formula, while others are adamant that their baby receives breast milk. At the same time, some surrogates are eager to provide intended parents with breast milk, while others prefer not to.
The bottom line is that it’s your choice whether or not you would like to provide breast milk to the intended parents. We will also keep your preferences on whether or not you wish to pump after the baby is delivered in mind when matching you to your intended parents.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of choosing to pump for your intended parents:
The Benefits of Pumping
Transition easier. For some surrogates, it can be difficult to transition back to your normal life after being so intimately involved with the people you carried a baby for. Pumping can be a great way to help you transition back into your normal life while still involving the intended parents and their baby.
An extra gift to the intended parents. As a surrogate, you have a natural desire to give to others. Pumping breast milk for the intended parents is a wonderful bonus gift you can give to them that is both gratifying and fulfilling.
A faster recovery. Pumping speeds up the recovery process, helping your uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Potential weight loss. A lot of surrogates report losing the extra weight from their pregnancy more quickly if they are pumping. That’s because pumping burns a ton of calories!
The Downsides to Pumping
Extra time and effort. Pumping can be inconvenient, tedious, and time-consuming. Throughout the day (and night!), you will need to empty your breasts regularly to maintain your milk supply. Combine that with constantly cleaning out bottles, tubes, and funnels, pumping can take up a substantial amount of your time.
It’s a commitment. You already knew that pumping would be a commitment, but you may not realize just how much of one it is! Pumping affects your sleep, your diet, and even what kind of medications can take. You’ll also want to continue abstaining from alcohol and caffeine as well.
Overall, when considering whether or not to pump for the intended parents, the choice is entirely up to you. If you are unsure, our experts here at Fairfax Surrogacy can help guide you and empower you to make a decision that is right for you.
