Breastfeeding & Pumping in Pakistan: My Journey and What I Wish I Knew
Khadija FatimaIt’s Not Always “Natural”
We’ve all heard it: “Just latch the baby, breastfeeding is natural.”
But for so many of us, the first days and weeks are full of pain, confusion, low supply, cracked nipples, and endless self-doubt.
I know because I’ve been there; twice.
My First Journey
Like the majority of moms in Pakistan, I had zero knowledge about breastfeeding. I thought it would just come naturally.
I had a C-section, and due to complications, I was put under general anaesthesia, so I missed the golden hour completely. When I finally latched my baby 14 hours later, it was a poor latch. My milk hadn’t come in yet.
I kept trying. I even used syringes to draw out milk because breast pumps… well, I didn’t even know they existed until Instagram ads started popping up.
One night, in the middle of a 3 a.m. mom guilt spiral; bottle in one hand, baby in the other. I ordered a Spectra S1 pump. It arrived, I tried, nothing came out, and I gave up.
Why? Because no one told me flange sizes matter. Again, zero knowledge.
My Second Journey
The second time around, I was determined. I booked prenatal classes, hired lactation consultants, and made sure to do the golden hour.
But life had other plans, acute carpal tunnel made it impossible for me to hold, let alone feed, my baby. So, I pulled out that same Spectra and started pumping.
It’s now been over a year of exclusively pumping. I have gallons of stashed milk and even an oversupply.
First-time-mom me would be so proud of this version of me. It is exhausting, powerful, and magical to be a woman with a body that creates, births, and feeds for a baby.
1. Understanding Your Feeding Options
- Breastfeeding: Feeding directly from the breast.
- Exclusive Pumping: Pumping all feeds and bottle-feeding breast milk.
- Combination Feeding: A mix of breast, pumped milk, and formula.
There is no “one right way.” The right way is the one that works for you, your baby, and your circumstances.
2. Common Breastfeeding Challenges (and How to Handle Them)
Pain or Cracked Nipples
- Often caused by poor latch; a lactation consultant can help adjust positioning.
- Try applying expressed milk to nipples and letting it air dry.
Low Milk Supply
- Feed or pump frequently to signal your body to make more milk.
- Skin-to-skin contact and hydration help more than any “magic food.”
Overwhelming Guilt
- Formula is not failure. Fed is best. Your mental health matters too.
3. Pumping Basics for New Moms
When to Start Pumping
- If breastfeeding is going well, you can wait a few weeks before pumping to build a stash.
- If baby can’t latch, start earlier to protect supply.
- If you choose to pump, start as early as when you're in the hospital.
Choosing the Right Pump
- Manual pumps: Budget-friendly, good for occasional use.
- Electric pumps: Faster, more efficient for regular pumping.
Storage Guidelines
These are Pakistan weather friendly, but always choose CDC rules.
- Room temp (under 26°C): 4–6 hours
- Refrigerator: 3–5 days
- Freezer: 3–6 months
4. Pumping Schedules That Work
Exclusive Pumpers: Every 2-3 hours in the early months (8-10 sessions/day).
Working Moms: Pump every 3-4 hours at work; store milk in a cooler bag.
Combination Feeders: Pump to maintain supply when skipping a feed.
5. Where to Get Help in Pakistan
Lactation Consultants:
Fakeha - Labour of Love Lactation (warm, empathetic support).
Sumbal Hareem - Lactnation (IBCLC-certified, online consultations).
Therapists for Mental Health Support:
Prenatal & Postnatal Classes:
- Book breastfeeding and pumping courses before birth to prepare early.
6. Myths Pakistani Moms Hear (and the Truth)
“If you give one bottle of formula, your milk will dry up.” → False. Supply responds to demand, not one-time formula.
“Some women’s milk is too ‘thin’ to be good.” → False. Breast milk is always nutritionally perfect.
“Breastfeeding should never hurt.” → Partly false. Some tenderness early on is normal, but ongoing pain means something is wrong.
Every breastfeeding journey is different. Some feed at the breast, some pump exclusively, some use formula, and many do a combination.
No matter your journey, every mama is amazing. 💛