From the Journal of Human Lactation, Vol. 21, Number 3, August 2005:

This short, easy-to-read book lists possible reasons for exclusively pumping, including prematurity, illness, latch problems, long-term separation, and maternal choice.  Throughout the book, Casemore recommends seeking help through the services of an LC.  She details the realistic time and energy needs of a pumping mother and discusses the emotions involved, including the sense of loss and grieving when one is no longer able to breastfeed, the response by others to the decision to exclusively pump, and guilt over the decision not to breastfeed.

This book addresses well the fundamentals of pumping, including properly fitting flange sizes, comfortable suction levels, and double pumping with a good-quality breast pump.  The research on cycles per minute and millimeters of mercury pressure is discussed fully.  Casemore lists the differences between types of pumps, giving examples by name of the better models in each category.

Excellent suggestions are made for initiating a milk supply by pumping, followed by directions for maintaining the well-established supply, increasing a diminishing supply, and “power pumping and cluster pumping” (p 64).   The chapter on milk storage guidelines, containers for storage and feeding, cue feeding rather than scheduling, feeding to infant satiety, and caution about infant overfeeding is excellent.

Exclusively Pumping is based on the personal experience of the author with input of more than 50 other women who exclusively pumped milk for their infants.  Casemore states, up front, that she is not a medical professional and has no background in lactation or breastfeeding support.  Despite this fact, she provides high-quality, up-to-date information and strongly promotes the physical act of breastfeeding at every opportunity.  She further states, “When breastfeeding does not work out, breast milk is still the best way of nourishing a baby and it must then be provided by pumping” (p 13).

A wide-ranging list of resources online is included in the appendix and includes LactNet archives, LLLI, Dr Newman, and Linda Smith; unfortunately, no resources for ILCA or IBCLE are given.

I would recommend this book, which will make a good addition to the libraries of lactation professionals who assist mothers with difficulties, providing yet another informed choice for mothers.

                                                                        Kathy Parkes, RN, IBCLC, RLC

                                                                                    San Antonio, Texas USA