Breast milk is still the best in terms of nutrition. Naturally, feeding babies breast milk is popular among moms and caregivers worldwide. Breast milk provides nutrients for babies to survive their first months. It also contains plenty of antibodies that help babies fight off various viruses and diseases. This is why using a pump is among the top breastfeeding tips.
For many mothers, it feels impossible to provide milk. They’ve already tried everything to express milk — breast massage, warm compress, ice packs, the let-down reflex, leaning forward, changing what they typically eat — but to no avail. They still get less milk than they need for their baby’s usual feedings. Check out our pumping tips to help increase your milk supply.
Source: pixabay.com
Top Tips On How To Use A Breast Pump Properly
Keeping your baby fed and healthy is one of the most important parts of child care. A pump can help you get the milk flowing in your power milking journey if you are a new mother keen on breastfeeding your baby for the long haul. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your health insurance should be able to cover its cost. Breast pumps come with different parts and components that can help you during the session to increase your milk expression. Then, you can stash more milk that can last several days.
Are you now asking yourself if you should be using a pump for a good power routine? Well, if you are still clueless about this product, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are some useful breast pump tips and tricks.
How To Choose The Best Breast Pump To Collect Breast Milk
Source: te.wikipedia.org
The first step to having a pleasant and safe breastfeeding journey is using the right pump. There are many kinds of breast pumps that you can choose from. If you are a full-time housewife, you can choose a manual pump. Usually, it takes around 45 minutes to drain the breast milk supply utilizing this method. On the other hand, you can also choose to use an electric pump. An electric pump is relatively easy to use and can drain the milk supply from your breast faster.
When buying a pump, you should also choose one with high-quality pump parts and components. One of the most trusted brands when it comes to breast pumps is Medela. Medela pumps have just the right flanges that can fit most breast sizes. Medela pumps are also a hit among first-time mothers because they are easy to set up, and they help improve your milk supply. You can also get help from your doctor and lactation consultant, whether you’re exclusively pumping or alternating with breastfeeding.
Practice Before Delivery
Source: flickr.com
Before your expected delivery, set aside time to practice utilizing your breast pump. Doing so can make your life easier. Chances are, you will have no more time to try your pump by yourself once the baby arrives. Using a pump regularly and practicing hand expression can undoubtedly hasten your transition into motherhood and increase your milk flow.
Relax
The next tip for utilizing your pump is to relax. Most new moms tend to panic in their sports bras at home when utilizing a pump. If you want to collect all the milk in one sitting, you should learn how to relax. Lean forward or lean back if that makes you feel better. If it hurts or your breasts feel completely dry and empty, it’s a sign that you can stop pumping.
If one breast seems clogged, start pumping your other breast and apply a warm compress on it. If you aren’t producing much milk, you can look at your children or your children’s pictures during pumping sessions to get the milk flowing. Many women also practice skin-to-skin contact with their babies because this releases oxytocin. Other moms listen to soothing music while they are trying to get milk. Stress harms your milk production when trying to express milk. Thus, your overall mood is also an essential factor in breastfeeding success.
Storage For Milk
Source: jbcharleston.jb.mil
Properly store all collected milk supplies in designated breastmilk bags. Breastmilk bags and milk collection bottles come in different sizes and designs, depending on your storage space. For hygienic purposes, it is highly advisable to buy a personal freezer to store milk. Freezing milk is a great way to keep your baby fed and healthy.
Hygiene And Cleanliness
Make sure you wash your hands before pumping. You also need to use soapy water to clean all pump parts that have come into contact with your baby’s mouth.
Consider Your Schedule
If you are an on-the-go mom and need to be away from your baby for long periods, you should consider your lifestyle when buying a pump. Medela Pump In Style complements your breastfeeding needs even on the go. These pumps come in a bag you can carry wherever. Some moms recommend pumping after your baby feeds to encourage your body to produce more milk.
Baby Monitoring
Depending on your child’s age, the amount of milk you need to feed them will vary. Your milk supply should depend on your baby’s needs. Some babies require more milk during their growth spurt. These babies tend to cluster feed (periods of non-stop feeding), especially during the night.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Double breast pumps, such as the Medela Double Electric Pump and the Medela Advanced, can help you pump and express milk faster. You will get more breastmilk in half the time. By doing this, you get to do more things that need your attention, like taking care of your baby and doing things around the house. This is good because it cuts the time in half.
Breast pumps are a big help for mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies longer. However, there are also different kinds of pumps. Choose quality products like the Medela Pump in Style Advanced to help you achieve your desired milk output.
Top Breast Pump Recommendations & Reviews
S12 Double Hands-Free Breast Pump
The S12 Pro wearable product has double-sealed flanges. Aside from being extremely soft, regular single-flanged ones cannot compare to this product. After all, the tighter the pumps are around your breasts, the more you can get milk. Bye-bye, milk leakage!
Pros
- Two flanges
- Popular among on-the-go moms
- Ideal during long travels and trips
- Powerful and reliable pump
Cons
- Possible battery issues
- Minor leakage if unsealed properly
- Noisy and disruptive
- Unstable suction power
Medela Pump In Style
Medela’s popular In Style product is a hospital-grade product that doctors, nurses, and midwives recommend to new moms. Its design has come from Symphony, another product of Medela. What makes it stand out, though, is the fact that it comes with MaxFlow technology. It also has built-in letdown and massage mode cycles that can automatically increase milk production by up to 11.8%. This product is definitely worth investing in.
Pros
- Open system
- More space
- Quick and easy setup
- Comes with a handy bag
Cons
- Tubing condensation
- External battery pack
- Non-transparent connectors
- Slightly longer pumping time
Wearable Hands-Free Breast Pump
This is a lightweight product made with convenience and ease in mind. You can express milk even when you’re working at home or staying outdoors. Every part of this pump is made out of BPA-free and food-grade silicone, so you’re assured that chemicals won’t contaminate your milk.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Portable
- Hours-long battery
- Painless suction
Cons
- Straps don’t fit everyone
- Susceptible to leakage
- Bulky
- Detachable motor
IKARE Wearable Double Pump
Ikare’s double pump is perfect for moms who need to get the job done fast. Apart from being safe and comfortable to use, its suction power is highly commendable. Its setup is straightforward as well; you can tell how it works just based on the buttons on top. If you’re looking for a product that’s budget friendly and easy to use, this one is for you.
Pros
- Quick pumping
- Great suction power
- Compact machine
- Easy to use
Cons
- Noisy
- Different flange sizes
- Leakage after pumping
- Short battery life
How To Use A Breast Pump: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my breast pump easier?
The most important is to get a breast pump that works best. Then look for the proper flange size to make pumping more efficient. It is also essential to establish a schedule to get the best results. Also, don’t forget to nourish your body and mind with healthy food and lots of water because breastfeeding requires nutrients from your body.
How do I make my breast pump suction better?
The flanges and breast shields must fit well to maximize the suction of milk. The breast shield is measured by the size of the nipple and not of the breast.
How should I sit when utilizing a breast pump?
You must be sitting comfortably in either a chair or a recliner. It is not advised to lean back wholly, but a pillow can be used to reduce pressure on the back.
Can I pump into the same bottle all day?
Experts say that it’s okay to use the same bottle as long as it is done correctly. Breast milk must be combined only when they are at the same temperature. It is advised that, if the first batch of breast milk is chilled, then chill the second batch as well. When the second batch is chilled, the two batches can now be combined.
Do I need to wash my breast pump after each use?
All parts of the pump that were in contact with the breast and the breast milk must be washed to prevent bacteria growth from the milk residue. Parts that must be washed include bottles, bottle lids, breast shields, membranes, and valves.
How long after pumping can I put milk in the fridge?
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for four days. If the milk is not consumed in that period, it must be frozen in the freezer.
What is the most efficient way to use a breast pump?
How do I get the best results from breast pumping?
What are the dos and don’ts of breast pumping?
What position is best for breast pumping?
What not to do while breast pumping?
How long should I pump each breast?
What are the best times to pump?
Will pumping every 2 hours increase the milk supply?
How do I know if my breast is empty?
Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Harold Chan
DISCLAIMER (IMPORTANT): This information (including all text, images, audio, or other formats on FamilyHype.com) is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional advice, diagnosis, endorsement or treatment. You should not take any action or avoid taking action without consulting a qualified professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about medical conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here a FamilyHype.com.