Discomfort and distractions can hamper this process, 5 so choose somewhere private and comfortable, and make sure your arms and back are well supported as you pump. Hold the breast shield gently against the breast — pressing too hard could compress your breast tissue and obstruct milk flow.
Some mums find deep breathing, soothing music, visualisation techniques, or having their partner massage their back and shoulders, can help them express more milk. Most Medela electric and battery-operated breast pumps have 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics the way your baby feeds with fast, light sucking followed by slower and stronger sucks , to help trigger your let down.
Massaging your breasts before and during pumping, 6 as well as warming your breasts 7 by applying a warm compress such as a flannel on them before expressing has been shown to help stimulate your milk flow and increase the amount you collect. Scientists have discovered that having skin-to-skin contact with your baby before and during pumping can help you express more milk too. During the expression phase, pump at your maximum comfort vacuum, which is the highest breast pump setting you can use while remaining comfortable.
In research, this was found to remove a similar amount of milk as a baby does during breastfeeding. To find the right level for you, increase the breast pump suction gradually until it becomes slightly uncomfortable, and then turn it down a notch.
Once your supply is established after about four to six weeks , you can start tailoring how many minutes you need to pump for, which can save you valuable time. Some mothers need to pump longer than others due to their number of let downs, which determine how often and how long milk flows. So how can you tell what your pattern is? Pick a time when you normally pump your highest volume of milk and watch while you pump, noting when jets of milk start coming from your nipple, or when milk drips into the container over the course of the session.
Conversely, a mum who has many or late let downs may need to pump for 15 minutes or longer to drain her breast thoroughly. Double pumping raises the level of prolactin, the milk-producing hormone, in your body. This means they typically express almost a fifth more milk, and milk with a higher fat content too, as opposed to pumping from each breast in turn.
If you feel discomfort while expressing, or notice blisters or chafing on your nipple or breast, try reducing the breast pump suction. The breast shield tunnel should surround your nipple closely, but leave enough space for it to move back and forth freely without rubbing.
A badly fitting breast shield can reduce the amount of milk you express, which is why Medela makes breast shields in several different sizes. The convenient way to store, carry and warm expressed breast milk, Medela breast milk storage bags are easy to use and hygienic.
Discover our new range of pacifiers — made in Switzerland. Choose a location. Your breastfeeding journey. How to use a breast pump: 12 top tips Learning how to use a breast pump can take time and dedication, but is well worth the effort. Share this content. Her team at Medela designs educational materials, grounded in the latest research, that detail best practice for healthcare professionals and explain the amazing benefits of breast milk to mums worldwide.
Parker L et al. Parker LA et al. Then follow these general steps. Some of the pros of using a double pump are that it lets you express milk in half the time, and you can use it to express milk from both breasts at once. Some of the cons are that you have to carry around more equipment.
Most require an outlet or batteries. A single manual or electric pump can be useful if you only need to pump occasionally, or want to breastfeed and pump at the same time. These pumps are usually smaller than double pumps, making them easier to transport. Manual pumps are not available as double pumps. Your breast shield tunnel should surround your nipple closely but leave enough space for it to move freely left to right without rubbing.
If your breast shield feels too small or large, check with the manufacturer about other sizing options. Most brands make a variety of sizes. You can add an extra pump session in the morning or evening while increasing your supply, and can also pump immediately following a nursing session to fully empty your breasts. Some women produce enough milk to fill several bottles in one pumping session while others require two to three pumping sessions to fill one bottle.
Try to not focus on the amount of milk your pumping, as that can lead to unnecessary stress. If you are exclusively pumping or will be away from your baby eight or more hours a day, a double electric breast pump is a worthwhile investment.
Consider the make and model of the breast pump, too. Some are heavier or bulkier to carry around than others. Some electric pumps require an electric outlet while others require batteries.
If you live in the United States and have health insurance, your insurance policy should cover the cost of a breast pump.
Check your policy to learn more about what they will cover. It may also cover a manual or electric pump, which you can pick up before or after giving birth, depending on your policy. In addition to your breast pump, the following supplies, available for purchase online, may make pumping easier. You can keep spare parts in your office or car so that you have a backup if you forget to bring all of your parts with you. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.
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Using a breast pump. Food and Drug Administration. La Leche League International. Expressing and storing milk. Join now to personalize. Photo credit: iStock. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.
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