Here is your Ultimate Guide to Using a Breast Pump, including information about types of pumps, benefits, usage, storage and things to consider.
If you’ve ever been a parent, you know that parenting is a journey where you often end up doing things you once said you’d never do! Things rarely turn out as planned, and this applies to breastfeeding as well.
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by complementary feeding for two years. This is because breast milk is the ideal food for infants, and nothing artificial can come close to its formulation.
Unfortunately, there may be many reasons why a mother may not be able to breastfeed her child, even though she’d like her baby to get the benefits of breast milk. This is where we introduce our hero – the breast pump!
We’ve prepared a full guide to using a breast pump for you, but before that:
What is a Breast Pump?
A breast pump is a device that removes milk from the breasts of a lactating woman. It mimics a baby’s sucking action, thereby stimulating the breasts to release milk.
A breast pump contains three main parts – a shield that fits over the nipple and areola, a pump that does the actual extraction of milk, and a container for collecting the expressed milk.
While you can certainly use your hand to express milk from your breasts, it can be difficult – and sometimes painful. A breast pump makes this process easier and faster.
Before we get into the guide to using a breast pump, let’s ask the main question – do you actually need one? Well, a breast pump can come in handy in a number of situations, and some of these may apply to you and your family.
How does a breast pump help?
1. If your baby is premature, has special needs or is in the NICU and can’t feed directly from the breast, pumping is a great way to ensure that your baby gets the nourishment they need right from the start.
2. Pumping can pull out inverted or flat nipples that help babies latch on better.
3. If you have a low milk supply, pumping in between feeds can stimulate milk production and you can also have some backup milk stored for times you are really low.
4. If oversupply is your problem, a breast pump can relieve discomfort, and prevent engorgement and issues like mastitis.
5. By pumping regularly, you can build up a stock of breast milk that can be used in emergencies or when you need a break or some extra sleep. Another person can take on the role of feeding the baby with the stored milk.
6. A breast pump is crucial when you go back to work after maternity leave and still want to continue breastfeeding.
7. With pumped milk, you can feed your baby on the go, especially if you’re in a situation where direct breastfeeding may not be comfortable.
8. If you have lots of extra pumped milk, you can consider donating it to babies in need of breastmilk, who may not be able to get it from their mothers for any reason.
Your Ultimate Guide to Using a Breast Pump
Choosing a Breast Pump
The first step in this guide to using a breast pump is, of course, choosing the right one! There are two main types of breast pumps – manual and electric. The manual pump is exactly what it sounds like – you squeeze a plunger or lever to create suction that causes the milk to come out. In the electric version, this job is done by a motor. You will need to choose a breast pump based on your specific needs.
Manual Breast Pumps:
- Are cheaper and more portable
- Weigh less and are more compact
- Require both hands
- Takes longer to pump
- Are ideal for Moms who pump occasionally and directly breastfeed most of the time
Electric Breast Pumps:
- Are expensive and have more parts to handle
- Require batteries or electricity to work
- Can be noisy
- Mimic a baby’s sucking action better to boost milk secretion
- Can be used with one hand and are easier
- Come in models that allow single or double pumping
- Are worth it for Moms who will be pumping a lot
If you will be away from your baby for eight hours or more or will be pumping exclusively, it may be worth your while to get yourself a double electric breast pump. This will pump both breasts at the same time, saving you lots of time and effort. What’s more, it increases the level of prolactin, the hormone that produces milk, resulting in more milk with a higher fat content.
Another thing you may want to consider is a special breast pumping bra, that makes it easier to keep the pump shield in place so your hands are free for other tasks.
Using the Breast Pump
Here is a step-by-step guide to using a breast pump – whether it’s manual or electric. The steps are almost the same, with a few variations.
- Read the instructions of your breast pump thoroughly before you start pumping
- Wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean and sterilize the pump, bottles, valves, funnel and other parts
- Find a calm and quiet room where you can pump undisturbed
- Make sure you have everything you need within your reach – snacks, water bottle, phone, TV remote, bottles for the expressed milk and a cloth to clean up any drips or spills
- Massage your breast for a couple of minutes to activate the let-down reflex. You can also look at a picture of your baby or smell her outfit – this will raise oxytocin levels that promote milk flow
- Place the breast shield over the nipple, and slowly start pumping. If you’re using an electric breast pump, set the suction on the lowest setting and start – you can increase it once the milk starts flowing
- When you notice the milk flow slowing, switch breasts. You can switch again later to get any leftover milk (This is not necessary for a double breast pump)
- When both breasts are empty, remove the breast shield and put a lid on the milk bottle
- Store the pumped milk in the fridge or freezer, or leave it out if it’ll be consumed within 6 hours
- Wash and sterilize the pump and it’s parts and store away when dry
Pumping Schedule
The next question we’re going to tackle in our guide to using a breast pump is this – how often should I pump?
Starting Out
1. If you have decided to pump, then plan to express within the first few hours of birth – doing this increases your likelihood of having a good supply in the initial weeks.
2. When using the pump for the first time, pump for about 15 minutes, even if you don’t see much milk. Regularly pumping will signal a larger demand and your breasts will respond with a better supply
3. In the beginning, plan to pump 8-10 times a day till your milk supply is established.
4. Your breast milk supply will usually be established in around six weeks and by then you’ll have a better idea of how long you need to pump each breast. You can now plan your pumping schedule accordingly.
Maintenance
1. If you’re planning to go back to work, prepare by adjusting your pumping schedule at least 2-3 weeks earlier so your breasts can adjust and you can build up a good stock of milk to use when you’re away.
2. Pump milk whenever your baby would feed normally, approximately every 3-4 hours, so your breasts can keep up the supply.
3. Pump more during the earlier part of the day, since breasts are naturally more full at this time.
4. Experiment to find what works for you. For some, pumping an hour after a feeding gives good milk, while others pump after every alternate feed.
Breast Milk Storage
You’ve gone into all the trouble of reading this guide to using a breast pump and actually pumping milk. It’s crucial that you store that liquid gold carefully too!
Most breast pumps come with their own milk bottles that can be used both for storage and feeding. If not, you can always buy separate milk bottles or use specially-created breast milk storage bags.
These bags are made of special plastic and take up less space than bottles. If using bags, always fill them up to three-quarters full since they need space for expansion while freezing. Freeze milk in small quantities, depending on how much your baby will need at each feed.
When it comes to temperature, pumped milk can stay fresh at room temperature for up to six hours, depending upon your environment – four hours if it’s hot and humid. This is provided you store it in a cool place away from the sun or any heat source.
If you want to store the milk for longer, it can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to six months. If this is too complicated to remember, you can use the 5-5-5 rule: use the milk within 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge and 5 days in the freezer.
Make sure to label each milk bottle or bag with the date and time, so you can use up the oldest milk first.
Do’s and Don’ts When Pumping
Do:
- Make sure you’re using the right breast shield size so there is no rubbing
- Stay calm and relaxed to activate your let-down reflex
- Keep your back and arms well-supported during pumping
- Try power pumping during periods of cluster-feeding or growth spurts
- Replace any parts of the pump that look moldy or worn out
Don’t:
- Ignore any pain, blisters or chafing on the nipple or breast
- Press too hard on the breast – it could obstruct milk flow
- Wait too long between pumping sessions
- Overdo the pumping, especially at night
- Share your breast pump with others
Reading a guide to using a breast pump is all well and good, but actually using it may be harder than you thought! However, like everything else, it is completely worth the effort and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it really easy.
Please remember that pain is not normal during pumping and if you’ve done everything right but still have pain or discomfort, it’s a good idea to talk to a lactation consultant.
Prerna is the founder, editor and owner of ‘Maa of All Blogs’, one of India’s Top Parenting Blogs. Besides being a certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor, she is also a fashion designer and economics graduate.
When she’s not busy running her home and business, she ensures she stays active – whether it’s running the half marathon, completing the Oxfam walk or climbing to the Everest base camp. Prerna enjoys wearing all her hats, and she does so in style!
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