Breastpumping 101
Breastfeeding has many benefits for mom and baby. Breastfeeding can help protect baby from illness and disease, can lowers your babies risk of asthma, obesity, type I diabetes and even SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). For moms, breastfeeding can reduce their risk of ovarian cancer, type II diabetes and even high blood pressure. Your supply is affected by breast stimulation from baby and milk removal. There are a whole list of reasons why we would need to use a breast pump and providing your baby expressed breastmilk is still an amazing gift.
Before you can start pumping, you need to understand what breast pumps are and how they work. A breast pump is a device that collects milk from your breasts for storage & later use.
Breast pumps come in different shapes and sizes, but they all include two main parts: the motor (which generates suction), and an expression system (the part that attaches directly to your nipple). Some also have additional attachments like shields or valves that help control how much milk comes out at once.
Pumping isn't easy! It takes time and patience before you get used to using your pump correctly--and even then there are some issues that may arise while using it. If these problems seem overwhelming, try reaching out online for support from other moms who've been through similar experiences.There are also manual pumps which come without a motor and you have do the work.
Ten breast pumping tips:
Choose the right breast pump: There are two types of breast pumps - manual and electric. Manual pumps are operated by hand and are suitable for occasional use. Electric pumps are more efficient and are ideal for frequent pumping. Choose a breast pump that suits your needs. Keep in mind that your insurance may cover a breast pump, give them a call during pregnancy and they can put you in contact with a durable medical equipment supplier who can provide your insurance covered breast pump.
Find a comfortable place: Find a comfortable and private place to pump. You can use a nursing room, your office or a private space at home.
Wash your hands: Before you start pumping, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid contamination.
Get comfortable: Sit in a comfortable chair and relax. It's important to be relaxed to encourage milk flow.
Place the breast shield: Place the breast shield over your breast, making sure it fits snugly around your nipple. Ensure your nipple is moving freely in the flange and that you feel no pain. Pain can signal a poor fitting flange.
Turn on the pump: If you are using an electric pump, turn it on and adjust the suction level to a comfortable level. Start with a low suction level and gradually increase the suction strength as you begin to pump.
Begin pumping: Use a rhythmic pumping motion to stimulate milk flow. You can use your hand to massage your breast to encourage milk flow.
Switch breasts: Switch to the other breast after 10-15 minutes of pumping. This will ensure that both breasts are emptied and will help maintain milk supply. Stimulating both breasts at the same time will help in yielding more milk.
Store the milk: Once you have finished pumping, store the milk in a clean container. Label the container with the date and time of pumping. If you do not plan on using the milk within a few days you can freeze your milk in appropriate bags.
Clean the breast pump: After each use, clean the breast pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Breast pumping can be a great way to provide your baby with breast milk when you are unable to breastfeed. With the right technique and equipment, you can pump efficiently and comfortably.
Selecting the Right Pump
When it comes to selecting the right pump, there are a lot of options. The first thing you'll want to do is consider your budget and how portable you need the pump to be. Do you plan on taking it with you when traveling? Will it fit in your purse? If so, then getting one that's smaller and more compact may be more important than having all of the bells and whistles.
If price isn't an issue for you (or if you have insurance), then there are other features worth looking into:
Breastshields--these come in different sizes and styles depending on which brand or model of breastpump they're made by; some have valves that allow milk flow only when suction is applied; others allow unrestricted flow during pumping sessions so mothers can express both breasts simultaneously without stopping at all (this feature can also help prevent clogged ducts).
Noise level--many electric pumps run on batteries rather than being plugged into power outlets; as such, they tend not only quieter but also lighter weight than their plug-in counterparts because these models usually lack motors inside them which means less vibration transmitted through handlebars onto mother's hands while using them!
Common Issues with Breast Pumps
There are a few common issues that can arise with breast pumps. The first is that the pump doesn't work correctly, which can be caused by a number of things:
Clogged tubes
Not enough suction
Milk spilling out of the top of your bra or shirt while you're using it (this is called "leaking")
Improper fitting flange
Tips for Troubleshooting
The first thing to do when troubleshooting is to ensure that your pump is the right fit for you. If it's not, it could be causing issues with suction and milk flow. You can test this by placing a finger over one of the valves (the ones on top of each breast shield) and then turning on the pump. If air flows through, then there's an issue with suction or milk flow; if no air passes through, then everything should be fine!
Next up: checking for blockages. If there are none present in your tubing or bottle adapter, try cleaning them out by running warm water through them until they're clear again--this should solve any problems with clogged tubes!
Finally--and perhaps most importantly--make sure all parts are clean before using them again so as not to introduce bacteria into an otherwise sterile environment where babies' health depends upon cleanliness being maintained at all times."
Tips for Choosing the Right Flanges
Choosing the right flanges is a matter of comfort and proper fit. You may need to try different sizes before finding the one that works best for you.
Size: The size of your nipple should be taken into account when selecting flanges. If you have large nipples, look for larger-sized flanges; if they're small, choose smaller ones.
Shape: There are many different shapes available on the market today--some more common than others--and each offers its own benefits depending on what type of pump (electric or manual) and storage method (freezer bag vs insulated cooler) you plan on using most often in order to keep them fresh until next use!
You may be thinking, “Where can I find a lactation consultant near me?” We provide in person and virtual lactation support. Our team is equipped with IBCLC’s (International Board Certified Lactation Counselor) and CLC’s (Certified Lactation Consultant) schedule your in person home visit consultation to trouble shoot an issue or address a concern or perhaps you want to receive further breastfeeding education prior the arrival of your baby and you are located in:
Tampa, St Petersburg
Land O’ Lakes
Lakeland
Plant City
Downtown Tampa
… and more!
We specialize in providing holistic lactation support and our main goal is helping you reach your goals. Virtual services also available, let’s plan for your amazing birth and postpartum journey.
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