Pump It Up:
Pumping and the Tools of the Trade
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
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though you have decided to breastfeed your newborn, investing in a pump is still a good idea. Getting your baby to take a bottle is important to many new moms. You might plan on going back to work, or you would like Dad – or other caretakers – to feed the baby. Maybe you're just looking for a little convenience. Whatever the reason, if you'd like to have the option of feeding your little one with a bottle, you'll need to pump.
Many consultants suggest waiting 2-4 weeks after your baby’s birth before introducing them to a bottle so they can really get the hang of breastfeeding. (But, of course, here is the Catch-22: If you wait too long to introduce the bottle, you run the risk of your little one refusing it.)
PUMPING TIPS
Try to pump both breasts as the same time. If you only have one pump shield, be sure to massage one breast while pumping the other.
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The best time to pump is in the morning when your milk supply is at it’s highest. (It’ll be lower in the afternoon)
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Try to relax while you pump to ensure a “let-down.” (And like that stubborn pot, watched breasts might not "let-down"...)
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Don’t be alarmed at first if you only pump a few ounces of milk. The more you breastfeed and the more you pump, the more your milk supply will increase. (Also, this doesn’t equal the amount of milk your baby is getting when breastfeeding.)
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Don’t rush the pumping time. At first, you may need to pump for at least a half-hour in the mornings. Tip: To increase your milk supply, keep pumping for 5-10 minutes even after your milk stops flowing.
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To get your milk volume higher, it helps to consistently pump every day. But if you can't, just pump when you can!
CHOOSING YOUR PUMP
There are many different styles of breast pumps to choose from: single, double sided, manual, electric… and you can either rent or purchase one. What are the pros and cons?
MANUAL
Pros: Simple, compact and convenient: It’s best for those only pumping a few times a week.
Cons: Done by hand, it can be harder to express milk and can get tiring.
Recommended Option: Medela Harmony
BATTERY-OPERATED
Pros: Great for occasional use.
Cons: It can be noisy and the batteries wear out.
Recommended Option: Medela Swing
ELECTRIC
Pros: Efficient and can be portable (great for working moms); it helps to extract a lot a milk.
Cons: Can be bulky and more expensive than manual or battery-operated pumps.
Recommended Option: Medela Pump In Style Original
HOSPITAL-GRADE PUMP
Pros: Usually rented, it’s great for establishing, or increasing, milk supply. Plus, it’s quiet!
Cons: Can be big and bulky.
Recommended Option: Medela Symphony
PUMPING ACCESSORIES
To make things as efficient as possible (what new mom doesn’t want that?), here are some things you may want to stock up on when pumping:
Storage Bags
These are for storing your breastmilk, either in the refrigerator or the freezer. Some bags attach to your breast shield and allow you to pump right into them. Be sure to label the bags so you know the date when you pumped.
Pumped breast milk can stay fresh in the refrigerator for five to days, and in the freezer for three to four months. Once thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Don’t refreeze it.
Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags
Makes sterilizing your breast pump parts quick and easy. (Some pediatricians note that sterilization is not necessary after each and every use; it’s perfectly fine to just wash in hot, soapy water and rinse well.)
Bottles
Pump right into these bottles and store in the refrigerator, or use to feed your baby.
A little pumping know-how will go a long way when it comes to breastfeeding your baby. It does take some time and effort, so just do what fits best into your lifestyle.
