What are the Breast Pumping Tips
Breast pumping is a way to get milk out of your breasts. You will then store the milk for your baby to use when you are away from home. There are three ways to pump. You can:
- Use your hand to massage and squeeze your breast (hand expression).
- Use a hand-held machine to manually pump your milk.
- Use an electric machine to pump your milk.
In the beginning you may not get much milk. After a few days your breasts should make more. Pumping can help you start making milk after your baby is born. Pumping helps you to keep making milk when you are away from your baby.
When should I pump?
You can start pumping soon after your baby is born. Follow these tips:
- When
you are with your baby:
- Pump after you breastfeed.
- Pump from the free breast while you breastfeed.
- When
you are away from your baby:
- Pump every 2–3 hours for 15 minutes.
- Pump both breasts at the same time if you can.
- If your baby drinks formula, pump around the time your baby gets the formula.
- If you drank alcohol, wait 2 hours before you pump.
- If you are going to have surgery, ask your doctor when you should pump again.
How do I get ready to pump?
Take steps to relax. Try these things to help your milk come in:
- Smell your baby’s blanket or clothes.
- Look at a picture or video of your baby.
- Sit in a quiet, private space.
- Massage your breast and nipple.
- Place a cloth on your breast. The cloth should be warm and a little wet.
- Play relaxing music.
- Picture your milk flowing.
What are some tips?
General tips for pumping breast milk
- Always wash your hands before pumping.
- If you do not get much milk or if pumping hurts, try different pump settings or a different kind of pump.
- Drink enough fluid so your pee (urine) is clear or pale yellow.
- Wear clothing that opens in the front or is easy to take off.
- Pump milk into a clean bottle or container.
- Do notuse anything that has nicotine or tobacco. Examples are cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
Tips for storing breast milk
- Store
breast milk in a clean, BPA-free container. These include:
- A glass or plastic bottle.
- A milk storage bag.
- Store only 2–4 ounces of breast milk in each container.
- Swirl the breast milk in the container. Do notshake it.
- Write down the date you pumped the milk on the container.
- This
is how long you can store breast milk:
- Room temperature: 6–8 hours. It is best to use the milk within 4 hours.
- Cooler with ice packs: 24 hours.
- Refrigerator: 5–8 days, if the milk is clean. It is best to use the milk within 3 days.
- Freezer: 9–12 months, if the milk is clean and stored away from the freezer door. It is best to use the milk within 6 months.
- Put milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer.
- Thaw frozen milk using warm water. Do notuse the microwave.
Tips for choosing a breast pump
When choosing a pump, keep the following things in mind:
- Manual breast pumps do not need electricity. They cost less. They can be hard to use.
- Electric breast pumps use electricity. They are more expensive. They are easier to use. They collect more milk.
- The suction cup (flange) should be the right size.
- Before you buy the pump, check if your insurance will pay for it.
Tips for caring for a breast pump
- Check the manual that came with your pump for cleaning tips.
- Clean
the pump after you use it. To do this:
- Wipe down the electrical part. Use a dry cloth or paper towel. Do notput this part in water or in cleaning products.
- Wash the plastic parts with soap and warm water. Or use the dishwasher if the manual says it is safe. You do not need to clean the tubing unless it touched breast milk.
- Let all the parts air dry. Avoid drying them with a cloth or towel.
- When the parts are clean and dry, put the pump back together. Then store the pump.
- If
there is water in the tubing when you want to pump:
- Attach the tubing to the pump.
- Turn on the pump.
- Turn off the pump when the tube is dry.
- Try not to touch the inside of pump parts.
Summary
- Pumping can help you start making milk after your baby is born. It lets you keep making milk when you are away from your baby.
- When you are away from your baby, pump for about 15 minutes every 2–3 hours. Pump both breasts at the same time, if you can.
