The ULTIMATE guide to Breast pumping from A to Z !

 

Breast milk is a superb way to feed your newborn child. In breastfeeding, you are nourishing your child up for a lifetime of health advantages. It's additionally helpful for mother and makes an excellent bond between mother and kid.

 

However, not all of us can't really breastfeed each time the child is hungry. You may need to work, go shopping or even sleep. Here’s where breast pump come into picture.

 

There are huge amounts of reasons either from work to being ill and latching issues, some mothers better off with breast pump. Investing in breast pump and storing some spare milk on hand will make life less stressful and convenience for you and the entire family.

 

Medela Swing Maxi Breast Pump

 

Which breast pump is best for you?

If you’ve done your homework, you most likely realized that not all breast pumps are the same and that there are a wide range of alternatives. Don’t worry, we will be discussing various types of breast pump and who they’re best for.

 

Hospital Grade (Electric)

Hospital grade pumps are best for mothers who are experiencing breastfeeding issues. These pumps work quickly, can pump from both breasts at once, and will drain the most milk. You may require one of these if your infant isn’t latching properly, experiencing difficulty gathering milk supply, or if your child is a premature infant. Note that these awesome pumps can be an investment.

 

High-end personal usage pumps (Electric)

These breast pumps are best for mothers who pump as often as possible, for instance mothers who need to pump at work. These pump quite fast and will drain a lot of breast milk and proven to be useful if you pumping during lunch hour.

 

Mid-range pumps (Electric or Battery)

These are best for mothers who pump about once per day – mothers who are usually with child for the whole day, but need to have some additional milk available. They do take a while to use, and won't get you much milk quickly, however they are more affordable and make sense if you only pump once every day.

 

Manual pumps

These are best for mothers who favor an economical and quiet option. Some women prefer using manual (or hand-operated) pumps, but if you're in a hurry or need to gather a big supply, a manual pump may not be the right option for you. Remember that YOU will do all the pumping by hand, so this method can be downright exhausting.

 

When is right time for you to start breast pumping and storing milk? 

It depends. If you are planning to go back to work, at that point you can begin breast pumping immediately after the child is born so you have a on hand milk prepared when your maternity leave is up.

 

This might be excessively overwhelming at first. If you have a feeling that you probably can't start to breast pumping and require some time, give it a few weeks and do not stress. That stress will bring down your milk supply and having a newborn significantly more difficult and depleting the milk.

 

Wait between 4-8 weeks to introduce baby to the bottle

 

In spite of the fact that you can begin pumping when you like, it is generally best to wait up until the baby is one month old (8 weeks to be safe) and breastfeeding is well established before you introduce a bottle.

This will enable you to avoid “nipple confusion” in your infant. As probably some babies wont latches no matter what you do. It could be related to a lip or tongue tie, or some other puzzling reason. It's best to meet with a lactation advisor/consultant to get to bottom of it.

 

Nipple confusion? What is it?

Truth is, nursing can be hard work for a baby! Though it's really simple to give gravity do their magic when they’re drinking from a bottle.

 

Intuitive baby bottle by Tommee Tippee
 

 

After their children started to drink from bottle, a few mothers can experience some difficulties getting them back onto the breast. This will likewise cause trouble for you, since you won't deliver as much milk if your child does not nurse.

 

For most mothers, the longer they wait to introduce the bottle, the better.

 

How to use a breast pump?

 

If you’re not familiar with breast pump before, they may look complicated to use, but actually its quite simple to use.

 

First of all, the nurses at the hospital will most likely offer to let you use a hospital grade pump for breast pumping. Regardless of whether you have no intention of using it from the beginning, you might need to give them a chance so that you can check it out and give it a try. They will be glad to help you position the cups and get the right settings. You need to center the cup (otherwise called a phalange or shield) over your breast and turn the machine on. The rest is up to the machine. If you use a manual pump, you will need to center the cup over your nipple in the same manner and simply pump with your hands. Each pump will include a guideline manual and probably reference to online video instructions.

 

When is optimal time of day for breast pumping?

It is best to pump 1 hour in after feeding because you have to allowed your breasts some time to refill. If your child has depleted them and you continue to pump, you may make a unnecessary stress and you can be doing more harm than good. However, numerous mothers have plentiful of milk a few weeks postpartum and can pump right after nursing and freeze the extra.

 

Pain? Surely something not right.

While pumping you should never feel pain. There will be a pulling sensation and perhaps some uneasiness, however it should not hurt. Try starting out on the lowest setting and steadily working your way up.

 

If you still feel discomfort, try repositioning the cups or talking to a lactation consultant. There are breast shields and numerous other devices that can be used to make pumping as simple and comfortable as possible. Some moms find just adding a little olive or coconut oil on their nipples before and after pumping helps.

 

How can I pump out milk completely?

 

Here are a few tips to help you get the most milk per breast pumping session:

 

Try not to feel pressure/stress. Never stress out about breast milk or sit and watch the bottles fill up. You can multitask while pumping like reading or scrolling those social media feeds.

 

 

 

Get a hands-free bra for comfort. The more comfortable and content you are, the more likely you’ll stick to pumping. There is a lot of good pumping bras like Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bra that will transform pumping from a chore to a chance to catch up on things.

 

Make sure you are hydrated. Dehydration is your worst enemy when you are breastfeeding (well, dehydration obviously bad anyway) So drink a lot of water.

 

Snap photos of your angel. In some cases, having a photograph or video of your babies at while you pump will stimulate your body to release the proper hormones that allow for milk production. This will help you to de-stress and relax.

 

Bear in mind! Wait at least an hour after your last nursing session.

 

How do I keep those breast milk?

Since you have it, what do you do with it? You should have storage system that is simple for you, your partner and caretakers to understand. You can buy numerous many breast milk labeling systems and storage containers made specifically for breast milk. These can be helpful, however aren't essential.

 

Store your breast milk in clean glass or plastic food storage containers. Ensure the name and label them with the date. One of the easiest way is to try and store the milk in portion sizes equivalent to what the baby typically consumes. That way you have it on hand and prepared to go.

 

You should always refrigerate the milk to keep it safe for baby. Besides, can also freeze your milk, but should only do so when necessary. The freezing process damages some of the antibodies in the milk, but it is still very therapeutic.

 

Can breast milk be kept at room temperature? How long?

According to American’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that breast milk can be kept at room temperature for six to eight hours. It is, however, best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

 

To what extent does breast milk last in the refrigerator?

Breast milk stored in the refrigerator can last up to eight days, provided if your refrigerator is set to a temperature between 32°-39°F (0°-3.9°C).

 

How long does breast milk last in the freezer?

If your refrigerator got one of those freezers that are located inside of your refrigerator (for example, a mini-fridge), breast milk will keep for two weeks.

 

Alternatively, if you own a large refrigerator, where the freezer is on top or side by side, and if that freezer is kept at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C), your breast milk will last up to 6-12 months.

 

Pro tip: store your breast milk in the back of your freezer and not in the freezer door. The key is to keep the temperature consistent and cold.

 

 

How to defrost solidified frozen breast milk?

Well known approaches to defrost your milk includes:

 

• Storing it overnight in the refrigerator
• Running it under warm water
• Soaking it in a container of warm water

 

You can also purchase bottle warmers if you’re pumping often and need to heat bottles regularly.

 

Never, ever microwave breast milk. It will kill nutrients and can create hot spots which may burn your baby’s mouth.

 

Once defrosted, breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours or at room temperature for around 60 minutes.

 

What if you have difficulty with breast pumping?

Experiencing issues with pumping can be frustrating and disheartening. If you facing difficulties, don't surrender or give up. Breastfeeding and breast pumping can be difficult and there will be a learning curve.

 

Try not to worry, we're here for you!

 

If you are feeling discouraged, try not to worry and follow the tips mentioned earlier for producing the most milk:

• Drink more water
• Relax-relax ~~
• Look at picture of your little joy while you pump

 

 

Feeling guilty about exclusively pumping?

Whatever the reason they opt for breast pump, a few mothers feel guilty or sad about it – like they're not "really" breastfeeding when they do it from a bottle. In case you're having considerations like that, I urge you to feel your sentiments of grief and afterward let them go.

 

Truth is, you're working significantly harder to support and nourish your baby this way, and demonstrating a much more devotion to being a natural mom. Pumping isn’t simple and you're taking care of business, as a mother should.

 

Keep in mind, don’t forget: You are not the only one

 

For some mothers, exclusive breastfeeding is simply NOT possible. What's more, pumping is the next best thing. Be sure to get yourself that hands-free bra and you can multitask your way through every session.

 

Inspired by,

https://www.mamanatural.com/breast-pumping/