A breast pump is a tool designed to extract breast milk (human milk) from the breasts (chest) of lactating individuals. It is commonly employed in situations where:
- One needs to be away from their baby for extended periods while ensuring the maintenance of their milk supply.
- Milk needs to be stored for later feeding by another caregiver.
- Discomfort caused by milk accumulation needs to be alleviated.
- Flat or inverted nipples require assistance for the baby to latch on during breastfeeding.
- Milk supply needs to be sustained when direct breastfeeding is not feasible.
- There is a desire to augment milk production.
Expressing milk can become a regular part of one’s daily routine. However, mastering the use of a breast pump is not necessarily straightforward or instinctive. It’s important to be patient with oneself, as acquiring proficiency may require time and practice. Selecting the appropriate pump for individual needs can facilitate the process.
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Types of Breast Pumps
Breast pumps are engineered to replicate the sucking motion of a baby.
There exist two main types: electric and manual. Manual pumps involve squeezing the plunger by hand, whereas electric pumps automate the process for you. Prior to usage, it is essential to thoroughly read the instructions and acquaint yourself with the operation of your chosen pump.
Ensure that your pump and all its components (such as bottles, valves, and funnels) are clean and sterile prior to use.
If your baby is hospitalized due to illness or prematurity, your midwife will assist you in cleaning and sterilizing the equipment.
Manual breast pumps
If you opt for expressing with a manual breast pump, expect it to take a bit longer compared to using an electric pump. However, manual breast pumps offer several advantages: they are more affordable, easy to use, lightweight, and quieter.
Here are some pointers for expressing with a manual pump:
- Begin by washing your hands and ensuring that your pump, bottle, and parts are clean and sterile before usage. Find a comfortable and relaxing environment, preferably a warm, quiet room where you can unwind undisturbed.
- Massage your breast gently for a few minutes to stimulate the let-down reflex. Looking at a photo of your baby can aid in this process.
- Position the breast shield or funnel over your nipple and initiate pumping slowly. It might take a few minutes before your milk begins to flow.
- Alternate between breasts when your milk flow starts to slow down. You may find that switching back and forth helps to express more milk. It’s common for one breast to produce more milk than the other.
- Once you’ve emptied both breasts, remove the breast shield and securely screw a lid onto the bottle. You can either refrigerate the milk immediately or leave it at room temperature for no longer than 4 to 6 hours.
- Wash and sterilize the pump and its components after each use.
Electric breast pumps
When using an electric breast pump, begin with the suction set at the lowest level and gradually increase it as needed. The benefit of an electric breast pump is its automated function, which saves time compared to manual pumps.
Here are some suggestions for expressing with an electric pump:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure that the pump, bottle, and parts are clean and sterile before use. Find a comfortable and serene environment, ideally a warm, quiet room where you can unwind without interruption.
- Gently massage your breast for a few minutes to stimulate the let-down reflex. Looking at a photo of your baby can aid in this process.
- Position the breast shield or funnel over your nipple and switch on the machine. Begin with a slow speed or one that feels comfortable for you. It might take a few minutes for your milk to start flowing; once it does, you can increase the speed.
- Alternate between breasts when your milk flow begins to slow down. Switch back and forth as you may find more milk to express. It’s typical for one breast to produce more milk than the other.
- Once both breasts are emptied, remove the breast shield and cover the bottle with a lid. You can either refrigerate the milk immediately or leave it at room temperature for no longer than 4 to 6 hours.
- Wash and sterilize the pump and its components after each use.
Single versus double pumping
Investing in a double electric pump proves wise if you anticipate regular expressing sessions or extended periods away from your baby.
Advantages of a double pump include cutting expressing time in half and the ability to express milk from both breasts simultaneously.
However, there are drawbacks. Double pumps necessitate carrying more equipment and often require access to an outlet or batteries.
A single manual or electric pump can suffice if you only need to express occasionally or prefer to breastfeed and pump concurrently. These pumps are typically smaller and more portable compared to double pumps.
Manual pumps offer silence and independence from power sources, though they aren’t available as double pumps.
The primary downside of single pumping is reduced milk expression compared to double pumping, resulting in longer expressing sessions.
How often should you pump?
The frequency of pumping varies depending on individual needs and your baby’s requirements. Here are some general guidelines based on different pumping goals:
- Maintaining Supply While Away from Baby: Pump or hand express every three to five hours. If using a single or manual pump, you may need to pump closer to every three hours. With a double pump, you may be able to extend pumping sessions closer to five hours apart.
- Increasing Milk Production: Breastfeed or pump at least 8 to 10 times within a 24-hour period. Consider adding an extra pump session in the morning or evening to boost supply. Additionally, pumping immediately after nursing can help fully empty the breasts.
- Exclusively Pumping: Opt for double pumping to maximize milk output and reduce the time spent on each session.
- Building a Milk Stash for Returning to Work or Other Caregivers: Begin pumping at least two weeks before the anticipated separation from your baby or before returning to work.
- Quantity of Milk Produced: It’s important not to fixate on the volume of milk produced during each pumping session, as this can lead to unnecessary stress. Every woman’s milk production varies, with some able to fill multiple bottles in one session while others may require two to three sessions to fill one bottle.
- Preparation for Returning to Work: Concentrate on collecting enough milk for 1 to 2 days of bottles initially, rather than aiming for months or weeks’ worth of supply.
How to choose a breast pump
It’s essential to select a breast pump that aligns with your specific requirements. For those exclusively pumping or spending eight or more hours away from their baby each day, a double electric breast pump is a valuable investment. However, if you plan to pump only occasionally, a manual or single pump may suffice.
Consider the make and model of the breast pump as well. Some pumps are bulkier or heavier to carry, while others may require access to an electric outlet or operate on batteries.
In the United States, if you have health insurance, your policy should cover the cost of a breast pump. It’s advisable to review your policy to understand what expenses it will cover.
Your insurance may provide coverage for a sterilized rental unit or the purchase of a new breast pump that you’ll retain. Additionally, it may cover both manual and electric pumps, which you can acquire either before or after giving birth, depending on your policy’s guidelines.