5 Tips for Using Your Breast Pump
Expressing breastmilk is a labor of love, with its own unique challenges. To help parent learn more about effective pumping, we are offering a new in-person class called Pumping 101.
Taught by Certified Lactation Counselor Lyndsay Pacheco, this 1.5 hour class will help you approach pumping with confidence!
Lyndsay has written a guest post for our blog, sharing her top 5 tips for getting the most out of your pump.
Whether you’re returning to work or just enjoying a night out away from baby, pumping will likely become a part of your breastfeeding journey at some point. But pumping does not always come easy! These 5 tips will help make your pumping experience easier and more effective.
Find the right pump for your individual needs
There is no shortage of pump choices today! There are electric pumps that plug into the wall, rechargeable battery powered ones, wearables that fit in your bra, manual hand pumps: the amount of choices can be understandingly overwhelming!
Do some online research, or consult a lactation professional, to see what pump is best for your situation. Knowing how often you will need to pump is usually key. For example, while wearable pumps (Willow and Elvie are two examples) are convenient and work great for some. However, for the exclusive pumper or the mom working long shifts, the limited suction abilities will likely not be adequate to be used as their main pump.
For someone who only needs to pump occasionally for a small stash, or when away for a couple hours, a manual hand pump might be adequate!
It's also important to note that everyone will respond to various pumps differently, so if you're able, give a few different ones a try and find what's right for you and your body.
Know your flange size
Flange size can make all the difference! Pumping with the wrong flange size can be uncomfortable and inhibit milk removal. You can measure yourself (there are printable rulers online that can be helpful), or a lactation professional can help you measure.
Whatever millimeter your nipple measures, add 1-4 millimeters to that to accommodate for nipple expansion. For example, if you measure 17mm, try anywhere from an 18-21mm flange.
It’s usually best to start with the size closest to your actual nipple measurement, and then size up from there if you find it ineffective or uncomfortable. If you're having trouble finding a flange in a size that works for your pump, there are flange inserts and cushions that can be bought as well. Each body responds differently to a pump, so you might need to try a couple different flange sizes to get a comfortable fit.
Get the oxytocin going
Pumping usually doesn't promote the same loving feelings that your beautiful baby does! And without that oxytocin, your let-down reflex can be inhibited making emptying your breasts difficult. Especially in the beginning while your body is still getting used to the pump.
Being in a private & peaceful environment, using breast massage/compressions, warmth on the breasts, looking at pictures of baby, smelling baby's clothes, relaxing breathing techniques, and distraction, are just some of the things you can do while pumping to boost your oxytocin and get your milk flowing. There are even some meditation tracks specifically for pumping that can be helpful for some, like this Pumping Meditation.
Make sure you're pumping long enough
Don't try and rush the pumping process! Especially in the beginning while you're still getting used to your pump and its settings. You want to make sure you're pumping long enough to empty your breasts adequately. This will maintain your supply in the long-term, along with preventing issues like clogged ducts. For most, 20 minutes is enough. But depending on your individual storage capacity and comfortableness with your pump, you might need a little longer. Be patient with your body!
Replace pump parts regularly
Pump parts will wear out eventually. The tubing, duckbills or membranes, and backflow protectors need to be replaced regularly (along with the flanges if they have any cracks).
The frequency of replacement will depend on how often you're pumping, and your pump model/brand. Each pump brand has their own recommendations for their specific products, so it’s best to check the manufacturer website for your personal pump.
By replacing your pump's parts regularly, you can make sure it maintains the suction level you need to get the best milk output.
And extra tip: keeping your pump parts out of the dishwasher, and hand washing instead, will help them last longer (this is a great job for partners to help with!).
To learn more about the art and science of pumping, register for our next Pumping 101 Class!
Class topics include:
Types of pumps and their parts
Pumping schedules
Pump settings
Flange sizing
How to pump effectively
