How To Use A Breast Pump?

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial ways to feed an infant. However, there are times when a mother needs or wants to pump her breast milk rather than directly breastfeed, such as when returning to work or leaving the baby with a caregiver. That's where a breast pump comes in handy. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to use a breast pump properly and effectively.

Types of Breast Pumps

There are different types of breast pumps available in the market. Knowing the types helps in selecting the right one. The main types are:

Manual Breast Pumps 

As the name suggests, these pumps are operated manually without electricity. They are small, portable, and affordable but may not be as effective as electric pumps. Some popular manual pump brands include Medela, Ameda, and Lansinoh.

Electric Breast Pumps

Electric pumps are more powerful than manual pumps. They mimic the sucking action of a baby better. Popular electric breast pump brands include Medela, Spectra, and Motif. Electric pumps can be further categorized into single and double electric pumps based on whether they can pump one or both breasts simultaneously. 

Why use a Breast Pump? 

Breast pumps allow new mothers to get some rest time away from the baby. This is important because after giving birth, all new mothers need sufficient rest to recover from the birthing process. The breast pump gives them a way to still feed the baby breast milk while also taking breaks to take care of themselves.

To relieve engorgement: 

Using a breast pump to express milk can help relieve breast fullness and engorgement, especially in the early weeks after delivery when the milk supply is regulated. Pumping can how to use a breast pump by assembling all the parts, making sure the flanges are the right size, and turning it on to gently express milk.

To maintain milk supply: 

If a mother needs to be away from her baby or wants someone else to feed expressed breast milk, she needs to pump in order to maintain her milk production. Pumping 8-12 times in a 24 hour period, including once during the night can help stimulate milk production.

To build and store a milk supply: 

Pumping and storing excess breast milk allows mothers to build up a supply of frozen breast milk for use when returning to work or being apart from the baby. Mothers should how to use a breast pump by setting it up, turning it on to a comfortable suction level, and pumping for 15-20 minutes to fully drain breasts.

To relieve pain from engorgement while away: 

If a mother becomes engorged while at work or separated from her baby, using a breast pump can provide relief from pain, swelling, and plugged ducts. Mothers should how to use a breast pump by finding a private, comfortable place to pump and fully empty breasts.

To feed expressed milk: 

Pumping milk allows fathers, partners, or caregivers to feed the baby with expressed breast milk when the mother is unavailable. This helps continue the nutritional and immune benefits of breast milk.

When to Start Pumping?

Most lactation consultants recommend starting to pump breast milk from 2-4 weeks after delivery. This helps establish and maintain milk supply before returning to work or other separation from the baby. It's a good idea to pump at least 1-2 times in 24 hours to signal the breasts to produce milk.

Preparing to Pump

Before you start to use your breast pump, there are some important preparations you need to make:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any part of the pump or bottles. 

• Choose a clean, quiet, comfortable place to pump. You want to be relaxed.

• Assemble the pump parts per the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure everything clicks securely into place.

• Have bottles, lids, labels, and a small cooler bag ready to store the expressed milk.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

Maintaining hygiene is essential when using a breast pump to avoid contamination. Follow these guidelines:

• Wash your breasts, flanges (the part that attaches to breasts), bottles, and other accessories with warm soapy water before and after each use.

• hat come in contact with breast milk and are completely dry before assembling for the next use. 

• Clean and sanitise breast pump parts weekly if not used for each pumping session. 

Assembling the Pump

• Proper assembly of the different parts is important for effective pumping and hygienic milk expression and storage. Here are the basic steps:

• Attach the flanges to the tubing connected to the main pump body. 

• Secure bottle flanges or collection bottles to collect the expressed milk. 

• Attach and turn on the power adapter if using an electric breast pump.

• Apply breast cream or gel around the nipple before inserting flanges if needed to avoid friction and pain.

How to Use a Breast Pump?

Now that everything is assembled and ready, here are the steps to use a breast pump:

• Step 1: Relax and make yourself comfortable in an upright position. 

• Step 2: Expose one breast and attach the flange according to size. Ensure it fits comfortably but snugly around the nipple. 

• Step 3: Turn the pump on to the appropriate suction setting. Start slow and gentle, then gradually increase as comfortable. 

• Step 4: Gently massage the breast closest to the nipple to encourage let down. Breathe deeply and relax muscles.

• Step 5: When milk starts flowing, you may feel tingling, fullness relief. Switch breasts after 10 minutes. 

• Step 6: Apply pressure if needed to fully drain breasts. Switch back if more milk comes.

• Step 7: Remove flanges when breasts feel soft after expression. Massage gently. 

• Step 8: Seal, label and store milk collection bottles immediately after each session.

Storing Breast Milk

Here are some guidelines for safely storing breast milk after pumping:

• Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 4-8 hours. 

• Milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator in a sealed container for 3-8 days. 

• Milk can be stored in the freezer compartment or freezer bag for 2-3 months. 

• Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours. Never refreeze breast milk once thawed.

• Clearly label containers with date pumped and baby's name. Use oldest milk first from the back of the fridge/freezer.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you face any issues with how to use a breast pump, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure the correct flange size - too big or too small will affect suction. 

• Try different pump settings and massage breasts more for an effective letdown. 

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during pumping.

• Try hand expressing a little before attaching the pump to trigger a letdown. 

• Ensure hygiene and sterilizing parts properly to avoid infection.

Buy The Best Quality Breast Pump At The 1st Step

The first step when choosing a breast pump is to find the highest quality option. You can discover an amazing collection of pumps at the 1st Step. Investing in a high-quality, hospital-grade double electric pump will properly mimic your baby's suck for comfortable and effective milk expression and maintain your supply. This is generally the best primary option. It's also a good idea to rent or purchase an affordable backup manual pump for flexibility and portability. Be sure to check out our collection at the 1st Step- you're sure to find the best quality breast pump to meet your needs.

Conclusion

Using a breast pump takes some practice, but following the proper techniques and hygiene guidelines can help you pump efficiently and comfortably. Remember that every woman's body is different - be patient with yourself as you learn what pumping routine works best for you. Don't hesitate to consult a lactation consultant if you have any difficulties. With the right pump and techniques as outlined above, you'll be successfully expressing and storing breast milk in no time using how to use a breast pump. Proper pumping allows nursing mothers to maintain their milk supply and continue providing breast milk to their babies, even when apart.

FAQs:

1. How do you use a breast pump for beginners?

Make sure all parts are assembled properly, attach the flanges to your breasts, and turn on the pump to the lowest suction setting.

2. How long should I pump for breast milk?

Most lactation consultants recommend pumping for 15-20 minutes per session.

3. How do you know if you are pumping correctly?

Your breasts should feel full but not painful during pumping, and you should be able to hear and see milk being expressed in the collection bottles.

4. How to most effectively use a breast pump?

Ensure your flanges fit your breasts well and fully express milk from one breast before switching to the other to empty your breasts fully at each session.