Breast Pumping 101
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”16″ text_font=”Droid Serif||||” header_letter_spacing_tablet=”50″ text_line_height=”2″]New to breast pumping? Here’s a simple guide to help you decide! Breast pumping has many benefits for nursing moms. From relieving engorged breasts to increasing your milk supply to building your stash before going back to work! Finding a breast pump can be confusing but we can help find the right one for you!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”|100px||100px” padding_mobile=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”16″ text_font=”Droid Serif||||” header_font=”Oswald||||” text_line_height=”2″]Choosing your pump
Before anything else, you need to know what kind of pump will suit your need. Electric pumps are convenient and easy to use while manual pumps are more time-consuming and labor-intensive. If you are looking for a travel-friendly pump, go for an electric portable pump. This is perfect for moms on the go. You can easily pump anytime and anywhere because they are compact and rechargeable.
If you are going to pump exclusively, a hospital grade pump is your best choice. It is heavy-duty, has strong suction, and can be used up to 12x a day. If you will pump frequently, you would need a durable breast pump.
Meanwhile, manual breast pumps are often cheaper than electric breast pumps. So if you will occasionally pump, it will come in handy. Aside from the usual manual pumps, there are also silicone breast pumps which are great for collecting milk letdown. 
Correct flange size
Have you decided which pump to buy? Next on your list is to find your correct flange size. It’s crucial to find the right flange fit for you because getting the wrong one will lead to painful pumping and decreased output. In addition to this, the sides of your nipple tip must not rub the tunnel of the flange. You can easily check your flange size by comparing your nipple tip to a 25 centavo coin.- If your nipple tip is smaller or the same size as 25 cents, get a 24mm flange
- If your nipple tip is larger than 25 cents, get a 28mm flange
- If your tipple tip is larger than P1 coin, get a 32mm flange
How to pump
Ready to pump? Before you start, remember to massage your breasts to stimulate letdown. Afterwards, you may also hand express your breasts using Marmet technique for 5 minutes. Next, start your pumping session using the letdown/massage mode of your pump (if it has one). The light and fast mimics the way your baby feeds so it will initiate milk flow. Then, you can start with normal pumping at least 15 minutes per session. You can always go back to massage mode to stimulate letdown once your milk slows down. You may also purchase a hands free bra so that you can multitask while pumping milk. With this, you can also massage your breast while pumping. This can further help in your milk flow.
Ideal output
To establish full milk supply, you should be pumping or direct feeding at least 12x a day. It is best to direct feed baby for at least 1 month after giving birth. This is to establish a bond between you and your baby.- if baby is exclusively breastfeeding – pump 1-2x in the middle of baby’s longest nap to store milk
- if you’re at work – pump every 2-3 hours to store milk for baby’s next day needs
- if you are mixed feeding – feed baby first, give formula then pump every time you give formula
- if you want to relactate – pump 8-12x a day round the clock.
Storing breastmilk
Transfer milk into a storage bag or bottle right after you expressed milk. Use sterilized, BPA-free breastmilk containers only. Label your container with the date and time you expressed the milk so you can easily store them. Fill each bag or bottle with just enough milk for one feeding.- Room temperature – 4 hours
- Insulated cooler – 24 hours
- Refrigerator – 4 days
- Freezer – 2 weeks
- Freezer with a separate door – 3-6months
