It might take some practice to use a breast pump, but we’ve got you prepared with these 5 crucial things to know before purchasing your first breast pump.
It goes without saying that being a parent for the first time profoundly transforms your life! You can have a lot of enquiries, particularly concerning feeding, pumping, and nursing your infant. It’s natural, even expected, to first think that breastfeeding is a little mysterious, but you’ll eventually understand how it all works. Here are the first five things to think about while purchasing your first breast pump:
- Understand when and how long to stimulate
Pumping should be initiated after a reliable breastfeeding schedule has been established, unless there are exceptional circumstances that need its incorporation earlier (such as if your baby is in the NICU or is having trouble latching). In the following circumstances, many mothers believe that feeding and pumping together is beneficial:
- In order to prepare for your return to work or time away from your child, pumping might help you establish a supply of stored milk.
- It gives your spouse or other carers the chance to feed and spend quality time with your child while you take a well-earned rest.
- Mastitis, a painful inflammation and infection of the breast tissue, may be avoided and relieved by helping to reduce engorgement.
- Even when you are unable to feed your child directly at your breast, regular pumping while you are at work or away from your child may help you maintain enough milk supply.
- We recognise that there may be other reasons to start pumping right away or before your milk supply is firmly established, even though we don’t advise you to do so until your milk supply is established in the weeks after delivery. The Symphony PLUS® Breast Pump may assist you in starting, increasing, and maintaining your milk production under certain circumstances. Two to four weeks after giving birth, using Symphony PLUS® (rather than a personal use medela breast pump) at this period can assist ensure you have a well-established milk production before introducing your personal use pump. Plan to pump for at least 15 to 20 minutes every session after you’ve begun, plus an additional 1 to 2 minutes after the final drops of milk.
In order to prepare for times when your baby will be cared for by someone else, try developing the habit of pumping at regular intervals during the times you know you’ll be away (for example, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or between noon and 7 p.m.— whatever your typical work schedule may be). This can help your body adjust to those pumping times in advance so you may continue to give your baby breast milk even when you return to the office.You can buy baby breastfeeding products on the professional breast pump shop.
- Install your pump before to the due date
The conditions for obtaining a breast pump via your insurance plan should be made clear. It’s conceivable that the breast pump won’t be delivered prior to the birth of your child since some insurance plans require you to be at a certain point in your pregnancy before buying one. We know there’s a lot to consider when your due date draws near, so try putting a calendar reminder in your phone to get your breast pump as soon as you’re able, so you don’t forget later.
Regardless of when your breast pump will arrive—before or after your child—take some time to get to know it and set up your home pumping station:
- When setting up, according to the setup instructions that come with your pump. This will teach you how to build, clean, and operate the pump while also helping you get acquainted with the components. (Pro tip: On our website, you can discover the official user guides and beneficial product videos for the majority of breast pumps.)
- Learn how to use the vacuum and suction settings on your pump to express milk so you can choose which settings work best for you.
- Make sure you clean and sanitise your breast pump before using it. If the component is dishwasher safe, you may put it in the dishwasher. If not, place your components in boiling water for around five minutes before allowing them to dry naturally.
- Accessorize! Make sure you have everything you’ll need for using a breast pump, such as nursing pads, a hands-free pumping bra, breast milk storage bags, lanolin for tender nipples, and more.
- Verify that you’re pumping properly
How do you tell whether you’re pumping correctly if you’re just starting out? Most essential, both feeding and pumping shouldn’t hurt. A natural pulling feeling that may feel strange but won’t hurt should be experienced when you’re pumping properly.
Try reducing the suction setting on your pump if you’re in discomfort. Additionally, make sure your breast shield is the appropriate size. To ensure you have the proper breast shield for the most pleasant and effective pumping experience, measure the circumference of your nipple.
Even after your milk supply and nursing connection have been established, it’s quite typical to observe a variation in pumping amounts and to only express a few ounces the first few times you pump. Be careful to pump and/or nurse at least every two to three hours, giving your body time to adjust to the procedure. Remember that supply and demand determine how much milk is produced! You’ll soon be able to express enough for your baby’s demands, so relax. Contact a lactation consultant and your baby’s paediatrician straight away for expert advice and solutions if you are concerned about your baby’s milk supply or that she isn’t receiving enough.
- Establish your anticipated milk volume
Before you stop pumping, you must make sure that both breasts are completely empty. You are only allowed to pump 1 to 2 ounces during the first week. In the months to come, milk expression during double-pumping may grow to as much as 8 to 10 ounces every session as your baby feeds and you continue to include pumping into your nursing practice.
- Consistently and thoroughly clean your pump
Cleaning your pump on a regular basis is essential to prevent the formation of germs. The majority of the components may be washed by hand in hot, soapy water using a clean brush or sponge that is only used for cleaning your breast pump components. Before using them once again, take sure to properly clean and air dry them. You may also wash your components in a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle if they are dishwasher-safe. If your child is under three months old, it’s also advised to sanitise the pump components once a day.
You may get further details by reading the user manual for your breast pump or the CDC’s instructions for cleaning your breast pump kit.
When you pump, you can make sure that you always have enough of your precious milk on hand to keep your child satisfied and well-fed, whether you’re at home or abroad. Although starting to pump may seem intimidating, you’ll soon get the hang of it and your routine will become second nature.
