Pumping 101

Step 1: Selecting a breast pump

·        For occasional milk expression, hand-expressing is generally sufficient.

·        For pumping on a part-time basis, a battery or electric pump will work. A manual pump may even be enough. Some good pump options are:

o   Avent Isis

o   Medela Harmony

·        For pumping on a full-time basis, a double electric pump is best, but most pricey. See if you qualify for WIC first, as they will give you a hospital-grade pump for full-time pumping. The most well-liked electric pumps among moms are:

o   Medela Pump-in-Style

o   Ameda Purely Yours

* Tip: stay away from breastfeeding products made by formula companies: Nestle/Gerber (same company), etc.

Step 2: Milk Storage Container Options

There are various storage options for mamma milk. Glass bottles are the most expensive and delicate of all, but preserve the most nutrients. This is a must for premies, babies not gaining well, and possibly other conditions. Please work with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you have any of these situations. Plastic bags are the cheapest solution, but also preserve the least nutrients.

·        Glass bottles, various sizes

·        Plastic bottles, various sizes

·        Plastic bags (do not overfill)

Step 3: Pumping

Mechanics

·        Wash hands

·        Wash all pump parts that touch the breast or milk and sterilize daily, according to manufacturer instructions.

·        Make sure nipple is centered in the breast shield to prevent damage.

·        Start at lowest setting, increase to highest setting that is comfortable. Slow down if experiencing discomfort. You should not feel pain.

·        After pumping, wash all parts before storing.

Other

Find a private, quiet place and relax as much as possible. If away from home, many women find it helpful to have a picture of baby or other object that helps them relax into the thought of baby. Relaxing helps with the milk-ejection reflex, or “let-down.” Stress hormones counter-act the release of milk.

Step 4: Storing your milk

·        You may store your milk in the bottles used for pumping. Use lid provided with bottle. If using bags to store, pour milk from the bottle into the bag.

·        Be sure to label whatever container you use with the date, time, and amount in container.

·        The milk will separate when cool or frozen, and this is normal. Gently swirl to mix

·        Below is a chart for length of time milk can be stored for normal, healthy babies. Please refer to an IBCLC or pediatrician if you have a special situation.

Step 5: Using the expressed milk

·        Warning: Do NOT heat breastmilk in microwave. The hot spots developed during the microwaving process can cause severe burns for baby. Microwaving (or any heat over 100°F) destroys the antibodies, vitamins, and nutrients in breastmilk!

·        Use the oldest milk stored first.

·        Allow the milk to thaw in the refrigerator overnight

·        To thaw quickly, hold bottle under warm running tap water or sit the sealed container in a bowl of warm water for about 20 min to bring to body temperature.