HunnyBeez

Using a breast pump is alot like breast feeding, it is a learned skill. At the first, most mothers are only able to extract very little of the milk. As the mother’s knowledge increases and she proctices with the breast pump, the flow of milk increases.

Proper preparation for both mother and breast pump is important, for the process to be a positive experience. Before starting, it is highly recommended to mother should read the instructions of the breast pump thoroughly.

1) Follow instructions for sterilization of all the parts. Be sure to sterilize all the parts of the breast pump before each time you use it to limit bacteria consumption for your infant.

2) Remember, when you finish using the breast pump; each part needs to be washed using warm to hot soapy water then rinsing with hot water. Set equipment on a clean, dry towel. Only the parts that come into contact with the milk, needs washing. If the tubing needs washing, hang it so it will drain and dry properly.

3) However, if instructed by your doctor to sterilize the entire kit each day; that is what you should do.

4) If you have been set up with an electric breast pump; be sure to set the suction level as low as possible, for your comfort.

Getting started

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5. It is recommended to use a warm compress along with gently massaging the breast; sometimes stimulating the nipple helps in quickening the milk let down.

6. Relaxing is essencial to allow for the process of milk release. It has been a known practice for a mother to, on occasion, close her eyes and imagine she is nursing her baby. For optimal milk release, mother needs to be as relaxed as she possibly can.

7. Consider the first few times you use a breast pump to be practice opportunities. Practice on the use of the breast pump and to relax while extracting milk.

8. A hand pump will stimulate an infant; a few quick pumps will act as a stimulant to the breast. Once the milk starts to flow, longer more steady pumps will be more effective and not so tiring for mother.

9. Upon learning what technique works best for you; practicing for five minutes on each side, a few times a day will ensure equal extraction from each breast. Remember to always choose the time of day you have the least stress.

10. The most important aspects of successful pumping are learning to relax and making the breast pump your friend. Some steps to begin the relaxing process could include, but not limit you to…

-playing cards

-watching favorite television shows

-reading a relaxing book

-friendly conversations on the phone

Bare in mind, if you watch the collection bottle, the result will be more stressful than relaxing.

Just like breast feeding, pumping is a skill that you learn. When first trying a breast pump, most mothers are only able to express a few drops of milk. With the proper practice and knowledge, the mother will be more efficient at pumping.

Preparing the breast pump     1. Read all the instructions in the kit very carefully.     2. Every part of the breast pump will need to be sterilized before you begin using it.     3. After use, all the parts of the pump will need to be washed in warm, soapy water, then rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel. The plastic tubing doesn’t need to be cleaned unless you get milk into it. If you do wash it, it should be hung to allow time to dry and drain thoroughly.     4. If your doctor feels the need, the entire kit can be sterilized every day.     5. When you first start with an electric pump, the suction level should be on the lowest possible setting. 

Getting started     – Warm compresses, gentle massages of the breast and gentle nipple stimulation will help to stimulate a quick let down.     – You should always relax while doing breast massages during pumping. Some mothers prefer to close their eyes then think about nursing the baby, imagining the baby in their arms. The more relaxed a mother is, the better let down she’ll have and the more milk will be dispensed.     – Your first attempts at pumping should be considered practice sessions with learning to use the breast pump as the goal, not how much milk is actually dispensed.      – When you use a hand pump, quick, short pumps at the start is stimulating and will imitate more closely the way a baby breast feeds. Once the let down occurs and milk starts to flow freely, long, steadier strokes are more effective and less tiring.     -  When you learn to pump, you should practice for 5 minutes on a side at least once or twice a day. Always pick the least stressful part of your day for pumping. 

Relaxing and realizing that the pump is your friend is the single most important thing that a mother can do. There are several things that a mother can do to help herself relax, such as putting a picture of the baby on the pump, playing cards or a game with friends, watching television, read books, or talk on the phone. Simply watching the collection bottle is not helpful and will probably put more stress on you than you actually need.