Experiences with breastfeeding differ greatly from mother to mother. Some mothers may pump several times daily to provide breast milk for infants who have not yet mastered lactation. Some mothers may only pump when they must leave their infant with a carer and a bottle of breastmilk. Others might never require the use of a breast pump. Many mothers who express their milk must return to work or school while their infant is still suckling.
Here are some suggestions that may not necessarily make pumping enjoyable, but may make it a lot less difficult and aggravating.
1. Be proactive.
Choose a breast pump from reliable brands such as Baby Express that meets your specific requirements (you can learn more about the differences between breast pumps in this slideshow). Purchase a new hospital-grade breast pump or rent one designed for multiple users. Although it may be tempting to borrow a breast pump from a friend or relative in order to save money, there are numerous reasons why this is not advisable, including the risk of pathogen contamination and a gradual decline in motor function. If this is your second or third infant, you will likely need to rent or buy a new breast pump.
2. Stock up in advance.
If you anticipate needing a supply of breast milk for your infant (typically due to a return to work or school), begin preserving it several weeks in advance. Choose a time between feedings to express breast milk.
Not to fret about running out of breast milk for the next feeding. Your body will replace the milk you extracted. It is possible that your infant will consume less milk during his next feeding and become famished for his subsequent feeding earlier than usual. The next day, you will likely produce slightly more milk to satisfy the needs of your infant and the pump.
3. Double or triple your equipment.
If you are pumping during work breaks, ensure that you have at least two or three sets of clean flanges at the beginning of the day. Have one set assembled and ready to go in order to maximise your break time.
After milking, place your breast milk in a refrigerator or a container with ice packs. Then, place your used flanges in a storage container with a zipper so you can launder them at home later.
4. Massage when you pump.
Massaging and compressing firm areas of the breast can enhance milk production. In other words, mothers tend to produce more milk when they combine breast massage with breast milking.
You should experiment with the type of massage that makes you feel the most at ease. Some specialists advocate a “massage, stroke, and shake” technique along with manual expression or breast pumping. Others suggest using a circular motion, similar to breast self-examination.
Be sure to massage your breasts for 1–3 minutes before putting the flanges on and beginning to pump. This will be sufficient stimulation for some women to produce the desired volume of breast milk. Others will have greater success if they massage while pumping, particularly if they use a device that holds the flanges without requiring their hands.
5. Breastfeed frequently!
For working mothers, or really any mother, to maintain a healthy milk supply, you should breastfeed your child as frequently as possible when you are together. Whenever feasible, make breastfeeding your final act before parting. Similarly, make it your first priority upon returning.
Consider devoting the weekend to your child if you notice that your milk supply is decreasing during the week.
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