Pumping Milk? Tips for New Moms
Author: Stef Daniel
Your decision to breastfeed is one that is significant in your baby's life. Not only will your baby be privy to all the bountiful antibodies in breast milk, but also studies conclude that breastfeeding gives your baby all the tools they need for a successful life today and in the future. Many moms who breastfeed find themselves facing a return to work or other unforeseen circumstances that can threaten an early end to this once in a lifetime opportunity at health. Some moms may feel discouraged that breastfeeding makes them ultimately responsible and often tied to their babies early in life. Regardless of the case, breastfeeding moms are often looking for ways to successfully pump milk so that their child can maintain the benefits of breast milk - yet they can return to work or feel comfortable leaving the baby with other caregivers.
Today, there are a high quality breast pumps on the market that can make pumping not just easy, but desirable. Pumping can also help to solve some problems such as sore nipples, breast infection, or the lack of enough milk that can attack early in breastfeeding. Finding the right breast pump for you however may not be that easy. The first thing you will notice is that the cost differences span hundreds of dollars. From the simple hand pump models to the high tech ones, some cost upwards of $300. Know your needs. If you need to pump just occasionally, you may find that a smaller and less expensive model will work just fine. If you will pump exclusively, your best bet is to bite the bullet and invest in an electronic machine.
Adjusting to pumping can be difficult and there are a few tips that will make it easier. Some women do not experience 'let down' without the baby. If this is you, than viewing pictures of your baby may help. Another thing is to always feed by breast when possible. Not only will this ensure your baby doesn't suffer from nipple confusion (common when switching between the two) but can also help you maintain adequate supply. To keep your supply pumping freely, make sure that you pump often - every few hours is best. This way your milk will balance supply and demand and as your baby demands more you won't have problems supplying it.
If you worry that your baby is not getting enough milk during breastfeeding, than pumping may help to actually increase your production. Either you can save the milk or not, however this is an easy fix to supply and demand problems that new moms face.
If you have to return to work, hand expressing or hand pump models may not be your best choice. They take a little longer to produce results and are less discreet than electronic models. Also, make sure that you bring a cooler with you to house the bottles so that co-workers, who might not feel comfortable with it, aren't forced to look at bottles of breast milk in the company fridge. You can easily put your bottles into the cooler and store the entire package in the fridge.
If you are breastfeeding now and will have to pump in the future, live by the motto that practice makes perfect. It can be awkward to pump milk at first and a baby who has never taken breast milk from a bottle may take a few days to adjust. Start a few weeks ahead of time which will not only ensure you have stockpiled milk (just in case) but that your baby will not suffer during the transition phase. In fact, you may want to be the first one to offer your baby the bottle - which may make it easier for them to take. Other babies may resist taking a bottle from mom, who they already know has a more familiar way tucked right under her shirt.
Tips for Effective Pumping
A few things can help make your pumping experience healthier as well. They are as follows:
- Start with clean equipment, hands, and breasts so you don't spread any germs.
- Make sure you center your nipple in the pump. It is easier if you lean forward so that the "fleshy" parts of your breast help to suction off the edges. If it hurts, turn it off and then try to readjust.
- Pump for 5-8 minutes on each side. Even if milk flow seems to have stopped, allow your milk to let down once again before stopping.
- If milk flow doesn't increase, stop pumping and massage your breast area, starting at the armpit and massaging downward and then pump again.
- After pumping, go without a bra if possible. This will help the breast area and nipples to heal and put less pressure on the breast.
- Store your milk in milk pockets or sealed bottles right after pumping and mark them with a date so that you know your baby is always getting the freshest milk.
Pumping milk is just as healthy for your baby as breastfeeding. It may be a little more difficult on you to begin with, however - the end result will be successful for both of you. Keep working at it and you will find that pumping adequate milk is easy and only takes a short time each day.
