Basic Guide to Exclusive Pumping

Pumping milk is another excellent way to provide breastmilk to babies, but it requires a little bit of extra work and planning than feeding straight from the breast.

How long and how often to pump

• Until milk comes in, mom should pump 15-20 mins at a time.

• Once milk comes in, she should pump until breasts feel empty.

• During the first two weeks moms should not go longer than 5 hours without pumping to maintain supply.

• For optimal amounts, pumping should occur a half hour after each nursing session and an hour before the next.

• If exclusively pumping, aim for 9-10 times a day and about 30 ounces.

Reaching optimal supply

There are many strategies for increasing supply while pumping:

• Pumping during peak lactation (the morning between 1 and 6am)

• Pumping both breasts at the same time

• Increasing the number or duration of pumping sessions

• Massaging the breast while pumping or hand expressing afterward

• Having properly fitting flanges is essential

How to pump

When it actually comes time to pump, moms should be sure to read the instructions to make sure she is using the pump correctly and taking advantage of all the settings.

• Find a comfortable place to pump, setting up a station with all of the essentials she will need (drinks, snacks, parts, bottles, etc.).

• Plug in the pump if it requires it, or make sure it has fully charged batteries.

• Wash hands with soap and water and assemble the parts.

• Hold each flange with one hand, placing fingers on the bottom half of the flange and thumbs on the top, and turn on the pump

• Once the letdown begins, adjust the speed to a medium setting and increase the suction to a comfortable level

• When the milk flow decreases, increase the speed to high until another let-down begins.

Storing milk

Every time mom pumps, she should label both the date and the time that milk was pumped because milk pumped at night can contain more melatonin. Then refrigerate or freeze the milk immediately.

When freezing milk

• Leave space in the container for the frozen milk to expand and store in the back of the freezer.

• Fresh milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 hours, in the fridge for up to 3 days, in the freezer for up to 3–6 months, or in the deep freezer for up to 6 months.

• Milk can be thawed by

  (1) putting it in the refrigerator overnight,

  (2) holding it under warm running water, or

  (3) setting it in a container of warm water.

• Breast milk should never be thawed in the microwave.

• When feeding the baby, mom should swirl the milk to incorporate the cream on top and test the temperature on her wrist.

• Use thawed breastmilk within 24 hours, do not re-freeze.

• Bottles should be cleaned between every use with soap and water and allowed to airdry

Weaning

When mom is ready, the best way to wean from the pump is to reduce by one session every 3-4 days so the body can adjust.