PUMPING BREASTMILK EFFECTIVELY-TIPS
I struggled with breast milk supply with my 1st baby. I came to learn that I wasn’t pumping effectively and efficiently. I made a few changes with my second and my supply increased significantly. I could pump about 300mls in a sitting while still breastfeeding.
This is what I did:
Effective pump
I invested in a good quality electric pump. This was a game changer. Do your research and decide what pump would work for you. There is a lot of information out there about different pumps. Make sure you understand how the pump works to ensure you are utilizing it properly; the different settings and how you can utilize them to efficiently pump.
Getting the right flange sizing not only makes pumping comfortable but it is also effective.
Make sure the parts that need changing have been changed as required like the duckbill valves for example should be changed once a month if you pump 3 or more times a day, back flow membranes to be replaced every 3 months if you pump 3 or more times a day, the tubing to be replaced every 3 to 6 months if you pump 3 or more times a day.
If a part is visibly damaged; cracked, has holes and has overstretched, then you need to replace even if the said time hasn’t lapsed.
Handsfree pumping bra
I can’t emphasize on this enough. It makes pumping less tasking since you can pump as you do other things. You don’t have to hold the pump for however long you will be pumping. Make sure the bra you get is compatible with your breast pump. There are also hacks on the internet on how to convert your normal nursing bra to a handsfree pumping bra. I have one compatible with spectra pumps and another one medela. Research and see which one will work for you.
Lactation treats
This is optional but I loved having something to munch on or a mug of a lactation drink while I pumped. This actually marked the start of Mommies cookies. I would make them for myself and those close to me and they testified they were a great addition to their breastfeeding/pumping journey.
Pumping schedule
Breast milk supply uses the demand and supply mechanism. If you have a lot of Breast milk,then don’t remove it either through pumping or breastfeeding, your body gets a cue that more milk isn’t needed, and therefore it will produce less.
That said, chose a sustainable pumping schedule and maintain it. This way your body knows to keep producing the milk. Don’t be a sporadic pumper. Try and maintain a consistent and manageable schedule for pumping so you reduce chances of skipping a session which can in return reduce your supply. A sustainable schedule doesn’t have to be many times a day especially if you are with the baby throughout. Do something that can easily fit into your routine.
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for breast milk production. The time the levels peak are different in every person. However, it often occurs between 11pm to about 7am. High prolactin levels at these times could lead to higher levels of milk production at these times. This means that milk supply would typically be the highest late at night to the early morning. Try and schedule a pumping session at this time.
Attitude
Have a positive attitude towards it. Breastfeeding and pumping is quite time consuming and that can be draining. If you have someone to watch the baby while you pump, even better so those 30mins or 1hr you are pumping, are like your ‘me-time’. If that’s not possible, try a pumping schedule that aligns with your daily routine. In that case, a wearable pump maybe more ideal.
Silicon collector
I keep saying that these things are life savers. Collect that milk that drips from the other side as you nurse on one side. If you are out of the house, and this milk goes bad, you can use it for baby baths. No wasted liquid gold. If you are able to store it properly, then it adds onto your stash. Get it.
Conclusion
Remember, not everyone will over produce or have a huge stash, but you never know until you try. This article is for moms who are also breastfeeding. If you are pumping exclusively, it will look different as you may have to pump more times.
