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All About Breastfeeding Series

PUMPING YOUR MILK There are several reasons why a mother may want to pump her milk. Depending on the purpose of pumping, the choice of pump can vary. By The Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition Published: July, 2005

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There are several reasons why a mother may want to pump her milk. Depending on the purpose of pumping, the choice of pump can vary. If you need to build up your milk supply because your baby is not nursing, you need a double, fully electric rental breast pump. Start pumping every two to three hours for about 10 minutes. Once the milk production takes off, you can pump for as long as the milk flows, plus two minutes. It is better to pump more frequent for a shorter time than to pump just a few times during a long session. You pump at the times a baby normally would have been nursed (at least about every two to three hours for a newborn). If you are pumping to build a freezer stock, you can nurse at one side and pump the other side in the morning or in the evening, when most babies only take one breast. By the time you return to work, you will pump instead of a feeding, which makes the milk yield larger. For work purposes, a double pumping personal breast pump is efficient. If you would like to pump occasionally for outings, a single-pumping, small electric pump or a hand pump is good enough. Check to see how the pump feels in your hand before purchasing. In order to get a good amount of milk, make sure you can relax. Warmth, something to eat or drink, music, a picture of your baby can all help to get a good milk ejection reflex. Try not to apply too much suction: the lowest setting at which your milk flows is typically good enough. Pumping should never hurt. If you get sore nipples, check all settings and adjust. You can lubricate the nipples and areolas with clean water. If you continue to get problems, contact a lactation consultant for further assistance. A last remark: Remember that pumping should not hurt and just as breastfeeding, it should contribute to the enjoyment of feeding your baby. ­ The Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition (for more information, call 949.856.3058 or visit www.ocbreastfeedingcoalition.org)

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