Getting the hang of using a breast pump can take some time and needs a bit of dedication and time on your part. Some moms may consider it a bit weird to use a device for something that should happen naturally (breastfeeding). However, a breast pump is a substitute for a suckling baby and needs to be used by some moms due to many reasons.
Pumping milk from your breast using a breast pump has advantages like triggering a let-down action, which normally happens by reflex. Once you get used to using a breast pump, you can gradually increase the milk yield and ensure that your baby gets enough of this natural food that is great for building immunity and protecting your baby against infections. Here are a few tips that you’ll find quite useful:
1. There’s no real hurry to start right away…
As soon as your baby is born, you need to bond with it during the first few weeks. You need to involve in a joint action with your baby to increase milk output (lactation). If the milk output is good and you baby has no difficulty suckling, there’s no tearing hurry to start using a breast pump, though it is indeed a smart idea to get one and keep it handy. You’ll need it later when you may need to be away from your baby and have to pump enough milk and store it for use when you are away.
2. If the baby can’t manage to breastfeed
This is when your breast pump is a life-saver. Some babies find it difficult to latch, allowing them to feed directly from the breast and that’s when moms need to pump breast milk to ensure the baby gets enough nutrition. Research indicates that if lactation is initiated within a few hours of the baby’s birth, the volume of the milk output is higher. So, if for some reason you’re not able to produce enough milk start using SERENITY ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP by Baby Doppler, which is efficient, trouble-free and easy to use.
This handy breast pump is very useful if your doctor expects you to have a pre-term baby or if your baby, God forbid, needs intensive care. You may find a hospital-grade breast pump in the hospital you plan to get admitted into during delivery. However, if you want to use an unused breast pump (advisable) buy one for yourself as it is quite affordable.
3. Get the Timing Right
Your first experience with a breast pump may not be a great success, but you need to keep trying for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The milk yield the first time is invariably low, though extra suction at the right time should yield results.
You may want to try pumping right after a breastfeed because that is when you are likely to pump enough and more. For some women, the yield after the second feed may be more than the first. You need to experiment and find the right time to pump. Once you get used to a routine, the body gets accustomed to the time and milk production simply just happens. The secret lies in frequent pumping at regular intervals rather than waiting for the milk to collect and pumping it at one go.
4. Maintain Hygiene
It is of utmost importance to maintain hygiene at all times. Wash your hands with a mild soap before and after a pumping session. After you are done make sure you clean the parts that come in contact with the body and sanitize the pump after each use. Wipe the parts dry with a clean cloth and store in a cool dry place until next use.
5. Avoid Interruptions and Breaks
When you are all set for a pumping session keep everything you need handy. Keep the milk storage bottle ready (clean and dry) along with other things like your phone or TV remote and a glass of drinking water or a bite of snack. Make sure you select a time when you aren’t expecting visitors and have someone at home to answer the doorbell and phone.
6. Choose the Correct Position
You need to feel comfortable when you settle down for a breast pumping session. Unless you are relaxed you won’t get optimum milk output. The hormone oxytocin gets secreted only when a mom is relaxed and calm, which is conducive for the let-down process to begin. Distractions and discomfort cause reactions that can suddenly stop the production of milk. You may want to get a pumping bra, which helps hold the breast in position and allows hands-free pumping. Else, you can hold the breast-shield between your thumb and forefinger, with the rest of your hand supporting your breast. Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure on the shield as it can prove to be counter-productive and obstruct the flow. Listening to soft music can help you keep calm during the process.
7. Initiating the let-down
The advantage with SERENITY ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP is that it comes with a 10-step suction mechanism that mimics the way a baby suckles. A mild breast-massage just before starting to pump also helps in stimulating the milk flow and increases the output.
Cuddling your baby before and during the pumping activity can help, as mere contact with your baby is known to produce more milk. The warm, reassuring feel of the baby’s skin helps to instantly release oxytocin leading to better lactation. Some moms are able to juggle and feed the baby with one breast while pumping milk from the other. If you think that is not too acrobatic for you, go ahead and try it.
8. Pumping to your comfort
Find your comfort levels while pumping milk. If it feels alright, you can pump milk at the highest setting as long as you feel comfortable. At a high level, you should be able to extract the same quantity of milk that your baby would otherwise suckle during normal breastfeeding. The user-friendly settings in SERENITY ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP feature a clear backlit LCD display making things easier for the user.
It is better to try the different steps and settle for the stage that suits you best. What’s more is that with SERENITY ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP, unlike other products, the built-in memory feature also captures the users setting preferences, providing a hassle-free and personalized experience over time.
The suction can be adjusted gradually until you find the optimum level that suits you. However, if you sense any signs of discomfort, it is better to stop and start again after some time.
9. Time your Pumping Sessions
Once you get used to the routine you will get to know exactly how many minutes of pumping is required per session. Of course, it depends on the time taken for let-down and for some the pumping session could extend longer. Although individual flow patterns will certainly vary, your pattern should be consistent, provided all other things are equal.
You’ll notice that if you have an early let-down each time, the sessions cannot last more than 10 to 12 minutes. Continuing to pump any longer will not serve any purpose. However, if you’ve had to have more let-downs per session, the duration of the session is bound to be longer. Don’t worry, you are likely to arrive at a comfortable duration which will remain consistent.
10. Beware of any discomfort
Though quite unlikely, if you happen to experience any sort of discomfort during the breast pumping sessions you need to adjust the suction by turning it down a couple of notches. If you choose a breast shield of the correct size you can prevent chafing caused by rubbing. An ill-fitting breast shield not only causes abrasions but can also result in lower output of milk. If any sort of discomfort persists, do consult your lactation specialist and seek professional advice.