Breastfeeding is one of the most important experiences for a mother, but it comes with its own set of complications. If you have been facing some difficulties with breastfeeding, you might want to give breast pumps a try! A breast pump is a handy device that helps you express milk when your baby cannot latch properly to your breasts or simply needs to express some milk. It is great for relieving full breasts, building a milk stash, or giving you more flexibility. Whether you are using it occasionally or regularly, a breast pump can make life a bit easier for new moms by ensuring your baby gets the benefits of breast milk even when direct breastfeeding is not possible. Plus, it can help maintain and boost your milk supply!

Benefits of storing breast milk

Expressing breast milk can be helpful for several reasons:

• If your baby is premature or has problems after birth due to which you may not be able to breastfeed, they can still receive your breast milk with a help of a pump.
• Ensures your baby gets breast milk even when you are away for work or studies.
• Eases discomfort from overly full breasts.
• Provides milk to your baby in case they struggle to latch on or suck well.
• Helps maintain or increase your milk production.
• Allows you to continue including breast milk in your baby's diet along with solids to provide nutrients.

How to use a breast pump?

Breast pumps are designed to mimic the sucking action of the baby during breastfeeding. There are 2 different types—electric and manual. With the manual type, you squeeze the plunger by hand, while the electric version does the work for you. Make sure your pump and all the parts (bottles, valves, funnel, etc.) are clean and sterile before using them.

Expressing breast milk may help you increase breast milk production. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How to use a manual breast pump?

A manual breast pump is a handy tool for expressing breast milk using just your hands. To use it, you place the cone-shaped shield on your breast and squeeze the handles to extract the milk. It is a great option for moms who only need to pump occasionally. Here's how to use:

1. Make sure your hands are clean. Also, clean and sterilize the bottle and parts before you use them.

2. Once done, sit in a comfortable, quiet place to relax, as stress can hinder milk flow.

3. Start hand expressing by gently massaging each breast in a pumping motion so that you squeeze and pull the breast out and then release it as it falls back into place.

4. Once you have stimulated your breasts, place the breast shield (flange) over your nipple and ensure it seals properly. If it is too small or too large, it may cause discomfort and affect milk expression. The nipple should move freely within the tunnel of the flange without rubbing.

5. Hold the pump with one hand and use the other to position the flange on your breast. Begin by gently squeezing the handle or lever to create suction. It may take a few minutes before your milk starts flowing. Once the milk starts to flow, you may increase the suction level.

6. If you are pumping one breast at a time, switch to the other breast after the milk flow decreases. Some women prefer to pump both breasts simultaneously using a double pump, which can save time and may help increase milk supply.

7. Once you are done, carefully remove the breast shield, store the expressed milk in a clean container, and refrigerate or freeze it immediately.

Expressing breast milk may help you to make time for relax. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How to use an electric breast pump?

An electric breast pump is an automatic device used to express breast milk. It is great for moms who need to pump often, like those who are working or if the baby has trouble nursing. Electric pumps are faster and easier than manual ones, and you can adjust the settings to make it more comfortable and get the best milk flow. Here's how to use it:

1. Start by washing your hands. Assemble the pump and ensure that all components are clean and properly connected. Also, make sure your pump is charged or plugged in, and find a comfortable, quiet space to sit.

2. Sit with your back supported and place the breast shield over your nipple. The flange should fit well, allowing your nipple to move freely within the tunnel. If the flange is too tight or loose, it may cause discomfort and hinder milk flow.

3. Turn on the pump. Most electric pumps have settings for suction and speed, which can be adjusted to mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern.

4.  Begin with a low suction level and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. The pump will usually start with a faster, lighter rhythm to stimulate letdown, then switch to a slower, stronger suction to express milk efficiently.

5. You can either pump one breast at a time or use a double pump to express milk from both breasts simultaneously, which saves time and may increase overall milk production.

6. When you have finished, turn off the pump and carefully remove the breast shield.

7. Pour the milk into a clean container and store it in the refrigerator. Also, disassemble the pump parts and clean them thoroughly.

Tips to help you express breast milk

Here are eight tips to help you express breast milk effectively:

• Buy a quality breast pump that suits your needs—manual for occasional use, electric for regular pumping.
• Express milk in a quiet, comfortable environment where you can relax.
• Apply a warm cloth to your breasts before pumping to stimulate milk flow.
• Gently massage your breasts in a circular motion to help with the let-down.
• Drink plenty of water to support milk production.
• Pump at regular intervals to maintain your supply.
• Looking at a picture of your baby can encourage milk flow.
• Label and store expressed milk properly for future use.

Follow these tips to ensure you use breast pump easily. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How often should you pump?

How often you should pump depends on your specific needs and situation.

• If you are pumping to increase breast milk production or exclusively pumping, aim to pump about 8-10 times in a 24-hour period, roughly every 2-3 hours, to mimic a newborn’s feeding schedule and maintain your milk supply.
• If you are breastfeeding and pumping to build a stash or relieve fullness, you can pump between or after feedings.
• If you are returning to work, try to pump at the times your baby would typically nurse about every 3-4 hours.

The frequency may vary as your baby gets older and starts consuming solids.

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