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Many mothers face issues with insufficient or painful milk expression. Could it be due to incorrect breast pump usage? Let's explore this matter.
There's no denying that a breast pump is an incredibly useful tool for mothers breastfeeding their infants. However, for first-time users or those lacking experience, difficulties may arise in expressing an adequate amount of milk. Here, Mytour shares tips on using an electric breast pump correctly and effectively.
10 Effective Ways to Express Breast Milk with a Pump
Read the usage instructions carefully
When purchasing a breast pump, it comes with a comprehensive instruction manual covering assembly, hygiene, machine parts, and pumping techniques. Therefore, for first-time users, it's essential to thoroughly read the usage instructions before operation. Understanding each component and the correct assembly is crucial. Learn how to utilize the motor's power source for optimal pumping efficiency.
After use, mothers should retain this manual for future reference, especially when encountering issues like weak suction or power problems, which can be addressed following the instructions.
Proper Placement of Pump Funnel
The nipple tip must be positioned at the center of the pump funnel to ensure a snug seal, preventing any gaps that may compromise suction. If the breast size is too large, consider purchasing a properly sized funnel.
Correct Posture for Expressing Milk
For effective milk expression, mothers' sitting posture must also be correct. Choose a comfortable sitting position, slightly leaning forward. Mothers can also listen to music, watch a movie, or work while pumping to ensure the most comfortable state of mind.
Hydrate before pumping
Before pumping, around 30 minutes prior, mothers should consume a warm beverage or a glass of milk to facilitate quicker milk flow. After pumping, they can also drink another warm beverage to stimulate milk production for the subsequent pumping session. Combine this with a proper sleep routine, balanced nutrition, and consumption of breastfeeding-friendly foods and beverages. Refer here for more information: foods that promote breastfeeding without worrying about weight gain
Chest massage
Before each milk expression, use a warm compress or gently massage the chest, moving in circular motions, along with nipple stimulation to effectively boost milk production. Therefore, it's advisable to read the detailed article on chest massage techniques that can help mothers increase milk supply, which can be incorporated into your daily routine. There are plenty of valuable tips you can explore.
Relaxation during milk expression
Alongside chest massage before pumping, maintaining a relaxed and comfortable mindset is crucial during milk expression. If a mother is stressed, agitated, or in a state of stress, it can negatively impact the milk reflex, leading to reduced milk production or difficulty in expressing milk. Therefore, mothers need to stay calm, persevere, and maintain a relaxed mental state while expressing milk.
Choose the right pumping speed
Avoid selecting a strong pumping mode right from the start; opt for a moderate pumping speed or choose a chest massage mode for approximately 2 minutes to stimulate milk flow. As the milk starts flowing, gradually increase the suction force until reaching a point where it doesn't cause discomfort. Maintain that level. Alternatively, you can choose a mode that combines pumping and massage to enhance milk stimulation.
Express milk completely
Mothers should remember that expressing milk completely helps increase milk supply in subsequent pumping sessions. If using a single breast pump, alternate between both breasts until no more drops of milk are expressed. If using a double electric breast pump, pump both breasts simultaneously and express milk completely. Each pumping session lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.
Duration of pumping
The pumping time varies depending on the type of pump or the mother's milk volume. However, a pumping session of around 30 minutes is most suitable. Manual or single electric pumps may take longer, while double electric pumps save a considerable amount of time. It's also beneficial to combine pumping with breastfeeding to enhance milk gland stimulation.
Choose a suitable breast pump
In addition to the above considerations, selecting an appropriate pump is crucial. If you pump occasionally, a manual pump is a good choice. For mothers exclusively breastfeeding but using bottles, careful consideration is needed when purchasing a breast pump. Ideally, a double electric pump that simultaneously pumps both breasts provides the best efficiency.
You can also opt for a single electric breast pump, but it will take more time to express milk. Some popular brands such as Unimom, Medela, Spectra... are widely favored. Further reading on which type of breast pump to buy for the best fit can provide additional insights.
Here are some small tips for mothers to use breast pumps correctly and efficiently. Since mother's milk is the best nutrition for babies, always maintain a relaxed and optimistic mindset to encourage more milk production.
- Properly stimulate milk with a breast pump
- How to use the Unimom Allegro pump
- Should mothers buy a single or double electric breast pump?
