How to Pump Breast Milk

Here are some tips on how to pump breast milk. There are different ways available to women in order to pump their breast and storing the milk obtained. These methods include hand and pump expressing.

Hand expressing breast milk should be done only is a bottle is needed infrequently. This milk is collected by massaging the breast and collecting the milk as its falls into the cup. To hand express, place your hands in a C-shape cupping the breast with the thumb above the areola and the first two fingers a couple of inches below the nipple. Push your hand toward your chest, roll your fingers forward toward the nipple and a few drops of liquid should be expelled. The fingers and thumb should be rotated to milk other reserves, with both hands being used on each breast. Do not squeeze or slide the hands over the breast. Avoid pulling on the nipple of the breast also.

The baby should be at least the age of three weeks old before initiating pumping periods for milk storage. Waiting until this time will encourage the establishment of adequate milk supply produced in the breasts. Pumping should not result in any pain. If it is a doctor should be consulted.

Pumping your breast less than five times a week requires a manual pump that should meet your needs. High - quality electric pumps also are available for women who choose to pump many times per day. Electric pumps also significantly reduce pumping time. Many electric pumps allow for both breasts can also be pumped at the same time to reduce pumping session.

When pumping your breasts, always wash your hands before and after expressing. The pump and collection bottles should be sterilized also after each use. Whenever a feeding is going to be missed, that is when you give your baby a bottle, pumping should be administered. The same amount of milk the baby takes should be expressed in order to maintain adequate supply. Breasts should also be pumped when they feel full . Early mornings or early evenings usually have a higher milk quantity in the breasts. Mothers can also pump for milk while the baby is nursing on the other breast. Relaxation is a contributing factor to gain ample milk during pumping. Massaging the breast can also stimulate relaxation and stroking the top of the breast area while pumping can stimulate milk to let down. Shaking the breasts while leaning forward also encourages this as gravity assists in the ejection reflex.

Breast pump can be maximised by lubrication of the pumping funnels. This minimizes friction of the breast against the funnel, reducing chafing and also helps the pump to pull in more of the breast. Pumping on a schedule will help your body to recognise when to make and let down milk. The more regular you choose to pump your breasts for milk, the more you will be able to obtain from your breasts.

Another important tip that you can do is to read a book like Milk Up! An Essential Guide to Boosting Your Milk Supply. You will immediately have access to the research done by Diane Walters to help mothers everywhere overcome the pains of a low supply of milk. Instead of getting free useless advice, invest in an important book that can actually aid you in producing a lot of breast milk. Like us, she has been in the same boat which prompted her to do her extensive research. Now, it's available for us to peruse and obtain some very important aspects of breastfeeding. Good luck!