How to pump breast milk for the first time.
How to pump breast milk for the first time.
Your nipple should fit comfortably in the middle of the breast shield or flange. Once you begin to pump, there should be a small amount of air around your nipple.
During the first 10-15 seconds, you may feel a bit uncomfortable as your nipples start to stretch. Then as your milk starts to flow, you may feel a tingling “pins and needles” sensation.
But pumping shouldn’t hurt. If it does and you’re using an electric pump, lower the suction level. If you’re still uncomfortable, ask your lactation consultant for advice.
Shoot a cute video of your baby to keep on your phone. Watch it, or scroll through all those adorable photos you have, to help get your milk going if it doesn’t start to flow right away.
You could also keep a baby blanket, or something else that has your baby’s scent on it, to trigger that milk “let down.”
Other tips: Sit and relax for a few minutes. Gently massage your breasts, or put a warm compress on them.
With practice, pumping should take about as long as breastfeeding. But you’ll also need some time to wash your hands, set up the pumps, get comfy, and clean up after. You might want to give yourself about 25 minutes while you’re getting used to it.
When you’re done, slide a finger between your breast and the breast shield to break the suction. The milk you’ve pumped will be in the container connected to your pump.
You can safely store breast milk at room temperature (less than 77 degrees) for 4-6 hours. But it’s best to put it into the refrigerator ASAP. (It can last in the back of a refrigerator for 3 days or be frozen for 3 months.)
Only use clean glass, BPA-free plastic containers, or storage bags made for breast milk.
When you feel good and you're as rested as possible, your body will make more milk. That makes pumping easier!
Stay hydrated, nourish yourself by eating well, and take naps when you need to. Stress isn’t good for making milk. So take time, even if it’s just a few minutes, to relax.
What’s good for you is good for your baby.
9 Breast-Milk Pumping Tips for New Moms
5. Make yourself comfortable.
Your nipple should fit comfortably in the middle of the breast shield or flange. Once you begin to pump, there should be a small amount of air around your nipple.
During the first 10-15 seconds, you may feel a bit uncomfortable as your nipples start to stretch. Then as your milk starts to flow, you may feel a tingling “pins and needles” sensation.
But pumping shouldn’t hurt. If it does and you’re using an electric pump, lower the suction level. If you’re still uncomfortable, ask your lactation consultant for advice.
6. Let your baby help you.
Shoot a cute video of your baby to keep on your phone. Watch it, or scroll through all those adorable photos you have, to help get your milk going if it doesn’t start to flow right away.
You could also keep a baby blanket, or something else that has your baby’s scent on it, to trigger that milk “let down.”
Other tips: Sit and relax for a few minutes. Gently massage your breasts, or put a warm compress on them.
7. Give yourself enough time.
With practice, pumping should take about as long as breastfeeding. But you’ll also need some time to wash your hands, set up the pumps, get comfy, and clean up after. You might want to give yourself about 25 minutes while you’re getting used to it.
When you’re done, slide a finger between your breast and the breast shield to break the suction. The milk you’ve pumped will be in the container connected to your pump.
8. Store milk right away.
You can safely store breast milk at room temperature (less than 77 degrees) for 4-6 hours. But it’s best to put it into the refrigerator ASAP. (It can last in the back of a refrigerator for 3 days or be frozen for 3 months.)
Only use clean glass, BPA-free plastic containers, or storage bags made for breast milk.
9. Take care of yourself.
When you feel good and you're as rested as possible, your body will make more milk. That makes pumping easier!
Stay hydrated, nourish yourself by eating well, and take naps when you need to. Stress isn’t good for making milk. So take time, even if it’s just a few minutes, to relax.
What’s good for you is good for your baby.
Source...