How to use a breast pump.

Below is a list of stuff the midwives don’t tell you and assume you know.  These tips may seem obvious when you read them, however, when you’ve had 1 – 1 1/2hrs sleep a night for 6 nights in a row and you’ve been expressing every 2 – 3 hours, thinking logically and problem solving don’t come easy.  Remembering what the time is is hard enough!

1. USE A HOSPITAL GRADE PUMP – otherwise you’ll be pumping for hours!  I hired a pump from west end pharmacy (cost $25 per week or $75 per month).  I’m using a medela lactina select machine (dual pump).
2. HAND PUMP FIRST –I recommend at least a couple of minutes on each side.  This will get your milk supply going.  Hand pumping is a positive force where as expressing is a negative force so it’s good for your breast to get used to the motion of hand pumping.
3. USE LANSINOH (check with your doctor if you suffered from eczema) – midwives don’t promote the use of a lanolin, preferring to advocate the use of breast milk to repair cracked nipples (and anything else come to think of it).  However, smothering your breasts in Lansinoh provides a lubricant before apply the pump to your skin…. I learnt this one the hard way and had a layer of skin peal off as my skin was dry and had stuck to the pump.  (ouch!)
4. START THE PUMP ON MINIMUM  - I did say these instructions were obvious, but when you don’t know (or aren’t told) you don’t know.  Turn the pump up gradually to a comfortable speed.  (DON’T listen to midwives who say, you need the pump on maximum and you need to drain the breast – pump at a speed that is comfortable).
5. STERILIZE THE BOTTLES EVERY 24 HRS - Don’t sterilize the equipment every time you pump as it’s not necessary and its time consuming.  Wash the bottles and pump equipment in warm soapy water and rinse in warm water.  When you have to pump every 2 – 3 hrs, making less work is good! 

4 Responses to “How to use a breast pump.”

1. Sarah says:

   December 4, 2009 at 12:45 pm

   Emily, thank you for the tips on using the breast pump. I have had all sorts of trouble using mine and damaging my nipples. I will take on board your advice. Wish me luck!
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3. Aroha says:

   February 3, 2010 at 10:50 am

   I agree Emily, I use the Medela pump and the Lansinoh creme- it worked wonders in a matter of hours. Hope is going good with Alora!!!!!
4. Cialis says:

   March 11, 2010 at 4:44 pm

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