Pumping Your Milk

Types of Pumps

v Hand Pumps – good for occasional or short term use; mother’s hand moves the pump.

v Battery-Operated/Electric Pumps – small, hand held pump; motor with battery and electric adapter creates the suction; good for occasional use or routine use when milk supply is established

v Electric Pumps – large motor that suctions automatically; needs a kit (mother must purchase or may be covered by insurance); pump available as rental; good for getting milk supply started and pumping for baby who is too ill to nurse; may pump both breasts at the same time.

Ø Good choices include: Medela or Ameda Egnell Brands.

v For more information:

Ø Lactation Services at Pinnacle Health, call (717) 782-5372

Pumping and Storing Mother’s Milk

v Wash your hands before you begin.

v Massage your breast before you begin to help relax and increase milk flow.

v Hand express a few drops of your milk;’ use the milk to wet the sides of the pump flange.

v Fit the flange of the pump to your breast – be sure your breast touches the sides (if it doesn’t use the flange insert)

v Begin pumping on the lowest setting, increase if needed to get a milk flow. Always pump on the lowest setting where you get milk flow.

v Double Pumping – massage breasts then pump five minutes; massage breasts again and finish pumping until the milk stops flowing. The total length of time may vary (usually between 10 to 20 minutes).

v Single Pumping – massage breasts then pump five minutes, switch pump to other breast for five minutes. Massage breasts then go back to the first breast to pump for three minutes, switch to other breast for three minutes. Go back to the first breast to pump for two minutes, and finish by switching to the other breast for two minutes.

v Have a healthy drink when you pump – drink to thirst.

v Pump when your baby is unable to nurse. If your baby cannot nurse, pump eight times each 24 hours. Ask your Lactation Consultant for a pumping log.

v Store your milk in hard plastic or glass containers or milk freezer bags.

Helpful Hints

v Wash equipment that touches the milk in hot, soapy water, rinse and air dry after each use.

v The pump will not be as good as a baby. Getting small amounts in the first days is normal.

v When you are apart from your baby, your milk supply may vary.

v How you feel may affect your milk supply. If you have a down day, your supply may be low.

v If you are tired or stressed out, try these ideas:

Ø Take a short nap or bath just before pumping

Ø Massage your breasts while pumping

Ø Ask someone to rub your back and neck while pumping

Ø Listen to music or watch television while pumping

Ø If you are separated from your baby, visit your baby or talk to his/her caregiver just before pumping

Ø Look at a picture of your baby while you pump

Ø Smell a piece of clothing your baby was wearing while you pump

Using Your Milk

v Refrigerate your milk as soon as possible after pumping. You can freeze your milk after it has been in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If your baby was premature, you should freeze any milk that will not be used within 24 hours. For full-term babies, you may refer to the following guidelines:

v You may refrigerate your milk up to three (3) days; but if you plan to freeze it, do so within 48 hours.

v Label and date each container of stored milk with the expiration date.

v Store your milk in the freezer section of the refrigerator for up to three (3) months. Do not put the milk on the freezer side of the door or by the defrost unit.

v In a deep freezer that stays at 0 degrees or below, milk can be stored up to six (6) months.

v Your milk can be thawed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

v Your milk may also be thawed in a pan of warm water.

v Do not heat your milk on the stove or in a microwave.

v Thawed milk that is warmed and unused needs to be thrown out.

Returning to Work

v If baby is nursing well, an occasional bottle may be offered after three weeks.

v Begin pumping at least two to three weeks prior to returning to work.

v You may pump anytime – many mothers have found they get more milk in the mornings.

v Depending on your time away from your baby, a hand-held electric pump or rental electric pump works well.

v Talk with your employer about your pumping needs prior to your return.

v Consider privacy, electrical outlet milk storage and break times.

v Discuss handling of human milk with your child’s care provider.

v Return to work on a Thursday, so you have a shorter first week.

v Contact your Nursing Mothers’ Counselor or Lactation Consultant if you have questions about returning to work and breastfeeding.