Doctors no longer recommend modern breastfeeding mothers to express after each feed, but knowing how to properly perform such a procedure can be useful to any woman who is breastfeeding. For example, pumping helps a nursing mother out if she needs to leave or prepare milk for future use. Let's take a look at the different ways of expressing and how to express milk from your breast correctly.
Why pump?
The breast is expressed either to obtain milk or to relieve the condition of the breast itself.
The reasons why mom has to pump are:
- The inability to attach the baby to the breast, for example, prematurity.
- The baby does not suck milk well without emptying the breast for feeding.
- Stagnant milk.
- Cracked nipples (deep).
- Mastitis.
- Inverted or flat nipples.
- Mom goes to work.
- Mom's illnesses.
The ways
Manual way
Many mothers choose this pumping option for its affordability and simplicity. Expressing her breasts with her hands, a woman independently regulates the pressure on the gland. However, this type of pumping requires a lot of effort from the mother, and quite a lot of time.
The woman needs to get a feel for the pumping process, so even if you have a breast pump, try manually expressing milk first. For more information on how to hand express breast milk, see another article.
Using a breast pump
Devices that help a woman express breast milk are mechanical as well as electrical.
Pros
- The procedure is much easier than expressing by hand and is also much faster.
- Modern devices imitate the process of breastfeeding by a baby, so they not only express milk, but also stimulate its production.
- In many models, you can express milk directly into the bottle with the lid on, or in the milk storage container in the freezer.
- With electric breast pumps, you can choose between different expression modes.
- It is a hygienic way.
Minuses
- Purchase of a breast pump required.
- Frequent use of a breast pump can cause breast swelling.
Technics
One of the most convenient types of breast pumps is piston, the most affordable - with a pear.
- Wash your hands and take sterilized containers if you will be feeding your baby with expressed milk.
- Massage your breasts with one hand while supporting it from below with the other. Wait for milk to appear. If it doesn't appear for a long time, apply a warm compress with a warm flannel to your chest. Repeat the massage again.
- After assembling the breast pump, lower the piston to release the air. Next, attach the breast pump to the areola and make sure that the breastfeeding funnel is sealed around the breast. As you lift the plunger or squeeze the bulb, you will see the areola and nipple retract into the device. By pressing the plunger (pear) several times, you will achieve the beginning of the flow of milk from the breast.
- Work the breast pump until you have enough milk. Pour the expressed milk into a sterilized bottle.
Remember that all parts of the breast pump that come into contact with milk must be sterilized after the procedure.
When using an electronic (electric) breast pump, the pumping technique will be similar, but you will not need to perform mechanical actions to collect milk, it will be enough to adjust the speed and press the button to maintain the selected speed until the end of pumping. The electronic breast pump is very convenient for mothers who go to work, as they free their hands and allow them to work even while expressing.
When is the best time to pump?
For most women, it is easier to express milk in the morning because the breasts are full. And it's a really good option for hand pumping. If the mother uses a breast pump, she can feed the baby from one breast and at the same time express milk from the other.
Tips
You can make the procedure easier for yourself if:
- Drink warm liquid before expressing.
- Apply a warm compress to your chest.
- Take a warm shower before your treatment.
- Make a breast massage - massage movements should be directed to the nipple, stroke the areola and nipple with your fingers, and the breast itself can be lightly rubbed with a fist.
It is also important to calm down and relax. You can play nice music and imagine that milk flows out of your breast easily. If mom is pumping outside the house, she can take a photo of the baby with her.
