The Top 15 tips to Help Moms with Pumping
1. You don’t have to wash your pump parts every time you pump.
If you pump multiple times a day, just store your parts in the fridge (in a zip top bag, or cooler bag) and wash at the end of the day. This is a HUGE time saver.
2. Ask to pump at the hospital.
You will get a free pumping kit (probably medela). And you can get the lactation consultant to check the fit of the flanges and get familiar with the pieces.
3. Get a hands free bra.
The highest rated, Simple Wishes. Seriously, pumping is no fun, so if you have your hands free to look at facebook or pictures of your baby on your phone time goes much faster and you stress less about how much you’re pumping. Or you can work on a computer or laptop, or even pump while your driving or doing your makeup! Multi-tasking mama!
4. Massage!
This may sound strange, but you will get more out faster. Just gently squeeze, and push your fingers from the outside of your breast towards the nipple. Google videos or images for helpful instructions.
5. Use the “let down button.”
This is common on Medela pumps. It stimulates a baby’s quick sucking motion to get your body to “let down.” It may even work after the initial let down (usually the longest one) to get your body to let down a second time. Other pumps may have a speed control, quick light suction will simulate a let down.
6. Don’t stress about how much is coming out!
The average woman pumps ½ – 1 ounce per hour between feedings or pumpings. The average woman will pump 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours on a normal pumping schedule. Yes, some women pump more. But if this is how much you pump, it is enough! If you are pumping in between two feedings 1 ounce is a totally normal amount to get.
7. The cheap Gerber, Evenflo, or even Wal-mart (parent’s choice) bottles fit most standard pump flanges.
Don’t spend extra money stocking up on Medela or Ameda bottles. Dr. Brown standard bottles also fit if you use those.
8. Store and freeze breastmilk in breastmilk storage bags (they are sterile).
Do not use regular zip top bags. Lay them flat to freeze. This is huge for saving space and for organization. Then you can store them stacked upright. This will take up less freezer space, and they will thaw faster. The highest rated bags are Lansinoh. Target (up & up) also makes very similar bags. I did not like Medela bags.
9. Measure your milk in a bottle before pouring it into the storage bag.
Bags are nearly impossible to get an accurate measurement on because they change shape.
10. Most women need to pump for 15-20 minutes
to get mostly empty (you are never really “empty” your body keeps making more milk).
11. You don’t need to sterilize your bottles or pump parts every day
(unless you have a preemie, or otherwise immune compromised baby). Just hot soapy water will do. If you do need to sterilize, the microwave sterilizer bags are great!
12. Learn your pump.
You don’t have to turn it up to the highest suction to be effective. It shouldn’t hurt (once you get used to it). It may hurt a little the first time you try pumping.
13. Know how long milk is good.
You will see various guidelines for how long breastmilk “lasts.” The most common is 6 hours room temp, 6 days refrigerated, 6 months frozen (regular freezer – longer in a deep/chest freezer). Always do the smell test if you’re not sure. If it doesn’t smell bad, it’s probably ok, but again, use common sense.
14. Pump and dump is not a real thing.
I repeat, do not pump and dump, SAVE THE BREASTMILK. Unless you need to pump to relieve engorgement there is no reason to do it. Pumping will not get the alcohol out of your body. Alcohol is metabolized out of breast milk at the same rate it is metabolized in your blood. If you are safe to drive you are safe to nurse or pump (and save the milk!!!). Alcohol is metabolized at the rate of one drink per hour for the average person. Just wait until you aren’t feeling a buzz, and then feed or pump. But you know your body best
15. Have at least two sets of pump parts
That way you always have a clean set ready to go. Or keep your second set at work, or as a back up. Or if you visit family often, keep a set there.
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