Some pumps, like the Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 and Spectra S2 (among many others) offer adjustable suction levels and different pumping styles. The ideal setting mimics the way your baby nurses, and will ensure optimum milk flow. The best way to find your ideal settings is to start low and slow (if your pump has the option to adjust settings), and gradually increase until it’s no longer comfortable. But going too hard and too fast can actually be detrimental to your milk production - and to your breasts. Some women think if they choose the fastest, strongest settings, they will get the most milk in the shortest amount of time. You can also try adjusting your position to make sure your breasts are properly centered within the breast shield or flange. Many brands, including Medela, Spectra, and Elvie, offer different-sized breast flanges in their standard breast pump kits. Likewise, if it’s too big, you will find excess areola being sucked into the shield, and it won’t be very effective. If your nipples rub against the sides of the shield instead of being drawn into the inner funnel, then your breast shield is likely too small. If you find it very uncomfortable, or your nipples are sore or cracked, check to make sure that you are using a flange or breast shield that fits correctly and adjusting the settings on your pump to optimize output AND comfort. This is a question we see all the time! Just like breastfeeding, using a breast pump should not be painful, but it may be a little uncomfortable until you’re used to the sensation. Though time consuming, power pumping has been found to be one of the most effective ways to boost supply. ![]() Try incorporating milk-boosting foods and drinks into your daily diet (we can’t stress enough how important a healthy diet is while breastfeeding and pumping). But if you want to boost supply to create a stash or perhaps to donate your breast milk, there are some great “home remedies” that can help. ![]() If you feel that your supply is low and is not meeting your baby’s needs, consult your physician and pediatrician. This lets your body know how much milk it needs to produce - milk production runs on supply and demand. If you are exclusively pumping, you’ll need to pump as much as a newborn would normally breastfeed - around 8 times in a 24-hour period. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t pump much longer than 15-20 minutes at a time. Ideally, you will pump according to your baby’s needs. Other styles and models follow similar instructions. For more detailed instructions, please visit our post on how to use a Medela breast pump or how to use a Spectra breast pump. When you’re done pumping, clean your pump and store your milk properly. Many pumps have buttons or dials so you can adjust the speed and suction according to your comfort and milk production. Turn the pump on to start the let-down phase, and when milk starts spurting, switch to the expression phase. Before (and after) you pump, you should always wash your hands.Īssemble your pump according to the manufacturer’s directions, and place the breast shields or flanges so your nipples are centered. Not to mention the more milk your little one will have to enjoy! How to use a breast pumpįirst things first. The earlier your start pumping, the more efficient your milk production will be later. ![]() When your baby is first born, pumping milk might not be the first thought on your mind (and we wouldn’t blame you)! But if you plan to exclusively pump, or if your baby does not nurse immediately postpartum, you should start pumping within 6 hours of giving birth.
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