Contributed by Tommee Tippee
It may take you a while to get the hang of pumping. That’s okay though, as just like your baby, you’re new to all this. It does take a bit of practice but being relaxed is important to help your milk let down. Therefore, try to relax, take your time, and be prepared for a few false starts!
Pumping tips before you begin
Ahead of pumping, you should:
- Sterilize all parts of your breast pump before each use.
- Assemble the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remember that breast milk storage should take place in a sterile container. Tommee Tippee’s pre-sterilized pouches are great, as you can pump directly into them and then just pop them in the fridge or freezer – no decanting, no mess, no waste!
How do I start breast pumping?
You can choose to pump breast milk with a breast pump or pump it by hand. Whichever you choose, there are a few things you can do to help make it easier:
- Find a comfortable and quiet place and think about what will make you relaxed. Maybe some music will help?
- Gather all you need – a sterilized breast pump and container (Tommee Tippee’s pre-sterilized Pump & Go pouches are perfect for this), a drink, snack, phone, TV remote, and something to help you focus on your baby: perhaps a photo or video or even their blanket.
- Make sure you’ve washed your hands and then get comfortable.
- You are trying to emulate the sensation of your baby nuzzling in to feed, so gently massage your breast, including the nipple area, to stimulate the breastfeeding hormones.
At this point, you should be ready to start pumping!
Advice for expressing breast milk
When actually pumping breast milk, start by making sure your breast is fully in the horn of the breast pump. You need to create a seal to get things working efficiently.
If you’re using an electric pump, begin slowly at first while ensuring that the pump is in the correct position and comfortable. You should see the milk dropping into the container. If there’s no milk there, try adjusting the pump on your breast to create a better seal.
While you are pumping, simply use one hand to massage your breast from the armpits towards the nipple.
Be sure to pump until the milk flow stops on each breast. How long this will take can depend from mom to mom and even day to day. Don’t worry if you only get a little milk though, as everyone is different and it will get easier.
If you are having problems pumping breast milk, you might like to try something called breast compression while you are pumping. It will help to stimulate additional let-downs and thoroughly drain all of the milk ducts.
After pumping breast milk from one breast, repeat the cycle again on the other breast.
Pumping breast milk by hand
To pump breast milk by hand, cup your breast with the palm of your hand and place your thumb just above your nipple. Compress and release the nipple until the milk begins to flow. Continue until the milk flow stops on the breast and then repeat the cycle again on the other breast. Once you have completed the cycle on both breasts, please remember to store your breast milk in a sterile container.
It can feel a little odd pumping breast milk by hand, as well as taking a while to get the hang of the technique, so don’t worry if it takes a few attempts.
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