Breastfeeding and pumping can be a rewarding yet challenging experience and are essential components of infant nutrition. One of your first jobs as a new parent will be to feed your just-born baby. In that first hour that nurses call “the Golden hour” your hungry baby will want to root at your breast for their first meal—they instinctively know this is where to go for food! Unfortunately, I didn't produce milk the first week and had to feed my little girl with formula until I was making enough milk.
Breastfeeding doesn’t always mean exclusively at the breast—many moms use breast pumps and bottle systems to ensure they have a way to maintain breastfeeding when they can’t be with baby, or if dad or a sibling want to take a turn feeding the newest family member.
Whether you're heading back to work or heading out for an evening, you'll eventually need a break from breastfeeding. This is when a breast pump becomes very important. I used the Spectra - Synergy Gold Dual as my main breast pump. It has a nightlight, touchscreen, timer and an excellent suction. You control each side separately, which is very convenient when one nipple is sore. The parts are easy to assemble and clean. The only downside is that it has to be plugged in and does not have a battery, but it is recommended to be relaxed while you pump, so i do not see that as a con. If i needed to get things done while pumping i used the Elvie Stride Hospital-Grade Hands Free Breast Pump. It is comfortable, with an efficient suction. I didn't buy this pump at first, but it made a huge difference when i did. My hands were free, and i didn't have to worry about finding the right time to pump. If my baby was awake or when i was working i was still able to do it. It took a little longer to pump the same amount of milk as a regular pump, but it was totally worth it. It was a game changer for me, because i was ready to quit pumping.
This handy tool not only allows you to fill a bottle with your precious milk, but it can also help maintain your milk supply, relieve engorgement and create a backup stash for your freezer. Don't forget to buy the Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags.
Choosing the right flange size is crucial for efficient and comfortable pumping. The flange size generally depends on your breast tissue and skin elasticity. If it’s too tight, it can constrict your breasts and cause clogged milk ducts. If it's too loose, you may not remove all the milk, which can lower milk production and cause nipple pain.
Here’s a general guide to help you determine the right size:
Up to 17 mm: 20 to 21 mm flange size
17 to 21 mm: 24 mm flange size
21 to 25 mm: 27 to 28 mm flange size
25 to 29 mm: 30 to 32 mm flange size
29 to 32 mm: 36 mm flange size
To measure your nipple diameter, you can use a ruler or a measuring tape. Remember to measure after stimulating your nipple to ensure it’s at its full size.
Exclusively Breastfeeding:
It’s common to face challenges in the beginning, such as latching issues or discomfort. Seek support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups. Newborns typically feed every 2 to 3 hours. On-demand feeding is encouraged, as it helps establish your milk supply. Look for signs such as rooting, lip smacking, or sucking on hands. Crying is often a late sign of hunger. Find a comfortable position for both you and your baby. Common positions include cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying. Your body will adjust to your baby's needs.
If concerned about supply, ensure frequent feeding and consult with a healthcare provider if needed. Ensure that your baby is effectively emptying the breast during each feeding. This signals your body to produce more milk. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Certain foods may affect your milk, so pay attention to how your body reacts.Eat a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Foods like oats, almonds, and leafy greens are often considered beneficial for milk production.
Some women find that herbal supplements such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, or brewer's yeast can help increase milk supply. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Spend time holding your baby skin-to-skin. This can help stimulate hormones that promote milk production and strengthen your bond.
Stress can negatively impact milk production. Find ways to relax and take care of your mental well-being, like practicing mindfulness or deep breathing.
Ensure you're getting enough rest. Fatigue can affect milk supply, so try to nap when your baby sleeps or ask for help when needed.
If you're struggling with milk supply, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant for personalized advice and support.
Remember, every mother's body is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It's important to be patient and give yourself time to find what helps you the most.
How to Pump:
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Wash your hands thoroughly before pumping.
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Find a comfortable and quiet spot.
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Encourage let-down with a light massage or warm compress.
Pumping Schedule and Engorgement/ Clogged Duct:
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Start with 10-15 minutes after breastfeeding, at least 2-3 times per day.
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If you are exclusively pumping, you may feel overwhelmed with all the time spent pumping. You can get back some control in your life by using a pumping schedule for exclusive pumpers!
This pumping schedule will change every month or two as your baby grows older. When you start out exclusively pumping, you will be spending a lot of time with your pump. Then, as your baby gets older, many moms are able to drop pumping sessions and gain some time back in their day. I was one of those moms losing my mind with the amount of time i spent pumping and i started dropping pumping sessions at around 3 months. I was ready to give up. This is when i bought the Elvie Stride Hospital-Grade Hands Free Breast Pump and it was a game changer for me, i wish i had it from the beginning. I was also freezing a lot of the milk since i was able to produce more than my baby needed. At this point at nighttime instead of pumping every two hours i will go 4-6 hours without pumping so i can get a good rest, but i will make it up during the day.
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Couple time my breast started hurting and there were huge lumps. This is called breast engorgement and is a common condition that occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk, leading to swelling, firmness, and a lot of pain. A clogged milk duct is a hard tender lump that forms within your breast’s milk ducts. These little lumps can interfere with the flow of your milk to your little babe and can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the areas that are clogged. I was constantly massaging them, especially in the shower or i would use a heated pad. That helped a lot and i increased the amount of pumping sessions. Within couple days i was feeling better. If you are producing too much milk you might want to stop pumping and hand expressing instead. That means manually compressing the breast to express milk. This method can be efficient at relieving engorgement. The Haakaa Hack is extremely helpful too. While the Hakaa Pump most popular use is to collect extra breast milk easily while breastfeeding, another great use is to remove a clogged duct. You will need a Haakaa Manual Breast Pump and Epson Salt. Add 2-3 tablespoons of Epson salt in the Haakaa Manual Pump and fill it up with warm water until it touches your nipple or the crease on the Haakaa and stir it. Be careful that the water isn’t too hot- you don’t want to burn yourself! Squeeze the bottom of your Haakaa creating suction and attach the pump to your breast. Leave the Haakaa on your breast between 10-15 minutes. It will take some adjustments, you can start horizontally and then change the angle. It is a very helpful method to clear a clogged duck. If you have a particularly stubborn clogged duct you may need to repeat this process several times until you find relief.
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Stress Management: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help with effective pumping
Combined Breastfeeding and Pumping Tips:
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Start by establishing a good breastfeeding routine in the first few weeks. This helps build your milk supply and ensures your baby learns to latch properly.
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Develop a feeding and pumping schedule that works for you. For example, breastfeed during the day and pump in the evening or between feedings to maintain milk supply.
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If your baby is nursing well on one breast, you can pump the other at the same time. This maximizes milk extraction and can save time.
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Pay attention to your milk supply and how much you’re pumping. This can help you adjust your feeding and pumping routines as needed
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Understand that combining breastfeeding and pumping can take time to master. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this process and celebrate your successes.
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Use hands-on pumping to increase milk yield.
By incorporating these combined tips, you can create a balanced approach to both breastfeeding and pumping, ensuring you meet your baby’s nutritional needs while also managing your own well-being. Remember, every mother’s experience is unique, so it’s important to find what works best for you and your baby. If you have any concerns or need personalized advice, consulting with a lactation consultant can be very helpful. Happy breastfeeding and pumping! 😊
With love and best wishes
Mommy, Me and Beyond Team
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