Using a breast pump for the first few times can be tricky, a little uncomfortable and even slightly embarrassing - especially when your husband breaks into non-stop laughter. But you'll soon master the machine and be the one smiling when he starts to share in the joy of nighttime feedings.
Here's a list of tips our moms share with new breastfeeding friends:
Follow a routine for your pumping session to condition your body and prepare it to be in the optimal "place" for productive pumping.
Have a picture of your child or visualize him while you're pumping. It will help start & keep your milk flowing.
Be patient. Just like when you're nursing, it may take a few initial pumps for the milk to start flowing.
If milk tends to leak out of your pump, lean forward so the fluid is directed towards the center of the milk.
It's okay to switch breasts while pumping and combine the milk from one sitting.
If you're pumping during the day, increase your breastfeeding at night and on weekends to keep your milk supply up when you pump.
Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest will help your body stay in shape.
If you hear a whoosing air sound or the suction doesn't feel as strong as it usually does, check the connections
and hoses to make sure they are attached and functioning correctly.
If the pumping is painful, try a gentler setting or switch to a manual pump. The electric pump you're using
may not have enough suction and be stretching out your nipples for too long. Try renting a hospital grade electric pump and see if that helps.
