When you hear the word “breastfeeding” you don’t often picture a machine and tubing connected to your breasts. You don’t often picture bottles and parts. And yet, for many women, this is breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding looks different for each woman who chooses this path. When it comes to pumping, it happens for different reasons and at different frequencies. For some women, pumping enters the picture when it comes time to return to work or when mom wants to be able to leave the house without the baby and needs milk for someone else to feed. For some women, like me, pumping becomes the only option for breastfeeding due to a complication at birth. For others, pumping is a choice of personal preference. When you are producing all of your breast milk through pumping, it is called exclusively pumping.
If you are just getting started with exclusively pumping, know that it takes time and practice. Each woman has different breasts, different milk output, and requires different sizes and kinds of equipment to reach her pumping goals.
Equipment
When first starting pumping, there are a few things you need to have in order to pump, store, sanitize and feed.
1. Breast pump:
The Affordable Care Act mandated that insurance cover breast pumps for women. Of course, each insurance company has different stipulations around this, so if you have insurance, you should call your carrier to get clear information on what you have access to. If you are currently pregnant, you can do this step before having your baby. Most companies will start the process in the second trimester. Companies like Ashland and Neb Medical are medical equipment suppliers, and they’ll do the work of contacting your insurance for you.
If you have already given birth and are in need of an immediate breast pump, you can rent a pump through your hospital or another local provider while you wait. Have your partner or a support person call your insurance as soon as possible to start the process of having your own pump delivered. You can also purchase a pump online or at a local retailer. As an exclusive pumper, you will be pumping both breasts on a frequent basis so a dual electric pump will be the most helpful and efficient.
(If you are looking for a short-term solution while you await your own pump, you may benefit from having a manual pump and Haaka.).
2. Breast pump parts and bottles
All breast pumps come with standard parts, but breasts are not “standard” in needs. If you are still in the hospital, ask that the lactation consultant come to help you fit your breasts for pump parts. If you are at home, you can request a visit from a lactation consultant in your area. Breast shields are the parts that go directly on the breast, around the nipple. These come in various sizes based on the size and shape of your breast and nipple. Most pumps come with a standard 24mm shield, however that may be too big or too small. This picture guide can help you determine your best fit. Having the correct size plays a big role in the way your breast responds to the pump and preventing nipple damage.
Some babies have different needs for bottles. If there is a complication leading to exclusive pumping such as cleft, lip and tongue tie, reflux or other, a bottle for baby’s specific needs may be necessary. Talk with your medical team about the best fit. Some hospitals also have feeding specialists to help you try different bottle options with your baby. Once you find the right fit, you can ask the hospital for a starting supply and then find more online or at your local retailer.
3. Storage
As an exclusive pumper, you will be storing milk to feed your baby. Milk storage bags are made specifically for breastmilk and are sanitary, secure, and easy to store. If you are pumping just enough for the baby’s daily needs, you will store the breast milk in the fridge. (Fresh breastmilk can be saved in the refrigerator safely for 3-5 days). If you are pumping more than the daily needs, you will be storing some breast milk in the freezer. In this case, you may want to consider a deep freezer for larger and longer storage capability. If you will be traveling with your breastmilk, you want to have ice packs and a cooler bag.
4. Washing and Sanitizing
Keeping pump parts and baby bottles clean is an important part of the feeding process. You want to wash your pump parts (bottles, shield, valve and membrane/duckbill) after each pump to avoid residue and bacteria. (Note: Tubing does not need to be washed unless milk gets into the tubing.)
You should wash with warm water and mild, unscented dish soap. Having a separate wash basin for pump and bottle parts ensures they don’t mix with other dishes. Most pump parts can also be run through the top rack of a dishwasher using a dishwasher basket. If you are on the go, you can utilize quick clean spray or quick clean wipes. Having spare parts (bottles, shields, valve and membrane/duckbill) can give you more flexibility and time.
Once a day, you will need to sanitize your pump and bottle parts after they’ve been washed. You can sanitize by boiling or steaming.
Boiling:
Separate parts and fill a pan enough to cover all parts
Bring water to a boil and allow parts to boil for 10 minutes
Allow water to cool
Remove pump parts
Let parts air dry
Steaming:
Separate parts and place in Quick-clean micro steam bags
Follow instructions on bag and sanitize in approx. 3 minutes
5. Pumping bra
While you can hold the pump to your breasts for the duration of a pumping session, a pumping bra can make things much easier and free up your hands to tend to baby, eat, or change the channel on the TV. Pumping bras are made to secure the pump parts to your breast so that you can be hands free while pumping. There are many pumping bras on the market. Some pumping bras are meant to be put on and taken off only for pumping sessions. Other bras are made to be worn at all times. Have at least one pumping bra to start your journey and as you continue, you will see what your needs are.
Pumping Timing and Frequency
When you first have your baby, your breastmilk will start to come in and during those first few weeks, you are telling your body what the milk needs are and helping your body to respond to those needs.
How often should I pump?
Pumping should mimic baby eating patterns. In the beginning, it is recommended you pump every 2-3 hours (7-8 times a day.) This is a lot of work, but it doesn’t last forever. As you are establishing your supply, it is important to empty the breasts often. Prolactin levels (this is the hormone that signals your body to make milk) are highest between 1am-5am so it is recommended you get in at least one pump during this time.
As baby’s eating patterns change, your pumping patterns can follow. As you continue to pump, you will find that the amount of time between pumping sessions will increase as your baby also goes longer stretches between feeds.
How long should I pump?
In order to allow the body to respond, elicit a let down, and work to empty the breast, it is recommended you pump for 15-20 minutes each pumping session. If your milk stops flowing before the end of this time, continue to pump as it will stimulate the nipples and signal your body for more milk. Stopping as soon milk stops flowing can cause a supply decrease.
Exclusive Pumping: You’ve Got This!
Exclusive pumping can be a challenging and rewarding journey. As an exclusive pumper you are going the extra mile to provide breastmilk for your baby. It takes time to figure out a schedule of pumping, cleaning and feeding- make sure to bring your partner and/or support team into the process to help carry the load. There is no perfect length of time to be an exclusive pumper- whatever you give your baby is a gift. Exclusive pumping is also not all-or-nothing. Many moms pump and supplement with donor milk and/or formula. Whatever ways you find to nourish your baby and care for yourself is important and honorable! Momma- you’ve got this and we’ve got you!
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