Top Five Breast Pumping Tips

I went back to work three months after I had my son. Lucky for me, it was only part-time (two-three days a week). It was quite a transition for my body to go from breastfeeding one day and the next pumping. Pumping breastmilk can sometimes be a challenge but hopefully these tips will help:.

1. Get into a pumping routine. I used to pump on my two 15 minute breaks (one morning, one afternoon) and at my lunch break. Liz Pevytoe RN, IBCLC recommends starting and ending your workday empty (Before you clock in and after you clock out, pump). Either way you choose to do it is fine, but the most important thing to remember is to stay on a schedule! Make sure you do not try to skip a pumping session as it could be detrimental to your supply or health. Every time I tried to skip a pumping I got a plugged duct and let me tell you that was not fun! I learned quickly the importance of a regular schedule!

2. Choose a good pump , cheap pumps can cause injury,low supply mastitis from lack of emptying. Invest in a good pump. My pump was a manual express by Medela. Since I was just part-time I felt like it was ok, but it would have been quicker and nicer with an electric one. I would definitely suggest an electric pump for full-timers. Liz recommends these:
Pump In Style …Medela $270.99
Ameda Purely …Ameda $207.00
Hygeia EnJoye …Hygeia $186.66
Medela Pump in…Stanford Distribut… $329.90
Ameda One Ha…Ameda$29.95
Whatever pump you choose, make sure you are using the correct size flanges. Ask a lactation consultant to take a look.

3. Make sure your bra fits properly! This is critical because if not, you can get plugged ducts (I know because I did!)A great fitting bra shouldn't dig, pull, poke or otherwise cause discomfort. If it does, it's not the right size (or bra) for you. Make sure it feels comfortable when you are moving around. There shouldn't be any breast tissue spillage at the top, side or bottom of the cups. If there is, your cup size is too small. Try sizing up for a better fit. Your bra should feel comfortable and supportive. You shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit. Sometimes you will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern you – sizes do vary among brands. Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience, but the way you will look (and feel) once you have found it will be worth all of your effort.


4. If you find you need to increase your milk supply, talk to a lactation consultant or your doctor for advice. We found that using a galactogogue (milk stimulating herb) to increase your supply typically works well, but only if you are frequently expressing breast milk with a pump or by nursing. Also, it can make you sick if you are one to skip pumping sessions/emptying. I have found Motherlove's products to work wonderfully and Liz recommends these:
Fenugreek Seed 610 mg - 180 C… -Nature's Way $4.89
More Milk Plus Alcohol Free 4 oz.-Motherlove
Nature's Way Blessed Thistle…$6.66
Organic Mother's Milk Tea 16 Bags-Traditional Medici…$6.86

5. Store your breastmilk in a cooler with icepacks so that you do not forget your expressed breastmilk at work!

Most important thing to remember is to keep your local lactation consultants number on speed dial for questions and support. They are an amazing resource!

Let us know if you have any additional tips! We would love to hear them.

Warmly,
Nicole
Nizo Wear Nursing Bras


Thank you Liz Pevytoe RN, IBCLC, for posting such great tips on askthelactationconsultant.com !