Using a breast pump can feel a bit intimidating! Expressing milk can feel really different to breastfeeding your baby, and takes a little while to get used to.
But many mums use breast pumps if they’re returning to work, sharing feeding responsibilities with their partner, having a night out and need to leave some milk for the babysitter, or going away from their baby for a bit. Pumping is also great for building up your milk supply, relieving engorgement, and helping to balance your supply.
Here are five tips from Breastmates for breast pump success:.
- Choose the right pump: Invest in a quality, comfortable pump that is right for how often you intend to use it. Double electric pumps are efficient and time-saving, while single pumps are great for using while you’re feeding baby on the other breast. Also, make sure you have the correct size of breast shield – the part that connects to the pump and goes next to your skin – as you might need a larger or smaller one than comes in the box. We also have these handy nipple inserts in a range of sizes.
- Stick to your routine: Try to pump at the same times each day to build consistency and maintain your milk supply.
- Stay relaxed: Feeling stressed and anxious can affect your letdown and milk flow, so find a quiet, comfortable spot where you have privacy. Try some soothing music or deep breathing to help get into the right frame of mind. Some mums find thinking of their baby or looking at pics and videos of their baby can help with letdown.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Breastfeeding and pumping milk are thirsty work! Have a water bottle to hand and take regular drinks while you’re pumping. A nourishing snack wouldn’t go amiss either!
- Keep your pump clean: Make sure your pump’s components are clean and sanitised (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). This reduces the risk of bacterial growth and contamination in your expressed breast milk. If you can’t clean your breast pump parts thoroughly after each pumping session (like when you’re at work), pop them into a plastic bag and store in the fridge until you can get home to clean them.
Here’s an extra tip – some mums buy an extra set of breast pump parts to use with their pump so they always have one set clean and ready to go – saves you all the washing-up in between pumping sessions and so handy for when you’re pumping at work!
Breastmates stocks a wide range of reliable breast pumps from well-known, highly recommended brands like Medela, Unimom, and Avent, including manual and automatic breast pumps, silicone, and wearable breast pumps – and the friendly team is happy to help you find the breast pump that’s right for you.
Breastmates also stocks replacement breast pump parts and have super-quick delivery, so you can replace any broken or worn-out parts fast, without disrupting your pumping plans. Check out the range and reach out to us if you need advice on finding the perfect pump!
We are always happy to help with your questions.
