Pump It Up:
Breast Pumping and Tools of the Trade
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
 | | • | Wait 2-4 weeks after birth before introducing baby to a bottle. | | | | | • | Morning is the best time to pump. | | | | | • | To increase milk supply, pump every day – or as often as you can. | | | | | • | Don’t worry if at first you only pump a few ounces of milk. | | | |
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though you have decided to breastfeed your newborn, investing in a pump is still a good idea. Getting your baby to take a bottle is important to many new moms. You might plan on going back to work, or you would like Dad – or other caretakers – to feed the baby. Maybe you're just looking for a little convenience. Whatever the reason, if you'd like to have the option of feeding your little one with a bottle, you'll need to pump.
Many consultants suggest waiting 2-4 weeks after your baby’s birth before introducing them to a bottle so they can really get the hang of breastfeeding. (But, of course, here is the Catch-22: If you wait too long to introduce the bottle, you run the risk of your little one refusing it.)
PUMPING TIPS
Try to pump both breasts as the same time. If you only have one pump shield, be sure to massage one breast while pumping the other.
The best time to pump is in the morning when your milk supply is at it’s highest. (It’ll be lower in the afternoon)
Try to relax while you pump to ensure a “let-down.” (And like that stubborn pot, watched breasts might not "let-down"...)
Don’t be alarmed at first if you only pump a few ounces of milk. The more you breastfeed and the more you pump, the more your milk supply will increase. (Also, this doesn’t equal the amount of milk your baby is getting when breastfeeding.)
Don’t rush the pumping time. At first, you may need to pump for at least a half-hour in the mornings. Tip: To increase your milk supply, keep pumping for 5-10 minutes even after your milk stops flowing.
To get your milk volume higher, it helps to consistently pump every day. But if you can't, just pump when you can!
CHOOSING YOUR PUMP
There are many different styles of breast pumps to choose from: single, double sided, manual, electric… and you can either rent or purchase one. What are the pros and cons?
MANUAL
Pros: Simple, compact and convenient: It’s best for those only pumping a few times a week.
Cons: Done by hand, it can be harder to express milk and can get tiring.
Recommended Option: Medela Harmony
BATTERY-OPERATED
Pros: Great for occasional use.
Cons: It can be noisy and the batteries wear out.
Recommended Option: Medela Swing
