19 ways to pump breast milk effectively but surprisingly simple

Breast milk has always been the best source of nutrition for babies, but for a number of reasons it is not possible to breastfeed directly. At this point, pumping out breast milk and asking someone else to breastfeed is a sensible solution. So you know how to pump effectively breast milk yet? If not, do not ignore the instructions of aFamilyToday Health.

Many mothers pump milk when they have health problems, so they cannot breastfeed directly or too many babies can not fully breastfeed or return to work ... However, breastfeeding seems easy but not easy. a little bit. If you do not know how to pump, the milk will not produce much and you will feel bored every time. So how does this not happen? aFamilyToday Health has summarized some of the following and wants to share with you.

1. An effective way to pump breast milk is to start as soon as possible

To ensure your body produces long-term and abundant milk, start pumping as soon as possible after birth. Pumping once a day right after birth will give you a good store of breast milk. In case you are busy pumping properly or when you can pump too little, you still have spare milk for your baby.

Do not be disappointed if the amount of milk in the first few weeks after birth is not as much as you want. According to doctors, about six weeks after birth, a woman's body is getting used to the process of making milk and can only produce enough milk to breastfeed.

2. Invest in a good breast pump

Investing in a high quality and high capacity breast pump is of utmost importance. If you're planning on breastfeeding until the age of 1-2 years, an electric breast pump or a battery that can suck on both sides at the same time is a sensible choice.

In addition, you should choose a breast pump with adjustable speed and suction power to ensure you feel comfortable while pumping. You also need to pay attention to choosing a breast pump to fit your breast size. Breast pumping can be extremely painful and ineffective if the funnel doesn't fit your chest.

A quality breast pump can sometimes be expensive, but it's a very legitimate investment. If the money to buy the device is too large, you can not afford it, consider renting this device at some hospital or borrowing from a friend. Please note the cleaning problem if you rent the machine.

3. Smoking and storing milk properly

Breastmilk can be stored for up to 72 hours in the refrigerator cooler and up to 3 months in the freezer or 12 months in the dedicated freezer.

Study how to properly preserve breastmilk to ensure the quality of your baby's milk. You need to buy a dedicated milk bag and if possible invest in a freezer for storing milk.

4. Prepare the necessary supplies when pumping milk at the company

Want to pump properly, it is essential that you cannot lack side aids. You can place a towel near you so you can wipe it off immediately if the milk falls out.

This preparation is extremely important. Once out, you will find things easier if you have everything you need. In addition to the breast pump, you will need dry ice packs and thermostats to store the milk, a few bottles of milk and bottle wash to rinse everything off after pumping.

5. Schedule your own breast pump

For a smoother and more effective pumping, you need to schedule a pumping schedule that suits your living habits and your family's routine. Everyone is different, so someone else's pumping schedule may not be right for you.

Some people say that pumping in the morning will produce more milk, but if your baby has a habit of waking up early and demanding to feed right after puberty, it is very difficult to pump at this hour. Smoking in the morning can also make you late to work if your company works early. If you find it inconvenient to pump in the early morning, pump at noon (at work) or before going to bed.

6. Find the way to breastfeed that works best for you

Some mothers like to pump in their room alone, some want to pump at work, some after breastfeeding to get all the excess milk ... Try everything to find the most effective way with me.

If your current method of pumping isn't working for you, keep adjusting until you find the one that's best for you. There is no right or wrong method of pumping, try everything until you are satisfied.

7. Use a bra to aid in pumping

If you are worried that you won't have time to do other things because you have to pump, try a breast pump. This is an inexpensive solution that helps you free your hands to do other things while you are pumping. Breast pump bras keep the funnel and storage tank for you so you can still work, surf the web or talk on the phone while pumping.

You can make your own proper breast pump using an old sports bra and cut holes large enough to feed the pump funnel. This approach is not only free but also effective.

If you don't want to sit around while pumping or find yourself bothering to find an electric outlet to run a breast pump, choose a battery-powered one. You can do your normal activities with a combination of a breast pump and a battery-operated breast pump.

8. Increase the number of suction to increase the amount of milk

If you do not have enough milk, reveal the secret to increasing the amount of milk  is to drink enough water and eat enough nutrients. You can also effectively increase breast milk output by breaking down your pumping time. Choose when you have the most free time to do this. When starting, pump for 20 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes, then pump again for 10 minutes and rest for 10 minutes. This has been shown to increase breast milk production. You can do this continuously once a day until you reach the desired amount.

You can also add one pump to your normal pumping schedule to increase milk supply. If you normally pump 6 times in 24 hours, try to pump 7 times to increase your milk supply.

9. Smoking milk properly at the company

Breastfeeding experts recommend that you empty your breasts at least 7 times a day by feeding or pumping. This means you need to pump at work.

Maybe when you come to work, you will be busy with work, but pumping milk is essential for the health of both mother and baby. You can pump at lunch break. However, you should be careful not to pump immediately before returning home. Save this to give your baby enough milk when you get home.

10. Talk to coworkers about pumping at work

Some workplaces do not have space for you to comfortably pump. So when you intend to pump, find out what position at the company you can pump and talk to your bosses and colleagues about this issue.

If your company doesn't have a private room, you can buy curtains to cover your desks while pumping and ask people not to come in when you've covered them. People can still discuss work with you through the curtain. Or it is best to pump during lunch break so as not to affect work time.

Breastfeeding at work can be inconvenient, but you should share your desire to breastfeed so that everyone can understand and help you. Colleagues will get used to it and you have nothing to be afraid of.

11. Don't try too hard

You may feel that pumping is taking up too much time and you are unable to complete other important tasks. Take a moment to find out the most effective way to breastfeed for you.

When you feel happy and comfortable, your body makes more milk, making it easier to pump. Drink plenty of fluids, take care of yourself by eating well and rest when you feel tired. Stress is not good for making milk, so take time to relax even for a few minutes.

12. Make use of the time to pump

You can save time by feeding your baby while pumping. Feeding your baby on one side and pumping on the other can stimulate more milk flow.

You can also spend this time enjoying life and doing things you enjoy. Raising a baby doesn't mean you have to give up your interests. You can read books, watch TV or other forms of entertainment to make time pass faster. You will waste time and get bored easily if you just sit and wait for the pump.

13. The effective way to pump breast milk is to clean the related tools

Cleaning breast pumps can take a lot of time and effort. Remember these breast pumps usually do not need to be cleaned after each suction.

You can place your breast pump in a sealed container or locked bag and put it in the refrigerator after you pump. Breastmilk can be stored for up to 72 hours in the refrigerator, but breast pumps only last 24 hours. You need to wash these tools with soap and warm water at least once a day.

You can also get two breast pump bags. A bag of clean tools and a bag of dirty tools is not mixed.

14. Play with your baby while pumping

If you are concerned that proper pumping will take up playing time with your baby, find some fun to connect with during this time.

Spread a blanket near the place where you pump and place the toy on top to let your baby play inside you while pumping. You can also sing or play with your baby during this time.

15. Regardless of what people say

Everyone has their own opinion about taking care of the baby. Not everyone agrees that pumping is the best way to nurture babies. As a result, some family members and friends may not be supportive of your decision to breastfeed.

Importantly, you know that what you do is best for you and your baby. Every mother and baby is different and no one knows what is best for you. Sometimes the person who gives an opinion about breastfeeding is not experienced in this. Therefore, if you find that pumping is effective during breastfeeding, do what you like and ignore everyone's opinion.

16. Don't feel guilty about having to pump

Some moms will feel guilty for giving their baby pumped and frozen milk instead of feeding their baby directly. However, think about the amazing benefits of pumping properly, such as helping your baby get enough breastmilk to drink when the mother is not at home or when the baby is not breastfeeding for some reason.

Smoking is not easy. This is time consuming and difficult. So, you should be proud and happy that you are doing what's best for your child.

17. Pamper yourself

Being a mother and raising a child is very difficult. While pumping is a good way to raise a baby, it can also be very tiring at times. Turn your pumping time into a moment of pampering yourself by watching your favorite shows, reading good books or enjoying delicious food, you can even sleep while pumping. tired.

18. To pump properly, you must be very patient

The first few weeks of pumping, you may not have a lot of milk and feel exhausted. Most mothers who have gone through this difficult period have gradually established a suitable pumping schedule for them and everything becomes easier.

Over time, you will find that pumping becomes easier and more comfortable. Therefore, be patient to step through the adjustment period of the body to have better breast milk.

19. Stop if you find that pumping is not effective

Breastfeeding is usually easier once you get used to it, but for some it may not be the best option for breastfeeding . If pumping does not work despite trying everything, you should stop and find a better way for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding is one of the difficulties mothers need to overcome when raising children. You can make this tiring process more comfortable with these 19 effective breastfeeding methods. Please be patient to find out what works best for you.