Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

With the Eufy pump cost at a premium, which pump can rival it without spending $300?   We tested the Perifit breast pump and really like what we saw.  First it actually does 300mmHg on it's highest level of suction which most wearable just do not reach.  Next we liked that it was high quality designed in France as you can note on the flanges as they are high quality silicone and you can choose your flange size on the double pump from 18mm, 21mm or 24mm instead of using an insert which can interfere with suction and also is another part to clean.  I also really like the suction and speed levels.  You can choose up to 12 levels of suction and the speed can be used at a fast pace, slow pace, massage pace and a unique intermittent pace that alternates 8 stimulation cycles and one expression cycle that helps milk to flow more quickly. Below is a chart with features that may help you decide on the pump for me.  Some models of the Eufy do offer heat, but if ...

We get this question a lot.  Are Pumpin' Pal flanges worth it? Moms tend to either love or hate their Pumpin' Pals.  While there can be a variety of reasons, the most common reason is fit that can cause irritation. loss of suction and less milk output rather than a higher milk yield enjoyed by the moms who love them.  If you want to try Pumpin' Pals you will need to pack a little patience and expect that there is a learning curve because unlike any others I have seen they are angled like the baby's mouth which when used correctly does often result in more comfort and higher breast milk yield.  Let's compare to Spectra which is a top choice with mothers today. Difference in Sizing Spectra OEM Size OEM Inner Diameter Pumpin’ Pals Size Angled Inner Diameter Practical Fit/Feel 16 mm ~16 mm 2XS ~17–18 mm Slightly looser than Spectra 16mm — good fit if 16mm OEM is snug 20 mm ~20 mm XS ~21–22 mm Looser than Spectra 20mm — size may feel loose on many moms who use 20mm 24...

As a retired IBCLC with 30+ years experience in breastfeeding support, I am not sure that power pumping is the best method for increasing milk supply for every mom.  The method has limited scientific research and can cause moms quite a bit of frustration with such ridged and lengthy pumping sessions. Not to mention friction when dry pumping . While nipple stimulation does sustain hormone signals, research supports that regular extraction is the source of increasing milk supply.  Apart from moms who are relactating or inducing lactation, cluster pumping is a better method than power pumping because there is more milk to extract every 2 hours than there is when pumping again in 10 minutes. For clarity, I have outlined the power pumping method and cluster pumping methods below for moms with babies under six months below. While we are listing these times as pumping, nursing sessions can and should be used in place of these when possible. Power Pumping  60 minutes session once...

Hospital grade breast pumps also know as multi-user breast pumps are often used for corporate lactation and clinical settings. There are three we most often recommend.   Ameda Pearl Ameda Platinum Spectra S3 Pro Pump Type Hospital-grade, multi-user Hospital-grade, multi-user Hospital-grade, multi-user Power Source AC + rechargeable battery AC only (plug-in) AC + rechargeable battery Suction Range Up to ~250 mmHg Up to ~250 mmHg Up to ~270 mmHg Cycle Speed Stimulation: ~80–120 CPM Expression: ~30–48 CPM Adjustable speed, ~30–80 CPM Adjustable, up to ~70 CPM Modes/ Adjustability Stimulation & expression; customizable settings  Fully adjustable vacuum & speed Adjustable suction & cycles Closed System Yes Yes Yes Portability Portable due to internal battery Least portable; plug in Portable due to internal battery Noise Level Moderate Moderate Relatively quiet Durability/Use Intensity For frequent clinical and rental use Heavy-duty clinical workhorse For hospital a...

If you are considering relactation, your foundation for success is frequent, effective milk removal.  And the good news is that your breasts have made milk previously and mammary tissue and prolactin (milk producing hormone) receptors are established. It can take time to re-establish milk supply so be ready to put the effort in for the length of time that it has been since you last nursed.  For example if it has been two weeks, you may be able to relactate in as little as two weeks.  If it has been two months, it may take that long.  However, the protocols below may help expedite this process. Protocols Frequent pumping or nursing (8–12x/day, including overnight when prolactin levels are highest) Latch your baby on if possible.  Feeding tubes allow you to supplement your baby at breast until milk comes in. Get skin to skin with your baby often as it increases oxytocin (milk ejection hormone) Lactation Aids A high quality electric breast pump such as a S...

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS aka Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the past, it is now been renamed to PMOS to encompass the endocrine and metabolic system.  As you may have experienced maintaining milk supply requires intensive milk extraction due to risks of delayed milk "coming in" and potential hormonal interference from insulin resistance and/or high androgens. To endeavor to get milk to come in and keep your milk supply, below are some protocols that may help. Immediate Postpartum Protocols Colostrum Collection: With the permission of your doctor or midwife, collect colostrum after 36-37 weeks.  Especially in high risk pregnancies, it is essential to be cleared prior to expression. Early Initiation: Start nursing or hand expression within the first hour of birth. Frequent Removal: Breastfeed on demand or use a hospital-grade pump at least 8–12 times every 24 hours (roughly every 2–3 hours). Night Feedings:  Pitocin levels are the highest between 12pm-5am, so don...