Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

Moms who store breastmilk in the freezer know that breast milk storage bags are the most space saving efficient way to stockpile your breastmilk.  But did you know that pumping into bottles and then transferring the milk to storage bags looses some of the fat meant for your baby? Small amounts of fat cling to the side of the bottle and never make it to the storage bags .  The more times you transfer your breast milk from one container to the other causes more and more of the healthy fat to be lost. The solution is pumping directly into the breast milk storage bags.  But how do you pump into storage bags such as Spectra?  While there may be hacks to rig your bag to your pump, they are not worth crying over spilled milk.  The most secure way we have found is a breast milk storage bag adapter .  It works with popular wide mouth breast flanges such as Spectra , Motif Duo , Motif Luna and Ameda Mya .  It attaches very well to common breast milk s...

One of the questions we often get is, "Can I use my HSA credit card to purchase breastfeeding supplies?" or "Which nursing supplies are eligible to buy with my FSA card?".  You can use your HSA or FSA card to buy breastfeeding supplies but you do need to purchase from a DME , durable medical equipment supplier such as Lactation Connection .  Health spending accounts and savings accounts are great to use for breastfeeding accessories, but you will want to know which supplies are eligible. Here is a list of  FSA and HSA eligible items: Breastmilk Storage Bags Breastmilk Storage Bottles Breastpump Accessory Set Breastpump Bags Breastpump Battery Pack Breastpump tubing Breastmilk Cooler Set Breastpump Breastshields (all sizes and brands) Hands Free Bustier (all sizes and colors) Lactation Aid Feeding Tubes Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags Nipple Cream Nursing Pads Portable Vehicle Lighter Adapter Replacement Valves (all types) Repla...

Whether you are using a double electric breast pump for work or exclusively breastfeeding at home, having a breast milk catcher is beneficial. In the first six to eight weeks postpartum your breast milk supply has not yet regulated.  Using a silicone breast pump as to catch milk on the opposite breast is a great way to improve milk supply and begin storing milk for upcoming work or emergencies.  Many exlusively nursing mothers have called us with questions as to how to get a stash for an unforseen trip or medical procedure. A silicone breast pump , when used properly is a great tool.  To use the Haakaa Breast Pump , squeeze out the air.  Then make sure you are establishing a seal with the flexible flange by everting the mouth of the flange, much like you would roll a pair of socks.  Then as you place the silicone breast pump on the breast empty of air, the suction will be created and the lips of the flange will roll back into place and securely onto th...