Exclusive Pumping: How to Manage Pumping

To initiate milk supply, pump every 2-3 hours with a 5 hour stretch at night for a total of at least 8 times per day of 10-15 minute double pumping sessions.  Many pumping moms get discouraged during the first 3-5 days as it is hard to see much going into the bottles as colostrum comes in teaspoons, not ounces.  Do not let this dissuade you, but draw this liquid gold up in a syringe and give it to the baby as it is chalked full of antibodies.  This schedule goes on for the first six months for the most part, but there are times when normal babies go through growth spurts that you will have to simulate with a pump.  When the baby is 2-3 weeks old and again when the baby is 3 months old, set aside a 5 day period that you will step up the pumping schedule to every 2 hours for a total of at least 11-12 times per day.  This must be 5 days in a row.  If your schedule gets interrupted, start over.   

Having you pump and parts all in one place even if you work from home, is essential.  Getting an easy to carry bag, like a breast pump backpack with built in cooler carrier, means all you have to do is grab some ice packs and go out the door!

In addition to a quality double breast pump a few key accessories will make your life easier.  These include a hands-free pumping bra so that you can multi-task while you are pumping, a breast pump cooler bag for transporting your pump and breast milk, an air dry bag to store and dry your breast pump parts on-the-go, and re-usable sterilizer bags to keep your parts sanitary anywhere you pump that you have access to a microwave.

Treat yourself to extra double pumping collection kits!  You don't have to sterilize your parts every time you use the, but having extras to be drying while you use another set will be a life saver.  Also, to maintain your milk supply, maintain your breast pump which means changing your valves and diaphragm or backflow protector every 6-8 weeks regularly.  This will keep you pump functioning at it's optimal level so your supply does not wain from parts that are not functioning at full suction potential.

Another accessory that might make life easier are these Breastmilk Bandit Tubing Tamers to keep your tubes from hanging down within reach of a toddler or pet and easier to travel with.

And finally, take stock of your storage options.  Many moms prefer to store in breastmilk bottles so they can also use them to feed, but other moms like the convenience and compactness of breast milk storage bags.  If you are choosing bags, a breastmilk storage bag that has a pour spout is handy.  If you are using bottles such as Spectra bottles, Motif Luna Bottles or Avent Classic bottles, make sure to have extra sealing discs.  These tend to get lost down the disposal so having extra bottle sealing discs is a lifesaver!  

Here is to your tenacity in providing your baby this previous gift!

You've got this, mama!

Tanya

Breastfeeding Tips and Techniques

Hi Mamas!

I entitled this blog post tips and techniques instead of tips and tricks or breastfeeding hacks because this information was born from 30 years experience in breastfeeding, lactation education and lactation consulting.

So let's get started!

Alternate Breast Massage

This technique is the practice of massaging the breast from the chest wall towards the infant's mouth every time there is a pause in swallowing.  Benefits include keeping the baby alert to allow for faster and more efficient milk transfer as well as more fat content in the milk promoting health weight gain.

Breast Support

Breast support refers to the practice of holding the breast during the feeding.  Typical holds include the C-hold in which the mother cups the breast with her hands in the shape of a C.  It is important that her fingers both above and below the breast are well off the areola so that the infant can achieve a deep latch.  Supporting the breast during the entire feeding helps keeps the infant on task and reduces slipping down into an improper painful latch position.  The infant can feed more efficiently without the burden of supporting the breast which is especially important for younger infants that cannot  yet support the weight of their own head.

Proper Latch

A proper latch also know as a deep latch as opposed to a shallow one is one in which the infant is able to grasp at least 1" of the areola.  The infant's tongue should be down= with lips in a rosebud shape and not tucked under.  A clicking sound should not be heard which may indicate tongue is up.  Mothers should take care to check the underside and can help the infant flare the lips by pulling down gently on the infant's chin.  The benefits of a proper latch include efficient milk transfer and elimination of pain for the mother, as well as reduction of gas in infant as a proper latch reduces swallowing air while feeding.

More tips to come!

Tanya