Using 19mm Insert in Spectra CaraCups - Extra Small Spectra CaraCup

Many moms like the hands-free options of pumping and as the best-selling brand, Spectra offers a hands-free collection kit for their pumps called the CaraCups.  

The down side is that currently only 24mm and 28mm sizes are being produced.  The good news is that there is an aftermarket insert in 19mm that allows moms with smaller nipples to take advantage of the hands-free pumping that the CaraCups provide. As you can see from the image below, the 19mm insert fits easily into the CaraCup to offer a reduced size.

You can purchase the inserts as a CaraCup 19mm bundle if you don't already have your CaraCups or you can purchase them separately if you have the 24mm CaraCup and need to go down a size.  If you are purchasing the 19mm inserts, make sure to get extra Caracup valves as moms who pump daily should replace valves every 6-8 weeks and CaraCup backflow protectors every 8-12 weeks to keep your pump kit at optimal suction level.

Best wishes for pumping freedom!

Tanya

Treating Breast Infection: Mastitis

When you have an infection after a plugged milk duct called mastitis, you often have, chills, fever, body aches i.e. flu-like symptoms. It feels like a truck ran over you.  Your doctor will most likely prescribe Cephalexin a.k.a. Keflex and dicloxacillin a.k.a. Dycill. The antibiotics, while often necessary for the infection can also make you feel tired. To help you get over mastitis quickly, make sure you are using heat, resting and emptying the breast.

Heat, Rest, Empty the Breast! 

Use a hot compress before nursing and/or pumping. An easy one to use is a disposable baby diaper. Put hot water in it and it can also be re-warmed in the microwave for several uses until it become too saturated which will feel like jelly. Disposable diapers keep their heat in much better than cloth because of the micro-beads which retain the heat.  These are similar to what is found in hot/cold compresses.

Rest as much as you can. You are sick and while you have a baby to take care of, try to stay off your feet and sleep when the baby sleeps.

Empty the breast. The affected area and breast needs extra attention. Nurse in a hold that points the baby's chin towards the plugged area. The baby's jaw and tongue will help draw out the plug. Pump after each feeding for an extra 5-7 minutes to fully empty the breast.

Taking an anti-inflammatory analgesic like ibuprofen a.k.a. Advil is good for reducing the swelling and pain management and is safe for breastfeeding due to the extremely low levels found in breastmilk.

Please ensure you watch for signs of vaginal yeast infection in you or oral thrush or diaper rash in the infant.  Visit our blog post on yeast infections for more information.

Best wishes for pain-free breasts!

Tanya