Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

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...