Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

At Lactation Connection, we are frequently asked which setting mom should use on the popular Spectra S1 and S2 breast pump  to get the most milk.  While settings are important, flange size is equally important. Your goal with your Spectra flange size is to engage the milk sinuses which are located an inch behind the nipple.  So it is really important that the flange allows the nipple to move freely without drawing in too much tissue.  You can use the guide below or a silicone nipple measuring tool . What about the settings?  Cycle pumping is recommended by Spectra when using the S1 or S2. Below is the procedure to start using the Spectra pump effectively.         Cycle 70 (Massage Mode) for 5 minutes        Cycle 54 (Expression Mode) for 5 minutes        Cycle 70 (Massage Mode) for 5 minutes        Cycle 38 (Expression Mode) for 5 minutes  Some moms leave their pump on hig...

T o 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 yo...

     Many of you are "pumping mamas" that is to say you pump when you are away from your baby for work or you exclusively pump and give breast milk in a bottle.  If so, there is some planning involved to maintain your breast pump and milk supply.  Here are some valuable tips to keep the milk flowing:       1.  Use a quality double electric breast pump. The Hygeia EnJoye Breast Pump  , the Spectra S2 or Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump are professional double breast pumps that offer a closed system with the proper suction and speed settings to maintain your milk supply.      2.   Make sure your breast flanges are the right size. The easiest way to get started finding the right fit is to look down at your nipple and your fingers at the same time.  If your nipple shaft (not including the areola) is the size of your ring finger, start with the standard size flange which is usually 24-27 ...