How to Express More Milk with your Spectra Breast Pump

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 higher setting, but know that the Expression Mode (38 cycles per minute) is very effective at draining the breast and relieving clogged milk ducts.

In addition, relaxed pumping is best. You first need realistic expectations of how much you should be getting when you pump.  After the initial week postpartum, you should only expect what your baby needs.  To determine this amount, take your baby's weight and multiply by 2.5.  Then divide by 8 feedings.  This is the amount you are looking to pump in total from both breasts.  For example, a 10lb baby x 2/5 + 25oz ÷ 8 is 2.5 oz.  So you may get one once on one breast and perhaps an ounce and a half on the other.

Effective tools for relaxation to aid with let-down include the following:

1.  Once you position the breast shields, don't watch the bottles!

2.  Look at your baby or baby's picture.

3.  Wrap a swaddling blanket around your neck so you can smell the baby.  

4.  Relax your shoulders.  Hold the breast flanges in a c-hold at the flanges instead of by the bottles so you can drop your elbows and relax your shoulders.

5.  Make sure you are comfortable.  Use a short stool if needed to bring your lap up and keep you from leaning too far forward and straining your back.  Pumpin' Pal angled flanges are excellent for keeping you from leaning forward and are a real back-saver!

Best wishes for an abundant pumping session!

Tanya

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

Breast Pumps: Pumping Mama Tips

     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 mm depending on the brand of pump.  If it is smaller like your pinky finger, use an insert like the Flexishield in the standard flange.  If you nipple is wider like your thumb, go up to a custom-sized flange.
     3.   Pump every 3 hours that you are away from your baby.
If you miss or delay a pumping, make sure to put the next ones closer together so that you don't end up skipping a session.
     4.  Double pump for a full 10-15 minutes. 
Double pumping increases prolactin levels for a healthier milk supply than does single pumping.  You need to pump longer than the milk is flowing so if milk stops, don't stop your pumping session until you have pumped for 15 minutes.  Breast pumps like the Ameda Platinum are available for rental and offer a timer to ensure you are pumping for the optimal time period.  You can also use your phone timer to help you stick to the plan.
     5.  If you miss a pumping session, make it up!
If there was an emergency and you had to miss a pumping, make it up with two more pump sessions at home.  One after your baby's evening nursing and one right before you go to bed.
     6.  Maintain your breast pump by replacing valves once a month.
White duckbill valves like the ones used with Ameda and Hygeia pumps should be replaced frequently to maintain optimum suction.  Examine the end for tears or warping if you find suction to be lessening.  
     7.  If your pump has a filter or diaphragm, replace once every 2 months.
Hygeia filters should be replaced every 2 months and Ameda diaphragms every 2-4 depending on how they are cleaned.  Diaphragms should not be sterilized.  Use soap and water only on this Ameda part.
     8.  Simulate growth spurts by pumping every 2 hours.
Babies typically go through growth spurts at 3 weeks, 6  weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Add three pumping sessions per day for five days in a row to effectively simulate growth spurts.  If you were a stay-at-home mom, your baby would be nursing more frequently so you need to do the same with your pump.  Note that the first growth spurt can show up as early as 10 days of age.
    9.  Use freshly expressed milk whenever possible.
Use the milk you pumped the day before for the next day instead of freezing it.  Fresh milk has the most antibodies.  Frozen milk is second best, but still far superior to any infant formula.  A rule of thumb to use the most fresh milk is to freeze Friday's milk, but use the fresh milk Monday through Thursday.  Your frozen stockpile can be used for low milk supply times like when your period returns, emergencies, and for mixing with solids after your baby is sitting alone and developmentally ready for them.  If you need help organizing your milk in the fridge, Breastmilk Bandit is a great labeling solution.
     10.  Your baby is the best motivation.
Sight, smell and sound can help trigger the milk ejection reflex aka let-down.  Look at a picture of your baby.  Drape a nursing scarf or receiving blanket around your neck that smells like your little nursling.  Play back a recording of your baby's coos or cries.  After all, you are doing this for your baby! 

Best wishes for a healthy milk supply and a happy baby!