Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

Moms who store breastmilk in the freezer know that breast milk storage bags are the most space saving efficient way to stockpile your breastmilk.  But did you know that pumping into bottles and then transferring the milk to storage bags looses some of the fat meant for your baby? Small amounts of fat cling to the side of the bottle and never make it to the storage bags .  The more times you transfer your breast milk from one container to the other causes more and more of the healthy fat to be lost. The solution is pumping directly into the breast milk storage bags.  But how do you pump into storage bags such as Spectra?  While there may be hacks to rig your bag to your pump, they are not worth crying over spilled milk.  The most secure way we have found is a breast milk storage bag adapter .  It works with popular wide mouth breast flanges such as Spectra , Motif Duo , Motif Luna and Ameda Mya .  It attaches very well to common breast milk s...

One of the questions we often get is, "Can I use my HSA credit card to purchase breastfeeding supplies?" or "Which nursing supplies are eligible to buy with my FSA card?".  You can use your HSA or FSA card to buy breastfeeding supplies but you do need to purchase from a DME , durable medical equipment supplier such as Lactation Connection .  Health spending accounts and savings accounts are great to use for breastfeeding accessories, but you will want to know which supplies are eligible. Here is a list of  FSA and HSA eligible items: Breastmilk Storage Bags Breastmilk Storage Bottles Breastpump Accessory Set Breastpump Bags Breastpump Battery Pack Breastpump tubing Breastmilk Cooler Set Breastpump Breastshields (all sizes and brands) Hands Free Bustier (all sizes and colors) Lactation Aid Feeding Tubes Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags Nipple Cream Nursing Pads Portable Vehicle Lighter Adapter Replacement Valves (all types) Repla...

Whether you are using a double electric breast pump for work or exclusively breastfeeding at home, having a breast milk catcher is beneficial. In the first six to eight weeks postpartum your breast milk supply has not yet regulated.  Using a silicone breast pump as to catch milk on the opposite breast is a great way to improve milk supply and begin storing milk for upcoming work or emergencies.  Many exlusively nursing mothers have called us with questions as to how to get a stash for an unforseen trip or medical procedure. A silicone breast pump , when used properly is a great tool.  To use the Haakaa Breast Pump , squeeze out the air.  Then make sure you are establishing a seal with the flexible flange by everting the mouth of the flange, much like you would roll a pair of socks.  Then as you place the silicone breast pump on the breast empty of air, the suction will be created and the lips of the flange will roll back into place and securely onto th...

Believe it or not, there is a wrong way and a right way to clean and store your breast pump parts. Certain practices can actually damage your parts, increase your chances of a yeast infection and make it difficult to pump comfortably. Let's start with what NOT to do. 1.  Never, ever use a bottle brush on your bottles or breast pump parts.  Bristles on bottle brushes can cause fine scratches and these micro grooves can harbor yeast spores.  And you don't want to know how many microbes of bacteria sponges have so using a bottle brush with a sponge tip is not the answer.  Your best defense is rinsing immediately after use, but if you did not get to it, use a clean paper or cloth towel and a spoon to push it around at the bottom if necessary. 2.  If using boiling water to sterilize, don't boil the breast pump parts as long as you boil the water.  The water should come to a boil first and then put the parts you are sterilizing in for just 3-5 mi...

If you have been to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding class, you will hear the importance of  maintaining your breast pump, especially if you are a working or exclusively pumping mother. So why spend a little extra on genuine breast pump parts?  Or another question we get is how can I tell if I am buying authentic Spectra parts? 1.  Buy from a reputable company and not one that has multiple sellers that they cannot control.  Companies like Lactation Connection have beens serving nursing mothers since 1993 so when you see a brand listed on their products, you can be assured that is the brand you are getting.  In addition, they work closely with the manufacturer, so if there is ever a warranty issue you are getting quick and accurate contact information and a liaison to help you get the items replaced if necessary. 2.  Examine your parts.  You will see the Spectra brand embossed on certain parts such as the Spectra breast shields and whit...

When it is time to replace a Spectra Backflow Ptotector or Valves? 1. Reduced Suction If you’re noticing a reduction in suction while pumping, this is a sign it is time to replace your Spectra Backflow protector and Spectra duckbill valves .  Valves may need replacing more often than the backflow protector, but not less often so a good rule of thumb is if your backflow protector needs to be replaced, replace your valves at the same time.  Thes two Spectra parts are the most critical when it comes to suction and worn out valves and backflow membranes are the most common reason for reduced suction.  Please note that if you are testing suction, you will need to use your Spectra Air Cap port cover in order to close off the other tubing. What about no suction when I’m pumping? A sudden loss of suction while pumping is most often because the backflow protector is not assembled correctly or duckbill valve or is not attached correctly to the breastshield, or has fal...

How do you know when you need a different breast flange size? Spectra breast pumps include the most commonly fitted flange size, 24mm breastshields . Although this is the most common size, many women will fit better in other sizes. A properly sized breast shield aka breast flange is important to ensure the best performance of your pump and the most milk output. An improperly fitted breast shield can hinder milk supply and cause discomfort. To determine the shield size you need, pump for five minutes using the standard size provided with your breast pump. Your nipple will expand while milk is being expressed, therefore it is important to measure after five minutes of pumping so that the size you select will provide adequate room. After five minutes, measure the diameter of the nipples at the base with a tape measure that uses millimeters. Click the link to access a printable tape measure . Ideally, you should select a shield size that is 2-3mm larger than this measurement, but up to...