Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

Below are the top 5 questions I get from moms about their breast pump parts so I thought I would share the answers with you. 1.  How often do I replace my breast pump parts? While most parts are replaced as needed when they age or if you need a new size flange, some parts are essential to replace on a regular basis.  For example, if you are pumping for work three times a day, replace your valves every 4-6 weeks and diaphragms or backflow protectors every 8-12 weeks to prevent your aging breast pump parts to reduce your suction and your milk supply. Valves should be checked to make sure that they close properly.  This is not just a visual check when they are at rest since new valves can have a slight openin. To check them properly, squeeze the sides of the tip between your thumb and index finger and the end should close for a moment when you release it.   2.  Is it ok to buy off-brand breast pump parts?  Absolutely not.  Each pump manufacturer test...

  There are some roadblocks to breastfeeding than come up often when moms are in the hospital or at their first pediatrician visits.   Depending on a mom's personality some are good advocates for themselves, but a lot of moms just go along with what they are told without questioning.   Often even if the pediatrician is pro-breastfeeding, a staff member will give you a biased opinion of what needs to be done in a certain situation.   While there are times supplementing with formula is helpful, often it is not necessary and depending on how the supplementation is done can hinder breastfeeding success.    Common scenarios that present barriers to breastfeeding are listed here including science-based evidence for this information in case you need to pass it along to any health professionals who may disagree so that  you be your baby’s advocate.  1. The baby has low blood sugar. The high protein content of colostrum helps with glucose stabilization...

Spectra is an industry leader in breast pumps and if you have the option to getting a Spectra breast pump, whether it is through insurance or private pay, it is a great investment.  These pumps are high quality, offer high output, exceptional warranty service and offer a wide variety of accessories to make your pumping life easier. One of the best things you can do when you get your breast pump is to familliarize yourself with the control panel.  The one pictured below is for the Spectra S1, but the only difference between the control panel on the blue   Spectra S1 and the pink  Spectra S2 is that on the S2 you will not see the battery life indicator in the top right section of the LED display since the S1 offers a rechargeable battery whereas the S2 is powered only by electricity. The green S3 Pro intented for hospitals, clinics or corporate lactation offers the same control panel as well.    Of course, you will want to start with the on button loc...

One of the questions we are often asked is how do I find a lactation consultant near me ?  And does insurance cover the consultation? Those are two great questions and we have answers for you as well as tips on how to hire your IBCLC and what questions you should ask in the process. 1.   Use an up-to-date lactation consultant locator .  The ones on the international board of lactation consultant examiners is often outdated as many lactation consultants aren't in private practice and don't do home visits.  Lactation Connection hosts a free locator on their website and it is up to date for 2024 with lactation consulants who have personally provided their current contact information and service areas. 2 .  Speaking of information, that should be your first question when you speak to a lactation consultant. Below are some examples of what to ask.     What are your credentials?   There is a vast difference between an IBCLC (International Board Certi...

    Packing your hospital back should be quick and easy with this list.   We have curated most of what you need in just one place!  Shop for your dual purpose hospital bag, nursing bras, nursing covers, nursing pad and breast cream here .  Another thing you might want to do is to put your breast pump in your vehicle in case you need it! Best wishes for a safe and healthy birth! Tanya

Big news: Spectra is making changes to their bottles!    As inventory rolls over, all Spectra products will begin featuring a new bottle to replace the pink and gold ones.  The new bottle features an easier to grip and easier to read design as well as a gender neutral ivory colored collar, sealing disc and cap.  So if you have a boy, and you are using the bottles for feeding, going from pink to ivory is a bonus!   The wider base is very helpful to prevent tipping and crying over spilled milk, but they will not fit in the bottle holder; if you were unsure, that is what the round hole on the S1 and S2 was for.  Since it only held a single bottle, most moms weren't using it anyway.  Lactation Connection offers a Dual Dock Double Bottle Holder that is specifically designed to hold all Spectra bottles including the new ivory design! The new ivory bottle design is compatible with all Spectra breast shield flanges! The bad news is that if you love the...

  The Marmet technique for hand expression has long since been the gold standard for teaching moms how to hand express breast milk.  Having the ability to hand express breast milk comes in handy if you want to harvest colostrum, alleviate a clogged milk duct or just need to get the breast milk flowing for the baby who needs extra encouragement to latch.   Before you begin, prepare both your body and your mind, by using massage or warm compresses as well making the environment comfortable and conducive to relaxation which will help with let-down.   If you need a faster method for expression, a quality manual breast pump like the Spectra Manual Pump is great for occasional use and very affordable.  If you are working and breastfeeding, choose a double electric breast pump instead.   Here's to keeping it flowing, Tanya