Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro,
breastfeeding
often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are answers to
some common inquiries that mothers - new and veteran - may
have.
When can I start pumping my breast milk?
Some experts feel that if you start pumping and giving bottles
too early - before your baby is used to breastfeeding - your little
one might have "nipple confusion" and may decide that the
bottle is the quicker, better option than the breast. While some
babies experience this confusion, others have no problem
transitioning between a bottle and the breast.
Some lactation consultants recommend pumping right from the
start as a way to stimulate and increase your milk production. This
pumped milk can be given to the baby with a bottle, or through a
nursing system in which the pumped milk goes through a small tube
that attaches to the mother's nipple.
If you're returning to work after maternity leave, it's
a good idea to start trying to pump a couple of weeks beforehand.
If you wait until the day you go back to work, you may be
frustrated to learn that it's not always easy to get your body
to respond to the pump, which isn't nearly as cute and cuddly
as your baby. In fact, it may take some practice and patience
before you're able to produce enough milk without your
baby's help. It also may take time for your baby to get used to
taking a bottle.
Depending on how heavy their milk flow is, some women can fill a
bottle in one pumping session, whereas others may need to pump two
or three times (and sometimes more) to get a full bottle.
As frustrating as pumping may seem for some women at first,
giving your baby a bottle of breast milk can allow you to get some
much-needed rest and can let your partner, or other family members,
participate in the bonding experience of feeding your baby. It also
can allow you to continue to provide breast milk for your child
when you return to work.
What type of pump is best?
Which kind of breast pump you opt to use is really up to you.
Some women find manual (or hand-operated) pumps to be more
portable, more discreet, and easier to use. And they're
definitely cheaper than electric pumps (manuals are usually under
$50, whereas electric models can cost hundreds of dollars). But
other nursing mothers may find that the effort required for manual
pumps is too much.
Despite their expense, electric (or automatic) pumps can be
easier to use than manual ones because they don't require you
to exert much physical effort. And many models allow you to pump
both breasts at once.
Options include double electric pumps, which pump each breast
simultaneously, or the kind that alternate pumping action back and
forth from one breast to the other.
Some women find that electric pumps are sometimes faster and,
therefore, more efficient than manual, especially if you pump both
breasts at the same time. But some find the noise of the electric
pumps to be a little much (especially if you're pumping at work
or away from home). And though they often come in easy-to-carry
bags (such as backpacks or arm bags), the weight and bulk of many
can be somewhat cumbersome.
You'll also want to keep in mind where you might be using
the pump. Some electric pumps can be plugged in
or
battery-operated; others can't. So, unless you want to have to
find a comfortable spot
and
an electrical outlet every time, you might consider finding one
that offers both options. It's also important to consider a
back-up method, such as a battery-operated or manual pump, in case
of a power outage.
Whichever type of pump you use is up to you. You can look into
which type of pump, if any, as well as how much of the cost, your
insurance will cover.
If you don't have the money to buy a pump or don't
receive one as a gift, contact the governmental organization Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) to find out about their pump program
and to see if you qualify.
Are used pumps OK?
Most doctors and pump manufacturers will tell you that it's
not
a good idea to borrow or buy someone else's used pump. Why?
Because bacteria and viruses from the previous owner can get
trapped inside the pump. These germs can be difficult to get rid of
and can be potentially hazardous to your baby's health, even
with thorough and repeated sterilization and cleaning. There are
some hospital-grade pumps which are meant for multiple users, each
with their own accessory kit.
How can I make pumping easier?
As with nursing, it's important to be comfortable when
pumping (which doesn't always seem possible while you're
attached to a machine). It can be hard, especially at first, for
your body (
and
your mind!) to become accustomed to producing milk without your
baby's help.
Often, women's milk will "
let-down
" (or start to be released) when they see or hear their babies
cry. So, when faced with an object instead of the welcoming face of
your little one, you may find it hard to pump.
If you're having trouble with let-down, you may find it
helpful to hold something that reminds you of your baby - a
picture, a blanket, a favorite toy. Your let-down also can be
affected if you're frustrated, embarrassed, or rushed. Try
relaxing in a comfortable chair or couch and don't stress out
too much about producing enough milk.
If your breast just doesn't seem to fit the pump correctly,
the pump may come with different sized breast shields or you can
buy a smaller or larger breast shield to place over your
breast.
If you're pumping at work, try to find a discreet and
comfortable place to do it. Many companies offer their employees
pumping and nursing areas. If yours doesn't, ask fellow
employees or the human resources department about an office or
other private area that might be unused. If you have to pump in a
bathroom, find a large one with a comfortable chair and some type
of privacy barrier.
If your employer doesn't provide an adequate nursing or
pumping area, ask that they do, reminding them of the benefits of
breastfeeding.
Also, just like when you're nursing, it's important to
place the breast shield of the pump correctly over your breast,
covering your nipple and areola (not just the tip of your nipple),
and getting a good seal. If you place the pump incorrectly, may be
uncomfortable and you'll be much less likely to get the milk
you need. And if you're using an electric breast pump, make
sure to adjust the speed and suction to the level that's
comfortable for you so as not to cause unnecessary discomfort.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: June 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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