Lactation: How to Support a Pumping Parent

Help the pumping parent remember to pump every 2 to 3 hours. You can help wake them up to pump and offer support while they are pumping.

Remind the pumping parent to breathe and relax while pumping. Think of ways that can help with relaxation like watching a funny show, listening to music, or getting a back massage.

Bring snacks and water, juice, or a smoothie to the pumping spot so it is easy to reach. Pumping takes a lot of energy and requires drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated.

• Set up the pump and attach the pump parts.
• Turn the pump on and press the “drops” button to start the Symphony Plus program (if baby is a newborn). This pattern helps to get the colostrum out.
• Adjust the vacuum (large dial on the pump) to comfort level. The pump should be at the maximum pressure that is comfortable but that does not hurt.
• Switch to the Maintain program on the pump once 20 milliliters of milk per side comes out, or when baby is 6 days old.

Help collect the tiny drops of colostrum. Save every drop. Using a syringe or a swab helps.

• Label a syringe or bottle with the milk label and add date and time that pumping was finished.
• Wash the pump parts and set up the pump for the next session.

• Wash the pump parts after every pumping session. The parts of the pump that touch the skin should be taken apart and washed with hot soapy water. Use dish soap provided in the pump kit and wash the parts in the gray basin provided. Rinse well and then put on a clean paper towel in a gray bin to air dry.
• Sterilize the pump parts by steam cleaning them once a day, using the provided microwave bag. Use 2 ounces of water in the bag and microwave it for 3 minutes.

Keep notes about when you pumped, and the volume of milk collected. Pumping parents might choose from a variety of tracking methods. Tracking options may include phone notes, a paper log, or a downloaded app. The most important details are date, time and amount of milk. Add up the amounts at the end of each 24-hour period to see how much milk you are producing.