How to Use a Breast Pump: Essential Tips for Nursing Mothers

Breastfeeding is the feeding method the WHO recommends for infants for at least the first six months of life. However, in reality, most mothers nowadays decide to stop breastfeeding after two or three months.

Many moms feel trapped by breastfeeding because they don't have enough time for themselves, while their husbands may get only a few days' paternity leave. They need more support but most of the time, they have to deal with everything on their own.

The breast pump is now your best "companion" as a modern mother. I'm going to answer this question completely by covering the five most common questions every mom has.

First, let's start with the most basic question that I think you'll have in mind.

1. Why Do All Health Experts Strongly Recommend You Keep Breastfeeding for at least Six Months?

Benefits of breast milk for moms and infants

According to the WHO, breastfeeding is good for both babies and mothers. Let me share why this matters so much for both you and your little one.

Breastfeeding is the Best Feeding Method in Your Baby's First Year

Your breast milk contains powerful hormones and the perfect balance of vitamins and proteins to strengthen your baby's immune system. When you breastfeed, your baby becomes less likely to suffer from common illnesses such as:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Your breast milk also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - think of this as brain food that's crucial for your baby's brain and eye development. While formula companies try to replicate these nutrients, your breast milk remains the superior choice because your baby's digestive system handles it much more easily.

Here's something amazing: your body can produce as much breast milk as your baby needs. The more your baby drinks, the more milk your body makes. Your body literally adapts to meet your baby's growing needs!

Breastfeeding Supports Your Recovery as a Mother

When you breastfeed, you'll lose weight more quickly without having to hit the gym because you burn extra calories while feeding your baby. It's like having a built-in workout routine!

Your breastfeeding sessions help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size because they increase oxytocin production - a hormone that reduces your uterus size and decreases bleeding after delivery.

According to the WHO, when you maintain breastfeeding, you also lower your risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These long-term health benefits make your commitment worthwhile.

But here's the reality many moms face: all of these health benefits only continue as long as you keep breastfeeding. Many mothers give up breastfeeding after two or three months because this feeding method requires you to spend all of your time with your baby. No more hobbies! No more relaxing time! All that you do is stay at home and always be ready to feed your child.

But don't worry! Modern mothers like you are much happier than those in the past thanks to the introduction of breast pumps. The rest of this guide will share practical breast pumping tips that will transform your experience.

On the market, you'll find two main types of breast pumps:

• Manual pumps
• Electric pumps

2. Which is the Best Breast Pump for You as a New Mom?

Manual Pump vs Electric Pump

Manual breast pump: You might also hear this called a hand-operated breast pump. This accessory is small, discreet and doesn't require a battery or electrical outlet like its electric counterpart.

However, it's mainly suitable for you if you're still on maternity leave because it requires more effort and time to pump your breast milk. The good news? Your manual pump costs significantly less than an electric one (which can reach several hundred US dollars).

Electric breast pump: This type of pump makes your life easier as it offers different automatic breast pumping programs for you to choose from. Some newer models allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously.

This double-pumping feature saves you valuable time and helps boost your milk supply. However, your electric pump takes up more space, so you'll need a bigger backpack or tote bag when you're on the go. The noise factor is another consideration with electric breast pumps.

Real mom insight: "I started with manual during maternity leave, then got electric for work. Having both gave me flexibility!" - Maria, working mom

No matter which type of breast pump you choose, learning how to use a breast pump properly will help you increase your milk supply and relieve engorgement.

Now, it's time for the most important topic that you and all mothers care about when using breast pumps. Since your baby's needs grow so quickly, you need to find the best way to pump breast milk to encourage your body to produce as much milk as possible for your little one.

It's smart for you to be well prepared and familiarize yourself with different types of breast pumps. This is why I'll share instructions on how to use both manual and electric breast pumps.

3. How Do You Use a Breast Pump - Both Manual and Electric?

How to Use a Manual Breast Pump

Compared to an electric breast pump, a manual breast pump requires more work and expertise to operate

• Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Your hygiene is always the top priority.
• Step 2: Massage both breasts gently in a pumping motion by squeezing and pulling your breasts outwards. This step helps prepare your body for milk letdown.
• Step 3: After stimulating your breasts, place your nipple inside the flange of your pump. Make sure you're positioned comfortably.
• Step 4: Start pumping each breast softly, just as if your baby is sucking. Begin with gentle pressure and find your rhythm.
• Step 5: Repeat both step 3 and step 4 for each breast to allow your milk to flow naturally.
• Step 6: End your pumping session by hand expressing. You'll be surprised how much extra milk you can collect this way!

How to Use Your Electric Breast Pump

Breastfeeding with an electric breast pump

• Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Hygiene remains your priority with electric pumps too.
• Step 2: Assemble all parts of your breast pump: breast shield, milk container, and any tubing. Read your manual carefully to assemble it correctly - each model has specific requirements.
• Step 3: Place your breast shield over your breasts. Make sure it centers on your nipple and press gently to create a good seal.
• Step 4: In the beginning, choose the lowest pumping level to stimulate your breasts. You can increase the intensity gradually if you don't feel any pain or discomfort.
• Step 5: Remember to clean your breast shield and all parts afterward in the proper way to prevent bacterial development.

As you can see, a manual breast pump requires more effort and skill to manage compared to the electric pump.

Below are some of my manual breast pumping tips for you if buying an electric pump is beyond your current budget.

Essential Breast Pumping Tips for Your Success

Stay relaxed while pumping

Stress can slow down your milk production, so you should stay relaxed and start your pumping session by massaging both breasts. Try turning on your favorite music or looking at your cute baby's photo to help trigger your letdown reflex.

Plan your pumping sessions wisely

As I mentioned earlier, your breast milk production works on a supply and demand basis. This means the more you pump, the more milk your breasts will produce. When you return to work, try to schedule a pumping session every two hours to keep up your supply.

Don't stop breastfeeding your baby directly

Although you're using a breast pump to store milk for your baby, please continue to breastfeed your loved one whenever you have time. Direct nursing provides the strongest stimulation for your breasts to produce more milk.

Drink as many fluids as you can

Water, fresh fruit juice and milk are highly recommended to keep you properly hydrated. You should avoid certain beverages such as:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Alcohol

If you do drink these occasionally, don't breastfeed or pump for two hours afterward.

No smoking - ever

Smoking leads to many negative effects on your health, and it becomes more serious when you're breastfeeding. Smoking can change your milk's taste and make it difficult for your baby to sleep. More importantly, smoking increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and respiratory illnesses in your baby.

Follow a daily healthy diet

Your healthy diet becomes crucial during your breastfeeding period. Remember to follow a nutritious daily diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. This way, you ensure your breast milk contains enough nutrients for your baby's healthy development.

Next, do you agree that learning how to use pumping equipment correctly is important, but choosing the right breast pump to support your breastfeeding goals is equally essential?

No matter how long or how often you pump your breasts, every drop of your milk counts! For this reason, I did extensive research online and recommend Medela breast pumps.

4. Why Should You Choose a Medela Breast Pump?

Medela stands as the top-recommended breast pump brand in the United States. This company offers many models designed to suit different needs and lifestyles of modern moms like you.

All Medela products are designed to provide comfort and convenience, helping you optimize your pumping experience.

Two of their well-known technologies are Overflow Protection and 2-Phase Expression. You'll feel relaxed when using your Medela breast pump because it operates by imitating nature as closely as possible. All of these technologies exist thanks to the company's continuous investment in science and research partnerships regarding women's breast anatomy and lactation.

Sarah's experience: "My Medela pump felt so much more natural than my previous brand. The 2-Phase Expression really made a difference in my comfort level."

Last but not least, always remember to take care of your breast pump after each use if you don't want your baby to develop an infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies who are premature become more prone to infection. This is why in the final part of this guide, I'll give you instructions about cleaning breast pumps properly.

5. How to Clean Your Breast Pump the Right Way

It's essential to clean a breast pump after each use

These instructions follow the latest CDC guidelines to keep your baby safe:

• Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything.
• Step 2: Use an appropriate disinfectant to clean the outside of your breast pump.
• Step 3: After every single use, rinse all parts of your breast pump under running water. Please don't just dump all of them in your sink!
• Step 4: Start cleaning your pump parts as soon as possible with hot, soapy water. Use a separate brush dedicated only to cleaning these parts.
• Step 5: Thoroughly rinse each part with fresh water, and don't put them back in the basin of soapy water after rinsing.
• Step 6: Place a clean dish towel on your table and put these parts on it to air dry. Please don't rub them with a towel to prevent germs from spreading.
• Step 7: Clean your basin and cleaning brush, then let them air dry completely.
• Step 8: Store your breast pump parts in a clean, dry and well-ventilated area only after they're completely dry.

Important note: You should stay updated about all new guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lastly, please feel free to ask for support from your partner. You don't have to do this alone!

Your Pumping Success Starts Now

The five questions above cover all the essential breast pumping tips you need. Breastfeeding requires your commitment, but the results prove worth every effort. If you're worried about not having enough time for yourself while breastfeeding, your breast pump will become your trusted "companion" in this journey.

Once again, this comprehensive guide about how to use a breast pump reflects real experience from moms like you. It may not cover every detail, but I hope it provides you with solid basic knowledge about breastfeeding success. I'm confident that your baby's heart-melting smile will give you the strongest motivation to continue your breastfeeding journey.

What's your biggest concern about breast pumping? Remember - every expert mom was once where you are now. You've got this!