Correct Pumping Method & Choosing a Breastpump

Expressing breastmilk is a learned skill so give yourself enough time and patience to master that skill. Do not feel disappointed if you will gain only little or no milk when you use the breastpump for the first time. Consider your first pumping sessions as practice sessions.

What kind of breastpumps to choose? Well, there are certainly many to choose from in the market nowadays. Neverthless, choose a breastpump that:

1. Suits your need.

    -If you are a working mother on the go, choose a breastpump which has double pumping function (cuts pumping time in half), handsfree (with a pumping bustier), and has options of electrical and battery use (easy during travelling).

     -If you spend most of the time direct feeding your baby and close to the baby, you can also opt for other simpler function pumps.

2. Affordable

    -Choose a pump which suits your budget and invest in one that can last for a reasonable period of time.

3. Portable

    -A breastpump should be portable to ensure you can carry it along with you wherever, whenever. Should be your BFF from now on :-)

4. Efficient suction & comfortable.

   -Try to find a breastpump which mimics your baby's suction to maintain your milk supply. A breastpump with a comfortable yet efficient suction level might help prevent nipple injuries.

You might want to try this. *wink* *wink*

Available at www.evelove.com.my

How to use a Breastpump??

·         Before using a breastpump for the first time, read and follow the instruction for use.

·         Whether you hand express or use a breastpump, wash your hands before you start expressing your milk.

·         Find a comfortable place to express your milk.

·         Select a breastshield that fits your breast. The breastshield should closely surround your nipple but leave enough space so that your nipple is not rubbing against the wall of the shield and can move freely back and forth. Your nipple should be at the centre of the breastshield.

·         Pump at a level which is sufficient to express milk but not painful or uncomfortable.

·         Massage your breasts before and occasionally during pumping to encourage your let-down and milk flow.

·         Double pumping does cut your pumping time in half and your prolactin levels are higher when you use a double pump, so you may produce more milk in less time. When you pump one breast at the time, switch from one side to the other several times.

·         Pump at consistent intervals (try not to go more than 4 hours) for at least 20 minutes each breast to maintain a good supply.