Once your milk has “come in” you may find it easier to use a breast pump, either manual or electric. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding use, cleaning and sterilization.
How to use a hand pump
- Stimulate the nipple by hand and start the flow by hand expressing.
- Place the pump shield centrally over your nipple and press it firmly into your breast.
- Use the pump gently but quickly at first - this helps with the let down reflex and mimics what your baby does when they first start a breastfeed.
- Once the milk is flowing use a slower speed but stronger suction.
- There should be no pain or discomfort.
How to use an electric pump
Double pumps are recommended for longer term expressing. It has the benefit of being time efficient and also helps with your milk supply. For mothers of twins or other multiples it is also recommended.- Stimulate the nipple by hand and start the flow by hand expressing.
- Place the pump shield centrally over your nipple and press it firmly into your breast.
- Use at high speed but low suction at first (some pumps have a speed setting).
- Once the milk is flowing, slow the speed back to medium and increase the suction to a comfortable level for you but helps the milk flow well.
- Your nipple should move freely in the pump shield, with little of none of your areola being pulled into the pump shield.
- If you are unsure about the breast fit, seek advice from a breastfeeding specialist.
- There should be no pain or discomfort.
- Double pumping (expressing both breasts at once) will decrease the time needed to express.
- Expressing with a double electric pump kit
Follow steps 1-5 for the single pump.
- When you are ready then place the 2nd pump shield your other nipple.
- Express for 10-15 mins total or until the flow is reduced to drops.
- Some mothers find that expressing both breasts by hand for a minute or so after the pump helps to get a few extra mls and help maintain their milk supply.
- At any time you can use the pump as a single pump if you prefer.
Purchasing a breast pump
There are various things you should consider before purchasing a breast pump, such as:
- if feeding is going well you may not need to purchase a pump
- hand or manual pumps are intended for occasional use 2-3 times a day
- some hand pumps are able to be used with electric breast pumps
- electric pumps are for more frequent use e.g. more than 3 times a day or for a long period of time
- if you have a premature baby it is best to use an electric breast pump.
- The choice of pump for you is determined by how often you will use it. It is best to seek expert breastfeeding advice before hiring or purchasing any pump equipment.
- Pumps are available for hire and purchase from:
- Australian Breastfeeding Association
- Some pharmacies
Cleaning the breast pump equipment
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Dismantle all pieces of the breast pump kit after use
- Rinse with cold water all parts that come in contact with breast milk
- Wash in warm water and dishwashing detergent
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water
- Allow to air dry while draining on clean paper towel before storing in a clean closed container or plastic bag
- It is recommended that the equipment is disinfected daily especially if your baby is in a Special Newborn Care Nursery.
- The equipment can be disinfected daily by using a process such as boiling (see below), Milton solution (follow manufacturers directions) or a home steam steriliser (follow manufacturers directions).
Boiling method of disinfection
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Thoroughly clean all parts as above
- Completely immerse all parts of the breast pump kit in water, bring to the boil and continue to boil rapidly (completely submerged) for five minutes uninterrupted
- Remove the items without touching the inside of the containers. Long handled tongs, which have been disinfected along with the breast pump kit, may be useful
- Allow to air dry while draining on clean paper towel before storing in a clean closed container or plastic bag.
There are a number of safe ways to sterilise your baby's bottles.
- Steam: Electric steamers sterilise bottles in 8-12 minutes. They leave no unpleasant smell or taste, but are not suitable for all equipment (breast-pumps, for example). Make sure the openings of the bottles and teats are facing downwards in the steriliser. Follow manufacturers'instructions carefully.
- Microwave: You can now buy bottles that you simply place in the microwave and heat for 90 seconds, so these will be easiest to use if you have a microwave. Or you can buy a steriliser that fits in your microwave. Be sure to follow the manufacturers'instructions carefully.
- Boiling: You obviously need to be very careful when boiling bottles, and you should always check first that your equipment can actually be boiled. Keep in mind too that teats wear out more quickly if boiled. To sterilise this way, completely submerge all feeding equipment in a pan of boiling water for five minutes. Use metal tongs to lift the equipment out of the pan and put them on a clean surface to air dry.
- Cold water: Using an approved sterilisation tablet takes around 30 minutes and is highly effective; it can touch the skin and even be swallowed with no ill-effects. However, be sure to prepare the sterilising solution according to the manufacturer's instruction. You can use a specially designed sterilisation unit or container; just make sure the bottles and teats are fully submerged. The bottles will then stay sterilised in the water for up to 24 hours.
- Be sure to use a sterilised bottle, cap and teat for every feed
- Before sterilising, wash bottles, rings and teats thoroughly with hot soapy water and a brush to clean away any remaining milk deposits
- Once sterilised, any equipment not used straight away should be left in the solution until they are required
Your Baby's First Year: Week by Week
You might also like
More Baby Care Topics
Hepatitis B Vaccine
MMR Vaccine
BCG Vaccine
Polio Vaccine
HIB Vaccine
Typhoid Vaccine
Rota Virus Vaccine
Baby Care: Useful TipsMMR Vaccine
BCG Vaccine
Polio Vaccine
HIB Vaccine
Typhoid Vaccine
Rota Virus Vaccine
Ideal weight gain in a New Born Baby
How much sleep does your baby need?
Breast Feeding Techniques
Well Breast Feeding Signs
Bottle Feeding Advantages
How do I store my Breast Milk?
Which day care center is more comfort?
0 comments:
Post a Comment