Breast milk remains to be the best source of nutrition for babies. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that mamas commit to breastfeeding their little ones, no matter the odds.
Those who chose the breastfeeding path know too well that it is not as simple as plug and chug. The challenges that come with it can make any mama quit: discomforts, sleep deprivation, insufficient supply, breast engorgement, mastitis, and even the need to return to the office.
But going back to work after your maternity leave shouldn’t be a reason for you to give up on breastfeeding, mama. If you still don’t know, there is an alternative option that doesn’t include formula milk: pumping breast milk.
Why consider breast pumping?
Breast pumping can even help you increase your milk supply. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Pumping as often as your baby normally drinks breast milk should help your body make about the amount of milk your baby needs. This amount may differ from baby to baby and can change as babies grow.”
Breast pumping is also done by mamas who have little ones in the neonatal intensive care unit or whose baby has cleft palate, those who find direct latching to be a stressful and painful experience, those who have to be separated from their child because of hospitalization and medication, and those who would like to donate breast milk to babies who need it.
So when should you start pumping milk and how often?
In general, a mama can begin pumping between 4 to 6 weeks after birth as this is enough time to regulate your milk supply. Pumping in the morning is more recommended as well as pumping from both breasts.
If you are to go back to work soon or need to be away from your baby, you should start building your milk stash a few weeks beforehand. It allows you to practice pumping milk and give your child time to adjust to feeding from a cup or bottle.
What should you use?
A breast pump becomes your best buddy in providing your little one breast milk without a direct latch. When choosing a breast pump, consider your needs but make sure you feel comfortable when using it and that it’s easy to use, durable, and portable. It also helps if it has adjustable suction and cycle of frequency and that you can also adjust the breast flange.
Breast pumps include a cone-shaped breast shield that fits over the nipple, a pump that creates a vacuum to express the breast milk, and a detachable container that collects the breast milk as it is pumped.
Breast pumps are either manual or electric. Manual breast pumps are usually cheaper than the electric ones. Because they don’t need a power source, you can use them anywhere, anytime. Mamas who need to remove clogged ducts will find manual breast pumps to be very useful as you can control the pumping and pace yourself. Electric breast pumps, on the other hand, have stronger suction so they are preferred by mamas who need to pump more milk in a limited amount of time.
Breast pumps also come in single and double pumps. What you choose will ultimately depend on your needs. Start shopping for breast pumps here!
How to safely store and handle breast milk?
First, you’ll need a good breast milk storage container or bag to ensure there will be no instances for you to cry over spilled milk (literally and figuratively). Store 100 to 120 ml of breast milk per container.
Next, make sure you understand the shelf life of breast milk:
When in room temperature: 4-6 hours
When refrigerated: 4-8 days
When put in the freezer: 12 months
When thawed: Use within 24 hours
How do you clean your breast pump?
Contamination can happen if you don’t keep your breast pump clean. You don’t want any disease-causing bacteria to be passed on to your child.
The US Food & Drug Administration recommends that mamas clean and disinfect between uses. Do the following: rinse each part or piece that comes in contact with breast milk in cool water as soon as you’re done pumping; wash parts separately using liquid dishwashing soap and plenty of warm water; rinse parts thoroughly with hot water for 10 to 15 seconds; and air-dry them on a clean paper towel or in a clean drying rack.
When in doubt, always consult your doctor or a lactation consultant to help educate you on how you can use breast pumping to continue giving your child the best nutrition.
