Whether you have a preemie or you need to work elsewhere, or whatever reason your baby can’t latch, being an exclusively pumping mama does not make you less of a milk mama.
Yes there may be latching benefits you could miss on (like baby twiddling your nipples to increase supply), but you are still a great mama for making time to ensure that your baby is nourished with liquid gold. Here are ways to make pumping more efficient, mama.
1.) Set a routine
Pumping milk is like feeding on demand. Teach your body there is a continued demand for milk so it produces more. Plan your pumping routing around your travels to the office, your meetings, and other activities. The best would be to pump every 2-3 hours, in a relaxed environment like lactation rooms, and immediately put your pumped milk in breast milk bags for storage in cooler bags with reliable ice packs, or inside refrigerators.
If your at least 100-day maternity leave is over, you can continue the breastfeeding journey by pumping round the clock. Mothers on an 8-hour shift are entitled to a 40-minute lactation break on top of their lunch break, according to Republic Act 10028.
2.) Some lactation aids really help
Mamas swear by the power of malunggay! Along with lots of water to keep you hydrated, this super vegetable helps improve milk production and milk flow. Drink up, add its powdered form in your soup or drinks, or take FDA-approved capsule forms. It also has lots of Vitamin C, which will help boost your immune system to help you get through sleepless nights.
Malunggay comes in many forms these days– juice, powder, cookies, or capsule. Go get some, mama!
3.) Invest in a good pump
There are many things to consider when searching for your breastfeeding gadget. The frequency of your pumping sessions, whether you’ll need electricity or not, or are you on the move or just at home. These are just some of the many available options.
Spectra 9s Double Electric Breast Pump - Though relatively cheaper than its market competitors, Spectra pump doesn’t disappoint. Lightweight and easy to bring along, this helps any working mama keep up with the every 2-3 hour pumping schedule. It has a very good suction power that helps drain your breast and produce more milk.
Imani i2 Plus wearable Breast Pump - Oh, the wonders of technology! Ditch the tubes and pumping wires and discretely pump milk anytime, anywhere. Just wear it under your bra and let it do all the pumping job.
Pur Manual breast pump - No need for electricity: this old school but useful manual breast pump does the job. It has a silicon liner that won’t bruise your breasts.
4.) Do power pumping
There will be days of dwindling supply. Babies who latch usually do cluster feeding in anticipation of this but when you are exclusively pumping, you can imitate this “increased demand” for your body.
Power pumping means following a pump-rest-pump interval like:
- 20 minutes pump
- 10 minutes rest
- 10 minutes pump again
- 10 rest anew
- 10 pump again
5.) Unclog ducts
Trust that the supply is there. But when your milk ducts are clogged, you have to help your body release that milk.
Hot compress relieves your tired momma muscles and it also unclogs the ducts. This doughnut-shaped Breast Comfort warmer by Little Tots eases the pain of engorged breasts and helps increase milk yield. Put it on your back and your sides for better results.
You may also try the Crane lactation massager, which provides gentle pressure and vibration to your breasts.
6.) Clean your pump regularly
Ensure sterility of your pump parts and milk bottle by using a safe dishwash liquid. Made with baking soda that targets milk film and odor, Nature to Nurture’s baby bottle dish wash also rinses easily, uses less water, saves time—perfect for the busy mama like you.
Providing breastmilk for your baby, even though unlatched, is still a great practice, mama! You are preventing obesity in children, providing good antibodies, and nourishing your child the best way you know how. Chin up and pump on!
