Breastfeeding is nature’s gift to every parent and their child. But not everyone has the capacity and opportunity to directly feed their babies. Thankfully, with the combination of technology, science, and old-age wisdom, mothers may succeed in producing more liquid gold. Here are some tips for pumping mamas.
1.) Hugs help a lot
Under the Department of Health (DOH) childbirth protocol, mom and baby must have “Unang Yakap,” which includes breastfeeding immediately after birth.
“Skin to skin contact also keeps the newborn warm and prevents very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and bacterial infection (sepsis). Healthy skin bacteria from the mother are also transferred onto the newborn’s skin which serves as their skin’s first line of defense against infection. It also improves breastfeeding initiation,” the National Nutrition Council added.
But when latching is not possible (especially when the baby needs to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit), skin-to-skin between child and mother, whenever possible, will help increase breast milk flow.
2.) Avoid factors that hinder oxytocin reflex
DOH says “frequent suckling of the baby to her mother’s breast stimulates oxytocin (love hormone) for milk ejection.” But when the baby is unable to latch, the mother should find ways to stimulate the said hormone and induce milk flow by thinking happy thoughts, avoiding stress and worries.
“It is important that a breastfeeding mother is relaxed and confident that she can feed her baby optimally,” DOH adds.
Pump milk in a corner while listening to relaxing music or while savoring the warmth of a delicious lactating tea. The US Department of Health and Human Services also advised nursing women to do the following:
Think about the things you love about your baby. Bring a photo or a blanket or item of clothing that has your baby's scent on it.
“Imagine” milk flowing down
3.) Be consistent with pumping time
Routine pumping will help the body recognize there is consistent demand for milk. Every two hours of pumping would be ideal – and stop looking at your output. You will get stressed looking at the drops. Just relax and feel your milk flow.
If you are a working mom, take advantage of the law. Under Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, every breastfeeding employee can avail of additional breaks to breastfeed or express milk.
“These intervals, which shall include the time it takes an employee to get to and from the workplace lactation station, shall be counted as compensable hours worked. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) may adjust the same: Provided, That such intervals shall not be less than a total of forty (40) minutes for every eight (8)-hour working period,” the law states.
On some days you feel production is low, go for power pumping - or pumping at shorter intervals. Do this by pumping milk for 20 minutes, then resting for 10 mins, then pump anew for 10 mins, followed by another 10-minute rest, and another 10-minute pump session. This mimics your baby’s growth spurt period, where your little one latches more and hence the body produces more milk.
4.) Don’t forget to hydrate and eat more
You’re making liquid gold so you must raise your liquid consumption. Breastfeeding advocacy group KellyMom said nursing moms need at least 3.1 liters of water or 13 cups a day. Eat more soup-based food for lunch and dinner to increase liquid intake.
Always have water nearby so you can easily drink. Enjoy cold or warm water with a high-capacity stainless tumbler.
5.) Invest in a quality breast pump
Hand express is good but can be tedious especially when you are at work or you are running a household. But here comes technology! There are many pumps available in the market, catering to varied needs of homemakers. Here are some options:
Milk catcher: Haakaa is a game changer. Catch all your letdown and do not let any drop go to waste. It’s easy to use and clean. No wonder it’s a 5-star here on Edamama.
Manual: When you want wireless and easy pumping, go for Vcool silicone manual pump. Moms say it has good suction too!
Electric: Working moms love Spectra 9+! It’s rechargeable, easy to use, and does the job better than other pumps. Its strong suction helps induce letdowns faster, sans the loud pumping noise.
Hands-free: Go discreet and pump anywhere with Imani i2. This electric pump has no wires – it’s light and small enough to be under your bra!
6.) Try galactogogues
The Philippines is lucky to have Malunggay nearly in every barangay. Boil the vegetables to make tea, add it to your favorite tinola dish, or dry it and convert it to powder so it can become food seasoning.
Grandmothers swear by it, and this is backed by science too. In a 2013 report by the Philippines Journal of Pediatrics, it found that Moringa “produces an increase in breast milk volume compared to placebo.”
“A second study evaluating the use of moringa to increase volume of breast milk among mothers of preterm infants, had similar results. There have been no known reported side effects of consuming moringa whilst breastfeeding and most women report only benefits - increased breast milk supply, energy and a stronger immune system,” added the National Nutrition Council.
Happy pumping, momma. Properly store your milk with food-safe and durable storage bags. You got this!
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