Pumping Tips

Choosing the Right Pump: Different Pumps Fit Different Needs

IF...

Baby is not feeding directly from the breast

Baby gets more than half of his milk from a bottle

You have a sensitive milk supply that drops easily

You are trying to increase your supply

You are depending on the pump before baby is six weeks old

THEN...

You will need a rental pump from here for as little as $3.50/day:

Medela Symphony
Ameda Platinum

IF...

Your baby is more than six weeks old before you start bottle-feeding frequently

You have no milk supply problems

Baby is getting at least half of his milk directly from the breast (if baby is not getting at least half of his milk from the breast, switch to hospital grade pump to protect supply)

THEN...

Any pumps listed above will work well, OR a “Personal Use Pump,” such as:

Medela Pump In Style Advanced
Ameda Purely Yours
Spectra S1 or S2

IF...

You need an occasional bottle (fewer than six per week)

You are not worried about your supply

You have lots of time to pump

THEN...

Any pumps listed above, OR:

Medela Swing
Medela Harmony
Lansinoh

Tips for making more milk:

Rule #1: The better you empty your breasts, the more milk you make.

Rule #2: The more often you empty your breasts, the more milk you make.

No herb or even medication will help increase supply if either of these rules are ignored, so don't waste your precious $$.

More tips…

Nurse your baby as often as possible when together – your baby is usually the best pump in the world, hands-down.
Make sure you are using the right pump for the job, so your breasts are sufficiently emptied each time (see Rule #1).
More than half of nursing mothers need a different size flange than what came with the original kit. NINE different flange sizes are available and can be used on most pumps, to customize fit to each nipple (note: flange size is not dependent on breast or areola size).
If the pump hurts, you will get less milk! Choose a quality pump from the list above; adjust suction to comfort (see below); and gentlypress the flanges against the breast just enough to maintain a seal; do not press into the breasts.
Make sure you pump every time baby would get a bottle, about every 2-3 hours. Don’t forget to add in commute time.
Studies have shown that even brief (< 10 seconds) massage before and during pumping improves milk output.
Most moms’ milk starts to flow well with fast, light suction; then turn up suction to comfort when milk is flowing.
Start on the lowest suction until you see milk coming out, then s-l-o-w-l-y increase suction, click by click, until it feels “a little pinchy,” then go back down one click; this is the maximum suction for this pumping session. Studies show that more suction does not mean more milk. The “Max” suction setting on your pump is just an option, not a goal.
Take a video of your baby to enjoy while you pump. Otherwise, do something to get your mind off of the pumping, like read, watch TV, talk on the phone, eat, or use your computer. Tense = no milk.
Start building a “milk pantry” in your freezer about four weeks before you return to work by pumping a few times before lunch. Use this milk like a line of credit at the bank: as you take some out, be sure to replace it ASAP.
Plan ahead for growth spurts: 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months. Mark your calendar to avoid surprises.
Check out the internet for other support resources, including discussion groups exclusively for moms who are combining working and breastfeeding/pumping.
Call an IBCLC (like me!) for help if your milk supply unexpectedly drops. Don’t give up without a good fight!
Give yourself a huge pat on the back for continuing to provide your precious milk to your lucky baby while you are apart.