USING A BREAST PUMP purchasing one, as many cover the cost of the • Get into a “pumping routine” by always • Wash your hands before touching your Several different types of breast pumps pump. Additionally, you can include the cost pumping in the same location(s) and breasts, any of the breast-pump parts, or are available: of breast pumps and supplies that assist keeping a picture of your baby, one of their your expressed milk lactation as medical expenses in your toys, or a blanket to look at while • Transfer your expressed milk into a clean Hospital-grade pumps produce the tax return. you pump glass or rigid plastic, food-safe container or closest imitation of both the pressure and Small handheld battery or electric • Try putting warm compresses on heavy-duty breast milk bag for storage rhythm of a baby’s sucking action. They are pumps are used to collect milk from one side your breasts for a few minutes • Label the container with the date and time the most appropriate choice when before expressing the milk is collected so you can be sure to breastfeeding is going to be delayed for a at a time. They vary in type and quality, from • Massaging, stroking, and gently shaking use the oldest milk first. You may also want considerable amount of time (as with a good to ineffective. Before purchasing one, your breast can help your milk to let down to mark the amount of milk you collect premature baby) and the most convenient if talk to someone who has used a handheld before and between episodes of expressing. • Put the container into a cooler or the you will be away from your baby for long pump successfully or ask a certified lactation There are several different techniques for refrigerator immediately (see specific storage periods on a regular basis (as when returning consultant for advice on which type to breast massage; and handling guidelines in the chart on page 40) to work or school). choose. This kind of pump is probably most here’s one: • Wash all the pump parts that come into appropriate for a limited amount of pumping, contact with your breast milk in hot, soapy A double-pump setup permits pumping as when you collect milk for an occasional – After washing your hands, place your water after each use; rinse well in hot water. both breasts at once. The advantages are separation from your baby. With practice, fingers on an area of your breast, starting Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions that it takes half the time to pump and can expressing your milk should take no longer back by the chest wall. Pressing firmly on about putting pump parts into the increase the level of prolactin, the hormone than about 30 minutes. Follow the your chest, move your fingers around in dishwasher. Milk storage containers should that tells your body to make milk. With a manufacturer’s instructions for the pump. small circles After a few seconds, move be washed the same way if they are to be double pump, it usually takes 10–15 minutes your fingers to the next area and reused to express your milk. If you do one side at a WHAT IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS? massage. Do this all over your breast, • Freshly expressed milk contains time, it will take 10–15 minutes per side. If you have difficulty expressing your milk, moving little by little down toward the antibacterial factors that enable it to be don’t panic. This does not necessarily mean nipple. Repeat for the other breast kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours. These pumps are expensive to purchase, your milk supply is low. Some of the following – Next, do a light stroking all around the But to be on the safe side, place your milk in but they are available for rent on a weekly, tips may help you. breast from the base toward the nipple. a cooler or refrigerator as soon as possible monthly, or longer basis. They usually can Repeat for the other breast be rented from hospitals or medical supply • Relax. For about 5 minutes before – Then lean over and, with your back companies. If your baby is sick or premature, beginning to express, sit or lie in a parallel to the floor, shake your breasts check with your lactation consultant or a comfortable, quiet place and close your gently back and forth for a few seconds nurse from your hospital. Be sure to follow the eyes. Take several slow, deep breaths for the manufacturer’s instructions for use and first few minutes. When you feel yourself STORING AND HANDLING YOUR cleaning. relaxing, picture in your mind either your BREAST MILK baby breastfeeding well at your breast or Following are the basic procedures for If you and your baby don’t require a hospital your milk flowing freely from your breasts storing and handling your milk. If your baby grade pump you may still wish to have a as you express is premature or in a special-care nursery, double electric breast pump for when you check with your health care professional, as return back to work or school. Check with the recommendations may be different. your insurance company first before 38 39