Wiktor Wise
Breast pumps are a helpful tool for parents who want to provide breast milk to their baby when they aren't nearby or want to allow another caregiver to feed their child. Electric breast pumps are particularly useful for expressing more milk in less time. This guide will cover the steps for using an electric breast pump, including preparation, pumping, and milk storage.
How to express breast milk with an electric pump
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Pump as often as your baby would normally nurse. Pumping for longer periods may decrease milk supply. |
| Duration | Pump for 15-20 minutes per breast or 15-20 minutes total if double pumping. |
| Speed and Suction | Keep the pump at a slow speed and low suction to simulate how a baby sucks. |
| Milk Flow | Milk may not come out at first, and this is normal. After a few minutes, you will experience letdown, when milk starts to flow. |
| Breaks | Take a one-minute break halfway through pumping to massage the breast, coming down from the armpit to the nipple. |
| Milk Storage | Store milk in portions your baby normally drinks to minimize waste. Label all containers with your baby's name and the date and time the milk was pumped. |
| Containers | Use glass or hard plastic containers for freezing breast milk. Freezer bags designed for milk storage may also be used. |
| Container Cleaning | Wash containers in hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry before use. |
| Milk Separation | Milk will separate during storage, with cream on top. Gently swirl the milk before serving. |
| Milk Colour | The colour of milk may vary from day to day and change depending on your diet. |
| Milk Freezing | Freeze milk within 6 hours but not more than 3 days after pumping. |
| Milk Transportation | Use an insulated cooler bag with ice to transport or store milk when a refrigerator is not accessible. |
| Breast Shield | Ensure the breast shield fits comfortably and leaves enough space for the nipple to move freely. |
| Relaxation | Listen to relaxing music or look at pictures or videos of your baby to stimulate milk production. |
| Massage | Use gentle breast massage during pumping and hand expression after pumping to maximize milk production. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric pump types and their benefits
Electric breast pumps have become the go-to option for busy mothers. They are more efficient than manual pumps, allowing mothers to express more milk in less time. Electric pumps are also useful when mothers need to be away from their babies for several hours or when their babies cannot breastfeed for a while.
There are several types of electric breast pumps, each with its own benefits:
- Classic electric breast pumps: These pumps have a 2-Phase Expression feature that mimics a baby's natural sucking pattern, helping mothers express more milk in less time. They are ideal for mothers who express milk frequently and for long periods.
- Wearable hands-free electric breast pumps: These pumps are designed to be worn inside the bra, allowing mothers to express milk while carrying out other tasks. They are battery-operated and available in single or double cups.
- Hospital-grade electric breast pumps: These are multi-user pumps designed for use in hospitals and are also available for home rental. They are ideal for long-term and frequent pumping.
Regardless of the type of electric breast pump used, it is important to ensure comfort during pumping. Mothers should avoid setting the pump to a high level in an attempt to obtain milk more quickly, as this can be uncomfortable and unproductive. Instead, they should start with a slow speed and increase it when the milk starts flowing. It is also beneficial to listen to relaxing music or look at pictures or videos of the baby while pumping.
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How to use an electric pump
Using an electric pump is a great way to express breast milk and can be a very empowering experience for new parents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an electric pump:
Firstly, find a quiet place to sit and relax. It is important to be comfortable and stress-free, so you may want to look at a picture or video of your baby or have something that smells like them with you. You can also listen to relaxing music or save a TV show or book to enjoy while you pump. Wash your hands and assemble the breast shield, milk container, tubing, and pump.
Secondly, position the breast shield over your breast. The shield should fit comfortably and not be painful. The tunnel size should be 3 to 4 millimeters larger than your nipple, and your nipple should be centred and sealed. You can lean forward slightly and turn the pump on at a low intensity. The pump should mimic a baby's sucking motion, with short, quick pumps to stimulate the letdown reflex.
Once the milk starts flowing, you can slow down the pumps and adjust the intensity to a comfortable level. You can continue pumping for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the milk stops flowing. It is recommended to pump for the full 15 minutes, even if the milk stops flowing, to stimulate milk production.
Finally, after each use, disassemble the pump and clean all parts that came into contact with the breast milk. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Some additional tips to maximize milk output include using breast massage and hand expression before and after pumping. It is also important to pump frequently, ideally every three to five hours, to maintain your milk supply.
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Milk storage
Once you've expressed your breast milk, it's important to store it safely. Here are some tips for milk storage:
Containers
Store your breast milk in any sterile, airtight container. You can use breast milk storage cups, bottles, or bags designed for this purpose. These often have useful features such as calibrated markings and a writable strip for the date and time of expression. Single-use milk storage bags are usually pre-sterilised, but always check the manufacturer's instructions. If using a breast pump, you may be able to buy compatible milk storage bottles or bags, reducing the risk of contamination. You can also use sterilised hard-sided plastic or glass containers with well-fitting lids, or breast milk storage bags specifically designed for this purpose.
Storage Location
Breast milk should be stored somewhere cool as soon as it's been expressed. Avoid storing it in the fridge or freezer door due to temperature fluctuations. Instead, choose the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually at the back of a shelf above the vegetable compartment. If freezing, place the milk in the middle of the freezer to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent partial thawing.
Temperature
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. The ideal temperature range for the fridge is between 0-4°C, and for the freezer, it should be below -18°C. Use a fridge or freezer thermometer to monitor temperatures. If you intend to freeze the milk, it should be frozen within 24 hours of expression.
Portion Size
It's best to store milk in small portions, especially if you plan on freezing it. This makes it easier to defrost only what you need. Label the containers with the date and time of expression and use the oldest milk first, as long as it's within its use-by limit. Don't refreeze previously frozen milk.
Defrosting
The safest way to defrost frozen breast milk is gradually in the fridge, which can take up to 12 hours. If the milk is still frozen after this time, you can defrost it by placing the container in warm water and using it immediately. Avoid defrosting or heating breast milk in a microwave.
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Increasing milk output
To increase milk output, it is important to pump frequently, mimicking the natural sucking pattern of a baby. Electric pumps with 2-Phase Expression can help achieve this, allowing mothers to express more milk in less time.
It is recommended to pump for 15-20 minutes per breast or a total of 15-20 minutes if double pumping. Pumping should be done as often as a baby would normally nurse, as long periods without pumping may decrease milk supply.
To maximize milk output, it is important to relax and be comfortable during pumping. This can be achieved by creating a calm environment, listening to relaxing music, or looking at pictures or videos of your baby. Ensuring the correct breast flange size is also crucial for comfort and proper milk drainage.
Additionally, massaging the breasts during and after pumping can help increase milk production. Techniques such as gentle breast massage and hand expression after pumping can maximize milk output.
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Cleaning and maintenance
Before Pumping:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean the breast area with a clean cloth to ensure there are no germs or dirt.
- Inspect the pump kit and tubing for any mould or soil. If mould is present, discard and replace the tubing immediately.
- If using a shared pump, clean the pump dials, power switch, and countertop with disinfectant wipes.
After Pumping:
- Disassemble the pump parts that come into contact with breast milk, including flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, and milk collection bottles.
- Rinse these parts under running water to remove any remaining milk residue.
- Clean the pump parts with liquid dishwashing soap and warm water, washing each piece separately. Ensure you thoroughly rinse with hot water for 10-15 seconds.
- Place the cleaned parts on a clean paper towel or drying rack and allow them to air dry. Avoid using cloth towels as they can harbour harmful germs and bacteria.
- If using a wash basin or bottle brush, rinse and allow them to air dry after each use. Wash them thoroughly every few days using a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle or by hand with soap and warm water.
- Sanitise the pump parts at least once daily for extra germ removal. This can be done through steaming, placing them in boiling water, or using a dishwasher with a sanitise setting.
- If your tubing comes into contact with breast milk, rinse it with water and hang it to air dry before reattaching it to the pump. Alternatively, you can use a microwave steriliser, but this does not meet the FDA definition of sterilisation.
- Electrical units should be wiped down with a clean paper towel or soft cloth. Do not immerse them in water or other liquids, and do not use a microwave steriliser.
- Hygienic wipes designed for breast pumps can be used for convenience when you don't have access to soap and water. However, the FDA recommends following up with a thorough cleaning using dishwashing soap and warm water before reuse.
Milk Storage:
- Cap or seal the milk collection container and label it with the date, time, and amount.
- Store the milk in a refrigerator, freezer, or cooler bag with ice packs immediately.
- If freezing, use glass or hard plastic containers, or freezer bags designed for milk storage. Leave room for milk expansion.
- Keep milk from different days separate.
- Do not add warm breast milk to frozen milk. Freeze fresh milk within 6 hours, but not more than 3 days after pumping.
- Use the oldest milk first and thawed milk within 24 hours.
Remember, proper cleaning and maintenance of your electric breast pump are essential to protect your baby's health and ensure a safe and hygienic feeding experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, ensure that the pump, bottle, and all parts are clean and sterile. Wash your hands. Get comfortable and relaxed in a warm, quiet room. Massage your breasts for a few minutes to stimulate milk supply and help with the let-down reflex. You can look at a photo of your baby to help with this. Place the breast shield or funnel over your nipple, and turn the machine on, starting with a slow speed. It may take a few minutes for the milk to start flowing. Once it does, you can increase the speed. Continue until your milk stops flowing, then switch breasts.
Pump for 10-20 minutes or until the flow of milk stops. Pump as often as your baby would normally nurse—going long periods without pumping may decrease your milk supply. Try to mimic your baby's feeding pattern, expressing 8-12 times in 24 hours.
The output in your baby's diaper is the most efficient way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. If your baby is producing enough dirty diapers and gaining weight as they should, you're providing them with the correct amount of milk.
Label all containers with your baby's name and the date and time the milk was pumped. Store milk in portions your baby normally drinks to minimize waste, and in smaller sizes for unexpected delays. Milk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with ice for 24 hours, at the back of the refrigerator for up to 8 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 months.
