Just as with nursing, pumping breast milk takes some getting used to—especially if you’re hooking up to a machine at work (and within earshot of coworkers). And even once you get the hang of pumping breast milk, it’s normal to have questions or concerns—about timing, milk supply, breast pump equipment or getting your baby used to the bottle.
The good news? Once you conquer these pumping bumps and get into the groove, the whole experience can be surprisingly satisfying: After all, you’re providing your baby with the perfect food even when you’re not around to nurse her. Here are some fast fixes for common pumping predicaments, which should help you keep your supply up and your frustration level down.
If you’re not getting much milk
Every pumping mom knows that there’s nothing more frustrating than a pumping session that yields less breast milk than you hoped or wanted. This troubleshooting checklist can help you make sure you’re maximizing the amount of breast milk pumped at every session.
Are you pumping often enough? Remember the rules of breastfeeding supply and demand: The more demand there is (in the form of pumping and nursing), the more supply (in the form of breast milk) there will be. If you’re pumping exclusively or if you’re at work during the day, make sure you’re pumping often enough: a minimum of every 3 to 4 hours and more often if baby is still in the newborn stage.
Are you pumping again too soon? It could be that you’re pumping too soon after a feeding or a pumping session and your milk supply hasn’t yet had a chance to replenish. Try to wait to pump until at least an hour after your last feeding or pumping session.
Are you nursing between pumping sessions? When you’re with your baby, be sure to nurse often to build up your supply for better pumping sessions. If you’re pumping between nursing sessions, be sure to pump at least an hour before nursing time to make sure that baby will get what she needs at the breast.
Are you pumping for long enough? You’ll need a good 15 to 20 minutes hooked up the pump to net a good amount of breast milk, and some women will need 30 minutes with the pump, especially in the early days.
Are you using the right breast pump: The type of pump you’re using can definitely be a factor. Often the most efficient way to score a lot of breast milk at a pumping session is by using a double electric pump (pumping both breasts at the same time ramps up letdown)— so if you aren’t using one, try one out to see if it makes a difference in your milk output.
Are you hydrated? Finally, remember to drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated beverages. If you’re dehydrated, your milk supply can dwindle.
If you have to miss sessions
As helpful as it is to have a regular routine of pumping every 3 to 4 hours (15 to 20 minutes each time, until your breasts are empty), it’s inevitable that you’ll miss a session here and there—you are human after all, and you can’t always predict your workday. A few tips for making sure your schedule makes space for your pumping sessions:
Treat pumping sessions like important appointments. Block out times on your calendar so coworkers know not to schedule meetings then.
Don’t be afraid to ask to reschedule. While there will be instances when meetings occur at inconvenient times or a travel delay makes it impossible to find a place to pump, most employers are legally obligated to offer you time and space to pump, so if you’re not getting that, talk to your boss.
A short session is better than not pumping at all. If you’re too jammed to squeeze in a full pumping session, don’t skip it altogether. Even 5 minutes with the pump can help keep your supply up. Just try to avoid too many days like that in a row — your milk supply will begin to dwindle.
If you have problems with letdown
When you bring your little one to the breast, the sight, sound and smell of your baby causes the release of oxytocin (the love hormone), which in turn triggers your letdown response. Your pump doesn’t have quite the same magical effect, especially when texts and email messages keep popping up on your phone or the folding chair in the pumping room hurts your back.
To get things flowing, take steps to relax first (because going from crisis at work to maternal bliss in 10 seconds flat isn’t realistic for even the super-est of super-mommies). Try a quick relaxing meditation, listen to soothing music, take a few deep cleansing breaths or stretch your weary neck and back.
It will also help if you carry a few items in your work bag that remind you of your cutie: photos, an unwashed shirt that smells like her, a recording of her coos or cries. Use your imagination too: Close your eyes and picture yourself holding your baby, smelling her head and patting her back.
And of course, be sure you make yourself as comfortable as possible. Bring a pillow from home if the chair isn’t comfy.
All these steps should help turn on the breast milk tap. After a while, the pump’s whirring sound when you turn it on should be enough to trigger letdown.
Source: This is part of an article which was first published on what to expect website.
For the full version go to: https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/photo-gallery/tips-for-pumping-breast-milk.aspx
