Benefits of using a Breastpump

When Shippy Sharma, mother to two and half year-old Daksh went shopping for her newborn,she frequently came across breast pumps. Shippy says, “I always thought expressing milk and using a breastpump was for women who intended to get back to work.” However, using a breast pump proved to be a huge plus for Shippy.

For various reasons, some mothers may be unable to directly breastfeed their babies, whether sometimes or at all, and a breast pump comes as a boon.

What Is A BreastPump?

A breastpump extracts milk from the breast, through the nipple, by stimulating milk production. The milk is collected in a container through a funnel which is placed on the breast around the nipple. Breastpumps have been used by women throughout the world since the end of the 1800s. There are many types and brands in the market, and mothers can choose between an electric or a manual pump.

Why Would I Need To Use a BreastPump?

A breastpump helps you give your child breast milk even if you are unable to feed directly at any time. Here are some common reasons for using a breast pump-

• Helps with lactation: Pumping breast milk will help you increase your milk supply (alongside your normal breastfeeding)
• Feeding in your absence:if you work outside the house and need someone else to feed your baby during the day
• Break time:to allow for a partner or family member to feed the baby when you get some restand a much needed break
• Medical conditions: if you are unable to feed directly either if your baby is premature, or due to a breast surgery, or a health issue

Which BreastPump Is Best For Me?

There is a pump to meet every mother’s needs. Here are the factors you need to consider before you choose a breast pump-

• Ask yourself how often will I need to express?
• Is the pump to support your return to work or just for the odd separation whilst you go out for some errands?

For occasional use then a manual or single pump is probably sufficient. However, if it is for regular use, and if you pump more than once a day, an electric pump may be more useful, possibly even with the ability to pump both breasts at the same time - double pumping.

No matter which breastpump you chose - it should not be painful. If you do feel pain or discomfort, you might need to change the breast shields on your breast pump. If this doesn’t help, consult your gynecologist or lactation consultant.

Why Am I Finding It Hard To Pump When My Baby Is Not Near Me?

You may find it takes a little longer to encourage the ‘let down’ of milk if you are not with your baby when you use the pump. To help with this, have a picture of your baby or an item of clothing that he has worn. This will trigger the milk ejection reflex, and aid the flow of milk. When separated from your baby, try to express at about the same time you would normally feed your baby as this will be the most productive time for you.

Tips For Expressing Breast Milk Using A Pump

As with any new equipment, a breast pump takes some getting used to. Here are some tips to help you when you get started-

• Make yourself comfortable, and keep your back straight
• Make sure your nipple is at the center of the funnel, and support your breast to aid this
• It usually takes a couple of minutes for the milk to flow properly, so don’t panic
• When the flow slows down on the first breast, switch to the other breast. When the flow slows on the second one, switch back to the first. You can stop when the flow slows down for the second time
• When you’re pumping only on one side, seal the other side if it’s a double pump. This helps maintain its suction efficiency
• Make sure you wash the pump with warm soapy water, rinse and dry after each use

Tips On Storing And Using Expressed Milk

Fresh breastmilk is best. This is breastmilk that has been expressed within four hours. If you need to store breastmilk, keep these tips in mind.

1. Refrigerate:If the milk is not to be used immediately then storing your milk in the refrigerator is recommended. Breastmilk can be stored at the back of a refrigerator up to 4-6 hours.Freezing is not recommended as it destroys some antibodies that help your baby fight infections
2. Proper storage:Make sure you seal the bottles in which you store the breast milk, properly
3. Don’t mix: Breast milk batches that you pump at different times must not be mixed, because a mixed batch is only as fresh as the oldest sample that went in

Breast milk, apart from providing all the key nutrients that your baby needs, has antibodies that help him fight off infections. So don’t let a setback with breastfeeding affect you – using a breast pump and giving your child breast milk is extremely beneficial for him.

Did you use a breast pump to express milk? Share your experiences and pain points with us in the comments section!