Ways to Use a Breast Pump

Breast pumps are devices that assist breastfeeding mothers in expressing milk from their breasts to feed their babies. Understanding what and how to use these devices can be life-changing for working mothers, those facing medical challenges, or mothers looking for some flexibility.

Benefits of using a breast pump

By pumping out breast milk, lactating or nursing mothers are able to store their breast milk for use when they are absent, thus enabling their babies to feed and receive the nutrients and antibodies found in breast milk. For example, some mothers are unable to breastfeed their babies due to either premature birth or if the baby has difficulty latching.

Other than its main function of extracting milk, there are other benefits such as:

Being able to feed your baby breast milk anytime, even when the mother is not present.
Convenient for working mothers, as their babies can still be breastfed when they are working.
A consistent supply of milk is available for the baby.
Helps in relieving engorgement that can occur when mothers are away from their babies for extended periods.
Strengthen familial bonds as partners and caregivers can feed the baby as well.

Breast pump components

There are three components:

Breast shield or flanges: The breast shield is cone-shaped and comes in various sizes; it is designed to cover the nipple. You should choose the size that suits your breast, as a breast shield that is too small will hinder the amount of milk that can effectively be pumped, and this may lead to sore nipples. If it is too big, the areola may get into the funnel and the suction may cause pain and discomfort while pumping.
Pump or pumping tube: Connects the breast shield and collector bottles. The pump creates a suction effect or vacuum that helps milk expression.
Milk container or collector bottles: The expressed milk enters the collector bottles that can be easily detached to help transfer the milk into another storage container.

Types of breast pumps

Type	Function
Manual breast pump	A lightweight and portable breast pump for occasional use. There is a lever that helps stimulate the breast to release milk.
Electric breast pump	An efficient breast pump with adjustable suction speed. Suitable for regular usage. Connected to an electric stimulator.
Battery-powered breast pump	A more convenient version of the electric pump, especially for mothers who are always on the move. Powered by batteries.
Hospital-grade breast pump	Can be rented and is meant for mothers who have medical issues such as difficulties in breastfeeding because of premature births. Has a stronger suction effect to aid in increasing milk production and flow.

Types of Pumping

Single pumping type: The single breast pump extracts milk from a breast at a time, which requires more time especially since this type is commonly associated with manual breast pumps.
Double pumping type: The double breast pump pumps milk from both breasts at a time, which is very efficient and popular among working mothers as it saves time.

Choosing the best breast pump for yourself

There are a few factors that you should consider while purchasing a breast pump. The frequency of using the device is one of them, as every breast pump has been designed for specific needs. It can be occasional, daily, or exclusive pumping instead of direct breastfeeding.

Portability is also a factor when picking out a breast pump for working or traveling mothers. Thus, they may need to consider its weight, size, and power source. As mentioned before, battery-operated pumps are well suited for busy women due to their small size and being portable.

Personal comfort comes into play as some breast pumps may not be suited for your breast, Thus, it may lead to pain or discomfort when expressing milk. It is advised to purchase one that has the option for you to change the breast shield for better comfort.

Lastly, a mother should consider their budget when buying a breast pump to optimise the quality and affordability with the budget they have.

Mastering the breast pump can be beneficial for both mother and baby. Being able to pump and store breast milk effectively helps ensure that their baby will always receive all the nutrition it needs, without being overly dependent on the presence of the mother.

Step	Details
1. Preparing	Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and sterilise all parts of the pump to ensure that no bacteria stay on the pump, as contaminated bottles or pumps may affect your baby’s health. Follow the breast pump assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer. Calm your mind by finding a peaceful place to pump as stress will affect the milk flow.
2. Positioning	Ensure that the breast shield is fitted to your breast, neither too big nor too small. Then place the breast shield on your breast and centre its position around the nipple. If the size is not suited to your liking, you can change it to one that fits you better.
3. Pumping	Do not start the pump at full speed as it can potentially damage your breast tissue due its sudden application of force. This is common in electric pumps. Start with a slow pace then gradually increase its speed over time. To have better stimulation and efficiency in milk flow, it is advised to gently massage your breast. Switch between the breasts every 5 to 10 minutes as using the pump for a long period will cause discomfort.
4. Storing	Store the expressed milk in a clean or sterilised container. It can be either a milk bottle or a breast milk storage bag. Take note that not all storage solutions are reusable. Label the container by date to ensure that the older milk will be drunk first to prevent it from going bad. Seek advice from a lactation consultant for suitable storage suggestions to store breast milk as every storage space can store them for a different period. These storage spaces include a fridge, freezer, and room temperature setting. More information: Proper Breast Milk Handling and Storage Guideline

Cleaning and maintaining a breast pump

Once the desired amount of breast milk has been expressed, please dismantle the breast pump before cleaning it. It is easier to clean the dissembled pump parts thoroughly.

It is recommended to put more effort into cleaning the parts that have more contact with the milk. These following tips may assist you in cleaning your breast pump:

Pour water and soap into a clean basin and soak the separated parts in it.
Clean all pump parts gently and thoroughly based on the instruction manual given by the manufacturer.
Rinse all the parts in clean water to wash off all the soap and dirt from them.
Air dry the pump parts by turning them upside down. Avoid using a towel to dry off as it might contaminate the parts with new germs.

Daily usage: Is it safe?

The short answer is yes, breast pumps can be used daily provided that the proper hygiene practices and provided manufacturer guidelines are followed.

It typically takes about 10 to 25 minutes for a bottle to be filled. For busy mothers, regularly pumping breast milk for their babies is beneficial as it will provide a consistent supply of milk for the babies to feed on even when they are away. However, be aware you should only pump for a maximum of 30 minutes in order to prevent soreness of the breasts.

It is always necessary to ensure the mother’s comfort. Over-pumping should be avoided and do consult a lactation expert or paediatrician when any concerns are brought up.

More information: Guide to Pumping Breast Milk

Common challenges and solutions

There are several difficulties that a lactating mother may face while using a breast pump. One of them is difficulty in expressing milk that maybe caused by incorrect pump settings, discomfort, or stress. Find an appropriate breast shield size and ways to calm your mind from stress and anxiety before expressing milk.

Some mothers may face pain or discomfort while pumping especially when the suction setting is too high, nipple is too sensitive, or when there is engorgement. Engorgement is an occurrence where the breast is overly full of milk which causes pain. If a mother has sensitive nipples, it is best to consult with the gynaecologist to seek better guidelines on what to do next.

Another challenge that some mother face is low milk supply. Find ways to implement positive changes in your lifestyle and diet to help boost your milk supply. Always remember to relax, hydrate, and consume a balanced diet as these will have a positive impact on milk supply. If the issue persists, you should seek advice from your lactation consultant.

Schedule an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

To have a better understanding and professional guidance on breastfeeding and pumping, feel free to schedule an appointment with the team of Paediatricians and Lactation Consultants at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital today.