Types of Breast Pumps

1. Manual Breast Pumps

2. Electric  Breast Pumps

Swati’s Real Life Pumping Success Story

On 30th June, 2014, at the St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery Building, I eagerly awaited my scheduled C-section. The nurse reassured me, saying I would soon hold my baby in my arms. The anticipation was nerve-wracking yet exhilarating. As I was wheeled into the operating room and received an epidural, excitement filled the air. Completely numb, I eagerly awaited that precious moment when my baby would be placed in my arms. It was in that moment, amidst the flurry behind the green curtain, that I learned how to use a breast pump and heard the magical sound of my baby’s first cry

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In the hospital, despite the nurse’s guidance on breastfeeding positions, I struggled to nurse my newborn. We tried for hours, but she couldn’t latch on properly and became increasingly fussy. Worried about her weight loss, the medical team suggested supplementing with formula. However, determined to continue breastfeeding, I agreed to learn how to use a breast pump before fully transitioning. I was introduced to a hospital-grade breast pump, and to my delight, it made a significant difference. Since then, I’ve been successfully pumping for a year, providing my baby with breast milk exclusively. It’s been an incredible journey of learning how to use a breast pump and adapting.

Benefits of Using a Breast Pump

There are several advantages to pumping, and they’re not just for babies with latching difficulties.

1. Whenever you are not around, the baby can be fed by some one else, leaving you free for at least some time
2. Moms who pump can sleep through the night, when Dads can take on night feedings.
3. For working Moms with very few days of maternity leave, their babies can get the benefits of breast milk even when Mommy is at work
4. The baby can be fed when the mother isn’t well, thus avoiding catching a cold or fever from her
5. Moms can pump milk before a journey and feed babies the pumped milk while travelling. This way, they don’t need to worry about exposing their breasts in public
6. Siblings can get a chance to feed the baby and bond with them

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

Pumping helps babies get all the benefits of breast feeding, but pumping requires more care. Since the milk doesn’t reach the baby directly from the source, there is a chance of contamination and subsequent infection. Here are a few guidelines on how to use a breast pump to help you manage a successful pumping system:

1. Fresh breast milk can be kept at room temperature for 4-6 hrs
2. Fresh breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for 5-7 days
3. Breast milk can be kept in a deep freezer for 6 months
4. To thaw breast milk, run it under warm water or use a bottle warmer (I use Dr. Brown)
5. Do not thaw breast milk in a microwave or oven
6. Store in 2-4 ounce portions so that you can feed your baby according to her hunger level
7. Always store your breast milk in breast milk storage bottles or bags.
8. Clean and sterilize your bottles
9. Never reuse breast milk storage bags

To boost your milk supply, pump every 3-4 hrs, even if you need to wake up at midnight! Always use double breast pumps (I use the Medela Electric double pump) so that it can empty both breasts at the same time.Try to pump for 20 mins during each session, and keep pumping till you see the last drop.

It’s true that feeding your baby directly from the breast has many emotional advantages for the baby and mother, but you can do just as well by pumping your milk too! Spend lots of time with your baby and cuddle her whenever you can; she’ll get all the comfort and warmth she needs. Pumping will not make you any less of  a mother and your baby will love you with all her heart!!  Happy Pumping!!

If you are confused where to buy breast pump and accessories, you can check put Amazon, they have almost all the accessories and different types of breast pumps.

Author

Swati Basu is a Computer Engineer and Mom to a one year old angel.