Pumping Tips » Milk Supply

Before You Pump

Relax and Get Comfortable

Use a chair or couch. Use pillows as support if necessary. Apply heat to your breasts. This can be done with a diaper filled with warm water, a warm washcloth, a heating pad, or a hot water bottle. You may even choose to take a shower or bath prior to pumping. Massaging has been shown to help output. Use small circular massages to help relax and prep your breasts. Try and have a pumping schedule and pump at the same times each day.

Eat a Snack

I recommend you have something to eat (a light snack: crackers, cheese, fruit, vegetables, etc). Also you should drink some water, especially if you're prone to not drinking enough. Remember, liquid in = liquid out (your body needs water to make your milk).

Use a hands free bra if possible. This will enable you to eat, drink, use a TV remote, type on the computer, or relax a bit more than if you had to hold the breastshields in place.

When You Pump

Pump Setup

Use the dials on your pump with caution. Start on Low and increase slowly to your comfort level very slowly. Max does not mean more milk or you're going to get done any faster – It means sore nipples (and pain)! When you're in pain, your let down is inhibited and you may not be as effective at emptying your breasts.

Be sure your breasts are centered in the breastshields and you get a good, air-tight seal. Use a drop or two of milk, water or olive oil to help lubrication if necessary. Your nipples should move freely in and out of the nipple tunnel. If your nipples are larger, various size breastshields are available for your pump.

Again, "RELAX". Do some deep breathing techniques. Look at pictures of your baby, imagine the baby nursing at your breast and all's well, use a baby's blanket or clothing item for scent stimulation, play soft music. Use small circular motions to massage your breasts and empty all the milk ducts.

Increasing Supply with Pump

Keep pump on breasts for an extra 3-5 minutes to help stimulate and trigger hormones to make more milk. A baby's going to suck more as they have their growth spurts. Typically it will take your body a day or two to catch on to the added demand of the baby. Try and keep this in mind and stimulate your breasts with the pump if necessary.

Supply Busters

Stress, fatigue, lack of nutrition/calories/dieting, not emptying your breasts often and completely, the return of your period, birth control pills, excessive caffeine, antihistamines, sedatives, smoking, hormonal problems, illness and pump resistance.

Linda Richards, LE, SAHM, HBE
Elite Breastfeeding Supplies - 951-279-8686 - www.EliteBreastfeeding.com
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