We have put together a set of breast pump guidelines to help new mothers. Feeding on demand and being available for your baby 24/7 can be very draining. Breast pumps provide another way to continue providing breast milk for your baby. In these breast pump guidelines we’ll show you how easy it is, how to use one, what to look for when buying a breast pump, and whether renting a breast pump is a better option.
What are the Benefits of Breast Pumping?
A mum might choose to pump breast milk for several different reasons. It can provide relief from engorgement and boost milk supply. Pumping breast milk also means you can collect milk so that someone else can feed your baby when you’re away. If you can’t nurse for some reason, breast pumping means you can still provide your infant with nutritious breast milk.
There are many benefits of breast pumping:
-It makes it possible for you to go back to work, take a holiday, travel, go out in the evening and still be able to provide breast milk for your baby.
-Your partner will be able to take over responsibility for feeding your baby from time to time.
-Breast pumping helps to build the supply of your milk so it is available when needed.
When to Start Breast Pumping?
The right time to start breast pumping is a personal thing which very much depends on your situation. For some mothers, the right time is as soon as possible after their baby is born. It can help to start the breast pumping process immediately to encourage your own milk supply. This could be especially important if you can’t nurse your baby when he or she is born, maybe because they were born prematurely or have special needs.
You also have the option of waiting a few weeks before you start pumping. You may not have time for pumping in between nursing sessions in the early days. However, by the time your infant is more than 4 weeks old, breast pumping should be a part of your regular routine.
Hospital Grade Breast Pump Guidelines
Hospital grade breast pumps are available at O’Flynn Medical and you can rent one if needed. They are much stronger than personal or single breast pumps and are extremely durable. They are also much better at bringing in the milk supply, helping with low supply and exclusive pumping. You might also need a hospital grade pump if you have a baby in the intensive care unit, your baby is too sick to breastfeed, or you are pumping for twins. There are many different makes and models of breast pumps available but we consider one of the best manufacturers to be Ameda.
Choosing the Right Breast Pumps
When choosing the right pump there are several features to consider. These include:
- How simple the system is to use
- How easy it is to keep clean
- Whether the pump is comfortable to use
- How much milk it allows you to produce
The best breast pump you can buy is the Ameda Electric Breast Pump. It is hospital-grade, top of the range, and designed to help mums achieve a high level of milk flow. The Ameda Electric Breast Pump is perfect for mothers who are struggling with a low milk supply. The system used is safe and efficient.
Electric Breast Pump Guidelines
Using an electric breast pumps can be a daunting experience. This is one of the reasons we have written these breast pump guidelines. When it comes to learning how to use one, it requires a certain amount of patience. There are several important things to remember. Our breast pump guidelines include the following steps:
1) Don’t Rush into Breast Pumping
In the early days, your milk supply might be low, which you’ll find very frustrating if you’re also trying to pump your milk. If you’ve got no issues with breastfeeding and your baby is healthy, don’t feel pressured to pump straight away.
2) Become Familiar With The Pump You’ve Chosen
It’s very important to become familiar with the pump you’ve chosen before you start using it. There will be different settings you need to understand. Make sure you read the manual that came with the product and become very familiar with the breast pump before using it. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
3) Make Sure the Device is Clean
It’s crucial that you sterilise the device before you use it. All the best pumps will include instructions on how to clean it. These will include disassembling the device and any essential parts. There might also be critical components that you need to clean in boiling water. This will make sure you kill any germs. For hygiene reasons, you will also need to buy a flange kit when breast pumping.
4) Make Sure You’re Comfortable
When you’re ready to start pumping your breast milk, make sure you’re sitting in a relaxed position. Choose a place that’s comfortable and private, preferably with no distractions. When you use the electric breast pump, you will also need to support your arms and your back. You might find listening to music and using deep-breathing techniques helps you to relax.
Many women use a pumping bra as it makes pumping much easier and certainly more comfortable. If you decide not to use one, you have to hold your breast in the right way. Press the shield between your thumb and index finger. At the same time, use your palm and other fingers to provide support for your breast. Hold your chest very gently against the shield. Press too hard and it will stop the milk from flowing freely.
Breast Pump Rental
Buying a breast pump of hospital-grade can be expensive, however, there is an alternative. It’s possible to rent the best breast pumps on the market from O’Flynn Medical at a fraction of the cost. Breast pumps can be delivered to your address, via next working day delivery. When you no longer need it, simply return it and you don’t need to pay anymore.
Conclusion
Breast pumps can bring a number of different benefits for mothers and their babies. You can buy the best quality breast pumps from O’Flynn Medical, but you can also rent breast pumps if you’re concerned about the cost. Armed with the information in these breast pump guidelines, you’re now ready to start breast pumping.
