How to Pump Milk
Mothers may wish to pump their breast milk if they are unable to directly nurse their baby. Learning how to express milk without a baby in your arms can take some practice, according to AskDrSears.com. You can choose between hand expression, manual pumping or automatic, electric pumping to meet your needs for pumping breast milk.
Things You'll Need
- Manual or automatic pump
- Storage for breast milk (bottles or milk storage bags)
- Optional -- picture of baby or item of baby's (such as a blanket)
Instructions
Expressing Breast Milk
Choose your preferred method of pumping milk. In hand expression, you use your hands to massage the breasts in order to express the milk. This process takes practice and coordination to master. For a manual pump, you use a handheld device powered by your hand and wrist to pump milk. An automatic, electric pump operates on batteries or an electrical outlet. This pump may be easier and quicker than the other methods, according to Womenshealth.gov. Find a discreet and comfortable place to pump milk so that you are relaxed and focused. If you pump at work, talk to your supervisor about a room that you can use during this time. Stimulate the milk ejection reflex. Without the prompting of a hungry baby, you may need some inspiration to encourage the letdown of milk. You can look at a picture of your baby, smell a blanket or clothing item from your child or get an update on your child's activities from their caregiver, according to AskDrSears.com. Pump as often as the baby feeds. This will ensure that your milk production matches your baby's feeding needs. Choose a container to store your milk. Clean glass, BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids or milk storage bags are all safe options according to Womenshealth.gov.
