How to Begin Pumping While Nursing
One thing emphasized to new mothers repeatedly is that breast milk is best whenever possible -- at least in the first few months of a child's life. For busy mothers, breast pumps are the ideal solution to providing breast milk when they are not able to nurse. Some mothers have difficulty getting their milk to come out when pumping, however. Expert pediatrician and parenting consultant Dr. William Sears suggests nursing while pumping as a way to stimulate milk production. Nursing and pumping simultaneously will also save you precious time when you are running behind schedule in your day.
Things You'll Need
- Breast pump
- Nursing bra
Instructions
Hook the pump up to one of your breasts. The way to hook it up depends on the type of pump you have, so you will need to consult your manual. Most breast pumps have a breast shield that goes over your nipple and suctions the milk out into a collection bottle. All you need to do is turn the machine on if the pump is electric. If you are using a manual breast pump, you will have to manually pump the designated squeeze handle at an even pace to get the milk out. Wear a nursing bra that will hold the pump in place. That way, you will be hands free to nurse your baby with the other breast. Bring your baby to your free breast, helping her to latch on. Hold her so that she is cradled along the length of your arm on the side she is nursing on. This way, she will be out of the way of the breast pump attachments.
