How to Pump Breast Milk

A breast pump can take some getting used to. New moms often feel awkward or uncomfortable when breast pumping at first. However, once you become familiar with the feel and the mechanics of your breast pump, you'll likely be at ease.

Five Steps to Successful Breast Pumping

Breast pumping need not be a long and complicated ordeal. Once you are familiar with your breast pump, you should be able to set it, use it and put it away in 15 minutes. Some moms report that they can complete a breast pumping session in five minutes. Here is a simple five step process for successful breast pumping:

Step 1: Wash your hands. Bacteria and germs on your hands can get transferred to the inside of the breast pump when you handle it. It's not necessary to wash your breasts before pumping, but try to pump somewhere that's clean.

Step 2: Begin pumping. Depending on the type of breast pump your using, you'll start by placing your breast or nipple in the breast shield. If it's a battery-operated or electric breast pump, just turn the switch on. If it's a manual breast pump, extend and retract the plunger. When the breast milk begins to flow, it will go directly into a collection container attached to the pump. Most standard-size bottles also will fit on the pump apparatus. It's perfectly OK to combine milk from each breast in one bottle, but don't combine milk from separate pumping sessions. And, remember that breast milk expands when it frozen. So make sure you leave an inch or so at the top of each bottle.

Step 3: Label each bottle. Immediately after you pump, cap each bottle and label it with the date and time of the pumping session. It's a good idea to use your stored breast milk in order of the oldest expiration date.

Step 4: Clean your breast pump. After each use, wash all the breast pump pieces with soap and hot water, rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. You may be able to use a dishwasher. See Cleaning Your Breast Pump for more information on how to properly clean and care for your breast pump.

Step 5: Store your milk. You can safely store breast milk for up to:

• Six hours at room temperature
• Eight days in the refrigerator
• Two weeks in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator
• Six months in a refrigerator freezer
• One year in a deep freezer

Additional Tips For Breast Pumping

• You may not get milk for a few moments, so be patient. The first few pumps create the suction, and breast milk flows after that.
• If breast pumping is painful, pump more gently and slowly. Or, you might want to try another kind of breast pump.
• If you plan to return to work and use a breast pump, prepare as early as possible. Tell your employer that you wish to use a breast pump and arrange for a private place at work where you can do so.
• Try switch-pumping. As in switch-nursing, changing sides can stimulate letdown, resulting in increased breast milk flow.
• If you seem to be leaking milk when you pump, lean forward a bit, to help the milk flow into the pump.
• If your breast pump doesn't seem to be working well, make sure that all the parts are in the right places and fitted together properly. Check the instructions and assembly — a valve that's loose or a rubber pump piece not pushed in properly can make a big difference.
• If you have large nipples or your nipples swell along the sides of the pump tunnel, then try a larger kit or shield. Call the company that makes your breast pump and ask for a large or extra large kit.
• Invest in a good pump from the start. Sometimes moms can get plenty of milk at first, but run in to difficulty after three or four months, when it takes a stronger breast pump to stimulate letdown. A good pump should continue to work for you.
• Have everything you need ready before you start breast pumping - bottles, labels, pen or marker, and cleaning supplies.