Breastfeeding using a breast pump: Instructions for use

Moms know this well when milk comes in. To allow them to relieve their breasts even if baby is not yet hungry, this invention was created: the breast pump. Whether manual or electric, it can prove to be a great ally that accompanies parents throughout baby's development until the end of the food diversification process. So where to start…  

Why use a breast pump?

The reasons that may lead you to choose to use a breast pump to express your milk are quite varied. However, we can cite these main advantages:

• Stimulate milk production : If a baby doesn't breastfeed often enough or not effectively enough, it can reduce breast milk production.
• Relieve breast engorgement : When breasts are too full of milk, it can cause discomfort and pain.
• Giving the baby breast milk when mom is not available
• Facilitate mixed breastfeeding : If you want to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding
• Relieve nipples that are too painful to breastfeed : you will have less discomfort and heal more easily
• Allow others to feed the baby : If the mother wants to allow her partner, parent or caregiver to feed the baby with her breast milk, she can express it and store it for later use.

In short, using a breast pump can help maintain breast milk production, relieve breast engorgement, and allow baby to be fed breast milk at any time

Now that you know the main benefits of the breast pump, you understand why so many moms use it. But precisely: how does a breast pump work? Using it may seem intimidating the first time, but with a little practice it becomes a fairly simple routine.

1. Choose a quiet, comfortable place where you can sit and relax. Make sure you have everything you need on hand, including the breast pump, breast milk storage bottles or bags, and water or a snack if needed.
2. Assemble the breast pump following the manufacturer's instructions. Breast pumps can be manual or electric, so make sure you know how yours works.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure your nipples are clean.
4. Place the shield piece (plastic tip) of the breast pump over your breast, making sure the nipple is centered in the opening.
5. Start the breast pump at the lowest power setting and gradually increase until you feel light pressure but no pain.
6. When the milk begins to flow, adjust the power of the breast pump so that it is comfortable but effective.
7. When you have finished expressing your milk, carefully remove the shield piece from your breast. If you are using an electric breast pump, be sure to turn it off before removing the shield.
8. Transfer the milk to a breast milk storage bottle or bag, making sure to label the date and time of expression.
9. Clean the breast pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Please note that how often and when a woman should express milk depends on her individual needs and situation. However, we can tell you that the frequency can be reduced as milk production adjusts to your baby's needs. Some women may find that they only need to pump 2 to 3 times a day, while others may need to do it more often.

Regarding the length of each session, some women may need to pump for 15 to 20 minutes, while others may do it in 10 minutes or less.

In general, it is important to express regularly to maintain adequate milk production and avoid complications such as breast engorgement or mastitis.

How to choose from all the types of breast pumps?

There are two basic types of breast pumps: manual and electric.

Manual breast pumps require the mother to use her own strength to express the milk, while electric breast pumps use an electrical power source to express the milk.

Electric breast pumps can be subdivided into several categories. The simple electric breast pump that only sucks one breast at a time; the double electric breast pump which can extract milk from both breasts at the same time; hospital electric breast pump designed for regular and intensive use, and are typically used in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices.

To help you choose, you simply need to know that manual breast pumps are often cheaper and more portable. However, electric breast pumps are generally faster and more efficient at expressing milk.

Thus, manual breast pumps are a more economical option for mothers who only need to use the breast pump occasionally. However, they can be more tiring and less effective than electric breast pumps.

To determine which breast pump is best for you, it may be helpful to consult a lactation consultant or talk to other mothers who have used breast pumps for recommendations and advice. It can also be helpful to read product reviews and look for comparisons of different breast pump models.

Renting a breast pump: A good idea?

Did you know you can rent a breast pump? If you didn't know, we're happy to tell you, and it's far from a bad idea. Indeed, purchasing a new breast pump certainly allows you to be assured of being the first person to use it, but ultimately with the Volatile Organic Compounds present in new products, this is not necessarily an advantage. So, if you find a good breast pump rental company that follows strict hygiene standards, you will be able to benefit from all the advantages that rental will offer you, and there are many:

1. Cost : Electric breast pumps can be expensive to purchase. Renting may be a more economical option for families
2. Temporary use : If you need to use a breast pump for a short period of time, renting may be the more convenient and cost-effective option than purchasing
3. Maintenance : Electric breast pumps require regular maintenance to function properly. Mothers who rent a breast pump can rest assured that the maintenance has been carried out by professionals.
4. Trials : Renting a breast pump can give a mother the opportunity to try different breast pump models to determine which one best suits her needs
5. Availability : In some areas, high-quality breast pumps may not be readily available for purchase

Knowing that there are also accessories for electric breast pumps, such as breast pads, breast milk storage bags and different sized breast shields to fit different sized nipples this can quickly add up. the budget.

It’s important to note that not all breast pump rentals are created equal. Healthcare professionals, such as lactation consultants, can help direct mothers to reliable breast pump rental companies.