NURSING AND PUMPING TIPS

BY TARA PHILLIPS, RN, IBCLC, NURSE AND LACTATION CONSULTANT, BOONE FAMILY BIRTHPLACE

Breastfeeding is not only a nutrition option that’s best for your baby’s development, it can also be a valuable bonding experience. As a nurse and lactation consultant, I encourage you to enjoy the sweet memories you're making with your child.

Of course, there will be times when you may be unable to nurse your baby but still want to provide your little one with the nutritional benefi ts of breast milk. Whether you’re waiting on a new baby to arrive or they’re already here, you may have questions about how to pump breast milk, especially when you return to work. Here are some helpful pointers to get you started and keep you going!

WHEN SHOULD I START PUMPING?

Unless your baby is unable to latch, I encourage most moms to wait before pumping and not start right after delivery. Always put your baby to the breast rst before you pump, so that you can establish a good latch early – and then feed your baby often. For mothers whose babies are in our NICU, we recommend pumping or handexpressing breast milk shortly after delivery to provide stimulation to the breast.

CAN I EXCLUSIVELY PUMP AND BOTTLE-FEED MY BABY?

Yes. Many women are successful with pumping and feeding, however, the rst few days of pumping may be discouraging for moms. is is because colostrum is very thick and hard to pump – most moms will see nothing or just a few drops from their rst few days using a breast pump. Nursing babies can pull colostrum out much better than pumps or hand-expressing.

For best results, start breastfeeding, then transition to pumping and feeding once your full milk supply is in. Count your baby’s wet diapers (see chart) and watch for weight gain to make sure your child is getting enough to eat. In their rst few days, your baby only needs small amounts of breastmilk often. If you think your baby is not getting enough to eat, contact your physician or nurse.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PUMP?

You should pump and feed between 8 to 12 times within 24 hours – ideally, this means you’ll be pumping and feeding every 1 to 3 hours around the clock. Your breasts need this stimulation to produce breast milk – the more milk that is taken out, the more milk your body will make!

HOW DO I USE A BREAST PUMP PROPERLY?

Follow the instructions that come with your pump, including the correct sizing for your ange. If you have questions about your ange size, talk to your physician or lactation consultant.

Pumping should not hurt. Breast pumps are designed to mimic the speed and suction strength of a baby. e suction strength should be set for your maximum comfort level and should never cause nipple trauma. The speed should also simulate how a baby nurses: Use a faster speed when you start pumping to get milk to start owing, then you can reduce the speed to drain the breast.

HOW DO I GET A BREAST PUMP? WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BUY WITH IT?

Most health insurance companies o er a free breast pump when you have a baby. Check with your insurance provider about where to order. You can also check the website aero owbreastpumps.com to see which pumps your insurance company o ers, plus instructions on how to order.

A hands-free pumping bra is helpful. It allows your hands to be free to massage the breast while pumping, which can increase your milk supply.

When ordering pumping supplies, I say less is more. Many moms order too much, only to wind up with products they don’t use.

HOW CAN I PREPARE TO PUMP WHEN I RETURN TO WORK?

• Federal law requires employers to give employees reasonable break time to pump breast milk for a nursing child for one year after the child's birth. They are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers and the public, to express breast milk*. Talk to your boss about planned pumping breaks and where you can store your milk.

Breast milk is a food product, so it is safe to store in the refrigerator at work.

• Look for a childcare option that will support your breastfeeding journey.

• While at home, continue to breastfeed to encourage milk supply and enjoy skin-to-skin contact with your little one.

• Try to pump every time your baby would normally feed during the day. is will also help your milk supply.

• Increase your water intake and eat a well-balanced diet to help with milk production.

• Decreased stress also helps. Try to set a calm atmosphere when you pump at work – play videos or look at pictures of your baby to help with letdown.

• Get support! Connect with a breastfeeding support group to share your questions and experiences with other moms. Remember, breastfeeding is also a learned skill.

Boone Family Birthplace’s Better Beginnings with Breastfeeding classes provide education, support and guidance. Sign up online at www.boone.health/birthplace

HOW MANY WET DIAPERS IS NORMAL?

LOOK FOR LIGHT YELLOW TO CLEAR URINE.

DAY ONE:

1 WET DIAPER

DAY TWO:

2 WET DIAPERS

DAY THREE:

3 WET DIAPERS

DAY FOUR:

4 WET DIAPERS

DAY FIVE:

5 WET DIAPERS

DAY SIX AND ONWARD:

6 WET DIAPERS

*Break Time for Nursing Mothers, U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/nursing-mothers