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Breastfeeding Tips

Using A Breast Pump – 10 Helpful Tips To Get You Started

Oct 22nd, 2009 by stagg09

Using a breast pump is alot like breast feeding, it is a learned skill. At the first, most mothers are only able to extract very little of the milk. As the mother’s knowledge increases and she proctices with the breast pump, the flow of milk increases.
Proper preparation for both mother and breast pump is important, for the process to be a positive experience. Before starting, it is highly recommended to mother should read the instructions of the breast pump thoroughly.
1) Follow instructions for sterilization of all the parts. Be sure to sterilize all the parts of the breast pump before each time you use it to limit bacteria consumption for your infant.
2) Remember, when you finish using the breast pump; each part needs to be washed using warm to hot soapy water then rinsing with hot water. Set equipment on a clean, dry towel. Only the parts that come into contact with the milk, needs washing. If the tubing needs washing, hang it so it will drain and dry properly.
3) However, if instructed by your doctor to sterilize the entire kit each day; that is what you should do.
4) If you have been set up with an electric breast pump; be sure to set the suction level as low as possible, for your comfort.
Getting started
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5. It is recommended to use a warm compress along with gently massaging the breast; sometimes stimulating the nipple helps in quickening the milk let down.
6. Relaxing is essencial to allow for the process of milk release. It has been a known practice for a mother to, on occasion, close her eyes and imagine she is nursing her baby. For optimal milk release, mother needs to be as relaxed as she possibly can.
7. Consider the first few times you use a breast pump to be practice opportunities. Practice on the use of the breast pump and to relax while extracting milk.
8. A hand pump will stimulate an infant; a few quick pumps will act as a stimulant to the breast. Once the milk starts to flow, longer more steady pumps will be more effective and not so tiring for mother.
9. Upon learning what technique works best for you; practicing for five minutes on each side, a few times a day will ensure equal extraction from each breast. Remember to always choose the time of day you have the least stress.
10. The most important aspects of successful pumping are learning to relax and making the breast pump your friend. Some steps to begin the relaxing process could include, but not limit you to…
-playing cards
-watching favorite television shows
-reading a relaxing book
-friendly conversations on the phone
Bare in mind, if you watch the collection bottle, the result will be more stressful than relaxing.

WP Robot

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How To: Breast Pump Instructions

Oct 18th, 2009 by stagg09

So the predicament is, you have decided to breast feed and now you have went out and purchased a breast pump. You now are looking at the breast pump instructions and thinking, now what?
Sometimes breast pump instructions can be confusing and somewhat misleading. The breast pump instructions often assume you know what they are talking about. For example, when they use a word, they are taking for granted that the person reading the instructions knows what the word means.
When you first open your breast pump and pull out the breast pump instructions, you will notice there are many pieces to the whole thing. Basically, they will all connect together to provide the base, breast suction and transfer into a container.
The whole concept of a breast pump is very simple. Breast pumps are all basically built the same. The only difference between the manual and the electric is just that. One you have to use your hands to create the suction on the breast, the other is created by the machine itself.
Another difference you will find among the two is that a manual breast pump will only pump one breast at a time where an electrical will pump two breasts at a time. Mother’s will often choose an electrical pump for time sake; especially when they are returning to work after giving birth to a baby.
Basic general instructions are outlined below. Of course, this is just a basic structure where every breast pumping is different.
1. Make sure you start to pump breast milk about two weeks before you go back to work. This is for two main reasons. The first reason is because this will get your breasts used to the routine. Second, it will get you in the routine and prepare you for what is actually involved. The more practice with it, the better.
2. Remember; the more often you pump, the more milk your breasts will produce breast milk. The first couple of days you pump you will probably not get much. This is because your body has started to make milk, but it is not quite let it out yet. This is perfectly normal.
3. You can pump for about ten to fifteen minutes at a time. A great way to pump is right after your baby has finished eating. By pumping directly after the baby has eaten, you are increasing the amount of milk your breasts produces.
4. Breast milk can be store for 3 to eight days in the coolest part of your fridge, which is usually the back or for three months in your freezer.
Breast pump instructions are very easy to follow once you get the hang of it. If you are having some trouble breast feeding or using your breast pump and need help with breast pump instructions, you may want to consult a professional. There are people dedicated solely to breast pump instructions. To learn more, click on the link provided. WP Robot Wordpress Autoposter

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