Pumping breast milk (Mother's Milk) will really help you during the breastfeeding period. By pumping breast milk, you can store as much ASIP as possible so that your little one's needs will still be met even if you are working in the office. Once you get used to it, you'll realize that pumping breast milk isn't really that hard to do. This article explains how to choose the right pump, pump effectively, and store breast milk properly for best results.
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Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Pump and Preparing
Step 1. Determine the type of pump that is right for you
Each type of breast pump has advantages and disadvantages. Tailor the pump to your lifestyle, baby's needs and your own tastes, then decide which pump is the best fit for you. Breast pump prices range from Rp. 300,000 to Rp. 10 million, from simple manual pumps to pumps with high-tech electric machines. The following is an overview of the types of breast pumps:
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Manual Pump.
This simple tool is the least expensive option. This pump is accompanied by a lining that is placed over the nipple and a suction device that draws the milk into the bottle. Mothers love manual pumps because they are cheap and easy to carry around. On the other hand, this option is impractical for mothers who plan to breastfeed their babies completely, as each manual pump session usually takes 45 minutes and requires both hands to operate.
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Electric Pump.
This pump is easy to use and can pump more milk in less time. You just need to turn it on and let the machine run, and within 15 - 20 minutes of pumping breast milk, you can do other activities because your hands are free to use. However, these pumps are usually much more expensive; prepare funds of around a few million rupiah even up to 10 million rupiah, depending on the brand you like.
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Battery powered pump.
Consider buying this pump as a middle ground between the price and the power you need to expend. Battery-powered pumps work similarly to electric pumps, only they don't pump as much as electric pumps. One other drawback is that you have to change the battery frequently.
Step 2. Choose the right time to start pumping
Every mother has different needs and tastes when it comes to choosing when to pump and bottle-feed her baby. Premature babies may need to be bottle-fed from the first day of birth, which means you should start pumping right away. In the vast majority of cases, mothers are advised to wait up to 3 weeks before bottle feeding their babies to avoid "nipple confusion." Although in the end the choice is yours as a mother.
- If you plan to start pumping when you return to work, practice pumping a few weeks in advance to get used to it.
- If you want to start pumping before you are ready to bottle feed your baby, freeze the milk in the freezer for later use.
Step 3. Let the feeding time guide the pumping time
To ensure that you are getting a large amount of breast milk is to adjust the timing of pumping with the baby's feeding schedule. That way, you can take advantage of the body's natural cycle, rather than forcing milk to come out at indefinite times.
- Remember that the more often you pump, the more milk you will produce.
- You can pump one breast while your baby is feeding on the other. This will make it easier for you to get large amounts of milk.
- You can wait an hour after feeding the baby and pump both breasts.
- If you are not at home, pump at the time you normally feed your baby.
Step 4. Relax
The pumping process is easiest and most comfortable when you are calm and relaxed. Whether you're pumping at home or between work, you need to find some quiet time so you don't rush. If you are in a hurry, this process will actually be difficult to do.
Step 5. Trigger the letdown reflex
That way, the milk will move into the breast and flow easily into the pump. Massage your breasts, compress them with a warm cloth, and allow them to move downwards to trigger the letdown reflex.
Step 6. Make sure your tools are clean and have washed your hands before starting
This will ensure that the milk is not contaminated during the pumping process. Be sure to wash the pump, bottles and other equipment after each pumping session.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Manual Pump
Step 1. Place the breast lining over your nipples
Make sure the size is right for your bust. If the size doesn't match your breasts, this layer can cause pumping failure, breast pain and irritation.
Step 2. Press the pump
Hold the breast lining with one hand and press the pump with your other hand. The milk will start to enter the bottle.
Step 3. Change the position of the pump handle if necessary
Changing the position of the pump handle can affect its suction power, so move it until you find the right level of suction so you can pump more easily.
Step 4. Try bending forward to help the milk come out more easily
The force of gravity can help pull the flow of milk into the bottle.
Step 5. Continue pumping until the flow slows down
When pumping with a manual pump, the time required is usually about 45 minutes.
Method 3 of 4: Using an Electric or Battery Powered Pump
Step 1. Place the breast layer over the nipple properly
If you have a dual pump, place 2 layers over both your nipples at the same time. Dual pumps can save a lot of time for mothers who want to pump milk quickly or mothers with babies who need a lot of milk.
Step 2. Turn it on and let the machine run
Milk will be pumped automatically from your breast into the bottle.
Step 3. Adjust the automatic suction power as needed
If the flow of milk seems slow or you feel sick, change the suction power. Change the position of your breasts and your body as a whole. The pumping process shouldn't be painful even if it feels weird at first.
Step 4. Stay calm while pumping the milk
This will make the pumping process easier. Some mothers can feel uneasy because of the sound of the pump engine. But if you stay calm, you will produce more milk in less time than if you feel anxious.
Step 5. Continue until the milk flow slows down
When using an electric pump or a battery-powered pump, you can be done in between 15 and 20 minutes.
Method 4 of 4: Saving ASIP
Step 1. Save ASIP in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can store it in a new bottle or pump bottle. Be sure to label the bottle and use the earliest expressed breast milk.
Step 2. Freeze breast milk for up to several months
If you have a lot of breast milk, you can freeze it in a special breast milk container. Fill it up to 3/4 of the way so there's still room for the milk when it expands. Label it and make sure to use it before three or four months.
- Do not freeze milk in bags not intended for storing breast milk. Some of the chemicals in plastic can get into the milk. Meanwhile, single-use plastic bottles are too thin to store breast milk.
- When you are ready to use the milk, thaw the milk in the refrigerator. Do not defrost immediately at room temperature.
- Do not mix fresh milk into frozen milk.
Step 3. Store breast milk in the appropriate dose
Instead of storing in a large container, store in small doses between 50 - 120 ml, depending on how much milk your baby usually drinks at a time.
Tips
- Pumping milk can also relieve breasts that are filled with milk and are sore.
- You may feel at the beginning of pumping, not much milk is coming out. This may be because you need to practice using the breast pump more. Usually in a few weeks mothers will get used to using it. Although a small amount of ASI may also be caused by low production. Pumping will stimulate milk production, so the more often you pump, the more milk you will produce.
- You can buy special bras that are designed to be used in conjunction with a breast pump, so you can pump without using your hands.
- Insurance may cover the cost of a breast pump if your baby is born prematurely.
- Electric pumps usually require less time than manual pumps. Since the electric pump works automatically, you won't feel tired afterwards.
- Because hospital electric breast pumps are very expensive, some companies provide them for rent.
