Are you pregnant mom and considering pumping? I’m a mom of two under two and an exclusive pumper. Ive learned SO much from my journey of exclusively pumping for my daughter. Here are some tips including Harrisburg, PA breastfeeding resources!
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may be wondering if pumping is something you need to learn about. The answer is maybe. Some mothers exclusively breastfeed and never pump, while others find that they need to pump occasionally or regularly. If you think you might want or need to pump, the best time to learn about it is before your baby is born. That way, you’ll be familiar with the equipment and process if you need to use it. However, even if you don’t plan to pump, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics! There’s no need to feel overwhelmed – there are plenty of resources available to help you learn about pumping and breastfeeding.
What pump should I get?
You can get a FREE breast pump through your insurance. If you go to Pumping Essential, they will show you which pump you can get for free through your insurance. I personally got the Medela Pump In Style Max Flow. I also invested in the WillowGo wearable, cord free pumps to use when I need to be up chasing around my kids.
What should I expect with pumping in my first few weeks home with a newborn?
Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of pumping. It’s normal for it to take your body a few days or even a week or two to adjust to pumping and produce the right amount of milk.
What does a pumping schedule look like?
If you’re like most new mothers, you’re probably wondering how often you should pump and what the best pumping schedule is.
The first thing to consider is how often your baby is feeding. If you’re breastfeeding exclusively, you’ll need to pump about as often as your baby eats – which is typically 8-12 times per day. If you’re supplementing with formula or solid foods, you may be able to get away with pumping less often. It’s also important to consider your own pumping goals. If you’re trying to increase your milk supply, you’ll want to pump more frequently than if you’re just trying to maintain your current supply.
General rule of thumb, you should be pumping for a total of 120/day. During the newborn phase its so important to be pumping even in the middle of the night. I know its not easy, but it wont be forever, I promise!
What are some tips for getting more milk production?
Ahhh the million dollar question, right?
Different things work for different moms, but here are a few things to try to give your body a little boost.
- Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids. I know this seems obvious, but a lot of moms think they’re hydrated when they’re actually not! Breastfeeding can be dehydrating, so it’s important to stay well-hydrated yourself. I like to put Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier in my water. My favorite flavor is watermelon
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Oats are especially beneficial, as they contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to increase milk production.
- I take Brewers yeast tablets to help my milk supply
- Nurse your baby frequently and on demand. The more times your baby nurses, the more stimulation your breasts will receive, which can lead to an increase in milk production.
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not seeing an increase in production, talk to your lactation consultant to see if there are any other options. I LOVED working with Jonelle Lund from LavaBaby Lactation
What’s the best way to store and transport pumped milk?
Freshly pumped milk can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, but if you’re not going to use it right away, freezing is your best bet. Frozen milk will keep for up to six months in a regular freezer, or twelve months in a deep freezer. Just remember to label each container with the date it was pumped! I like to do the pitcher method. I put all the milk I pumped that day in a glass pitcher and use that to feed my baby the next day. This take a lot of pressure of me to pump on demand.
When it comes to thawing frozen milk, always do so in the fridge, never at room temperature. And when you’re ready to use it, give it a good shake first – freezing and thawing can cause the fat to separate from the rest of the milk.
Resources!
We have many breastfeeding & pumping resources in Harrisburg, PA!
Here are some pumping & breastfeeding classes: Prenatal class at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical, Harrisburg Area LaLeche League
Lactation Consultants who can help with pumping: LavaBaby Lactation, LOVVE Lactation
Support groups for working moms: Working Moms Connection (support group) Facebook Group
Support groups for pumping/breastfeeding moms: Exclusively Pumping Moms Facebook Group
As a new mom, there are so many things to learn and juggle. Pumping is one of those things that can seem daunting at first, but it really isn’t as bad as it seems. By following these tips for pumping effectively and increasing your milk supply, you will be on your way to establishing a successful pumping routine in no time 🙂 Remember, every mom is different and what works for someone else may not work for you – so find what works best for you and stick with it!
