Breast Pumping More Conveniently
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More Multi-tasking Tips and Getting Organized
Some women multi-task by pumping one breast while nursing the baby on the other breast. Some babies are bothered by the noise of electric breast pumps so their mothers have more success with a quality one-handed manual pump like the Medela Harmony, Ameda One-Hand, or Avent Isis breast pumps. A good time to try this technique is early in the morning when milk supply and the prolactin hormone is the greatest. Baby will usually be sated with the one side at this time of day – no need to switch sides unless you feel lopsided. Women who have difficulty getting their milk to let-down when pumping alone can often fill a bottle with their baby helping to stimulate their let-down.
Organize Your Breast Pumping Routine Better.
Follow a set routine: assemble your equipment the same way each time. Disassemble and wash the parts the same way each time. Like the pit crew for a race car, you will get faster and more efficient each time.
If you use your breast pump several times a day, you could try the following tip. Instead of washing your parts after every session, just give your breast shield assembly a quick rinse and seal it in a clean plastic bag in the refrigerator.* Do give the parts a thorough hot, soapy wash at least once daily and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilizing the parts when needed.
Some users advise buying extra breast pump parts as a convenience. Have two sets of the washable parts and you can wash only half as often. Some women buy three sets if they are pumping three times daily while at work. They bag the used parts without washing them and bring them home for one washing. It saves time at work, and you can take advantage of your home dishwasher. Some women assign the task of parts-washing to another family member so they can have more time nursing and re-bonding with their baby in the evening. Another advantage to owning at least one extra set of parts is as a little insurance in case you lose something essential. If you are not lucky enough to have a retailer in your area that sells all the parts individually, you need to call the manufacturer and have one shipped to you. It can take days for your part to arrive. That can be a real inconvenience for mothers who must pump every day.
Finally, if you are breast pumping several times a day, buy or rent an efficient, high-quality breast pump. A double electric pump will finish the job in sometimes less than half the time, usually ten minutes when you become experienced. A pump that is slow is not only inconvenient, but some users find them uncomfortable too. A breast pump that wastes your time will cause you aggravation you do not need.
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Author: Matia Bryson
*A Note About Refrigerating Parts
Instead of Washing Them Every Time:
On what basis do women feel it is safe to delay washing their breast pump parts?
Based on breast milk storage guidelines,
expressed milk is safe at a room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit for
up to 10 hours. By refrigerating the parts, any traces of milk left on
them is safe for at least that long. On the other hand, frequent handling
of the parts may introduce germs from the surfaces they touch, such as
hands, breasts, and the table one sets them down on. The practice of
delayed washing may not be
endorsed by healthcare professionals. In the situation of collecting
breast milk for a particularly vulnerable baby, i.e. premature, newborn,
or sick, one would be wise to practice all hygienic precautions as
advised by the doctor and manufacturers of breast pumps.
