Relaxation for More Milk When Breast Pumping
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Visualization While Using Your Breast Pump
As you are setting up your breast pump, imagine or visualize that you are preparing to feed your infant. Imagine the noises your hungry baby makes, and how he looks, putting his hands to his mouth, turning his head toward you. Imagine the peaceful feeling that comes over you when the milk lets-down. Visualize his little hand gripping your clothing or finger. Imagine his weight against you and the feel of his soft skin and blanket. Add as many details as you can, incorporating your five senses and positive emotions. Some women have success with relaxation scripts about lying on the beach or about waterfalls and rivers or imagining themselves as fountains of milk. You can also buy relaxation script recordings that are very well done with music or nature sounds.
Actively Relax Until Your Milk Lets-Down
Practice the relaxation techniques you learned in your childbirth class. Breathe deeply from the belly. Close your eyes. Practice progressive relaxation: breathing slowly and deeply, consciously relaxing every part of your body, first tense the muscles of the feet. Hold for a slow count of five, and then relax. Next tense the muscles of the lower legs, hold for a slow count of five then relax. Repeat with other muscle groups as you move up your body to your head. Continue breast pumping for a minute or two after the milk stops dripping then do not be surprised if you can get a second or third let-down in one session with your breast pump. Eliminate anxiety, discomfort, or tension of any type to ward off the “fight or flight” hormones. With practice your let-down will come quicker and the quantity of your expressed breast milk will increase.
References:
Slow Let-Down While Nursing or Using Breast Pump by Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLCt www.kellymom.com
Relaxation Techniques for Breast Pump by Diane O’Brien Juve
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