Pumping To Increase Milk Supply
- THE PUMP
It is recommended that you choose a hospital-grade double electric breastpump to increase milk supply. If your baby has already regained his or her birth weight, and you have had a well established milk supply and you only need to increase your supply by just a few ounces a day, a high quality purchase pump will be just fine. However, if you have a baby less than two weeks old or you are experiencing other breastfeeding issues such as sore nipples, your baby is premature, your baby is not gaining weight, a hospital-grade rental pump will be the most effective. A hospital-grade pump such as the Medela Symphony or the Ameda Elite is designed to bring in a milk supply and/or increase a supply. A purchase pump (Pump-In-Style Advanced or the Purely Yours) is designed for the Mom with an already well established milk supply, who needs to pump 2 or 3 times per day for missed feeding while she is at work or school.
- BOTH SIDES
Pumping both of your breasts at the same time helps to increase the hormones necessary for milk production and saves time.
- FLANGES THAT FIT
Flanges are the part of the breastpump that come in contact with your breast. They are also referred to as shields or horns. There are many different types and sizes of pump flanges. We recommend you ask your lactation professional to make sure you have the correct type and size for you. As you begin to pump your nipple should not rub against the sides of the flange. An improperly fitting flange can cause nipple damage and prevent your ability to make the optimal amount of milk.
- OLIVE OIL
Moms that need to pump frequently can experience irritation to the areola. We recommend applying a thin layer of olive oil to your breast, only where the pump touches you, to prevent possible irritation.
- A LACTATION VACATION
When pumping to increase milk supply it may take 2 or 3 days before the increased stimulation takes effect. Take several days or a weekend allowing for plenty of rest and relaxation along with increased frequency of pumping. Get help with household chores and meal preparation so that you can take some time to just rest and relax between your pumping sessions. If your budget allows, purchase several sets of pumping accessories and milk storage containers, and won’t have to wash pump parts as frequently.
- FAVORITE PLACE
Find a comfortable place in your home to pump. Prior to pumping, turn on some relaxing music, and use deep relaxation breathing like you learned in your childbirth class or prenatal yoga class.
- MOIST HEAT AND MASSAGE
Increasing circulation to the breast will help increase milk supply. Apply a warm moist wash cloth to your breast and massage in a circular motion for 3 to 5 minutes prior to pumping.
- THE BASIC PUMPING (for the breastfeeding baby)
If you are breastfeeding and increasing your supply, nurse your baby first then pump for 5 to 10 minutes. Feed your baby at least eight times a day. Follow the Care Plan given to you by your lactation consultant regarding supplementing with your expressed milk and/or formula.
- EXCLUSIVE PUMPING (if you and your baby are separated or not currently breastfeeding): Pump both breasts for 10 to 15 minutes every two to three hours, pumping 8 to 12 times per day. If you do not pump at least 8 times a day you can compromise your milk supply.
10. PUMP-SNACK-PUMP
Pump both breasts for 8 minutes. Take a 5 minute break to eat a snack and have a drink of water, juice, or tea. Then pump another 8 minutes.
11. POWER PUMPING
Pump around the clock every two hours for two days. This will simulate a normal growth spurt that a baby would have at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age.
12. CLUSTER PUMPING
Set aside 4 to 6 hours for a Cluster Pumping. This will simulate a normal cluster feeding that babies do, usually in the evenings, to increase mom’s supply for the next day. Pump every 30 minutes to 1 hour for 5 minutes.
PUMP MORE = MORE MILK
Pump less = less milk
The more you pump the more milk you make.
Shorter more frequent pumping is more effective than longer, less frequent pumping.
Sources:
Casemore, Stephanie. 2004. Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk. Ontario, Canada: Gray Line Publishing.