By Laura Silvas, RN IBCLC

Pumping while away from your new baby or even pumping full time is A LOT of work. Often, there are so many questions about where to start, how to set it up, how long and often to pump, etc. Our IBCLC here at Leva, also breastfeeding and pumping mama, has found some strategies that really work:

Pump At The Times Your Baby Would Usually Eat

To keep up your supply & demand, if you are away from your baby, you will need to pump at the same times you would usually breastfeed your baby. For example, if you know your baby eats every 2-3 hours during the day, then pump every 2-3 hours at work.

Have A Pumping Consult with a Lactation Consultant

Did you know that lactation consultants also offer pumping services? We can help set up your pump, check that your flange size is correct, help with various massage techniques if you are engorged, etc. Check out our article on selecting flange sizes if you need help with this specifically.

Lubricate Your Flanges

Lanolin, nipple butter, coconut oil, etc., can help lubricate your flanges and make your session more comfortable.

Don't Watch Your Output

Cover your bottles with baby socks, a blanket, etc. Focusing on the output can create stress and could even decrease the amount of milk you produce if you aren't relaxing.

Focus On Your Baby

If you're not physically present with your infant while you're pumping, watch videos, look at pictures, or video-call your little one. Try creating a specific album on your phone that you can scroll through to make it easy. Try washing your reusable nursing pads with your infant's clothes, especially if you use a specific detergent so that you're smelling their scent when you change your breast pads during the pumping session.

Relax

This may be easier said than done, but try to relax and not focus on work emails or phone calls while you're pumping. By relaxing, you further increase your levels of oxytocin and prolactin (hormones necessary for your breastfeeding journey). Try some calming music, or check out one of our Meditations on the Leva website!

Heat & Massage

Warm compresses on the breast can help increase your milk production. Massage is critically important in ensuring that you're moving milk down your milk ducts into your nipples and in preventing clogged ducts.

Duration

The duration of how long you should pump will differ from person to person, just as nursing is different for each baby. Aim to pump for 15-30 minutes (if you use a double electric pump) to ensure that you're draining your breasts fully and collecting as much milk as possible. Some people may have more than one letdown reflex, so pump until you do not see any more milk flow, and leave it on for just a few more moments.

Hand Expression

Hand expressing after pumping can ensure that you save every last precious drop of liquid gold for your baby and make sure that you have emptied the breast. Often, your pump doesn't remove milk like your infant does, but hand expression can help.

Storage

You ran off to change the diaper blowout and left the freshly pumped milk out; what now? According to CDC, you're good as long as it is under four hours! Breastmilk is fine at room temp (77 degrees or colder) for up to 4 hours, up to 4 days in the fridge, six months in the freezer, and up to 12 months in the deep freeze. Try to keep the milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, if possible, versus the door so that air isn't hitting it each time it gets opened.

Pump Parts

Sick of sterilizing parts every time you pump? I get it. Try keeping them in a large reusable container, and place them in the refrigerator after use. Then at the end of the day, sterilize them. Make sure it has a good lid! Several companies also make sterilizer bags for the microwave, spray, and wipes.

If you have any questions on pumping, output, or needing assistance, please contact us here at Leva!