How a New Mother Can Use Her Breast Pump With Less Time and Bother

Many times a new mother is surprised at howpump so their mothers have more success with a
time consuming feeding an infant can be. Add toquality one-handed manual pump like the Medela
the regular breast feeding schedule the time toHarmony, Ameda One-Hand, or Avent Isis breast
use a breast pump and mothers are even morepumps. A good time to try this technique is early
pressed. Timesavers can be found in making wisein the morning when milk supply and the prolactin
clothing choices, multi-tasking while pumping, andhormone is the greatest. Baby will usually be
organizing the breast pumping routine better.sated with the one side at this time of day - no
Dress for Successful Breast Pumping.need to switch sides unless you feel lopsided.
Wear two-piece outfits with easy access to yourWomen who have difficulty getting their milk to
breasts. A loose top that can be pulled up fromlet-down when pumping alone can often fill a
the bottom makes breast feeding and breastbottle with their baby helping to stimulate their
pumping more convenient. Another choice wouldlet-down.
be a dress or shirt that buttons all the way downOrganize Your Breast Pumping Routine Better.
the front. Buttons that go down only to the waistFollow a set routine: assemble your equipment the
are not usually sufficient for double pumpingsame way each time. Disassemble and wash the
because you need to be able to open the shirtparts the same way each time. Like the pit crew
wide. Also you could buy nursing tops or dressesfor a race car, you will get faster and more
with discreet slits at the breast for convenienceefficient each time.
when nursing or pumping.If you use your breast pump more than once a
Use a pumping bra for hands-free pumping orday, you could try the following. Instead of
Medela's Pumping-Free Attachment Kit. Thewashing your parts after every session, just give
strapless variety of pumping bra makes itthe breast shield assembly a quick rinse and seal it
convenient to put on and take off only whilein a clean plastic bag in the refrigerator between
pumping in a two-piece outfit if you prefer youruses. Do give the parts a thorough hot, soapy
ordinary nursing brassieres for most of the day.wash at least once daily and follow the
Some women have made their own pumping brasmanufacturer's instructions for sterilizing when
by cutting slits in an old bra. You could also try theneeded.
old rubber band trick.Some users advise buying extra breast pump
While you are making clothing choices, note thatparts as a convenience. Have a couple of sets of
prints will not show wetness as easily as solids,the washable parts and you can wash only half as
and breast milk will stain your silk blouses. Otheroften. Some women buy three sets if they are
wise (or unwise) fabric choices may come topumping three times daily while at work. They
mind. Leaning forward slightly while pumping willbag the parts without washing them and bring
help to keep the milk going into the bottles andthem home for one washing. It saves time at
not running out on your clothes. Some users tuckwork, and you can take advantage of your home
a towel under their breasts.dishwasher. Some women assign the task of
Multi-tasking while Breast Pumping.parts-washing to another family member so they
If you would rather not buy hands-free pumpingcan have more time nursing and re-bonding with
bras, you can have at least one hand free whiletheir baby in the evening. Another advantage to
double pumping with the following technique. Sit atowning at least one extra set of parts is as a little
a desk or a table. Use the edge of the table andinsurance in case you lose something essential. If
one arm to hold your funnels in place. That givesyou are not lucky enough to have a retailer in
you a free hand to read something that will layyour area that sells all the parts individually, you
flat on the table or eat a snack. Some users putneed to call the manufacturer and have one
the breast pump motor on the floor and operateshipped to you. It can take days for your part to
the controls with a toe. With the Avent Isis IQarrive. That can be a real inconvenience for
Duo Breast Pump, the controls are in one buttonmothers who must pump every day.
on the part that is near the breast and the user'sFinally, if you are breast pumping several times a
hand. Another option for multi-tasking is theday, buy or rent an efficient, high-quality breast
hands-free breast pump by Whisper Wear, thepump. A double electric pump will finish the job in
self-contained breast pump worn inside your bra.sometimes less than half the time, usually ten
Although not absolutely silent and it makes one'sminutes when you become experienced. A pump
chest look larger than usual, this breast pumpthat is slow is not only inconvenient, but some
may still be an option for many mothers.users find them uncomfortable too. A breast
Some women multitask by pumping one breastpump that wastes your time will cause you
while nursing the baby on the other breast. Someaggravation you do not need.
babies are bothered by the noise of an electric