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Guide to Pumping Milk and Breastfeeding as a New Mom

Guide to Pumping Milk and Breastfeeding as a New Mom

Guide to Pumping Milk and Breastfeeding as a New Mom

As a new mom, finding the balance between breastfeeding and pumping can be overwhelming. Whether you are looking to boost your milk supply, store breastmilk for later, or simply ensure that your baby is getting enough milk, combining breastfeeding and pumping is a great solution.
 
In this guide, we’ll cover when and how long to pump, along with helpful tips to make this process smoother. We’ll also introduce some essential products to support you on your breastfeeding and pumping journey, like a Wearable Breast Pump and eco-friendly milk bags.
 

Why Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping?

 There are several reasons why moms choose to breastfeed and pump simultaneously:
 
    •    Increase milk supply: Pumping after nursing can help stimulate more milk production.

    •    Milk storage: Pumping allows you to store breast milk for later use, which is helpful if you’re going back to work or want a partner to help with feedings.

    •    Relieve engorgement: Pumping can help relieve the discomfort of engorged breasts when your baby isn’t feeding frequently enough.
 
Pumping and breastfeeding at the same time also ensures your baby is fed while allowing you to build up a milk stash for future needs.
 

Creating a Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule

One of the most important steps in combining breastfeeding and pumping is establishing a schedule that works for you and your baby. This might take some experimentation, but a typical routine can look something like this:
 
    1.    Morning Pumping: The early morning is often when moms have the most milk. Consider pumping after your first feeding of the day to take advantage of this increased supply.

    2.    Pump Between Feedings: If your baby eats every 2-3 hours, try to pump about an hour after a feeding session to stimulate more milk production.

    3.    Pump After Breastfeeding: If your baby finishes nursing but you feel like there’s more milk, pump for an additional 10-15 minutes to fully drain the breasts, which encourages your body to produce more.

    4.    Nighttime Pumping: Depending on your baby’s sleep schedule, you may choose to pump once or twice during the night.

How Long Should You Pump?

When you’re first starting, it’s recommended to pump for about 15-20 minutes per session. However, the length can vary based on your milk flow and needs. Some key tips:
 
    •    If you’re double pumping (using a double breast pump like our MammaBump Luna Wearable Breast Pump), 15 minutes may be sufficient to fully empty both breasts.

    •    Pump until you feel empty: If it takes longer than 15 minutes, keep going until you notice that milk flow has slowed or stopped.

    •    Don’t over-pump: Pumping too frequently or for too long can lead to oversupply, which can cause discomfort and other challenges like engorgement or plugged ducts.
 
Making Pumping Easier with the Right Tools
 
Choosing the right products can make pumping and breastfeeding much more manageable. Here are some essentials:
 
    1.    A Hospital-Grade Wearable Breast Pump

For busy moms, a wearable breast pump is a game changer. The MammaBump Luna Wearable Breast Pump is lightweight, hospital-grade, and hands-free, allowing you to pump while doing other tasks, whether it’s cuddling your baby, driving, or even working. With its hospital-grade performance, it ensures maximum milk extraction, making pumping efficient and comfortable.

    2.    Eco-Friendly Milk Storage Bags
Storing your pumped milk is an essential part of the process. Traditional single-use plastic milk bags contribute to waste, but our Eco-Friendly Milk Bags are reusable, durable, and free of harmful microplastics. These bags are designed with the environment in mind and help you store your milk safely without worrying about chemicals leaching into the milk.

    3.    Silver Nursing Cups for Sore Nipples

Pumping and breastfeeding can sometimes lead to sore, cracked nipples. To alleviate discomfort, try our Silver Nursing Cups. Made from natural silver, these cups help heal and protect sore nipples between feedings, offering a natural, chemical-free way to soothe discomfort and prevent infections like mastitis.

Tips for Successful Pumping and Breastfeeding

 
    1.    Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Your body needs extra hydration and nutrients to produce milk. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.

    2.    Relax and Be Patient: Milk flow can be affected by stress. Try to relax before your pumping sessions—consider using soothing music or practicing deep breathing exercises.

    3.    Optimize Your Pumping Setup: With a hands-free pump like the MammaBump Luna Wearable Breast Pump, you can multitask while expressing milk. Pair it with our reusable Eco-Friendly Milk Bags for easy milk storage, and take care of your nipples with our Silver Nursing Cups.

    4.    Talk to a Lactation Consultant: If you’re having trouble establishing a pumping routine or experiencing pain while pumping, a lactation consultant can offer valuable advice tailored to your needs.

How to Power Pump?

Power pumping boosts your milk supply by mimicking a baby's “cluster feeding,” a term for a period during which your baby feeds more frequently than usual (usually because of a growth spurt). Both are thought to ramp up the production of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates breast milk production.

You can do power pumping instead of a feeding session (for example, you’re at work or otherwise away from your baby for a few hours). Otherwise, do it right after a breastfeeding session. Ideally, your power pumping session should last an hour.

A power pump schedule might look like this:

  • Pump for 20 minutes
  • Rest for 10 minutes
  • Pump for 10 minutes
  • Rest for 10 minutes
  • Pump for 10 minutes to finish the hour

If you don’t have a full hour, then aim for two 30-minute sessions where you pump for 10 minutes, rest for five, pump for five, rest for five, and then pump for another five. Then pump or nurse as usual the rest of the day.

It will take a few days for your milk supply to respond to this increased demand. Some moms see an increase within three days, while others will need to power pump for a week before seeing results.

 

What are the benefits of pumping milk?

There are many reasons why a mom would pump her breast milk, from relieving engorgement and boosting milk supply to collecting milk for feedings when you’re away from your little one (such as when you return to work).

If you pump and store your milk, you can continue to give your baby the benefits that come from breast milk long after you’ve stopped nursing. And for moms who want to feed their babies breast milk but can’t nurse for some reason (poor latch, for instance, or low supply), pumping ensures they can still offer their baby that liquid gold.

No matter the reason you do it, pumping has a number of benefits:

  • You’ll be able to go back to work (or go out for the night, take a vacation or travel for business) and still give your baby breast milk.
  • You don’t have to be the only one responsible for feeding your little one — a partner or caregiver can help, too.
  • Pumping allows you to build your milk supply even before baby needs more milk, thereby allowing you to store the extra for later down the road.
  • Pumping gives you the opportunity to donate your extra milk to moms who can’t breastfeed their babies themselves but want to give their little ones the benefits of breast milk. 

How to store breast milk

How to Store Breast Milk

 Pumping is just the first step; proper storage is essential to ensure your baby gets the best from your expressed milk. There are various ways to store breast milk, and it’s important to choose the option that suits your lifestyle and prioritizes safety for your baby.

 Storage Options for Breast Milk:

 

1. Plastic Milk Storage Bags

Many moms use plastic breast milk storage bags designed specifically for this purpose. These bags are convenient for freezing and storing milk as they take up less space and can be frozen flat. However, while plastic breast milk bags are generally safe, they may still contain microplastics, which could be a concern for some parents who want to avoid potential exposure to synthetic materials.

2. Glass Bottles

Glass bottles are another option for storing breast milk. They are durable, reusable, and free from any potential chemicals found in plastic. Glass is easy to sterilize and doesn’t absorb odors or stains. However, glass bottles can be heavy and prone to breaking, which might make them less convenient for moms on the go.

3. Silicone Milk Bags

We highly recommend using silicone milk bags, like our Eco-Friendly Milk Bags, for storing breast milk. Unlike traditional plastic bags, silicone bags are completely free from microplastics. They are reusable, durable, and environmentally friendly. Silicone doesn’t leach chemicals into the milk and can be safely sterilized, making it a fantastic option for long-term use. These bags are also flexible enough for easy storage and freezing, making them the perfect choice for eco-conscious parents.

 

Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk

Labelling: Always label your storage containers with the date and time the milk was expressed. This ensures you use the oldest milk first and keeps track of freshness.

Portioning for Freezing: Freeze milk in small quantities (around 3-4 ounces per bag) to make thawing easier and reduce waste. Leave some space in the storage bags for milk expansion as it freezes.

Temperature Guidelines:

Room Temperature: Breast milk can stay fresh at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for about 4 hours. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Refrigeration: You can store breast milk in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s kept at the back of the fridge where the temperature is more stable.

Freezing: Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for 6 to 12 months. While it remains safe within this range, it’s best to use frozen milk within 6 months to ensure the highest quality.

 

By using safe, reusable options like silicone milk bags, you can ensure your stored breast milk remains free from unwanted chemicals and maintain its purity for your baby.

 

Conclusion

 
Pumping and breastfeeding together can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to provide the best nutrition for your baby while building up a milk supply for future use. With the right schedule and products, you can make this experience more convenient and enjoyable. Remember, every mom’s journey is unique—find what works best for you and your little one!