Breast milk is the best food for a baby during the first six months of life. That is why when there is some kind of problem in breastfeeding it is recommended to express milk. How to use a breast pump It is a question that every new mother asks herself at the beginning and when she does not even know what type of breast pump to buy. There are many reasons why a mother can use a breast pump. From the cases of premature babies who cannot suck independently to those in which the mother must return to work quickly. Or if you want to organize a more comfortable life, with breastmilk always available if necessary.
Whatever the reason, know how to use a breast pump it is a matter of importance to every new mother.
Types of breast pump
There is no single technique for express breast milk with a breast pump as there is a range of products on the market that will offer different qualities. We can divide breast pumps into two large groups: manual and electric.
The manual breast pump they are cheaper and can be an option when it comes to a not too intensive use. They are ideal to use when you cannot make noise since the pressure is done by hand, there is no motor that can be annoying. This type of breast pump requires a certain skill since you have to pump with both hands and exerting some pressure, so it can be somewhat exhausting, especially at night or if the mother does not have as much milk production.
Then there are the electric breast pump, which are ideal for pumping milk on a daily basis. They are very effective and widely used by mothers who have to return to work but want to prolong breastfeeding. It allows quick and effective extractions, being able to opt for those simple or double models, which allow the milk to be extracted from both breasts at the same time.
Unlike the manual breast pump, the electric model produces some noise and is considerably more expensive. On the other hand, you have to choose the size of the cup well to avoid injuries and that the extraction is correct.
How to use the breast pump
At first it may seem a bit difficult, but using a breast pump is easy, it just takes a little practice at first. If it is a manual breast pump, you will have to place the breast pump in the correct position and then pump by hand so that the device begins to suck. In general, these breast pumps come with a bottle or a bottle where the expressed milk goes. Then you have to close the bottle very well to store the milk in the refrigerator immediately.
For electric breast pumps, it is important to find a comfortable place before starting the pump. expressing breast milk. Then it is recommended to massage the chest to soften the area and massage from the outside towards the nipple to allow the ducts to also soften. Also, keep in mind that if the breast pump funnel is wet, it will be easier for it to adhere to the breast, so we recommend moistening it first.
Once located, it is time to turn on the pump at the proper speed. At the beginning you can choose a stronger pumping speed since there is a greater amount of milk accumulated, then slowing down as the breast begins to empty. A good sign that it's time to slow down is when you feel your chest swell and a little tickle appear. When the milk stops coming out, change breasts.
Remember to always wash your hands very well before starting use the breast pump and clean all the utensils and components very well at the end so that bacteria do not accumulate.