Finding the right pump is critical.
breastfeeding
Most moms picture feeding their little ones straight from the source for as long as possible. But real life often calls for a shift. Heading back to work, sharing night feeds with dad or building a backup stash? Pumping( part-time or full-time) often becomes part of the journey. So, where to begin?
Get into a pumping routine
Depending on why you need to pump, it’ s often best to start before the need actually arises. If your baby is struggling to latch, begin pumping right away. If you’ re preparing to return to work, aim to start pumping three to four weeks in advance.
So, getting on a pumping schedule? Sr Sr Rika Hoffman, pediatric nurse and midwife from Proselect Mother & Baby Clinic recommends:“ Aim to pump at least every three hours during the day. This mirrors how often your baby feeds and helps to maintain your milk supply.”
Carené Joubert, dietician and lactation consultant at Bump to Babe echoes this, but adds that pumping schedules are not a one-size-fits-all.“ Pumping schedules often refer to a pre-set plan for expressing milk, but these must be adapted to each mother’ s personal circumstances, her baby’ s age, her feeding goals, and her work situation. For instance, a mom with a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit( NICU) might need to pump every 2 – 3 hours, while others might only need to pump when they’ ll be away from their baby for extended periods.”
Carené advises that as a rule of thumb you should plan to pump for every feed that you miss, which usually means every three hours. Returning to work? It’ s crucial to maintain your milk supply while away from your baby.“ Breastfeeding before work and after coming home will help keep your supply up,” says Sr. Rika.
Carené expands,“ South Africa’ s Basic Conditions of Employment Act allows for two 30-minute expressing breaks daily
www. babysandbeyond. co. za during the first six months postpartum. If breasts remain full and unemptied, it can signal the brain to decrease supply.”
Boosting your supply
You can also boost your supply with power pumping. Power pumping mimics a baby’ s cluster feeding and can help increase milk supply. Sr Rika recommends:“ Pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump for another 10, rest again, and then pump for a final 10. Do this once a day for five to seven days straight.”
Both experts emphasise consistency. Carené cautions, however, that power pumping should not be done regularly if at all, and can be very exhausting if continued.“ Pumping is a long game”.
“ The ideal would be to visit a breast pump demo center, where a Lactation consultant can take your measurement and allow you to fit certain pumps and sizes to guide your in the right direction,” says Carené.
Struggling to get a letdown with your pump? Sr Rika encourages moms to relax and try to mimic the feeling of nursing.
Carené offers some practical advice:“ Use a warm compress or gently massage
Choosing the right pump: manual vs electric
Finding the right pump is critical. Carené provides tips into what to look for: Pump pressure: Cycle speed:
Rechargeable battery:
Flange fit:
Ideally 250mmHg or higher At least 30 – 40 cycles per minute More convenient than battery-powered or wall-only models
“ Most women are using flanges that are too big,” says Carené.“ A poorly fitting flange can lead to discomfort and lower milk output.”
Parts availability: Silicone components wear out and must be replaced. Value: the breast before and during pumping. Hydration helps too. Something as simple as listening to calming music or having a quiet space can also help you settle into the pumping session."
And, she says, looking at photos of your baby while pumping“ can help release the hormones responsible for milk production and excretion”. For example, oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide that stimulates lactation and also facilitates parental bonding and trust, among other things.
Final thoughts
“ It takes time,” Sr Rika reminds moms,“ but with the right mindset and planning, you’ ll be a pumping pro.”
Carené’ s closing message is one all new moms need to hear.“ Never judge your milk supply from pumping alone. Every drop counts. Be patient with yourself and your body.” �
Finding the right pump is critical.
“ Expensive doesn’ t always mean better. Some well-known brands are overpriced, and cheaper pumps might lack efficiency.”
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