Early Days
are normally more efficient and effective than other pumps. If you are going to be doing a lot of expressing e.g. for a premature baby, for twins, exclusive pumping, building milk supply, then this may be the best type of pump to use. They can be hired direct from manufacturers (Medela, Ardo, or from Samantha, the local NCT pump agent).
• Consumer grade electric pump – there is a vast range of electric pumps on the market and choosing one depends on how much you are going to be using it and for what purpose. Generally the more expensive pumps will afford more options in terms of cycles and suction, the ability to pump both breasts at the same time and once you have an established milk supply may enable you to maintain a full supply even without breastfeeding. A cheaper breastpump may be able to withdraw enough milk for occasional feeding, but won’t be good enough to maintain milk supply without full breastfeeding.
• Manual pump – suitable for occasional pumping or for those times when you won’t have batteries or electricity or require a little more discretion.
See these links for more information about storing expressed breastmilk, sterilising equipment and determining how much expressed breastmilk a baby might need.
NCT supports all parents, however they feed their baby. If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor at the Balham Breastfeeding Cafe (every Monday except bank holidays 10am-12 noon at The Devonshire, 39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN) or by calling our helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk. Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions.
Expressing myths exposed....
I need to express breastmilk to clear it of alcohol – when you have a drink, alcohol is present in your breastmilk at the same level as in your blood, with peak levels appearing 30-90 minutes after drinking. As your blood levels fall, the levels of alcohol in the breastmilk will also reduce. To reduce the exposure of your baby to alcohol, avoid breastfeeding for two to three hours after drinking. Some mothers find they need to express for comfort, maintain supply and avoid blocked milk ducts or mastitis. It is not recommended that this milk is stored for feeding to the baby. See the link for more information about alcohol and breastfeeding.
I can’t express breastmilk/ I can only express a small amount of breastmilk, therefore I mustn’t be producing enough breastmilk – by now, you’ve probably realised that pumping is not the same as breastfeeding! It is not as easy to get the same hormonal oxytocin response from staring at your breastpump as you do staring down at your baby - most women do not find expressing a particularly glamorous activity. Generally, a healthy baby will be far more efficient at extracting milk from your breasts than any pump. You may find that your expressing success can vary significantly depending on when your baby last fed and what time of the day it is. Many women find expressing in the morning, perhaps 30-45 minutes after the first breastfeed of the day (and some breakfast for mum) is a far more successful time than later in the day when tiredness sets in. There is a biological reason for this in that prolactin (the milk producing hormone) peaks in the early hours of the morning. It also explains why babies are programmed to feed in the night and why, when your baby starts sleeping for longer at night, your breasts can feel engorged in the morning. See here for information about whether your baby is getting enough milk.
Expressing is easy – isn’t just a case of slapping on the pump and watching the milk pour out. It helps to relax as if you are stressed and tired, it is going to be harder to get the oxytocin flowing which is require to release (let-down) the milk. Some women find having their baby or a picture of their baby helps. Start by warming your hands. Warming your breasts with a shower or a warm flannel can also help. Gently massage and stroke your breasts to wake them up. If you are using a pump, place the flange(s) centred over your nipple(s). If your pump has adjustable settings start with a fast, gentle cycle to get the milk flowing and then adjust to a slower, stronger cycle. Pump for as long as the milk is flowing and then continue pumping for a few extra minutes to further stimulate the breasts. You can also finish with a bit of hand expressing to remove any final milk the pump couldn’t get.