Most new mothers breastfeed their baby for about six months, as breast milk provides perfect nutrition for newborns during the first six months. But what if the mother resumes work while breastfeeding or spends a few hours by herself??? During this time, a breast milk supply can also be produced with the help of a pump.
In general, breast pumps are distinguished between electric devices and hand pumps. However, hand pumps are not suitable for pumping more milk. Full feedings can be achieved more easily and quickly with an electric breast pump. It is powered by either batteries or mains power. It can easily be pumped directly from the breast into the bottle.
A breast pump will only suck like a baby if it is attached properly. With many electric pumps, the suction power of the breast pump can be adjusted individually. In the beginning, it is quite normal that only a few milliliters of colostrum can be pumped out. However, this amount can usually be increased quickly. In total, the pump should not be pumped for longer than 20 minutes, as otherwise the breasts will be under too much pressure and the milk production will not be high enough to pump continuously for long periods of time. When the pump is to be removed from the body, The pump should be turned off momentarily. Otherwise, removing it from the breast can be extremely painful.
For many mothers, using a breast pump at first is not easy. These tips will make pumping milk easier:
- Bend your upper body slightly forward while pumping.
- Switch sides often when pumping. If it helps, you can feed your baby on the other breast at the same time as you pump.
- Warm up your breast before using the breast pump.
- Massage your breasts slowly and in circular motions while pumping them۔
Breastfeeding mothers can store breast milk by using a breast pump. This allows them to collect more milk at once in a short period of time. In addition, using a breast pump provides other benefits to mothers:
Pumping milk soothes the breast. Especially at the beginning of breastfeeding, when a lot of milk is produced, a breast pump can prevent excess milk pumping. It is also especially helpful in increasing milk production when the mother produces very little milk. The more milk is released from the breast, the more new milk will be produced.
Expression of milk۔ Milk can be fed to the baby in a bottle. So not only the mother but also the father can breastfeed the baby.
It is also very useful when the period of breastfeeding is over or you have to wean your baby for some reason. Because milk continues to flow for a few days after weaning, and due to its non-emission, it collects in the breasts and hardens the breasts. Which is very painful for the mother. Sometimes mothers also get fever and muscle cramps during this period. If you continue to express milk little by little with the help of the pump, it will keep the breast soft. And there will be no pain. Then for 2 to 3 days when the baby does not drink milk, the flow of milk will stop automatically.
One of the biggest advantages of breastfeeding is that there are usually no major complications and it is also less strenuous than breastfeeding using a breast pump. But some things are still important to consider. If you have breastfed your baby, but also occasionally feed him with feeder milk, you should know that this lead can cause suction confusion in the baby due to the different sucking movements of the baby at the bottle and at the breast. To avoid suction confusion, expressed milk should ideally be fed to the baby through a single cup, spoon, or pipette. In general, the natural way of breastfeeding should be preferred over pump or bottle feeding. However, if breastfeeding is not always possible, expressed breast milk can be used with peace of mind.
In general, breast milk can be stored for about three days in the refrigerator and up to half a year in the freezer. (If breast milk is frozen, important components of the milk are lost. Therefore, it is better to refrigerate pumped milk rather than storing it for too long) If breast milk can't be refrigerated, it should be fed eight hours after pumping—too soon in summer temperatures. If the milk is kept in the refrigerator, it should not be stored in the door as the temperature is high there. Previously frozen milk, the date, time, and if necessary, the child's name should be noted on the container. Especially if the child is being looked after as well as other children. - For example, a childminder.
In the freezer, milk should ideally be stored in special milk containers. Always keep in mind that milk expands a little during freezing - that's why the container should be filled to more than about 24% to 80%. If you want to use frozen breast milk, you should defrost it at room temperature in the refrigerator - but never in the microwave. After fermentation, you can drink the milk for 2 hours, after which the milk has to be discarded. It is not possible to refreeze it. Before the baby receives milk, it should be carefully warmed in the heat. Be sure to check the temperature of the milk to ensure that the milk is not too hot.
Make sure the breast pump is disassembled, washed, and disinfected before use.
The parts required for sterilizing are silicone pouring, horn, upper pump body, lower pump body, diaphragm, diaphragm cap, valve, bottle, horn hygiene cover, and milk storage lid or milk storage pods. These components are suitable for sterilization by steam (electric and microwave), boiling, or cold water pellet/liquid solution. Follow the sterilizer manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not sterilize: single to double connectors, air tubes, motor units, and adapters. Just clear the ad.
- Wash the product immediately after use to remove milk residue.
- Wash all products to sterilize in hot soapy water and rinse in clean water or use the dishwasher.
- Do not clean with solvents or harsh chemicals.
- Inspect the air tube before and after each use for condensation. Allow to air dry before the next use.
- To clean the valve, gently rub between your fingers in warm soapy water - do not insert objects as damage may result.