How and When to Pump Breast Milk– The Details Guide

Pumping your breast milk allows you to have excess milk on hand for others to help with feedings. Pumping your breast milk makes it possible to leave your child with others when you return to work.

Since you cannot be available for all of your child's feedings, it is essential to have a supply on hand. This guide will help you understand how to pump your breast milk and when to pump your breast milk.

How to Pump Breast Milk

A breast pump contains a piece called the Flange which you hold to your breast during pumping. You will need a proper Flange, fitted for your breast, to achieve greater comfort and better milk flow.

A good fit means your nipple can move freely in the Flange tunnel and does not rub against it.

Basic Breast pumping directions

• Before you touch anything, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer
• Choose a breast shield or flange that fits your breast
• You have to stimulate what is known as your 'let-down reflex.' This stimulation entails massaging your breast to encourage your milk to let-down. This action may be required during pumping as well if you notice milk is not coming consistently
• Select the vacuum setting on the pump that is comfortable for your breasts. Adjust the settings either up or down until you find your comfort zone
• To cut your pumping time down, most breast pumps can be used to pump both breasts at the same time.
• To begin pumping center the Flange (breast shield) over your nipple and press lightly to create an air seal
• You are now ready to turn on the pump and adjust suction and vacuum settings.

At the time of pumping breast, how to increase the supply of breast milk?​

Sometimes it is difficult to obtain a good milk flow if you are unable to relax. It is necessary to take rest and eating enough food, water, milk or fruits before starting breast pump.

You should pump your breast milk in relax by sitting on the bed or chair.

Practice your pumping before you return to work or before you will be relying on pumped milk supply.

 Other ideas that help include not watching the pump or have a piece of clothing with that smells like your child.

How and When to Pump Breast Milk-FAQS

01. Is pumping hurt you?

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​One thing to remember is that pumping should never hurt you. If you experience discomfort; adjust settings for speed, suction, and vacuum until you achieve a comfortable pump. Once you are comfortable and the milk is flowing; slow down the cycles to keep a steady flow.

02. How to pump breast milk directly?

You may follow  different methods for collection of milk. Some breast milk storage system allow you to pump directly to the attachment.

Other brands that do not attach securely, you can use the Flange as a funnel to transfer milk.

To avoid the pouring of milk into a bag, you can pump directly into it by using an adapter. Adapters are available as an accessory which you can attach directly to the backflow protector and Flange piece of the pump.

03. Can you attach adapter with breast milk pump

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• Peel back/off the bag's seal
• Attach adapter by clamping below the zipper line on the bag which will direct milk flow into the bag
• Attach Flange by screwing on to the adapter
• Attach back flow protector
• Begin pumping

04. When to Start Pumping Breast Milk?

Having a supply of milk on hand ensures you won't run out if you have low production day. You can start pumping your milk to store during the early weeks as your supply will not yet be regulated.

During these first weeks, you may collect an oversupply, but you can freeze breast milk for later use.

05. When is the Best Time to Pump Breast Milk?

Your best time to pump for breast milk storage is in the morning. Many moms find they get the most milk if they pump first thing when they wake.

You will also find pumping between breastfeeding beneficial. Pumping thirty to sixty minutes after you have nursed, or one hour before your next feeding.

If you are staying at home with your child, you can pump extra breast milk to store. The recommended time to pump is about an hour or so before you expect your child to want a feeding.

You can also pump one breast as your baby feeds from the other. If returning to work, you should pump on the same schedule as you have fed your baby while home.

06. How Many Times a Day Should I Pump My Breast Milk?

The amount of milk in a woman's breast varies from mom to mom. Your breast storage capacity will affect the number of times you can pump in a day.

If you keep your breasts drained, it will trigger your body to make milk faster. If you allow your breasts to remain full, your body will slow down on milk production.

The number of times a day you can pump your milk for storage depends on your breast milk capacity. Some mothers can pump four or five a day, while others can pump nine to ten times.

How many times to pump depend on your desire to increase or decrease milk flow and how often milk is ready.

 Mothers who breastfeed their babies often want to know:

1. How often they will need to pump when they go back to work
2. How much milk they should pump and store each day
3. What type of container should they use for Breast milk

1.How often they will need to pump when they go back to work ?

 It depends on your child's feeding schedule. If your child is under six months old, you are probably feeding every three hours.

You will want to keep the schedule for pumping the same as your feeding schedule has been. If you feed every three hours, you will want to pump every three hours.

2. How much milk they should pump and store each day?

 It is approximately 10-12 ounces for a 10-hour day.

This amount is determined for infants who consume about one ounce per hour during the first six months. You can adjust these amounts according to how much your child is eating.

3. What type of container should they use for preservation?

 The best kind of container is the well sealed plastic  bags. These bags can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future use.Many mothers find thawing breast milk and placing in appropriate sized bottles for daycare use works the best.

What to do after pumping of breast milk

After pumping of breast milk, you have to think about how to store it for later use. Storing breast milk requires the use of bags specifically designed to protect its immune- boosting properties.

These unique storage bags can withstand a freezing and re-thawing process and are equipped with quality construction to prevent leaks.So store breast milk in the freezer or refrigerator. 

How to get breast milk from storage bag to bottle:

Whichever  option you choose, you will need to transfer stored milk into a bottle before started feeding to your baby. The storage bags are not designed as a feeding tool; they are strictly a storage container. Learn more details working process of the breast milk storage bags.

How to Use Spectra Breast Pump?

The Spectra Breast Pump has been designed as an effective, powerful breast pump to make a mom's life easier. It creates a barrier between your milk and the pump to ensure hygiene and motor performance. This pump can be used for bottles or with an adapter; you can pump directly into the storage bag.

Spectra S2 breast pump?

These bags should all work with the Spectra S2 breast pump; however, you need to check if they require additional adapters.

Today's moms understand the importance of breastfeeding. Mom's also appreciate how returning to work while breastfeeding can be challenging.

We hope this guide helps you to overcome some of those challenges and makes your breastfeeding more rewarding.