Breast Pumps and Pumping Breast Milk
When breastfeeding directly from the breasts is impossible, you can pump milk and feed it to your baby with a bottle, spoon, or small cup. Keep in mind that breast milk pumping is an acquired skill, and it improves over time with practice and ongoing usage. If needed, you can seek professional guidance at a Tipat Halav clinic (Family Health Center).
Milk pumping schedule
According to your needs
When you have to leave your baby (for work, vacation, or hospitalization), or when the baby struggles with nursing.
According to professional guidance
When you need to increase the quantity of milk or if you suffer from congestion or breast inflammation.
Ways to pump milk
You can pump milk using a manual squeezing technique (see an explanation below). However, many women prefer to pump milk with a breast pump. When pumping is performed every day, electric pumps are typically more efficient than manual pumps.
Getting prepared before pumping milk
Prepare the pump and containers that are suitable for storing pumped milk (these containers can be a clean food dish with a lid or a designated milk-storage bag) and create pleasant surroundings. It is advised that you prepare items, such as a photo, video or garment, to remind you of your baby and help you produce more milk. Pleasant music or relaxation techniques may also help you increase the quantity of pumped milk. It is essential to wash your hands with water and soap before pumping milk.
Types of breast pumps
There are several types of milk pumps. When selecting the type of pump, several factors should be taken into account. It is recommended to consult a lactation consultant or a Tipat Halav (Family Health Center) nurse before purchasing. Read the pump manufacturer's instructions before using it.
Manual pumps
Relatively cheap, light-weight pumps. However, pumping with them requires physical effort.
Battery powered pumps
Light-weight pumps, pumping with them does not require physical effort, but they are more expensive than manual pumps.
Electric pumps
Easy-to-use pumps, but relatively expensive. Electric pumps are connected to a kit (one-sided or two-sided) that includes a cube (the part you attach to the breast), a bottle to absorb the pumped milk, a one-way valve, and a tube that is attached to the pump (the motor).
You should know
You should know
- You can rent or borrow an electric pump (for example from Yad Sara). If you rent or borrow a pump, ensure that it is a multi-user pump and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, it is essential that you get a new pumping kit (the one that comes in direct contact with your breast) that will be used by you only.
- A breast pump for personal use must not be used by more than one woman.
The process of milk pumping
Pumping with a breast pump
- Before attaching the pump, massage your breast gently to enhance your milk flow.
- Attach the breast shield to your breast and turn on the breast pump according to the attached instructions.
- Pumping sequence: at first, the milk comes out in droplets. Then, it comes out in a stream, and then in droplets again.
- If the breast pump is one-sided and the flow of milk decreases, switch to the second breast. Then, resume pumping both breasts again.
- If the breast pump is two-sided, take a break, massage your breasts gently, and resume pumping.
Manual pumping
- Wash your hands and gently massage your breasts using your palm and fingertips to stimulate milk flow and the milk production reflex.
- Cup your breast with your hand, placing your thumb above the breast and your fingers below it.
- Press your breast on the area between your thumb and your fingers, and move your thumb as it gently presses towards the nipple while keeping your hand on the breast.
- Continue this movement while slowly moving your fingers to different locations on your breast. This movement covers all the milk ducts in your breast.
- It is advised that you sit and lean with your breasts forward to allow gravity to assist with the milk flow.
- It is important to keep in mind that it takes time to learn how to pump milk manually. This is a process of trial-and-error. When your milk comes out in a steady flow, you will know you succeeded.
Frequency and schedule of pumping
The frequency of breast pumping changes according to the reasons to pump:
- If you pump milk for a baby who was just born and separated from you (for example, when giving birth to a preemie), you should pump at least 8 times a day. Pumping regularly will help you produce enough milk for your baby. Do not wait and seek help in nursing if needed, as it is extremely important that you keep nursing in this situation for both the baby and you.
- Pumping for partial nursing (for example, when you go out to work): aim to pump during your baby's usual feeding times.
- Pumping to increase the quantity of the milk: in this case, it is advised to consult a lactation consultant or a Tipat Halav (Family Health Center) nurse.