- Start within the first 6 hours after birth, if possible. Use a hands-on method.
- Your healthcare team may teach you to express milk using just your hands during those early days.
- Although hand-expressing milk can work well, an electric pump also helps. Pump at least 8 to 10 times each 24-hour period. Try not to let your breasts stay full, because that will decrease how much milk you make. Each woman stores a different amount of milk in her breasts, so the time between pumping sessions may be different for different mothers. You can find a routine that works best for you.
- Empty the breasts with each pumping. Because every mother is different, this may take more or less time for you than for someone else. Gentle massage can help with emptying. Pump until the milk stops coming out or for about 20 minutes.
- Try not to go more than 3 hours without pumping.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the pump or collection kit.
- Be sure to get enough rest and fluids by drinking as soon as you are thirsty. This will help maintain your milk supply.
- If possible, use an electric pump. This kind of pump is important for keeping up milk supply for moms and babies who are separated. These pumps cost much more than the more commonly used personal pumps.
- To pump from both breasts at the same time (double pump), use a double milk-collection kit that attaches to the breast pump. Double pumping increases prolactin. This is the hormone that stimulates your breasts to make milk. It also saves time.
- Massage the breasts gently before pumping, and during pumping. This helps stimulate “let-down” of the milk. Massaging while you pump helps express more milk with higher fat content.
- Start with a low pump pressure setting and increase it as you get used to the feel of pumping. Use the highest comfortable setting that you can.
- Be sure to read the pump maker's instructions on how to use the pump.
- If pumping hurts your nipple at any time, ask your nurse about using a larger collection cup that may be more comfortable.
Important: After pumping, be sure to follow the pump maker's instructions for cleaning the pump collection kit after each pumping. This can help prevent your baby from getting an infection.
