How to use the breast pump

When a baby is born, the mother can choose between breastfeeding or formula milk during breastfeeding , although she is sometimes forced to use formula milk to prevent risks. In the event that the method used is breast milk, it is extracted from the mother’s breast during the lactation period, normally by the baby himself who sucks through the mother’s nipple to obtain the milk. There is another option that allows us to express the milk, the breast pump. It is a nursing accessory that is used to express breast milk.

To express breast milk, it must be clear that there are some recommendations to take into account to know when to express it. In the first place, it will be necessary to wait half an hour after a feeding has passed so that the woman’s breast can have enough milk again. Even so, it is advisable to palpate the other breast during feeding since it is possible that milk can be expressed from it by stimulating the baby to create milk. It is also a good time to pump when a woman notices that she has excess milk on her breast.

CASES IN WHICH IT IS ADVISABLE TO USE A BREAST PUMP

There are times when the use of the breast pump becomes more of a necessity than an option since for one of the two agents that participate in the extraction of milk from the mother’s breast it can be harmed.

– The baby is premature . In these cases, the newborn is unable to suck the milk on its own since it is not yet in a position to do so. It would be advisable for the mother to express the milk herself to be able to keep it for when the baby can suck on his own during the lactation period.

– The mother is ill . Through the feeding of the breastfeeding period, infections that the mother has can be passed to the baby. To do this, the mother has to be proactive and have extra milk so that she does not have to resort to formula milk at a certain time . For these cases it is advisable to express milk when it is left over after taking it.

– The baby has malformations in the mouth . There are newborns who are born with problems in the mouth and palate who have problems being able to express milk from the mother’s breast. If the mother expresses her milk and passes it into a bottle, through the nozzle of this, it will be much easier for the baby to be fed.

– Absence of the mother . Many times, the feeding time can coincide with the busy mother and not being able to breastfeed her child. To do this, the mother will use the breast pump to leave enough milk for the baby to be fed even if she is not there.

– If cracks appear on the chest . Cracks in the chest are caused by a poor latch on the baby or by not knowing how to use the breast pump. In this case, when the mother is unable to correct her child’s grip, it is advisable to use the breast pump to avoid pain during feeding.

HOW TO USE THE BREAST PUMP

Most importantly, you will have to be patient. You do not learn to use the breast pump the first time, so we will not have to despair and go little by little until we find the correct position that does not hurt us. The milk must be extracted every 3-4 hours , increasing the frequency of the extractions the amount of milk that will come out.

1. First, both the chest and the hands must be cleaned. In the case of the breast, it will be necessary to have special dedication in the event that there is any trace of cream, such as the anti-cracking, since it will go directly to the milk that is expressed. The most advisable thing is to use water , since the use of any liquid that contains chemicals will not be good.

2. Find a comfortable position, in a warm place and, if you need it, without people around. When you are in perfect condition, moisten your chest and bring the pump closer. Moistening the chest will help make the closure more airtight.

3. Start with short, quick, and gentle sucks. Milk may not come out at first, but this does not mean that you will have to stop sucking, as the first drops will begin to come out immediately. You will notice it because the chest will harden. The suction will progressively change depending on how comfortable the woman is and the amount of milk that is coming out. While you are using the pump, visually check that the cone and breast are tight and that the nipple is moving in a rhythmic and regular way, like when you breastfeed.

4. Change the breast pump when the milk stops coming out or when 15 minutes have passed , since it is not recommended to use it for a long time.

5. Once the milk has been expressed, it will be kept in a sterilized container to be used when the mother sees fit.

6. Finally, the breast pump will have to be cleaned. Usually, it is explained in the instructions for the object itself. Once used, it must be cleaned with hot soapy water, taking care to have clean hands before handling it. It is also important not to forget to sterilize it so that no bacteria remain that can affect the quality of breast milk.