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Breast Pumping Tips – Breast pumping and breastfeeding can be very overwhelming to think about. You hear all the stories of women with cracked nipples, not being able to produce enough milk, and babies not latching properly.
You then add on the amount of time that it requires, because, honestly, it is quite the commitment. You may be wondering if this is something you can do or even want to do.
During my second pregnancy, I was able to do a few things differently. I have 4 breast-pumping tips that have helped me have an oversupply of stored milk… for twins!
Yes, twins, which is a whole other ball game when nursing!
4 Breast Pumping Tips
Below I will be sharing 4 breast-pumping tips that have worked for me. Keep in mind that all women’s bodies are different so what works for one might not work for another. But it’s worth a try!
1. Think of a plan ahead of time
Nothing major to stress you out, but just having a small plan in your head of what you are going to do is important. Pumping is quite a commitment and something you need to start soon after delivery.
So having something in mind is key.
when I found out I was pregnant with twins I immediately started thinking about what breastfeeding would look like and if I could even do it.
Being that there would be two babies needing both breasts I wasn’t sure how it would work. Would I have enough milk since I couldn’t just switch breasts anymore (like I did with my first) as the other twin would now need it?
With more research, I realized that our bodies are smart enough to recognize that they need to produce enough milk for the number of babies that need it. However, I also know that everyone’s bodies are different, and it isn’t always that easy.
I wasn’t going to put any pressure on myself, but I also wanted to do what I could to help myself out if possible.
2. Get your breast-pumping supplies in advance.
If you can, you need to start pumping right away so you need to have your pumping supplies before you deliver. I was able to get my pump free through my insurance. Many insurance companies offer this, so make sure to look into this before you buy one.
- Breast pump and parts – Make sure you get the right pump for you and don’t forget to get extra parts if something stops working. Also, it’s important to get the right size flanges (cups that go over your boobs.) The incorrect suction size can affect your letdown.
- Breastmilk storage bags – You will need plenty of these. Especially when your milk starts to come in. I have used both the Lansinoh bags and Parents Choice. Both works well, just don’t overfill your bags.
- Nursing Bra -Hands-free pumping bra. These are great and allow you to do other things while pumping. I ordered this 2-pack nursing bra almost 4 years ago and they are both still holding up.
- This Momcozy hands-free pumping bra is another popular choice! But as long as it fits well and holds your pumps in place, I don’t think which one you choose matters much.
- Nipple cream – This stuff is a lifesaver. With all the pumping and feedings, you will need this cream for your nips! it works wonders and heals them quickly! I swear by this Lanolin nipple creme, it will heal your nips quickly!!
- Nipple covers (aka nursing pads) – You will need these to place inside your bra so that when leaking happens (and it will) you will have something to catch it. These are the nipple covers I use, and they work great!
- Water – Pumping makes you so thirsty! You will need plenty of water by your side.
3. Start pumping and breast-feeding ASAP
After I delivered, I switched between bottle feeding (to measure their milk intake) and breastfeeding. I then started pumping on day 2. This was to make sure my body knew I needed milk for two and wanted to immediately start building my stash.
I would double pump for about 25 minutes right after I breastfed. I only got a few drops in the first few sessions, which is completely normal at first. Remember, that early on you’re just signaling to your body what is needed. I continued this method until I left the hospital and on day 3.
I ended up leaving the hospital with a bag already filled with stored breast milk!
4. Continue to pump on a schedule
Once home, I exclusively double-pumped every 2-3 hours for 30 minutes for the first 2 months straight. This mainly started because I wanted to see how much milk my twins were consuming. Twin B was not latching well. Twin A latched well, but it was still easier to bottle-feed them both at the time.
Especially so others could help with the feeding too.
I would also pump for about 5 minutes after the last drop of milk came out. This is letting your body know that it needs to create more milk.
With pumping every 2-3 hours I ended up pumping 60 plus ounces a day and had a ton of stored breast milk within the first few weeks.
If you are breastfeeding and pumping, I would recommend pumping right after you finish breastfeeding. This is a great way to signal to your body what is needed. It’s also helpful so that once you’re finally finished pumping you can just be done with it all for the next few hours.
**Don’t forget to double pump, as this is very important! This means pumping both breasts at the same time. This is also signaling to your body how much milk you need and will help increase your supply. it’s all about telling your body what you need, supply and demand is the name of the game.
The Don’t
The one thing that stands out that I did differently this time that has had the biggest impact on my milk supply is that I stopped pumping regularly with my first child when she was 6 weeks old. I would only pump morning and night, which completely killed my milk supply!
In those first few weeks after giving birth I would pump 18oz at a time and once I stopped pumping consistently, I could barely get 4 oz a session. With the help of breast milk cookies (the only thing that worked for me) I was able to up my supply a little bit, but it never went back to what it was.
Currently
I have stopped pumping and now I just exclusively breastfeed. I needed to slow down my supply as I was getting engorged after 1-2 hours, and I was physically running out of room in my freezers! (Good problem to have) You would think that after a few months of exclusively breastfeeding, my breast milk would have adjusted to my baby’s needs, but it took them a few weeks to regulate.
I still have an oversupply of milk in my breast and will still experience leakage if away from them and miss a feeding. Although the leaking and occasional engorgement can sometimes be a pain, I am thankful for this because who knows what the future will hold or how much they will drink as they get older.
Final Thoughts on Breast Pumping Tips
I realize this is just my experience and this will not work for every woman as our bodies are different.
Some women can pump and pump and never get more than a drop no matter what they try. I also realize that pumping around the clock with a newborn is a big commitment and not always doable.
I just wanted to share my experience and the breast-pumping tips that have helped me!
Hopefully, this can help someone who is on this journey as well!
Please leave a comment below and let me know the best breast-pumping tips that helped you!
Don’t forget to save this pin to look back on!
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