Meet Maria Myers, our in-house IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) at Pippeta. Maria brings years of experience and is dedicated to supporting every parent’s unique feeding journey, ensuring that you receive tailored guidance with every Pippeta breast pump purchase. One of the many perks of choosing Pippeta is our commitment to providing access to free lactation support from Maria, helping you maximise comfort, efficiency, and confidence in your pumping routine.
Pumping is a skill that can be learnt, perfected, and customised to suit your lifestyle and needs. Here, Maria shares her top five pumping tips for an optimal experience.
1. Create a Breastfeeding-Like Environment While Pumping
For a more natural pumping experience, try to mimic the comforting aspects of breastfeeding. Imagine the warmth and closeness of your baby at the breast—this can make a surprising difference. Here’s how:
- Comfortable Position: Just as you would with a baby, find a cosy, supportive spot to settle into.
- Warmth & Massage: Warm compresses or gentle breast massages can help stimulate milk flow, encouraging your body to relax and let down milk more naturally.
- Flange Fit & Pump Settings: Like a baby's latch, your pump needs a good "fit" for comfort and efficiency. Adjust the flange size and pump settings for gentle but effective suction. Starting with lower suction and gradually increasing as you feel comfortable can help.
Taking the time to recreate a soothing, nurturing environment will make the experience feel more instinctive and less mechanical.
2. Build a Routine that Works for YOU
You’ve probably heard the standard recommendation of pumping every 2-3 hours, but your routine doesn’t need to follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, consider these tips for a flexible and manageable schedule:
- Frequency Over Length: Short, frequent pumping sessions (10-15 minutes every few hours) can be more effective than long, infrequent ones. Avoid mentally building up to a long session, which can add unnecessary stress.
- Incorporate into Daily Tasks: If time is tight, try pumping while doing simple chores or when baby is feeding. A flexible routine reduces pressure and integrates more seamlessly into your day-to-day activities.
Choose a rhythm that fits within the demands of your life. When pumping aligns with your daily routine, it becomes a natural part of your day rather than an isolated task.
3. Condition Your Body for a Consistent Milk Flow
Consistency helps your body associate certain cues with milk release. Studies show that repeated activities—like listening to calming music—can enhance milk output by creating a conditioned response. Here are ways to establish these cues:
- Repetitive Soothing Practices: Many NICU mums play relaxation or meditation tracks during each pumping session. This audio cue encourages milk letdown as your body becomes familiar with the sounds.
- Routine for Relaxation: Find a relaxation technique that you enjoy, whether it’s deep breathing, calming scents, or a warm drink. Using these techniques consistently while pumping can help condition your body for a steady milk flow.
Over time, these familiar routines and settings signal your body that it’s time to let down milk, leading to increased comfort and improved output.
4. Use Effective Pump Settings for Optimal Milk Expression
Getting the right settings on your pump is crucial for maximising milk output, especially if you’re exclusively pumping or building a stash for work or travel. Here’s how to set up your pump like a pro:
- Mimic Baby’s Nursing Pattern: Start with a high-frequency, low-suction setting to simulate a baby’s initial sucking and encourage letdown. Then, switch to a lower frequency with a stronger suction to mimic the slower, deeper gulps.
- Ideal Suction Range: Look for pumps with a suction range of 150-250 mmHg and a frequency of 40-60 cycles per minute. This range closely mirrors a baby’s natural nursing rhythm and ensures effective breast drainage.
- Proper Fit Matters: An ill-fitting flange can affect comfort and output, so make sure you’re using the right size. Pippeta pumps come with various flange sizes for a personalised fit, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience.
Customising your pump settings to reflect a baby’s natural suckling behaviour makes pumping more intuitive and productive.
5. Set Up a Cosy Spot for Night-time Pumping
For many parents, night-time pumping is essential to maintaining supply, but it doesn’t have to be a disruptive or stressful experience. Creating a calm, cosy spot for night-time pumping can make all the difference.
- Prepare for Comfort: Keep a soft blanket, dim light, or a flask of warm tea nearby to make the process as relaxing as possible.
- Soothing Extras: Consider a warm eye mask, soft music, or other small comforts that help you relax and stay focused.
- Minimise Disturbance: The goal is to keep things stress-free, so plan your setup with minimal fuss to create a nurturing atmosphere that supports relaxation and milk flow.
By setting up a comfortable and familiar night-time pumping area, you’re setting yourself up for more restful and effective late-night sessions.
Final Thought: Pumping is a Learned Skill
Pumping, like breastfeeding, is a journey that requires patience and persistence. Remember, if your early sessions don’t yield the output you hoped for, you’re not doing anything wrong. Pumping success grows with practice, and learning to customise your routine and settings can make a world of difference.
With Pippeta, you're not alone. Every pump purchase includes access to our IBCLC lactation consultant, Maria Myers, to help you troubleshoot, answer questions, and cheer you on every step of the way.
