The journey into motherhood and parenting is filled with numerous decisions, including how to feed your baby. For those who choose to breastfeed, deciding to use breast pumps for expressing breastmilk can be a part of the feeding journey at any point.. Grasping the subtleties of breast pumps and pumping can make this part of parenting manageable rather than overwhelming.
Will I definitely need a breast pump?
Expressing milk is not essential. If direct breastfeeding is effective and you have no need to obtain expressed breast milk, then expressing is likely to be unnecessary for you. Moreover, if occasional expression is needed, many mothers find hand expression to be adequate—it’s cost-free, requires no equipment or special preparation, and your hands are always with you. However, if you’re considering a breast pump, it’s advantageous to research them before purchasing. Breast pumps are not universally suitable; factors such as breast size and shape, the specific need for pumping, and the frequency of pumping could influence the choice of pump that’s best for you.
Types of Breast Pumps: Finding Your Fit
Breast pumps come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique features tailored to fit different lifestyles and needs.
- Silicone pump – These are soft silicone funnels that extend in to a bottle shape at the bottom. These are not technically pumps as they are usually just suctioned onto the breast and draw the milk out through this suction. Pros – These can be good for obtaining a little extra milk if you would like to offer occasional expressed milk feeds or obtain some milk for using in cooking when your little one starts solids. Cons – It is important to avoid overuse of a silicone pump, especially in the early days/weeks when your body is learning what your baby’s needs are. This is because this can lead to oversupply/ engorgement or even mastitis. Price – £12-20
- Manual Breast Pumps: These are pumps that require you to squeeze and release the handle to create the suction. They can be ideal for occasional use once your milk supply is established. Pros – These pumps are lightweight, portable, and don’t require electricity or batteries. They also offer complete control over the pumping rhythm which some Mums prefer. Cons – They could be tiring if you needed to express every single feed. Price £15-£40
- Electric Breast Pumps: Designed for frequent use, electric pumps offer convenience and efficiency. They range from single to double pumps, with most models offering settings to mimic your baby’s natural nursing pattern (short sucks initially, then longer steady sucking motion). Pros – The ability to double pump can be invaluable for anyone expressing full time, e.g:- your baby is in Neonatal Unit; you are on a feeding plan requiring you to express every feed to be able to top up with expressed milk, or if you are needing to exclusively pump for any reason instead of any direct breastfeeding (something some Mums choose and others find they have to do due to baby not attaching or nipples being so damaged that they can’t tolerate direct breastfeeding). Cons – they require you to consider availability of electricity/batteries and can be noisier than manual pumps. Price £50 – £200
- Hospital-grade Breast Pumps: These are the heavy-duty electric pumps, designed for longer term/frequent pumping. These are often used by mothers with premature infants in the Neonatal unit, or those who need to establish milk supply in the early days through pumping only. Pros – They’re typically more powerful and durable. Cons – They are large and heavy, so not so easy if you are travelling. Price – they can be hired for aprrox £49 per month. There are now a few hospital grade pumps on the market in the region of £150-£170
- Wearable breast pumps: These are mobile electric breast pumps. They are marketed as being possible to wear in the bra so that you can pump hands free and move around at the same time. These may be beneficial later in your pumping/feeding journey, but they are often not sufficient for establishing your milk supply initially. Some mothers find them effective and appreciate the mobility they offer during pumping, while others discover they need to hold the pumps to ensure adequate suction and prevent leakage. Wearable pumps featuring a soft silicone shield, rather than a hard plastic one, appear to accommodate a broader range of breast shapes and sizes. Price – The price range of wearable pumps is huge – between £50-£300 per unit. From the families I have supported, it seems the more expensive ones are not necessarily the best, so it is well worth researching before you purchase!
Mastering the Art of Pumping
- Stay Comfortable: Find a quiet, relaxing space where you can sit comfortably. Stress can hinder milk flow, so it’s important to stay relaxed. Consider things that help you to feel relaxed – dim lighting, music, tv. keep your shoulders covered, keeping this area warm aids your oxytocin production, the hormone pivotal in enabling your milk to flow.
- Proper shield fit: Ensure the breast shield fits correctly. Measuring the diameter of your nipple can tell you the size that you will need. Current thinking is that it is preferable for just your nipple to be drawn into the shield funnel, so if your nipple diameter is 19mm, try a 19mm shield. If you have the correct size, your nipple will touch the sides of the shield but will glide gently back and forth. If there is any friction or discomfort, you may need to increase the size by 1-2mm. A shield that is either too big or too small can reduce the amount of milk expressed and cause discomfort. An IBCLC can support you further with measuring your nipple size and working out the correct shield size for you. It is not uncommon for each breast to have a different nipple measurement. Most pumps come with one set of shields, often 21-24mm. You can usually purchase different sizes from the manufacturer but there are also inserts available that suit many pumps.
- Pumping duration and frequency: This will vary depending on your need for pumping in the first instance. If you are pumping every feed, you will benefit from establishing a pumping schedule such as 3 hourly double pumping day and night for around 15-20 minutes each time. This pumping schedule can be spaced once you have established your milk supply (usually 4-6 weeks post birth). If you are ad-hoc pumping for the occasional feed, you can be very opportunistic when you pump, ideally after a feed to avoid removing milk just as baby gets hungry. If the baby has fed well and then settled to sleep, this would be an ideal time to pump. Remember! The breasts are never empty, and they are always making milk. They can be drained by feeds/pumping though, so if you have just expressed and then baby wants to feed, they will just have to work harder to stimulate the breasts to make and deliver more milk.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Things Sterile
Keeping your breast pump clean is crucial for your baby’s health. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Usually, this involves:
- Using hot soapy water to wash any parts that have come into contact with breast milk after each use.
- Sterilising once per 24 hours.
- Allowing the components to air dry on a clean towel.
just make sure to check the manual for your specific pump.
Storage Savvy: Preserving Your Precious Liquid Gold
Once you’ve successfully pumped, storing breast milk safely is crucial. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Room temperature – If you are going to be giving the expressed milk to baby within 6 hours, you can keep the milk at room temperature for this duration (18-20 degrees C).
- Fridge: It is advisable to promptly store milk in clean bottles or milk storage bags, placing them at the back of the refrigerator where it is coldest. Stored like this, milk can remain in the fridge for up to five days. While it is possible to combine milk from different pumping sessions, it is important to cool them to the same temperature before mixing. Keep them separate in the fridge and once chilled, they can be combined.
- Freeze for Later: If you won’t be using the milk within five days, freeze it. Label the storage container with the date pumped and use within 6 months. Milk can be defrosted in the fridge overnight/24 hours, at room temperature (usually within 4-6 hours), or by standing in a bowl of hot water.
- Warm the milk where possible – It is preferable to warm expressed breast milk prior to feeding to your baby, this helps with absorption of fats and proteins so is especially important if your baby is preterm/ struggling with weight gain.
Pumping as a Piece of the Parenting Puzzle
Breast pumps are not just gadgets; they are vital tools that support the nurturing of your child in a way that aligns with your unique lifestyle. Whether it’s about returning to work, sharing feeding duties, or managing supply issues, breast pumps provide tailored solutions for your individual needs. They bring adaptability and independence into your parenting journey. Like any new skill, mastering the use of a breast pump involves a learning curve, but with commitment and persistence, you will develop a routine that seamlessly integrates with both your and your baby’s needs.
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