Hey mamas! I know the whole breastfeeding journey can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to milk pumping. You might be wondering if you really need a breast pump because you’re exclusively nursing your baby and I get it, those pumps can seem intimidating and expensive. But trust me, breast milk pumps can be a game-changer!
Breast Pump Cost
I want to start off with cost. Your health insurance covers standard breast pumps whether it is Medela or Spectra. I enjoyed using Spectra and ended up paying a little out of pocket to get the Spectra S1. S1 (the blue-colored pump) is wireless whereas S2 (the pink-colored pump) is not.
Please keep in mind when new to breast pumping, you want to stick with a hospital strength pump not a hands-free pump. Hospital-strength breast pumps like Spectra or Medela have better suction strength, powerful motor, and allow for mom to get the maximum amount of breast milk production possible.
My Pumping Journey
I exclusively fed all three of my children, however, for my firstborn we have difficulty nursing due to nipple pain (you can read about it here and find the BEST nipple pain relief remedy) so I had started to pump the day we got home from the hospital.
I pumped and breastfed for 6 weeks and built up my supply. It gave my nipples a chance to heal while myself or my husband gave our son breastmilk in a bottle. It also gave me the opportunity to store milk in the freezer!
Reasons Why a Breast Pump Might be Right for You
- Milk Supply Booster: If you’re struggling to produce enough milk, a pump can help to stimulate your supply.
- Flexibility: Pumping gives you the freedom to share breastfeeding responsibilities with your partner or a caregiver. You can even store your milk for later use, whether it’s for when you’re going back to work or just need a break. Plus, you can use milk for ear infections, eye infections, eczema, bath time, and as saline if the baby is stuffy!
- Comfort: Sometimes, nursing can be painful or difficult like my experience with my firstborn. A pump can offer a more comfortable alternative for feeding your little one.
- Health Reasons: In some cases, a pump is recommended for health reasons, like if you’re recovering from surgery or have a medical condition that makes nursing difficult.
How to know your pumping schedule?
Nursing can be a beautiful, bonding experience, but it can also be a bit of a juggling act, especially when you need to get things done or want to share feeding duties with your partner.
That’s where a pumping schedule comes in handy! It can help you create a rhythm that works for you and your little one, allowing you to build a healthy milk supply and still have some time for yourself. And you know what helped? A few little-known tips that made a big difference.
How to create your pumping schedule
- Listen to your body: Every woman’s breastfeeding journey is different, so the ideal pumping schedule will vary. Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues and your milk production.
- Start with a basic schedule: A good starting point is to pump every 2-3 hours, especially in the early days. You can pump after your feeding with a baby or while the baby naps. If they have long sleeping stretches at night, this is a good time to pump as well. Be sure to not pump right before feeding the baby, they may get fussy at the breast if the milk is not flowing to their liking.
- Adjust as Needed: As your baby grows and your milk supply becomes more established, you can adjust your schedule to fit your needs.
- Pump and nurse together: You can combine pumping with nursing to help build your supply and give your baby the best of both worlds.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different pumping intervals and durations to see what works best for you. When I used the Spectra, I put it on massage mode (70 CPM) for 1-2 minutes and then switched to Expression mode with a speed of 54CPM and a vacuum level of 5-7. You will adjust this to your liking and what feels right. The vacuum level goes up to 12 on the Spectra, and it is not necessary! You may cause damage to your nipples, start slow. Do not expect to fill a bottle your first handful of times pumping. It takes time, however, you may never get to that point it all depends on what your body can produce. Never ever put yourself down.
How to Make your Nursing Journey Comfortable?
Here are some of my tips and tricks on how to nurse and feed your little one comfortably. A few things that really helped me navigate those early days and find a sense of ease:
1. Find Your Nursing Spot
Choose a comfortable place where you can relax and focus on your baby. A cozy chair, a soft blanket, and some calming music or just a quiet spot can make a world of difference.
2. Know your best and right position
Finding the right position for you and your baby can make all the difference in comfort. Experiment with different positions like cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying. In the first few weeks of life, the football pose worked best for me and my son, it also helped elevate nipple pain.
3. Have your support essentials ready
Pillows are your best friend! Use pillows to support your baby’s head, neck, and back, and to provide extra support for your arms and back. I used pillows and/or a boppy under my forearm and his body to help bring him to my breast.
4. Embrace the Dress Code
Let’s talk about mom’s clothing! A good nursing bra and comfortable tops can make breastfeeding so much easier. I loved this mama brand when I used to breastfeed my babies. They have the easiest access and comfy nursing tops that are perfect for everyday wear. I love the discreet zipper openings that make breastfeeding a breeze, and the fabric is super soft and breathable.
4. Always hydrate and take care of yourself
Drinking plenty of water and eating a nutritious diet will help you stay energized and support your milk production. While breastfeeding takes a lot of energy, I have my affirmation tumbler that really helps keep my day going! Make sure you’re getting enough rest too, and don’t be afraid to ask for help with household chores or childcare.
Tips on how to transfer breast milk from bag to bottle
I’ve learned a lot about transferring breast milk over the years, especially after spilling some (YES, you do cry over spilled milk!) Here’s a few tips how to transfer breastmilk to a bottle that has made my life a little easier.
Techniques for easy transfer
- Use the Right Tools: You’ll need a few essentials for transferring breast milk from a bag to a bottle. A clean and sterilized funnel is a must-have, along with a clean, sterilized bottle and a storage bag.
- Warm It Up: For easier pouring, gently warm the milk, if in fridge, with your hands. This will help grab the fat sitting on the edging of the bottles.
- The Funnel Technique: Place the funnel in the bottle and gently pour the milk from the bag into the funnel. Use a gentle hand to avoid spilling.
- The Squeeze Technique: If you’re using a storage bag with a pour spout, you can gently squeeze the bag to help the milk flow into the bottle.
A few extra tips
- Label It: Always label the bottle with the date and time the milk was pumped before pouring the breast milk. This will help you keep track of the freshness and ensure you’re using the oldest milk first.
- Store Properly: Once the milk is in the bottle, store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to six months. If you need a reminder of breast milk storage, I used this amazing breast milk storage guide magnet from All Things Mama Designs. It is a magnet you place on your fridge and comes in handy during those overtired nights! It is also great for your partner to review if they are helping, babysitter, grandparents or daycare.
Always Remember:
- Safety First: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling breast milk, and make sure all your equipment is clean and sterilized.
- Be Gentle: Handle breast milk with care, as it’s a delicate substance.
- Never Waste It: Breast Milk can be used in a bathtub, or on baby’s skin!
How Long Does Breast Milk Last in the Freezer or Refrigerator?
Here’s a breakdown of how long breast milk can be safely stored in the freezer and refrigerator:
Refrigerator:
- Freshly pumped milk: Up to 4 days in the back of the refrigerator, where it’s coldest.
- Thawed milk: Use thawed milk within 24 hours. Do not refreeze thawed milk.
Freezer:
- Freshly pumped milk: Up to 6 months in a dedicated freezer compartment or 12 months in a deep freezer.
- Thawed milk: Do not refreeze thawed milk.
Important Notes:
- Labeling is Key: Label each container or bag with the date and time you collected the milk. This helps you use the oldest milk first.
- Freezing Safety: Freeze milk in small containers or bags (4-6 ounces) to make it easier to thaw and use.
- Safe Thawing: Always thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.
- Warm Milk Gently: To warm milk, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Never microwave breast milk.
*Based on the CDC & American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
Wait, what if the breast milk got spoiled?
What to Do with Spoiled Breast Milk (Because It Happens!)
We’ve all been there. You’ve carefully pumped, stored, and labeled your precious breast milk, only to find a little surprise waiting for you – spoiled milk! It happens. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to help you navigate that situation.
What To Do When Breast Milk Goes Bad?
- The First Step: Identify the Spoiled Milk: Spoiled breast milk might have a sour smell, a different texture, or a separate appearance.
- Don’t Use it: It’s important to never use spoiled breast milk for your baby. It can cause an upset stomach and other issues.
Here are some ways you can use your breast milk that your baby can’t or won’t drink:
- Milk Baths: Breast milk baths can help soothe baby’s skin due to eczema, dry skin, cradle cap, diaper rash, rashes, itch of bug bites, or general skin conditions.
- For a milk bath, fill the tub with water and add enough breast milk to make the water cloudy. Let baby soak in for 5-10 minutes (however long they allow) covering their whole body. Usually if baby is in their baby tub, it will cover most of their body. When done, pat baby’s skin dry, this will seal in the breast milk benefits. Amplify the benefits by adding breast milk lotion!
- Breast Milk Lotion: Easy to make and helps soothes baby’s skin due to eczema, diaper rash, sensitive skin, even cuts and scrapes.
- Breast Milk Soap: This soap will have baby’s body (and yours) feeling soft and rejuvenated!
How to Prevent Breastmilk Spoilage:
- Store Properly: Always store breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer following the recommended guidelines. You can purchase this breast milk storage guide magnet for daily reference on your fridge. Label containers with the date and time.
- Use the Oldest First: Use the oldest milk first to prevent waste.
- Don’t Refreeze: Never refreeze thawed breast milk.
Alternative Uses:
- Milk Composting: You can add spoiled breast milk to your compost bin. It’s a great source of nutrients for your garden.
Additional Breastfeeding Tip:
If you’re experiencing sore and cracked nipple pain, you can try these organic and safe nipple pain relief and you will be amazed at how fast it works.
Related Blog Posts
Breastfeeding Guide: How To Boost Your Milk Supply
Essential Items Every New Mama Needs: DIY Nursing Station Setup
Homemade DIY Baby Food Recipes: Nutritious and Easy to Make Purees for 4-6 Months
10 Easy DIY Projects to Make Your Home Baby-Friendly
Remember Mama,
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience, and even though sometimes things don’t go as planned, I’m here to support you every step of the way! Don’t be afraid to explore your options and find what works best for you and your baby!
