Pumping milk: when is it necessary?
When you pump your milk are more independent. Maybe you just want to go to the movies or sports for a few hours. Then it is enough to pump milk occasionally or to build up a small supply. If women pump milk for a longer period of time, it is usually due to a quick return to work or medical reasons. Common reasons for pumping milk are:
- Weak newborn or premature baby who lacks the strength to suckle
- Cleft lip and palate
- milk stasis
- weak milk production
Pumping correctly – a matter of practice
Normally, the sucking baby triggers the milk-giving reflex. If the milk is to flow without the baby, this is usually difficult at first. This is probably why it feels unfamiliar the first few times you pump milk. Pumping with an electric breast pump can also make a woman feel like a “milk cow.” Such thoughts and feelings can make pumping difficult at first.
Pumping milk: Which device is the right one?
When expressing milk, women can choose between a hand pump and an electric pump with one or two suction systems. Two suction systems have the advantage that both breasts can be emptied at the same time, saving around 20 minutes. In addition, the suction strength can be varied with electric devices.
If there is an appropriate medical indication, such as the care of a premature baby, the health insurance company will cover the costs. With a prescription, you can also borrow the device from the pharmacy for a few months.
Pumping milk: The right size
Pumping milk: Hygiene is important
To ensure that milk lasts as long as possible, it should be as germ-free as possible. Therefore, before pumping milk, a few simple hygiene measures should be observed:
- Clean hands: Wash hands thoroughly with soap or use a hand disinfectant.
- Cleaning the breast pump: Clean all components thoroughly after each use with hot water, washing-up liquid and a specially purchased washing-up brush or at 60 degrees in the dishwasher and boil once a day.
- Storage: Store the cleaned breast pump in a plastic container with a lid or wrapped in a clean cloth until the next use.
Storing breast milk
Pumping milk: How often?
If you only want to feed pumped breast milk once in a while, perhaps once a week, it is sufficient if you collect the residual milk on the days before, which can still be pumped after the breastfeeding meal. If women need a daily ration of 750 milliliters and possibly more often, they need to build up a supply in good time.
Pumping milk: When is the best time?
If possible, you should always pump milk at the same time. This will allow your breasts to adjust to the increased demand and after a few days they will automatically produce more milk at the pumping times.
How much milk to pump?
The amount you pump depends on your needs. If you only want to pump breast milk occasionally and give it with a bottle, it is sufficient to pump after breastfeeding until the breast is empty. You may collect smaller amounts of milk in one day in a container.
Pumping milk: From when after birth?
In principle, women can start pumping milk directly after giving birth. Women who are not breastfeeding must put on the breast pump regularly to get milk production going.
How long to pump milk?
How many months mothers pump milk varies from individual to individual. If pumping is no longer necessary from a medical point of view or due to other circumstances, you can try to switch to normal breastfeeding. For children who are exclusively supplied with pumped milk, the same recommendations for breastfeeding duration apply as for breastfed children. In principle, you can pump milk for as long as you like.
