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Home › Articles › Breastfeeding › Everything But the Breast

Everything But the Breast

A Look at Exclusive Pumping

By Cynthia Peterson

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About Breast Pumps
There are several types of breast pumps. Battery, electric and manual pumps are available in both double and single models. Double models pump both breasts at a time. Single models pump one breast at a time. Breast pumps are available for purchase and for rent. They are available to purchase online or through most baby specialty shops. Information on renting them, as well as performance of specific models, can be obtained through your local La Leche League, your area hospital or lactation consultant.

The pump itself requires almost no care. If you get milk on it, a baby wipe usually does the trick. If you have an extra set up (breast shields, valves and membranes) on hand you won't have to clean your parts immediately after pumping. Some moms rinse the parts then place them in a large Ziploc baggie and stick them in the fridge until the next use. They wash them either by hand or in the dishwasher (top shelf) at the end of the day. Replacement parts are easily purchased online if needed.

Pumping, Storing and Preparing
To meet babies' nutritional needs you must build a plentiful milk supply. For the first 12 weeks you will be pumping often. Every three hours for 20 to 30 minutes should be enough. The more you pump, the more milk your body will produce. After your milk supply is established you won't have to pump as often. If you have trouble with low milk supply contact a lactation consultant.

Human milk is not homogenized, so it separates quickly after pumping. You might notice the different "layers" of milk as it settles. Gently swirl the bottle to mix the layers. Never shake breast milk as it breaks up the molecules, ruining some of the immunity properties. Breast milk may also have different scents and colors depending on your dietary intake. A small trace of blood in your breast milk is quite common and poses no health threat to the baby.


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