Breast milk pumping is the idea of pumping or sucking out milk through a pump to store it in a bottle. This ensures your babies can be fed even when you are not around. This comes in as useful when the mother has to go to work. The caretaker simply has to feed the baby with a feeding bottle. Not just when the mother goes out for work, you could use this when you are travelling and not in a position to feed.


Breast pumps work by hand or foot movements or even through electrical devices that can be powered by batteries or electricity. The pump stimulates the mother’s breast, which helps to induce milk to store the milk and feed the baby later. The cone-shaped cup fits the nipple along with the circular area surrounding the nipple. But why use pumps at all?

It increases the milk supply and also stimulates milk production

  • Engorged breasts can cause pain and discomfort. Thus, pumps ensure to relieve of pain
  • It will also come in handy when you are on medication and thus temporarily not fit to nurse the baby.

How To Properly Pump Breast Milk: Things To Consider

  1. First, massage your breast and also sometimes while pumping so as to ensure that milk flows. Any pain or discomfort that you will experience will not enable a free flow.
  2. Start with choosing the right breast shield. The breast shield is the one that will cover the nipple but also one that will leave space, ensuring that the nipple does not rub against the shield. Your nipple should be able to move back and forth.
  3. Ensure you feel comfortable with the vacuum that it uses to suck out milk. You have to feel comfortable and can tolerate it.
  4. Hygiene is the next important that shouldn’t ignore. Wash your hands and your pump following the instructions in the user manual.

Read: Foods To Increase Breast Milk

How To Pump Breast Milk By Hand?

Planning to pump your milk out of my hands? Here is how to do it.

  1. Sit and lean forward.
  2. Keep your hands above or below your nipples. Place the two fingers slightly one inch below your nipple, however, in line with your thumb. Your thumb should be above the nipple.
  3. Pressure inwards towards the chest wall gently. Do not apply so much pressure either, should you stretch the skin over the areola. Doing this can hamper your breasts from producing milk.
  4. Express your milk now. However, remember each breast is different, and you need to find the right position, one that will work in your favour.

How To Pump Breast Milk Using a Pump?

  • Begin by massaging your breasts to relax a little. This will ensure a smooth flow.
  • The shields of the pump have to be placed over the nipple, and the plunging device will suck the milk into the bottle.
  • Sometimes it may take a while for free flow. But the key is to be patient and relaxed. It might be painful, but do not apply too much pressure.
  • Once the milk starts to release, adjust the pumping rate and switch the breast after 5 minutes.
  • Please store it in a container and keep it closed well.

How To Pump Breast Milk by Electric Pump?

  • As we always insist, wash your hands well and clean the nipple area before starting.
  • Place the shield on your breasts. Centre them on the nipple.
  • Turn the machine on, and the milk and the milk will release in no more than two minutes.
  • Many machines are known to adjust speed, much like the baby’s inconsistency in sucking. The advice is to manually vary the speed if the machines do not adjust on their own.
  • Think the pump is done and turn it off. Remove the shields and gently unscrew the bottles, then cap them safely.
  • Breast pumps can be used as long as you want, and you only have to make sure you feel at ease when using them.

Read: How Breasts Make Milk In Pregnancy

How To Store Breast Milk After Pumping?

Well, it’s not just about collecting them, but also about storing them rightly. Storing is the most important thing. Store them in a feeding bottle, one that is made of plastic or glass. Use a secure cap for maximum freshness. Alternatively, you can use a plastic bag, one that is exclusively made for storing milk. Refrigerate it when it is full, about three-quarters. Sometimes, you may see the fat on top of the milk. This is quite normal, and the milk will have a bluish hue, especially the early one. Remember not to shake the milk; instead, just push the fat inside the milk. The colour could also be the result of the mother’s diet and her medication.

How Long Is Breast Milk Good After Pumping?

How long is breast milk good after pumping? Well, that’s something you sure need to know.

  • People can keep milk at room temperature for about six to eight hours. In case you want to store it, refrigerate it immediately after you pump it and use this within five days.
  • You can also freeze your milk for two weeks, at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your freezer has a compartment with separate doors, you can store the milk for about three to six months at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the milk has been made slightly warm by keeping it outside or thawed, you can store it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, and if at room temperature, use it within an hour.

Read: Electric Breast Pumps Available Online

Side Effects Of Breast Milk Pumping:

Do watch out for the side effects of breast milk pumping.

  • Pain: for some women, pumping out milk comes with a lot of pain. Experiencing too much intense pain is problematic, although feeling a certain degree of pressure is normal.
  • Emotional limitations: Pumps are not sure of the substitute for the mother. Feeding the baby in person enhances the mother bonding best.

Breastfeeding pumps have come sure handy today. It is now actually possible to nurse the baby while you may have to attend an important function or an event. Feel at ease when you use and relax. This way, you will be able to produce milk well and effectively. It has helped many working mothers; we are sure it is a big boon!

Yashasvi

About Yashasvi

Yashasvi developed a deep passion for writing ever since she was completed her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity. A Parenting expert who believes in communicating effectively with a personal touch, she writes about pregnancy, baby care, lifestyle, and just about anything else.
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