Pumping Tips for breastfeeding and pumping mamas

Measuring your nipples during your pumping journey is extremely important! 

1. Did you know that your nipple size can change within a matter of a week? This is why it is super important to measure weekly. 

2. Did you also know that your nipple size on the left may be different than the one on the right?  

3. The most precise time to measure your nipples is right after you pumped.

Power Pumping is extremely important in the event you are an exclusive pumper and/or you want to increase your supply while nursing & pumping. As an exclusively pumping mom, adding 2 power pumping sessions per 24 hours can help increase your milk supply. Increasing milk supply can take a while. No matter what, remember that you are doing an amazing job! 

How do you power pump?

Pump for 20 minutes

Rest for 10 minutes

Pump for 10 minutes

Rest for 10 minutes

Pump for 10 minutes

Some moms want to increase milk supply but don't know where to start. 

1. Remember, the more often your breasts empty, the more milk you make as you make room for your milk ducts to be refilled. 

2. Consistency is key in increasing and/or maintaining milk supply.

3. Pumping every 2-3 hours around the clock helps with increasing milk supply.

4. Pump for 30-40 minutes per pumping session or until you empty your breasts.

5. If you nurse and also pump, remember to nurse your baby first. If your baby mostly nurses from one side per session, you can single pump on the other side. Single pumping while baby is nursing can help with milk ejection/letdown more efficiently than when only double pumping, given that your baby has no latching issues. If your baby typically nurses from both sides, pump right after he/she is done nursing. 

6. Don't miss middle of the night pumps. It is super hard to pump in the middle of the night but helps significantly with milk supply. Oxytocin levels are higher in the middle of the night. Middle of the night pumping is between 1am & 5am.

1. Drinking ample water is super important while breastfeeding. Remember that PUMPING & NURSING = Breastfeeding. 

2. Try to minimize caffeine intake to 300mg or less per day. 

3. Drinking 1-2 glasses of coconut water helped me rehydrate when my mouth was dry. I drank water the rest of the day from then on. 

4. When I nurse or pump, I tend to get super thistly. I make sure that before nursing or pumping I have a large glass of water on my side table.

5. Over hydration can negatively affect your milk supply. As long as you feel hydrated, that's all it matters. 

Adding warmth & massaging your breasts before & during nursing and/or pumping can help with efficient milk ejection. There are a number of lactation massagers on the market today. Most of these massagers also produce heat. Please check out the links & discount codes in the New Mom Essential Coupons page to help you save. Massaging & warming your breasts are especially important when pumping. 

Lubricating your flange is super helpful. When nursing your baby, your nipples are lubricated by baby's saliva. It is similar concept when pumping. Lubricating can help avoid nipple soreness. You can use a little bit of olive or coconut oil. There are a number of pumping sprays out there that can also help for maximum convenience. Please check out the links & discount codes in the New Mom Essential Coupons page to help you save.