How to Use an Electric Breast Pump

Although electric pumps are the most expensive (they range from $100 to $1,000), they are faster and more convenient than manual pumps. In addition, because you don't need to use your hands, you can nurse your baby on one side while pumping on the other.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Nursing Plastic Bags
• Cloth Diapers
• Electric Breast Pumps
• Decaf Coffee
• Decaffeinated Tea
• Juices
• Water
• Hand Soaps
• Lanolin

1. Choose a time of day when your breasts are the fullest (in the morning, for most women).
2. Make sure your breast pump equipment is clean and sterilized.
3. Select a quiet, comfortable place for pumping where you won't be interrupted.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water.
5. Place the breast shield over your breast correctly, with the entire areola enclosed.
6. Begin at a low speed, gradually building up to high speed.
7. Collect breast milk in the attached plastic container.
8. Turn the pump off before pulling out your breast.
9. Pour breast milk into plastic bags designed specifically for nursing to use at a later date.

Tips & Warnings

• You can often rent electric pumps from hospitals, pharmacies and La Leche groups.
• Drink a full glass of water, juice or milk before you pump.
• Taking a hot shower or applying warm soaks (a cloth diaper soaked with hot water) to your breasts might help with milk letdown.
• Warm drinks - such as decaffeinated tea or coffee ' may be more helpful than cold ones for stimulating milk letdown.
• Do not use soap, cream or ointment other than lanolin on your nipples.
• Never begin pumping at a high speed.