Using a Pump
Arrange use of a pump
- Talk with your insurance provider and/or your health care provider about your eligibility for a personal electric breast pump.
- Your hospital, employer, school or local WIC office may have pumps for rent. Manual pumps are also available.
Practice expressing, storing and feeding your milk
- Begin expressing and bottle-feeding your milk after breastfeeding is well established. Start practicing a few weeks before you plan to return to work.
- If using a pump, make sure it fits well – it should not cause pain. The plastic attachments come in several sizes.
- Collect your milk, date it, and store it in the back of the freezer in small amounts (approximately 2 oz. per container).
- Practice having another caregiver feed your milk at a slow pace so that your baby can show signs of fullness.
Paced Bottle Feeding
Use these tips when feeding from a bottle:
- Hold the baby in an upright position, not lying down, so milk doesn’t pool in baby’s mouth.
- Let the baby draw the nipple into the mouth – avoid forcing it.
- Stroke baby’s lips gently with bottle nipple to open baby’s mouth.
- Feed the baby until the baby shows signs of fullness.
- Take your time to avoid feeding too much in a short time.
- Allow frequent pauses to discourage guzzling.
- Give baby a chance to feel full before becoming over-full.
- Avoid coaxing the baby to finish the last bit of milk in the bottle after the baby shows signs of being done.
- Alternate the side you feed the baby during feedings to encourage development of both eyes.
