|
BREASTPUMPING TIPS
When you pump you may find it helpful to select a place that is as
comfortable and relaxing for you as possible. Choose a chair that will
provide good back and arm support, or use a nursing pillow. Prop up your feet if possible, perhaps with a nursing stool
or stack of books. Make sure that you are not too cold or too warm. Get
yourself something to drink and eat if you like. Soft music and a
picture of your baby or an item of his clothing may help with eliciting
letdown as well.
Before you start you may want to apply heat to your breasts. This can
be done with a warm washcloth, heating pad, or hot water bottle. You
may even choose to take a shower or bath prior to pumping. Hot/cold
breast packs, such as the Baby Your Breast Packs,
also work well and will mold to the breast and can wrap around the pump
flange/breastshield. As you apply the heat, massage your entire breast
with your palm and fingertips. Stimulate your nipples by gently rolling
or tugging on them. It may also be helpful to apply a little lanolin
to your nipples/areolae and/or to the inside of the pump breastshield
in order to provide lubrication and promote a tighter seal around the
breast. Moistening the breastshield with water will have the same
effect. Take several deep breaths, close your eyes, and begin pumping.
As you pump continue the massage if possible. Once the initial flow
slows down or stops, take down the breastshield and massage your breast
for a few more minutes. Begin pumping again. If using a single pump,
switch sides as soon as the flow begins to slow and back and forth
again as needed. Some mothers have found the homeopathic remedy known
as Rescue Remedy to be helpful in aiding the letdown response both during pumping and nursing.
|
