There are various types of breast pumps on the market and even some inventive ideas of using old soda bottles and turkey basters. The main concern in creating something homemade is safety and efficiency. If you're wanting to induce lactation, talk with a lactation consultant. You will likely want to use a hospital-grade pump. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to express breast milk, then hand expression could be the way to go.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This helps ensure that harmful germs will not contaminate your collected breast milk. If you cannot wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Make sure the cleanser is dry before touching your breast. Also, make sure you pump after you're done breastfeeding or at least an hour before your next feeding.
Step 2
Relax before you begin to pump. Gini Baker, a lactation consultant who teaches lactation educators and consultants through the University of San Diego Extension, suggests that some women find it helpful to microwave a receiving blanket with some baby powder folded in it and then place the folded and warmed blanket under the breasts. Microwave the blanket for as long as it is needed to be comfortable -- try 30 seconds at a time. In addition, you may want to have a picture of your child to look at.
Step 3
Grab your sterile milk collection container. It should be freezer safe. Glass is preferable because it does not leach chemicals into your milk or absorb essential fats. You can find other types of containers like breast milk storage bags and BPA-free plastic bottles at most major stores.
Step 4
Sit in a place that is comfortable and where you won't mind having at least one of your breasts partially exposed. Place your baby picture where you can look at it. Tuck your blanket under your breasts or place it on your lap. Judith Lauwers and Anna Swisher, co-authors of "Counseling the Nursing Mother," suggest that some mothers may find it helpful to apply a warm wash cloth on the breast for a bit and then massage the breast prior to expressing milk. This is especially helpful if the breasts are engorged or full of breast milk.
Step 5
Choose the breast that you will begin with and cup one of your hands in a "U" shape or what is called a C-hold. One hand will hold the collection container and the other will express your breast milk. Place your thumb toward the top of the areola about 1 inch away from your nipple. Your index or pointer finger will be toward the bottom of your areola. You will want to lean forward slightly to aim your nipple toward the collection container.
Step 6
Gently indent your breast as your child's mouth would. Rotate your fingers up and down in a circular motion in and out. If it is hard to imagine, look at your cupped hand and rotate your thumb and pointer in a small circular motion. You may find it helpful to change the positioning of your hand on your breast -- like you would change positions with your child, to help empty more milk ducts.
Step 7
It may take several minutes for your breast milk to start flowing. You will keep doing this for at least 15 minutes on both sides and collect the breast milk in your container. Many women can only pump around 2 oz. at a time. Try to collect only 2 to 4 oz. per container. This gives you better flexibility for how much your child will eat in a given time.
Step 8
Store your breast milk. La Leche League has a chart that shows how long breast milk can be stored. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four to six hours, in a refrigerator for three to eight days -- and in a freezer for six to 12 months.
Tips and Warnings
- Try different methods of hand expression and rhythm to see what works best for you. Some women let down on both sides at the same time and use catchment on one side while they pump or breastfeed on the other. Remember that the most efficient breast pump is your child, so do not be dismayed by the amount of breast milk you or a pump can express. It takes time to build up a stored supply of breast milk. It may even take up to three pumping sessions to get enough breast milk for one feeding.
- Seek the help of a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding. Do not squeeze the nipple. Squeezing can cause damage to the nipple. There is no need to clean your breasts before expressing breast milk or breastfeeding. Your breasts have glands that do that for you.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Wash cloth
- Receiving blanket
- Baby powder
- Microwave
- Baby picture
- Sterile freezer safe containers
- Refrigerator/freezer/cooler
References
- Breastfeeding Education: About the Instructor: Gini Baker
- Counseling the Nursing Mother; J. Lauwers, A. Swisher; 2005; pp 420-421
- La Leche League: Milk Storage
