1. Reasons for Pumping Breastmilk
There are many reasons why you'd want to pump breast milk for your baby. You may want your partner to help with feedings, especially feedings in the middle of the night. You may be returning to work and want to have your baby's caregiver give your baby pumped breastmilk. You may want a date with your partner or may want to squirrel away some milk for an emergency. Pumps are also good for building milk supply if you have a sick or premature baby. Most breastfeeding women benefit from having a pump and storing some milk.
2. Pumping with a Manual Pump
There are many different types of pumps on the market. Manual pumps are the cheapest. You use a lever or a pump to create suction and get the milk out of your breasts. These work well if you have a good milk supply, and you only want to store a little breastmilk. If you're returning to work or trying to build up your milk supply, a manual pump isn't the best bet. In addition, experts don't recommend borrowing someone else's pump since so much of the manual pump comes in contact with your breastmilk.
3. Pumping with Electric Pumps
Electric pumps are the most expensive pumps and are more effective than manual pumps. These use electricity to create the suction that draws the milk from your breasts. Unfortunately, this means you'll need an outlet to pump, unless your pump has a car adaptor. While you can borrow the electric portion of the pump, you must purchase tubing for the device, since this part comes in contact with your breastmilk.
4. Renting a Pump from the Hospital
If you want to rent a pump, your hospital probably rents out hospital-grade devices. These are great if your baby's premature or you need help increasing your milk supply. Hospital-grade pumps are usually the most effective pumps on the market. However, for long-term use, they're very expensive and aren't portable. You will not be taking your hospital-grade pump to work with you for pumping.
5. Pumping is Easy
Before you begin, make sure that you've put your pump together properly. Start pumping on a low-stress day, not a day when you're back at work or had a sleepless night. The first time you use the pump, start the device on the lowest setting, if it has a setting you can adjust. Once you get used to it, you can increase the setting. However, pumping should never hurt. Remember that pumping works best on a schedule that teaches your body what you want it to do and when. If you're pumping at work, pump at the same time every day.
