MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

BREAST PUMPS There are many types of breast pumps. If you’ll only be away from your newborn for short, occasional periods of time, a hand pump or

Choosing a flange A breast pump flange is a plastic or silicone cup-shaped attachment that fits over your nipple and areola during pumping. The flange creates a vacuum seal that allows the breast pump to pull milk from your breasts. Flanges come in different sizes to accommodate different nipple dimensions. Your lactation consultant can help you find the right size flange to use with your breast pump. Signs flange is too large • Areola goes into tunnel and may swell

battery-operated single breast pump works well. If you return to work or need to be away for longer or more regular periods of time, you’ll want to use an electric pump. Electric pumps mimic the way your baby removes milk from your breasts. They also offer the added benefit of pumping both breasts at the same time (“double pumping”). Double pumping makes it easier to increase and maintain your milk supply. A lactation consultant can help you select the best type of pump for you. How often to pump When illness or separation isn’t a factor, you can begin collecting and storing breast milk for future feedings after about 3 weeks of direct breastfeeding. By then, you’ll have a good idea about how well breastfeeding is going. What to know • You may need to pump several times to collect enough milk for a full feeding • Try breastfeeding your baby as usual, then pumping for 5 to 10 minutes • Mornings are good to pump after feeding, but no more than 1 to 2 times a day

• May cause pain, nipple swelling, or damage • Nipple may move from side to side in tunnel • Pumping may take longer

SIGNS OF A GOOD FIT

• Only nipple (no areola) is pulled into tunnel • Sides of nipple touch tunnel walls • Nipple moves freely back and forth in tunnel • Milk sprays during pumping • You don’t feel any rubbing or pinching

STORAGE GUIDELINES It’s good to ask your lactation consultant or health care provider for their personal milk storage recommendations. The chart below provides general guidelines for a well baby at home. NOTE: Guidelines may vary if you’re pumping and storing milk for a preterm baby. Talk with your care team about proper milk storage for a preemie.

STORAGE LOCATION

TYPE OF BREAST MILK

COUNTERTOP 60°-85°F (16°-29°C) (room temperature)

REFRIGERATOR 39.2°F (4°C)

FREEZER 24.8°F or colder (-4°C)

FRESHLY EXPRESSED OR PUMPED

4 hours ideal 5-8 hours acceptable

4 days ideal 5-8 days acceptable

6 months ideal 12 months acceptable

THAWED, PREVIOUSLY FROZEN

Up to 1 day (24 hours)

Never refreeze human milk after it has been thawed

1-2 hours

LEFT OVER FROM A FEEDING (baby did not finish the bottle)

Use within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding

Sources: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, CDC, and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America

MILK STORAGE TIPS

• If combining, refrigerate newly collected milk 1 hour before adding to older collected milk • Thaw milk by holding container under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water • Never microwave or boil breast milk to thaw it • Swirl milk in the container to mix before feeding your baby

• With waterproof label and ink, write date on container (name if going to childcare) • Store milk in small amounts (2 to 4 ounces) and always use oldest milk first • Keep milk collected on different days separate • You can combine milk from a single day to get the amount you need in a container

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care