World Breastfeeding Week 2024: Breast Milk Pumping Tips For New Moms

The importance of breastmilk for an infant cannot be understated. Keeping that in mind, World Breastfeeding Day has been observed globally from August 1 to 7 every year since 1992. This day is celebrated to highlight the importance of nursing for a baby to ensure enhanced nutrition, guarantee food security and lessen inequalities both internationally and domestically.

For breastfeeding moms or mothers-to-be, it's important to be equipped with the right information and resources needed to ensure a smooth motherhood journey. Since many women are working and they can’t be around their child 24/7 to feed them, breast milk pumping is something that may come in handy! This tool helps you store milk for your little one to drink when you are not around. It also signals your body to continue making milk at its current schedule.

Breast Milk Pumping Tips For New Moms

If you have never pumped breast milk before, the below-given tips will help:

Image Courtesy: Firstcryparenting

Scrub Up And Relax

Before starting with the process, it's important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Now find a quiet, comfortable place to sit and relax. Try 5 minutes of meditation and yoga stretches to prepare yourself.

Encourage Let Down

Doing a light massage or warm compress can get your breasts ready for a let-down.

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Keep Your Baby Close - In Person, Or In Your Imagination

A feeling of closeness to your baby can help trigger a letdown. If you are away from home, look at your little one's photo, or video or listen to the cute recording of his/her sound.

Image Courtesy: Firstcryparenting

Create A Good Seal

Use water to moisten the flange and ensure a good seal. Now center the nipple in the middle of the flange before starting the pump.

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Prime The Pump

Electric pumps start with short, fast bursts to stimulate letdown, producing only drops or a slow trickle. After a few minutes, when a letdown occurs, the pump switches to regular mode.

Don’t Default To The Highest Level Of Suction

Start with low suction and increase as milk flows, but only to a comfortable level - higher suction doesn't equal more milk, and pumping shouldn't hurt.

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