All About The Simple Store Milk Collection Kit

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Our new Spectra Simple Store Milk Collection Kit makes pumping, storing, and feeding as easy as 1-2-3! This innovative technology allows breastmilk to be pumped directly into BPA-free collection bags for simple storage and bottle feeding. Spectra’s easy-to-use breastmilk storage system is convenient for busy parents and prevents the exposure of germs that are often present when transferring milk from one storage solution to the next. Assembly is intuitive, clean, fast, and simple. Always keep your milk safe and ready to use with The Spectra Simple Store Milk Collection Kit.

What’s included? 

The Simple Store Milk Collection Kit includes one bottle connector and (10 ct) 200mL milk collection bags. The connector adapts to a Spectra flange when pumping, and seamlessly converts as a bottle with a wide neck cap and nipple (wide neck cap and nipple sold separately). If you are double breast pumping, you will need two Simple Store Milk Collection Kits. Replacement collection bags (30 ct) are available here.  

How does it all work? Easy as 1-2-3! 

Step 1 Pump 
First, remove and set aside the small plastic cap from the collection bag. Next, use the bottle connector included to attach your Spectra flange to the collection bag. Last, sit back, relax, and double breast pump for 15-20 minutes with a hands-free bra to save even more time! 

Step 2  Store
Seal the collection bag with the small plastic cap you set aside prior. Your milk is now ready to be frozen or refrigerated for later use. Learn more on milk storage guidelines here. Expert tip! Remove excess air by gently squeezing the collection bag and freeze flat to optimize space. Use a plastic bin or an empty soda can box to organize your frozen milk stash. 

Step 3 Feed
It’s simple! Feed your baby right from the collection bag. First, twist on the bottle connector. Then, connect the wide neck cap and nipple. All set and ready! Time for a feeding. 

All Spectra Milk Collection Bags are double lined and provide a strong seal ensuring leak-free insulation families can count on. Collection bags come with a built-in temperature sensor, displaying when breastmilk is perfect for your baby. 

Have more questions about The Simple Store Collection Kit? Email us at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com.

Happy pumping! 

 

 

Single Pumping vs Double Pumping

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

All Spectra baby USA electric breast pumps have the functionality to be used for single or double breast pumping. Research shows using double pumping will help drain the breasts better and make you more efficient. Yet, there could be times you might want to temporarily incorporate single pumping into your daily routine. Ultimately, the more frequently you express your milk, the more milk your body will make. The options are endless with the Spectra Baby USA pumps, and it’s nice to have a new trick in your back pocket to try. Read on to learn more about single pumping vs. double pumping. 

Why Double Pump?

✔ Exclusively Pumping
Mothers may choose to exclusively pump for various reasons such as latching difficulties or concerns about baby’s weight gain. During the first 12 weeks postpartum, your body is establishing your milk supply. Research tells us that new mothers need at least 120 minutes of quality nipple/breast stimulation per day to establish and maintain a full milk supply. Dual pumping both breasts 8-12 times per day for 15-20 minutes will encourage healthy breastmilk production. Studies reveal when double pumping, moms see about 20% more milk. Double it up when exclusively pumping! 

✔ While at Work 
At work, time is limited and pumping often requires adding in some multitasking. Double pumping with a well-fitted pumping bra will free up both hands to type, take calls, or scroll through social media. It also allows for “Hands-on Pumping.” Moms that use their hands before, during, and after pumping see more milk too! 

✔ On the Go 
Even if you are at home with your newborn and other kiddos, you’re still working! Cooking, laundry, virtual school, or running errands, you are busy and often on the go. Double pumping saves you time! Combine double breast pumping sessions with our portable Spectra 9 Plus and you will never skip a beat during your busy day. 

Why Single Pump?

✔ Slacker Boob
It’s normal for milk supply to fluctuate and to pump more milk on one side. If you are looking to increase milk from one breast, try temporarily adding a few quick single pumping sessions in addition to your regular double pumping sessions. Incorporating short single pumping sessions throughout your day can give your milk supply a boost. Even if you don’t see much milk at first, the increased stimulation will send a signal to your body to make more milk. Try it for three days and then stop to give your body a rest. It can take about a week to see an uptick. 

✔ Clogged duct 
Ouch! Clogged ducts can be painful! And though they may appear on both breasts, there’s typically one breast where they occur most often or more stubborn. Have you heard of “dangle pumping?” Just like the name indicates, dangle the breast into the flange to let gravity help drain the breast more effectively. Combine warm compresses with massage and compression while single “dangle pumping” to resolve clogged ducts fast. 

✔ Skin to Skin when Pumping 
Breastfeeding parents often get into the vicious “triple feeding” cycle – nursing, pumping, and bottle feeding. This routine can get old quickly and overwhelm the already exhausted breastfeeding dyad. If you feel exhausted from double pumping while watching your baby nearby, try single pumping while doing skin to skin! Single pumping with baby on your bare chest can help you relax and bond with your baby. It can also help increase milk-making hormones! Take a break and single pump while skin to skin with your baby. Try single pumping for 15 min on each breast while keeping your little one comfy on your bare chest. Enjoy those newborn snuggles! 

✔ Building a small freezer stash
The general rule is to hold off on pumping for the first 6-8 weeks, depending on when you will start to be away from your baby. If you are nursing your baby and want to start storing breastmilk, add single pumping in between nursing sessions a few times a day for 15-20 min. You can expect to see about .25 – 1ounce. This strategy can help build a small freezer stash to help you prepare for your return to work or school. Planning can ease worry and make the transition easier for both you and your baby. The average milk stash is about a day’s worth of breastmilk 20-25 ounces. Remember, you will always be bringing home breastmilk for the next day too! Read more tips on returning to work here. 

Breastfeeding is a journey! Families will often face obstacles, barriers, and challenges along the way. If your wish is to continue to breastfeed, don’t ever lose hope! With the right support, you can continue to meet your breastfeeding goals. We are here for you! Schedule a consultation with the Spectra IBCLC team or email us at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com 

Sources:

Bonyata, K. (2018, January 02). Exclusive Pumping • KellyMom.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/ 

Research on skin-to-skin contact. (2021, February 17). Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/news-and-research/baby-friendly-research/research-supporting-breastfeeding/skin-to-skin-contact/#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20that%20holding%20babies,with%20obesity%20than%20other%20mothers.

5 Quick Tips for Pumping at Work

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

You’ve finally gotten into a sweet groove with breastfeeding and now it’s time to head back to the office. You can absolutely continue to breastfeed and maintain a healthy milk supply while away from your baby. It can seem overwhelming at first, but all you need are the right tools to help you get into a manageable routine. We know you can do it! We believe in you! 

Here are 5 quick tips to make pumping at work easier.

1) Make a Schedule 

Plan on pumping every 3-4 hours to maintain a healthy milk supply. Set those alarms and block off pumping time on your calendar to make sure you don’t go too long without pumping. Practice at home about a week before returning to work at the times you will be pumping. This will make you more comfortable and confident so you can smash your first day back! 

2) Have a backup plan 

Getting ready for work with a baby can take more time now than when you were flying solo. A checklist can help you make sure that you have everything you need when you leave the house. But even with a system, there’s a good chance that one day you’re going to be in a hurry and forget something crucial, like duckbill valves or your flanges. Keeping replacement parts at work can be a lifesaver. It’s also a good idea to have a handy manual pump in your car or office, just in case you forget your pump altogether. 

3) Go Hands-Free

If you’re pumping at work, getting a hands-free bra so that you can do other things besides holding your breast shields during the time you spend pumping can be a game-changer. It will also allow you to use Hands-on Pumping which can make pumping sessions more efficient. Skip the pumping bra and level up your pumping game with the Spectra Caracups. Pumping with the Spectra Caracups will make the whole process even easier AND discreet if you need to be on a virtual meeting or even in person with a client. 

4) Milk Storage and More 

The more you can leave at work, the lighter the load will be on your commute. If you will be traveling with your pump, choose a pumping bag that can store it all: Spectra pump, cooler case, water bottle, laptop, water bottle, snacks, and other personal items. Check out our new pump, store and feed system! The Spectra Simple Storage Kit uses innovative technology that will keep your milk clean, safe, and always ready to use. No more bottle washing either!  

It’s recommended that you wash all your pumping parts after every use. If you know you won’t have access to a sink, bring enough sets of pump parts to get you through the day. Placing pumping parts in the refrigerator in between uses is not recommended. 

5) Community and Support 

Let your managers and co-workers know in advance that you will be pumping milk for your baby. Make friends with other pumping moms in your office. If there are other women using the lactation room at your office, try to get to know them. Having pumping mommy friends can make your breastfeeding journey even more meaningful. Knowing you are not alone can get you through a rough day and help you press on. Connect with a virtual breastfeeding support group too! 

Can’t get a letdown? This is common when moms return to work. Try to relax. Throw a nursing cover over you, listen to music, or watch videos of your baby. Whatever you do, don’t watch the bottles! It can be stressful pumping on a time crunch and can take some time to get used to. With patience, practice, and support you can continue to meet your breastfeeding goals. 

Are you returning to work virtually from home? We got you covered. Check out our top tips to make the transition smooth and easy!  Need help returning to work at the office or virtual? Our IBCLCs can help with pumping schedules, flange sizing, and much more. Schedule your complimentary phone call or virtual consultation today.