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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. 

 

Spectra 9 Plus Electric Breast Pump

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mom holding 9 plus breast pump

The 9 Plus is Spectra’s smallest pump, weighing in at only ½ a pound!  This tiny, but mighty pump offers the ultimate in on-the-go single or double pumping.  The rechargeable battery allows for convenient pumping in almost any location.  Though this pump is small, it isn’t lacking in features!  It provides up to 260mmHg of suction and is still considered hospital strength. The 9 Plus also offers an adjustable Massage Mode along with 10 levels of vacuum in Expression Mode and a convenient timer. The backlit LCD screen is an added feature that moms love as well. Pair this little powerhouse with the hands-free CaraCups and you have a convenient hands-free pumping setup without sacrificing effectiveness! Like with all of Spectra Baby Electric Breast Pumps, this pocket-sized pump also comes with a 2-year warranty. 

The Spectra 9 Plus Features include: 

  • Single or Double Pump capability
  • Vacuum suction up to L10
  • 260 mmHg
  • Weighs only .5 pounds
  • LCD screen
  • ( 2 ) Years Warranty on pump | 90 days on accessories

The Spectra 9 Plus comes with everything you need to single and double pump.

  • Two (2) 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
  • Two (2) Spectra Tubing
  • Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves
  • Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
  • Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each bottle
  • One (1) Spectra 9-Volt AC Power Adapter. Includes detachable power cord prongs

Can’t decide on which Spectra Breast Pump is right for you? Schedule a complimentary virtual consultation with one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants today! 

Level Up with the Spectra Caracups

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC

Are you looking to take your pumping game to the next level? Introducing the new wearable Spectra CaraCups! This new easy-to-use wearable pumping technology has totally revolutionized traditional breast pumping, and here’s how.

Simple to Insert
The Spectra baby USA CaraCups are discreet and simple to slip inside your regular bra. Yep, you got it! No fancy pumping bra is needed. Instead, you can easily slide them into your bra, center your nipple and start pumping right away. Pumping moms need all the extra time they can get. The Spectra CaraCups allows you to save pumping time since you won’t need to put on a pumping bra and attach bottles. 

Switch it up
The Spectra CaraCups hold up to 8oz in each cup and come with external flanges, which can also be used with the Spectra baby USA wide-necked bottles. The versatile new flat external flanges fit comfortably around the breast and can be used with or without the wearable cups.

Sit Back and Relax
No bottles are visible while pumping. No more torturing yourself watching bottles slowly fill up. This can be frustrating and even impact your milk supply! Have better letdowns and maximize your pumping sessions. You can even lie back on a chair or sofa when pumping and rest!

Stay Engaged
The Spectra CaraCups are compatible with the complete line of Spectra baby USA breast pumps. But truly the best part is the mobility! Combine it with our sleek portable 9Plus, and you’ll be unstoppable at multitasking. At home, you can easily pump while comforting a clingy toddler, whip up dinner or get active outdoors, all while expressing your liquid gold! At the office pump in meetings, with clients, or on breaks. It really doesn’t matter if you are pumping at home or in the office; the Spectra CaraCups will make all the difference in your pumping journey by allowing you to be more present with your baby, family, and coworkers.

The Spectra CaraCups are designed with Spectra Baby USA’s trusted closed system, always keeping milk clean and safe for your baby. Spectra CaraCups come in sizes 24/28mm and are compatible with most popular massagers and inserts on the market. Not sure what size to get? Find your perfect flange size here.

Expert tips:

Parts should be thoroughly washed and air dried before assembly.

Duckbills should be at a slant; if not placed correctly, suction will be compromised. (Duckbills should be replaced every 6-8 weeks and are sold separately specific to CaraCups.)

Connect tubing first before inserting into bra, and tubing should come out from the top.

When done, turn off the pump. Remove tubing first, then carefully remove each cup.

Place cups on a flat surface to prevent milk from spilling.

Carefully disassemble and transfer your breast milk into Spectra baby USA collection containers or storage bags with the easy pour cup spout.

Check out the digital Spectra CaraCup manual for detailed instructions on cleaning and assembly here.

Need help going hands-free with the wearable Spectra CaraCups? Our Spectra baby USA IBCLC experts are happy to help answer your questions so that you can get back to what matters most—making milk for your baby.

Child Care and the Breastfed Baby

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Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

It’s likely that at some point, your breastfed baby will be cared for by someone else other than yourself. Sometimes it’s temporary while other times it can be long term like when returning to work. Child care options can vary from private stay at home nannies/family members, private home licensed child care, or commercial child care facilities. 

The process to find the perfect match for you and your baby doesn’t have to be stressful. Your breastfeeding relationship can absolutely continue and thrive with this new milestone. No matter who you choose to care for your baby, your breastfeeding goals should be supported and respected. Read on for tips on finding a caregiver for your breastfed baby including how to connect with local resources and how to share valuable education with your child care provider. 

Support and Communication 
Let’s start here. It’s OK if your child care provider isn’t a “breastfeeding expert” but they should be open and teachable when it comes to feeding mother’s milk to babies in their care. They should be willing and ready to accommodate your requests or accept breastfeeding-friendly education. An “open door” policy is one of the ways caregivers can be supportive of the breastfeeding dyad. Allowing mothers to drop in at any time without notice to pump or nurse their baby on demand protects breastfeeding. If your child care facility pushes back on your breastfeeding requests, then it’s probably not a good fit.

Knowledgeable Staff 
A child care provider whether in a private or commercial setting should have basic training on breastfed infant behavior, proper bottle-feeding techniques, and breastmilk storage handling.  All babies, breastfed or not, should be fed using The Paced Bottle Feeding Technique. This feeding method allows the baby to control the flow of milk, preventing overfeeding. Normal milk consumption for babies 1-6-month-old is 1- 1 ½ ounces per hour. Milk leftover from feedings should be discarded within 2 hours of initial use and proper breastmilk milk handling should be carefully followed. Download the handout here to share with your child care team. Breastfed babies should not be fed on strict schedules but rather monitored for hunger cues. For younger babies less than 3 months old this includes moving head from side to side (rooting), bringing fingers to mouth, and for older babies, actively moving arms and legs while gazing at the caregiver. 

Facility Accommodations 
Breastfeeding friendly accommodations on-site should include a designated area to pump or nurse your baby, other than a restroom. A fridge to store breastmilk and a sink to wash pump parts. You will need to label bottles and/or milk storage containers with the name of your baby and date with permanent, reusable, or personalized silicone labels. 

Additional tips for success:

???? Check with your local / state breastfeeding coalition to find breastfeeding-friendly centers here.

???? Take a tour with your prospective child care provider first before making a decision. 

???? Choose a child care provider nearby. You can hop into pump/nurse or simply check on baby anytime. 

???? A low child-adult ratio allows the caregiver to pay more attention to feeding cues and can prevent overfeeding. 

???? Long-standing caregivers provide added security your baby is in the care of an experienced professional. 

???? Send breastmilk in 1-2 ounce increments to prevent milk from being wasted. 

Always remember you are your baby’s advocate. No matter your breastfeeding goals, you should feel comfortable to easily keep an open conversation with your child care provider. 

Do you still have other questions about child care and breastfeeding? Email us at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com anytime or schedule a complimentary consultation. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are happy to assist you along your breastfeeding journey. 

We’re in this together and we support you! 

Sources

  1. How to choose a breastfeeding-friendly childcare provider. (2020, February 19). La Leche League USA. https://lllusa.org/choosing-a-childcare-provider/
  2. Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk. (2020, January 22). Center For Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm
  3. Anne Smith, IBCLC. (n.d.). Caregiver’s Guide to the Breastfed Baby. Breastfeeding Basics. Retrieved January 11, 2021, https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/caregivers-guide-to-the-breastfed-baby

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy

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mom on couch with breast pump

Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Did you just find out you’re expecting a new baby and you’re currently breastfeeding? So many emotions can begin to flood your mind when you start to process that a new little one will be joining your family in just a few short months…excitement, joy, anxiety and uncertainty. If you’re pregnant and breastfeeding, you could be asking yourself questions like “Will I need to stop breastfeeding since I’m pregnant? Can I harm my unborn baby by continuing to breastfeed throughout my pregnancy?” Take a deep breath! We got you covered! Read on to get evidence based answers to everything pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

First things first, is it safe?
Nipple stimulation triggers the release of the oxytocin hormone which can trigger contractions. Research tells us less oxytocin is released when a woman is pregnant making it generally safe for a healthy mom to continue nursing while pregnant but not always. If you are exclusively pumping, remember that is breastfeeding! We recommend scheduling a prenatal exam as soon as possible to thoroughly discuss your personal situation with your doctor. If you are considered a “high risk” pregnancy you may be advised to discontinue breastfeeding to ensure your pregnancy will be safe and smooth. The current data reflects breastfeeding and healthy term births are not only compatible but biologically normal.

Changes in Milk Supply and Composition
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause milk supply dips and fluctuations, as well as, increased nipple tenderness. Your nursling might want to breastfeed more frequently or become less interested. Supply and demand, won’t typically hold up even if breastfeeding has been increased. Some mothers do not experience a decrease in milk supply at all while others do. Everyone is different. Milk composition will begin to transition into colostrum during your third trimester. Increased sodium levels in breastmilk can change the taste of your breastmilk and this combined with less milk, could lead to natural weaning yet; some kiddos do not mind at all and continue to nurse. The AAP recommends breast milk as the primary source of food for the first year. Closely monitor your baby’s breastfeeding behavior at the breast, weight gain and diaper output to ensure they are growing and thriving. 

Tandem Nursing
Colostrum will be produced for your newborn during the first few days postpartum even if you have continued to breastfeed an older child throughout your pregnancy. Since colostrum is packed with immune properties and prepares the newborn gut for mature milk you want to make sure you are giving your newborn priority at the breast during the early days after delivery. Nursing both of your babies at the same time, called tandem nursing, can be a way to offer emotional security and extra attention to the sibling. Tandem nursing can also help lessen engorgement and create an adequate milk supply. If you decide to wean your older baby, gradual weaning is always best. Avoid being seen in your typical nursing areas, don’t offer the breast but don’t refuse either. Redirecting behavior when asked to nurse can help the weaning process too, like offering a snack or a favorite toy. 

Pumping To Induce Labor and Colostrum Harvesting 
If you haven’t been breastfeeding since the beginning of your pregnancy it’s not recommended to start now unless you are full term (over 38 weeks) and under the care of your medical practitioner. Pumping or hand expressing can be an effective way to kick start labor! If your doctor approves you can start with hand expression or pumping with your Spectra Baby USA breast pump for 10-15 minutes on a low 38 cycle and low suction strength, just a few times a day. Some mothers will even start to see some drops of precious colostrum. You can use sterile syringes to collect, store and freeze colostrum. This can be even extra important if you already know you will be separated from your baby after delivery. Always check with your doctor first when using pumping to induce labor. 

If you desire to continue to breastfeed while pregnant, you are not alone. Breastmilk continues to have benefits for your older child and many mothers safely breastfeed their older babies while pregnant. Work closely with your health care practitioner and surround yourself with support to ensure breastfeeding can continue safely. Spectra baby USA is here for you and we support your decision to breastfeed while pregnant. Schedule a prenatal consult with us and we can help you reach your personal breastfeeding goals. 

Sources:

Amico, J., and Finley, B., Breast stimulation in cycling women, pregnant women and a woman with induced lactation: pattern of release of oxytocin, prolactin and luteinizing hormone. Clinical Endocrinology, 1986 25:97-106.

Journal of Nursing Research, 20 (1) p 74-80. doi: 10.1097/JNR.0b013e31824777c1

Mohrbacher (2010) Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple, Hale Publishing, ISBN-10: 0984503900

Flower H. (2016) Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing: is it safe? Recent research, Breastfeeding Today, 11 April 2016

Philippa Pearson-Glaze, Expressing Colostrum Antenatally, Breastfeeding Support, 24 August 2019, https://breastfeeding.support/expressing-colostrum-antenatally/ (accessed 9 September 2020).

 

The Over Achiever: When one breast produces more than the other

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By: Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC 

Have you noticed that one of your breasts seems to consistently produce more milk?  If you’re pumping, this may be even more noticeable.  If your baby nurses, you may have noticed that he or she prefers one side or seems to finish nursing on one side much faster than the other.  Rest assured, this is normal!  One study of exclusively pumping mothers found that in 65.7% of pumping sessions observed, the right breast produced at least slightly more milk.  In another similar study, only 2.6% of the exclusively pumping mothers displayed equal pumping output from both breasts.  

Why does this happen? So, we know it’s normal for one breast to produce more or to have a greater pumping output, but WHY? Breasts aren’t typically symmetrical.  Like many other parts of the human body (eyes, hands, feet, ears, etc.) a degree of asymmetry is normal.  This can mean a difference in the amount of milk making tissue (alveoli) or even in the amount and size of milk ducts.  Many times, mothers can readily observe a difference in the size of their breasts and also notice that one commonly feels “fuller” than the other. Other less common reasons for this discrepancy include previous breast surgery and previous injury or trauma to the breast. Rarely, asymmetry is caused by a disorder known as Poland Syndrome.  This syndrome is evidenced by missing or underdeveloped muscle tissue on only one side of the body and often results in one breast being dramatically smaller and less developed than the other. In general, breast asymmetry is completely normal as is having one breast that produces more milk.  We like to call that breast the Over Achiever. 

We’ve compiled a few tips to help “even out” milk output: 

  • If you’re pumping, consider trying different settings to see if each breast responds differently to certain cycles/vacuums.  Once you determine which settings are best for each breast, determine a plan to incorporate these settings into your typical pump session.  For example, some woman report that one breast responds best to Massage Mode (cycle 70) while the other responds well to an Expression Mode cycle.  Moms often have great success with switching between the two modes like the example below: 

            -5 minutes at cycle 70 

            -5 minutes at cycle 54 

            -5 minutes at cycle 70 

            -5 minutes at cycle 38 

*Remember that higher vacuum doesn’t necessarily mean more milk!  We never recommend increasing the vacuum to an uncomfortable level. 

  • Consider adding more stimulation for the lower producing side. If you’re pumping, this can be as simple as starting or ending the pumping session with just a few extra minutes of single pumping on the lower producing side.  If you’re nursing, consider starting sessions on the lower producing breast or adding a few minutes of single pumping on that side after nursing. 
  • Do YOU have a preference? It’s not uncommon for mom to unknowingly develop a preference for feeding from one side over the other.  We often prefer to keep our dominant hand free, and therefore may feed more often or spend more time on the opposite side.  Keeping a simple log of feeding times for each side can help highlight any preferences you might not have noticed otherwise.  
  • Encourage better nursing and greater pumping output with your hands! If baby tends to stop nursing on the less preferred side sooner, consider incorporating breast compressions while nursing. This can help keep the flow a bit faster and more interesting for baby. It can also make milk removal easier. Similarly, Hands On Pumping is a technique that can help elevate your lower producer to Over Achiever status.  Check out this video from Stanford University: https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/maximizing-milk-production.html 
  • Add in hand expression. One breast may give less output because it just doesn’t respond to pumping as well as the other.  Hand Expression is a technique that can help increase pumping output not only for the lower producing breast, but even for the Over Achiever breast as well!  A few ways to incorporate hand expression include in between pumping or nursing sessions, following pumping or nursing sessions, or when you’re running short on time and can’t fit a full pumping session in.  Here’s a link for a fantastic resource on the topic: https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html 

Keep in mind that it is normal for one breast to be the over achiever and it’s absolutely ok if you choose to do nothing to even out the supply.  Having a lesser producing breast doesn’t mean there is something wrong, it just means our bodies aren’t perfectly symmetrical! However, if baby consistently fully refuses one breast, if there is a noticeable change in size or shape of only one breast, if there is a lump that doesn’t go away or grows, or if there is a lump that doesn’t move with the breast tissue, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Additionally, if baby seems uncomfortable turning toward one breast or always seems to turn his or her head in the same direction, reach out to your pediatrician for further evaluation for conditions such as torticollis.  Should you desire to bring both breasts to Over Achiever status, incorporating the tips above is a great place to start! 

Keep on keeping on, mamas!  We know you’re doing your very best to provide your babies with the best start and we support you! If you have questions about uneven milk supply or any other breastfeeding related topics, we can help! Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are available for free consultations at www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices.  You can also email us at ibclc@spectrababy.com  Happy pumping! 

References 

Engstrom, J. L., Meier, P. P., Jegier, B., Motykowski, J. E., & Zuleger, J. L. (2007). Comparison of Milk Output from the Right and Left Breasts During Simultaneous Pumping in Mothers of Very Low Birthweight Infants. Breastfeeding Medicine, 2(2), 83-91. doi:10.1089/bfm.2006.0019 

Hill, P. D., Aldag, J. C., Zinaman, M., & Chatterton, R. T. (2007). Comparison of Milk Output Between Breasts in Pump-Dependent Mothers. Journal of Human Lactation, 23(4), 333-337. doi:10.1177/0890334407307575 

 

5 Quick Tips for Pumping at Work

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by Amanda G.

Pumping at work gets much more manageable once you figure out the logistics and get yourself into a routine.

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

  1. Leave an extra set of pump parts at your office.

Trying to leave the house on time and get to work is hard. It’s even harder when you’re trying to get your baby ready too and you need to get your pump bag packed.

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 breast shields or collection bottles to pump into.

(The first time I forgot my breast shields, in desperation, I actually tried putting my nipple directly into the connector and starting the pump. That was a very bad idea. OUCH!)

In order to avoid having to either go home or try to buy a replacement for whatever it is you forgot, have an extra backup set of pump parts and bottles at work. This way you’ll have peace of mind and be ready for when the inevitable happens.

 

  1. Get a hands-free pumping bra so that you can do other things while you pump.

If you’re pumping two or three times per day at work, that’s a total of 30-45 minutes a day, or about three hours a week, 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. This way, while you pump, you can work on a laptop, take notes while you’re on a conference call, or take a break and read a book or magazine.

 

  1. Have as many sets of pump parts as you have pumping sessions in a day.

I used to recommend leaving pump parts in the refrigerator between uses, but the CDC recently issued guidelines stating that pump parts should be washed as soon as possible after each use. (More about the new guidelines here.)

To avoid spending a lot of time washing pump parts – and deal with getting access to a sink, if your lactation room doesn’t have one – bring enough sets of pump parts to get you through a day. Then you can wash them all in one batch, either at home or at the end of the day at work.

 

  1. Carry as little as possible back and forth to work every day.

The more things that you can leave at work (in addition to the extra pump parts mentioned above), the less complicated your mornings will be. So, if you can leave your pump, a hands-free bra, and whatever else you need – breast pads, freezer bags, lanolin – at work, too, then you can travel back and forth with just empty bottles and an ice pack in the morning, and full bottles in the afternoon.

(Obviously, if you need your pump at home, this might not be feasible, but one option is to get an extra manual pump you can use at home when needed.)

 

  1. Make friends with the 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 a relationship in place can be really helpful when your boss schedules a meeting and you need to switch your pumping time with someone else.

Did you miss out Live Q&A?  We got you covered!

 

Returning to Work: Planning and Pumping

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by Bonne Dunham, IBCLC

The prospect of returning to work after your baby is born can be a very frightening and overwhelming prospect for some Mothers, but with a little extra planning and knowledge about how to do this, you can smooth out this transition quite a bit.

In case you didn’t already know, there are several benefits to combining work and breastfeeding.  Knowing this might help give you a little bit of extra strength to leap over some of the more common hurdles that women face when re-entering the workforce AND taking care of a baby!  It’s not easy, but you got this!

Here are some benefits of combining work and breastfeeding:

Benefits to Baby:  Making the decision to supply breastmilk to your baby while you are working provides protection from ear infections, respiratory infections, allergies, colds, viruses and diabetes to name a few.

Benefits to Mother: Reduced risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer; decreases the risk of osteoporosis and allows for precious time to reconnect with baby.

Benefits to Your Wallet: One-day absences to care for an ill child occur more than twice as frequently for women who formula feed their infants as compared to those who breastfeed. And if you haven’t checked out the cost of formula…it isn’t cheap!

Setting Goals and Planning Ahead Will Reduce Stress

  •    Speaking with your supervisor about your plans for pumping at work BEFORE maternity leave is a great idea. If not before, than as soon as possible.
  •    Locate the lactation room in your workplace; does it have a fridge to store your pumped milk or will you have to bring a small cooler?
  •    Order you pump BEFORE your baby is born and understand how it works. While you are at it, gather your other pumping supplies ahead of time; collection bottles, storage bags and cleaning supplies.
  •    Plan your day: how will pumping fit into your workday? Consider making a mock-up of what your day will look like, from the moment you get up to when you step back through your doors. When and where will you pump? For most moms, pumping every 3 hours or so when separated from baby, for much of the first year, will help to keep your milk supply up and running.

Introduction of Pumping & Bottles

Week 1-4: Avoid pumping. Take this time to be with your baby! Allow the infant to naturally ‘program’ and establish your milk supply.

Week 4-6: Begin pumping once a day for 10-15 minutes and introduce a bottle. Adding this pumping session in during the morning or evening can be the best for when your milk supply is at its peak.

Weeks 6 and Beyond: Pump daily to store your milk or to have ready for your workday.

Milk Storage Strategies…The best tip I ever received!

The freshest is the bestest! Ok, bestest is not really a word, but I bet you get the picture: Always try to give your baby the freshest milk you have on hand, it will be highest in nutritive quality and deliver the most health benefits. Think “first in, first out”.

However, it’s also a good idea to rotate your frozen stash a bit too. Here is a way to do that: On Sunday night, take a days’ worth of frozen milk out of the freezer to thaw overnight in the fridge to feed baby on Monday. The milk you pump for Monday while at work will feed baby on Tuesday; Tuesdays’ pumped milk feeds baby on Wednesday, etc. No need to freeze this milk in-between, just keep it cool in the fridge.

Remember: Take a deep breath, take care of yourself too, and ask others for help. Leave us a comment about how you returned to work while breastfeeding and pumping.

Working and Pumping: The Struggle is Real

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What To Know When Returning to Work

Well, it’s sadly that time, when you are headed back to work after maternity leave.  Hopefully, your employer offers that necessary benefit. The baby honeymoon is over and now you have some big decisions to make regarding childcare and feeding.  If you’ve been breastfeeding up to this point, there is a good chance you’ll want to continue providing baby with your milk. After all, it is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months if possible, to get the continued benefits such as less frequent illness.  Before your actual return, try to be as prepared as possible. Make sure you know your workplace rights; have all the gear you need and have at least a general plan for how you will feasibly pump enough to keep up your supply for baby. Here are the basics to get you started:

Protection under federal and state laws

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law with provisions related to nursing mothers and pumping at work. The guidelines include employees that are not exempt under section 7 of the law.  This includes most hourly paid employees. The law specifically calls for providing a nursing mother unpaid (unless all employees are paid for their breaks) reasonable breaks with a private room for nursing that isn’t a bathroom.  If your employer is smaller than 50 employees, they may be exempt from this law if it causes them “undue hardship.”  For full details check out these great resources here and here.  If you aren’t covered under the ACA, make sure to check your state laws.  Twenty-eight of fifty states have some kind of provision related to breastfeeding.

Planning and educating yourself

First, figure out what laws you are specifically covered by depending on your employment from the resources above.  If you aren’t sure, talk to your boss, human resources, or a workplace lawyer so you can start making a game plan.

Next, equipping yourself with all the essentials for successful workplace pumping is key.  To maintain a good milk supply it is important to have access to the best possible pump. For time management and optimal pumping, look into getting a double, electric breast pump that is hospital strength.  Under the ACA, it is also required that your health insurance provide you with a pump (either a rental or single user depending on the model). There are several pump options available and companies that will do all the footwork for you to get you the pump you need with little hassle.  Spectra Baby USA is one of these companies with the added bonus of great customer service and lactations consultants on hand as needed.  Check out their page for a comparison chart of different pumps to find the best option for you and you can also check their insurance lookup tool that locates a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) company that will work with your insurance policy to get you a breast pump covered by your plan.

Lastly, consider any accessories to purchase to make your life easier as a pumping mom.  This includes items like a pumping bra, sterilizing tools, nipple cream, adequate collection bottles, freezer bags, and insulated tote to be able to get your milk safely to and from work.  Having the right gear will keep you organized and efficient!

When and how to pump: finding a schedule

In general, you want to pump in a way that would mimic your baby’s current feeding schedule.  This generally means that a mom will have to pump every 3-4 hours. For a full-time employee that should be 2-3 times depending on lunch breaks and commute time.  How you want to schedule these into your day is completely dependent on what works in your day. Regardless, make sure that you try to actually schedule these times into your calendar to remind yourself and your co-workers.  It’s easy to forget or skip a pumping session if you don’t make it a priority and this can negatively impact your supply. If you are short on time one day, don’t stress and just try to get in as many short sessions as you can to keep the supply signal going to your breasts.

The last big consideration is your milk supply as your switch from breastfeeding to the use of a pump.  Your baby is much better at extracting milk from your breast than a machine, so if you have trouble initially with the amount you are pumping don’t be discouraged.  Keep these basic tips in mind: keep hydrated, eat healthily and frequently, stimulate an adequate let down with massage, heat or thinking of your baby (even look at a picture!), stay relaxed and comfortable and make sure you have the right size breast shield.

With the right preparation, you will manage the transition into a work-family balance well.  You rock mama! Keep up the good work providing liquid gold for your child while crushing those career goals.