Hello, I'm Azura, an RN and IBCLC and I'd like to help you make pumping more comfortable (SPOILER: it shouldn't hurt).
Take me to the nipple measurement tool!
Choosing the right size for pumping flanges is crucial for an effective and comfortable pumping experience. Properly sized flanges ensure optimal milk flow, overall output and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury. If the flanges are too small, they can cause pain and limit milk extraction, while flanges that are too large may also lead to inefficient pumping, inadequate milk supply and injury. By using the correct size, you not only enhance milk removal but also support overall breast/chestfeeding goals, making your pumping sessions more successful and enjoyable. Pumping has become part of many family's feeding journeys for loads of reasons. See below for some thoughts on pumping, tips to make things comfier, and as promised an EXTREMELY helpful pumping tool. And while you're at it, check me out on Instagram (click the little icon below) for even more helpful tips.
Why pump?
Pumping is a valuable tool that supports feeding journeys by providing flexibility and convenience. It allows the feeding parent to step away and enables others to feed baby by bottle. The feeding parent can also choose to give a bottle themselves, when they just aren't feeling like breast/chestfeeding, such as when they're out or feeling over-touched. This flexibility allows the feeding parent to rest, take a break, or sleep. Pumping isn't the most glamorous thing in the world but it does afford us some wiggle room--which we deserve, right?!
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Pumping can also be important for parents returning to work or when away from their baby for extended periods, ensuring that their little one continues to receive human milk when they're out doing non-mom/parent-stuff and making things happen. Additionally, using a pump can help increase supply through techniques like power pumping, which mimics a baby's feeding patterns to stimulate milk production.
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Pumping can help to alleviate issues like engorgement when baby isn't latching well, and provide a backup supply in case of separation, parent illness and as mentioned, moments of flexibility and spontaneity. Overall, pumping empowers parents to navigate their feeding choices as they wish.
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Do I have to pump? Absolutely not. If you're feeding baby at the breast/chest and all is going well, feed on! If you're feeding baby at the breast/chest and supplementing with formula, but hope to have a milk supply that can sustain baby entirely, you should consider pumping approximately 1x/bottle offered to cue your body to make enough milk.
Other ways to make pumping comfy
Let's enhance your comfort while you pump
Lubricate your flanges
I recommend lining the inside of your pump flanges with a baby-friendly lubricant, like coconut oil. You could also consider extra virgin olive oil, a baby-safe nipple balm, or even your own fatty human milk. Tighter flange fits—where the width of the flange is close to the width of the nipple—tend to work better for most, but they can create more friction on the hard plastic. Lubricating the flanges helps reduce this friction while also moisturizing your nipple a bit. It's a good idea to buy a new jar of coconut oil (or your chosen oil) specifically for this purpose, to avoid contamination from kitchen use. There are also commercial pump lubricants available in convenient spray bottles, which can keep your hands clean.
Wear a pumping bra
Wearing a pumping bra is so, so, so much more comfortable and sustainable than holding your pump throughout the entire feed. Let's free your hands up to do some hands on pumping see here to increase milk output! We want pumping to feel less like a chore and a break, so I vote you not having to hold something the entire time. It gets old fast. Also, let's free those hands up to point to things your partner or support people can attend to in the house :). Ensure your pumping bra is sized properly to keep your flanges pressed gently against your skin. If ordering online, ensure they have a good return policy so that you can get the perfect fit (or order a couple sizes and send back the one that doesn't fit). Postpartum sizing can be tricky because we are in a body that we are less familiar with.
Make it nice
Let's make pumping an escape, and a restorative period. Check out, watch some reality TV, or if your tastes are more elevated than mine, something complex and dynamic. If you aren't a TV person, listen to a podcast or a good playlist. While you're at it, make sure that you pair pumping with a great snack and a beverage you love. You can even condition yourself to letdown more easily if you have similar enjoyable stimuli each time. Tea and chocolate = free flowing milk? Sign me up! In my house, the rule was, no one bother me while I am pumping, it's "my time" to zone out, buy stuff online, watch something vapid and text my pals.
Azura has been working with feeding families for over 10 years and she knows her stuff when it comes to pumping as well as feeding by bottle or at the breast/chest.
Azura had to exclusively pump for her kiddo for 6 months as he had health issues and wasn't allowed to feed at the breast. In this time she gathered some HOT pumping tips while she built a great milk supply. This experience enriched Azura's ability to support both those who want to do a bit of pumping and those who prefer to exclusively pump, and she’s excited to share her tips with you.
Contact
I would love to support you and your family on this feeding journey. I offer virtual support worldwide, and in-home support in Ontario, Canada in the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga ,Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Brantford, Guelph
416 906 0163