Pumping Breast Milk 101 It might seem daunting at first, but pumping isn't complicated at all once you get the knack of it. Whether you're heading back to work or just out for the evening (and leaving your critter with a sitter), most new mamas eventually need a break from breastfeeding. Enter the breast pump. This handy tool not only allows you to fill a bottle with your precious milk, but it can also help maintain your milk supply, relieve engorgement, and create a backup stash for your freezer. So once you’ve chosen the right type of breast pump, it’s time to get the (pumping) party started. Here are the basics: When to start pumping: If your baby is premature or has special needs that don’t allow you to nurse her from birth, start pumping as soon as you can. If you have multiples, talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant about pumping to build up your breast-milk supply. Otherwise, many experts recommend avoiding nipple confusion by waiting until after the first two or three weeks (assuming nursing is going well) to introduce a bottle. (Plenty of babies, however, go back and forth between bottle and breast from day one, so do what feels right for you.) Even if you don’t feed your baby from a bottle at first, you can pump in the early days and store the milk in your freezer for later use. If you’re planning to go back to work, start pumping a few weeks beforehand to get the hang of it and to build up a stockpile of milk. Best times to pump: If you're at home and are stockpiling milk or trying to increase your supply, try pumping an hour or so after your sweetie’s morning nursing session (or pump one breast while she’s going to town on the other). If you're pumping at work, try to pump on the same schedule as your baby's feedings so you keep your milk supply going strong. #baby #babies #adorable #cute #cuddly #cuddle #small #lovely #love #instagood #babiesofinstagram #beautifulbaby #mybaby #beautiful #life #sleep #sleeping #instababies #happy #igbabies #childrenphoto #toddler #instababy #infant #photooftheday #sweet #snypechat #tiny #little #family https://www.instagram.com/p/BndyNOsFyeX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bdxgzs9d92x
