Pumping

Topics: Breast pumps Breastfeeding tools

You don’t need any special supplies to breastfeed, but breast pumps may help.. Breast pumps are available from Health First Colorado (Medicaid), WIC, and private insurance. WIC staff will help show you how to set up, use and clean your breast pump and pump kit, store your milk, and provide you with pumping tips. Practice pumping at least 2 weeks before you will be regularly away from your baby

 Click here to download the WIC Pumping Guide.
 

PUMPING Guide

Way to go! You are giving your baby the amazing powers of breast milk! Remember, every drop of breast milk is important. Be proud of any amount of breast milk you can feed your baby!  

Breast pumps are available from WIC once your baby is born. There are many brands and types of breast pumps that can help you in your breastfeeding journey, and WIC will help determine which pump will best fit your needs. 

 

Types of Breast Pumps Available Through WIC

WIC staff will issue you the type of breast pump that best meets your needs, how often you will be pumping, and the pumps available. 

Hospital-Grade, Multi-User Pumps

  • Stronger pumps that are loaned to WIC participants who need to establish their milk supply when separated from their baby or are experiencing breastfeeding complications.
  • Typically issued for the first few months to help you get your milk supply off to a great start. 

Single-User Personal Pumps

  • Issued to WIC participants who need help maintaining their milk supply when returning to work or school, or who are exclusively pumping.
  • Typically issued after milk supply is well established. These pumps are lighter weight and easier to take with you. 
  • These pumps are for only one person to use and cannot be shared with other breastfeeding individuals. 

Manual or Hand Pumps

  • Issued when minor problems exist, for occasional separations from baby, or for short-term pumping needs. 

 

Breast Pump Cleaning

WIC will help show you how to set up, use and clean your breast pump and pump kit. Properly cleaning your breast pump is important to keeping your breast milk safe.

Before Every Use

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Check your pump kit for damage and assemble. If tubing is moldy, replace immediately. 

After Every Use

  • Clean the pump - wipe down with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth damp with soapy water, including all dials and switches. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the pump. 
  • Separate all pump kit parts and clean with soap and hot water - either in a dishwasher or by hand. 
    • If you are unable to clean immediately, place all pump parts into the refrigerator or cooler with your breast milk and clean as soon as you can, at least once a day. 
  • Rinse parts well and air dry on a clean surface. Make sure all parts are completely dry before storing. 

Sanitize pump kit parts at least once a day. You can steam, boil, use microwavable sanitizing bags meant for pump kits or place them in the dishwasher on a sanitize setting.

 

Storing Your Breast Pump

It is important to keep your pump clean and stored properly to prevent damage and to keep insects away from the pump. 

  • When you are not using your pump, keep the pump off the floor and soft surfaces, such as beds and couches. 
  • Store the pump away from food, beverages, animals and children. 
  • Do not allow anyone to smoke around the pump. 

 

Breast Milk Storage

How you store milk depends on how soon you want to use it. If you don’t pump enough milk to fill a bottle, that is okay. Keep the milk in the refrigerator and add to it during that same day. Here are some general rules for storing your breast milk to keep it safe.

  • Store breast milk in small amounts - 1 to 3 ounces. 
  • Write the date the breast milk was expressed on each container or bag. 
  • Only use clean containers and bags approved for breast milk and are BPA-free. Do not use ordinary plastic storage bags. 
  • Refrigerate or chill milk as soon as possible after it is expressed.
  • Freeze breast milk if you know you will not be using it within 4 days. 
  • Do not let it sit out for more than 4 hours at room temperature. 
  • Thaw or warm breast milk in a bowl of warm water. 
  • Use thawed milk within 24 hours. 
  • Thaw the oldest milk first. 
  • Never thaw or warm milk in the microwave!

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines*

Guidelines on the length of time breast milk is safely useable are available both for freshly pumped/expressed breast milk and thawed (previously frozen) breast milk.

*These guidelines are for healthy full term babies and may vary for premature or sick babies. Check with your healthcare provider. 

 

  • Room Temperature, up to 77oF (25oC) = 4 hours for fresh milk; 1-2 hours for thawed milk
  • Refrigerator storage, 40oF or colder (4oC) = 4 days for fresh milk; 24 hours for thawed milk
  • Insulated Cooler/Ice Packs storage, between 5 and 40oF (-15-4oC) = 1 day for fresh milk; 24 hours for thawed milk
  • Freezer storage, 0oF or colder (-16oC) = 6 months
  • Deep Freezer storage, -4oF or colder (-20oC) = 12 months

Remember, never refreeze thawed breast milk. 

 

Pumping Tips

The best time to pump milk is between feedings or in the morning after you first feed your baby and when your breasts are full of milk. It may take time to get used to pumping when you are away from your baby. 

Preparing to Pump

  • Practice pumping at least 2 weeks before you will be regularly away from your baby. 
  • Pumping takes practice. Do not be surprised if you only get a little milk the first few times. Your body typically makes ½ to 1 ounce of milk per hour. 
  • When away from your baby, pump as often as your baby would usually nurse, or at least every 3-4 hours to maintain your supply. 
  • Talk to your employer or school and find a private space to pump. All employers are required by law to provide you with a private space that is not a restroom and break time to express your milk during your workday. 

While Pumping

  • Relax as much as you can. 
  • Start with a let down phase - fast speed and low suction - this acts like your baby and helps to get the milk flowing. Once milk is flowing well, slow the speed and raise the suction until pumping feels comfortable (try raising the suction until it is just uncomfortably and then lower the suction just a little). 
  • Massage your breasts - visit BreastfeedColorado.com under the Parents tab for videos.
  • Think about your baby - have a photo or video of your baby, blanket or item of clothing that smells like your baby. 
  • Try to focus on your milk flowing. If you become distracted you may notice your milk flow slows. If this happens, stop the pump for a minute, massage your breasts and start the let down phase again (fast speed, low suction) until you experience a second let down and your milk starts flowing again.
  • Do not press the breast shield too hard against your breast when pumping as this can block your milk ducts.
  • Try expressing your milk by hand after pumping to get more milk out that the pump cannot get out. Hand expressing is a great skill to know in case you forget your pump. 

 

Breast Shield Sizing

It’s not just a matter of comfort. Choosing the correct size of breast shield (or flange) while pumping is very important to make sure you are not hurting yourself and are emptying your breasts as much as you can. 

Talk to WIC staff and breastfeeding experts for help. 

6 Breast Shield Sizing Tips

  1. Each nipple may be a different size and could need different sized breast shields. 
  2. You may need different sizes at different points in your breastfeeding journey.
  3. Your nipple should be centered in the breast shield tunnel and will move freely during pumping. 
  4. Your nipple should never rub against the sides of the breast shield tunnel or cause discomfort. 
  5. The base of the nipple (or areola) should not be pulled excessively into the tunnel. 
  6. Your nipples should not turn lighter in color and the breast shield should not leave discolored or red marks during or after pumping. 

 

Having Trouble With Your Pump?

Try these tips if your pump is not working correctly:

  • Check that the pump is plugged in or charged.
  • Check that all kit parts are connected well.
  • Check that the tubing is dry inside. If wet, replace with new tubing.
  • Check the membranes/valves are not torn. If torn, replace.
  • For more tips visit BreastfeedColorado.com under the Parents tab or contact the pump manufacturer.

Every drop counts! Any amount of breast milk is great for your baby! It can take time to figure it all out, and WIC is here to help - contact your local WIC clinic.

 

Additional Resources

Breast Pumps

Breast Massage and Hand Expression

Handling and Storage