How to Use a Breast Pump for the First Time: A Step-by-Step Guide

Even though there have been numerous transformations in the bottle designs, the working concept remains the same.

Also Read: How to Use Manual Breast Pump Like a Pro

Electric pumps are becoming popular since they require no effort, and the mom can spend leisure time in an activity of her interest as the pump functions per the settings. 

Also Read: How to Use Electric Breast Pump Like a Pro

Mothers cannot feed their tots for several reasons, but milk production benefits from using a breast pump. Hence, the product has become increasingly popular worldwide amongst new mommies.

Now that we have discussed details about the breast pump and its utilities, let’s venture into the preparations you need to make before the first pumping session. Here are some helpful breast pump instructions for beginners that you should be aware of for the best experience:

1. Gather all necessary supplies

Before you sit down to express milk, we suggest you gather all essential supplies so that you do not need to get up and search for things again.

Cleaning wipes, a cloth, a sterilized bottle, drinking water, and an activity you plan to indulge in, like reading, listening to music, etc., especially when using an electric pump, should be handy. 

2. Create a comfortable environment

While expressing milk, you must stay calm and content to make the process easy. Remember, if you stress out, it will affect the milk supply, ultimately leaving you irritated. So, choose a quiet and relaxing room where you can spend some leisure time while the pump does the work. 

3. Proper hand washing and breast cleaning

Whenever you handle any product or device your baby will be using later on, we suggest you clean your hands properly so that there isn’t any exposure to germs or dirt. Also, before putting on the massaging pad, wash your breasts properly to keep any health concerns at bay.

Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pumpers

When you become a mommy, you evolve and learn new skills; breast pumping is one of them. In an attempt to help with breast pump usage for new moms, we have listed some tips that you would need to practice every time you wish to express milk.

So read on carefully and make the best use of the below insights:

• There are several models of electric and manual pumps in the market; therefore, whichever you buy, you need first to understand how it works by reading information online and also refer to the explicit user manual that comes with a breast pump product to assemble the various pump parts efficiently.
• If you cannot attach the parts properly, it may interfere with the product’s efficacy and result in no pumping. So, before you start with the process, make sure that every component is in its place.
• The pumps come with flanges designed to rest on the breast adequately, avoiding any air passing through it, which may lead to usage issues.
• You should be aware of the right techniques for proper latching, and as suitable quality pumps come with ultra-soft flanges, it is easy. Also, it is recommended to keep the pump straight while expressing milk so that the milk flow is proper, encouraging pumping with the least effort.
• The pumping technique depends on the pump type you are using. In the case of manual breast pumps, you need to use the attached handle constantly to create the suction effect.
• If you have opted for an electric pump, just set the desired suction level and relax. We recommend you set the suction level minimum in the beginning and, as you get comfortable, increase its intensity to your comfort level. 
• In this first-time breast pumping guide, we highlight that pumping may be uncomfortable for you initially, but do not panic; instead, try it for a few days, and soon you will be acquainted with the proper techniques.
• If you feel discomfort in one breast after a few minutes, you may switch the pump to another.
• Remember, the breast pumps are designed for your comfort, so use them without any stress, as this will help you achieve optimal milk flow and express an adequate amount for feeding. 

Establishing a Pumping Routine

Once you know how to use a breast milk pump, focus on maintaining a pumping routine. This is crucial since it will signal your body to produce more milk. If you are irregular in pumping, it may lead to less milk production in the long run.

Therefore, set up a ritual that suits your lifestyle and stick to it. The routine varies widely for mommies since some may feel good pumping in the morning before going to work and then after returning, while others may express milk 3-4 times in smaller amounts.

So, understand your body and develop your pumping routine for the best results. Also, focus on having a healthy diet that would help boost the milk supply.

Storing and Handling Breast Milk

Most pumps come with bottles that can be attached directly while expressing milk, and then you may store it in the refrigerator immediately. This is a quick and easy solution, but you may need to buy extra bottles for this purpose.

On the other hand, if you use separate feeding bottles, store the expressed milk in a clean and good-quality container to keep the milk good for a few hours.

Please avoid regular plastic containers as these may affect the quality of milk stored. You can use top-quality silicone or glass feeding bottles to store expressed milk.

When your baby demands to feed, do not feed him milk directly from the fridge as it will be cold. Instead, you can either thaw or warm the milk slightly so the baby can feed comfortably. Check for the milk temperature before you feed.

R for Rabbit’s Breast Pump Solutions

With this comprehensive guide on how to use a breast pump, we would also like to highlight the importance of using a good quality and feature-loaded pump. You will use this product for several months, so it must be the best purchase.

Therefore, the best strategy is to buy from a reputed brand that offers quality baby products, and R for Rabbit is one of them. The brand has consistently innovated to provide valuable products that make the lives of new mommies easy and ensure the best care for the little ones. 

R for Rabbit offers manual and electric breast pumps that make expressing easy and comfortable with minimal effort. The company is dedicated to elevating the first-time pumping experience in every way and helping mommies with user-centric pumps at the best prices. 

Also Read: Electric Breast Pump Vs. Manual Breast Pump

Troubleshooting Expected Issues Related to Breast Pumps

Even if you are all set to utilize the breast pump, you may encounter some challenges for the first time. The most common one is proper latching of the flanges to the breast, which leads to less milk quantity.

Also, some mothers feel that the amount pumped is not adequate for the baby. But remember, all such concerns will fade off if you use the pump continuously and eventually become a pro.

If you constantly feel discomfort during pumping, change sides and apply a cream to soothe it. A healthy diet and practice are the only secrets to success in a low milk supply.

Key Takeaways

Using a breast pump is a good decision if you have commitments that would keep you away from your child for a few hours during the day. Also, if your baby is born premature and cannot latch, confidently express milk.

Remember, you are the best decision-maker for your child, and what others think doesn’t make you a good or bad mother. Invest in high-quality pumps from R for Rabbit and enjoy the seamless pumping experience while your child gets the proper nourishment in the crucial initial months of his life.