Being a new mom is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. After giving birth, most women find that their breasts no longer produce milk and they have to supplement with formula or store-bought baby food.
Breastfeeding is natural, so most mothers are anxious about why they aren’t producing enough milk or whether they will be able to nurse their babies again. Many new mothers also worry about how private they need to keep their breast pumping sessions—and if anyone else will judge them for doing so!
Read on for some advice about what you should know before you get started with breast pumps.
Breastfeeding challenges for new moms
All moms understand that the breastfeeding journey is a challenging part of motherhood, but not all mothers have the same experiences. Others have it easy as a breeze while some experience difficulties in producing breast milk—and both are normal.
Common breastfeeding issues include sore nipples, engorged breasts, nursing strikes, and more. Low milk supply is another common problem that moms encounter. If you are experiencing any of these challenges with breastfeeding, you may want to consider using a breast pump to collect your milk.
What is a breast pump?
A breast pump is a machine that collects and expels breast milk from the breast. It is used to assist new and experienced mothers in producing milk for their babies.
New moms use breast milk pumps to collect the extra milk that is produced when breastfeeding does not work for them, while experienced moms use breast pumps to produce more milk if needed. Breast pumps can also be useful for mothers who want to continue breastfeeding past the child’s age of nursing.
The benefits of breastfeeding for mama and baby
Breastfeeding is a great way for moms to bond with their babies. It can help babies to develop a strong immune system by increasing the number of bacteria the baby is exposed to as breast milk also has added antibodies. Breastfeeding can also help you prevent diseases and it has been shown to decrease the risk of diabetes and obesity.
In order to breastfeed, breasts have to be in a certain state: they have to be adequately full. They have to have the right amount of ducts and nerves to send signals to the baby’s mouth. They also have to be at the right temperature, which varies from individual to individual and can be affected by factors like room temperature and medication.
When pumping breast milk, you have to make sure you are storing your milk in the right container and freezer bag. If you do not have your milk stored properly, it will spoil or your baby may not get the nutrients they are supposed to get from breastfeeding.
Types of breast pumps
- Hand-expression - This is the original breast-pumping technique. It means expressing your milk directly into your baby’s mouth using your own hands.
- Manual breast pumps - Some manual breast pumps can be used to collect milk, while others are only for expressing milk. Manual pumps usually work by applying a vacuum to pull milk through a tube and into a storage cup.
- Electric breast pumps - They come in a range of models, each designed to be more efficient at collecting milk than the last without the use of hands. To help parents' lives be more comfortable and easier, Baby Company offers top-quality electric breast pumps that come with multiple benefits perfect for lactating moms.
Get advice from a lactation consultant before you purchase
Before you purchase a breast pump, you will want to consult a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant can help you choose the right pump for your needs and budget. He or she can also help you get the most out of your pump by teaching you breast-pumping tips and how to use it properly.
Which pump is right for you?
When shopping for a breast pump, it is helpful to think about what your needs are as well as your budget. Make a list of your needs and the features you would like in a breast pump such as portability, the quietness of the device, storage, budget, and more.
Once you have identified the features you want in a breast pump, you can use online forums to find out other new moms’ experiences with the pumps you are considering.
How to use your breast pump efficiently
Start with a clean breast and pump out the milk from your breasts as much as you can. Pump in silence, away from children and other distractions. Once you’ve had enough milk out, place the breast milk into a freezer-storage bag.
One thing you must remember is to store your milk in the right container. You will want to have an insulated cooler bag for the milk and a separate storage container to store the milk in. As your milk thaws, you will want to keep the milk in its freezer bag until it is ready to be put into the storage container.
There are breastfeeding clothes and accessories you can invest in for a comfortable breastfeeding journey. It includes nursing bras, breastfeeding pillows, muslin cloth, and more.
How long does it take to become efficient with a pump?
It can take some new moms two to three weeks to become used to pumping. You may need to adjust your schedule if you are trying to work or take care of your baby. Pumping can be very time-consuming, so you may need to think about how to fit pumping into your schedule.
Finding the right breast pump can take time and patience. When you begin your search, think about what your needs are and what your budget is. You may be able to find a breast pump on sale, or at a discounted price in baby stores. If you can’t find a deal, make sure you shop at Baby Company and you can be sure to find the best price!
Moms and dads both agree when we say that Baby Company offers several ways to make their parenting lives a little bit easier! Breast pumps, whether manual or electric, are extremely beneficial for lactating moms who have varying needs.
Luckily, Baby Company has a great selection of the best breast pumps in the Philippines. Get your breast pumps at prices you’ll love. Shop for your nursing needs today at babycompany.ph or visit the nearest Baby Company branch!