This is one thing that I would like to share with all moms who need to get back to work after their maternity leave. We hate to do it, especially since that means feeding is taken away from us and the substitute is a bottle. But we need to do it.
Breastfeeding a baby is all a mind game and this is something I endorse and truly believe in. There is no such thing as enough milk and it’s a lot of hard work to pump it out. So here is a step-by-step guide on how I went about doing it
Before Delivery Checklist:
1. Buy a good breast pump that can be used on battery and electricity. I used Medela and I think it was brilliant. You need not buy a hospital pump that can pump milk from both breasts at the same time.
2. Rechargeable batteries
3. Storage reusable cups
4. Medela milk storage bags/bottles
5. Reusable washable breast pads
6. Insulation bag to keep the milk at room temperature while transporting it
7. Feeding bottles
8. Breast Pump
9. Milk Storage Reusable Cups
When To Start:
Once your milk supply cycle is set (about 6 weeks) and you have almost recovered from the after effects of your delivery, this is a good point to start pumping if you wish to feed your baby only on breast milk for a year. Breastmilk can stay frozen for up to 6 months and is still high in antibodies and nutrition vs. formula or fresh milk. It is a good idea to start pumping at 6 weeks as the milk supply is abundant and you are creating demand for more, right at the beginning.
How To Store:
If you are storing for future use then its a good idea to start using disposable bags and labelling them date wise. Write the day, month & year with a permanent marker on the bag along with the number of ounces. Even the bags have gradings on it to indicate the quantity. When the milk is frozen you may not be able to judge the correct quantity. If you plan to pump and use daily then you can use the reusable bottles or storage cups.
After you finish pumping, keep the pumped bottle in the fridge in your office in a plastic bag so you can carry it home in the evening in your insulated bag. If you are at home and this milk is for future use then you can freeze it immediately. If you are using storage bags then do not fill till the edge as liquids expand on freezing and it may spill.
What Time Should I Pump:
- Usually early mornings is a good time to pump and keep as you are extremely full.
- If you are planning on pumping then do so before you feed your baby, When babies suck milk it is effortless for them and you. But when you are pumping milk its a lot more effort and pull for the milk production.
- In office keep a gap of about 3 – 4 hours but if you feel full before that or if you have meetings to attend to then go ahead and do so just before the meeting is scheduled to begin.
- There are times when the meeting runs into hours and you start feeling uncomfortable. Dont feel awkward to excuse yourself and take a quick break to pump. Do not try and pump till your maximum then just to the extent that you are not uncomfortable.
How To Use The Milk:
This is fairly simple.
1. Use the principle of First In First Out(FIFO). That means the milk which is the oldest comes out first.
2. Never microwave breastmilk.
3. If its frozen milk then remove the milk from the freezer into the fridge the previous night so it thaws. Be careful on the number of ounces your baby needs and how many ounces you, therefore, need to remove the previous night. As your baby grows his demand will increase along with his intake of other foods.
4. Remove the milk out of the fridge just half an hour before you need to feed so it comes to the room temperature. Incase you need to bring it to room temperature then do not HEAT OVER GAS. Put the milk bag or cup in warm water in a pan after removing it from the flame. Do not put it in boiling water.
Why I Preferred Freezing Instead Of Using The Milk I Pumped Every Day
As you go along the milk supply decreases and the demand of you baby increases. Pumping and freezing in advance helped me feed my baby exclusively and also helped me during emergencies when I had to rush in and out and did not have the time to pump. I would recommend freezing a couple of ounces and keeping them handy when you need to make time for yourself.
Where Can I Pump:
You can use any room or the changing area outside the bathroom in your office to pump milk. Just ensure it is clean.
Sterilizing:
It is important to sterilize the pump & the bottles everyday. Make sure you keep a set of two pumps and lots of feeding bottles. Cleanse with a non toxic vegetable baby bottle cleaner.
When Should I Feed My Baby Physically:
I would physically feed my baby just before leaving for work, after coming back from work and incase a night feed or early morning morning feed is required. The after work feed was the most satisfying and a feed we bonded over the most.
Where I Can Buy The Above Supplies:
Most of these supplies are easily available online on a lot of baby websites.
You can also get them at a store that keeps infant and maternity care. The key to pumping is not to feel shy, embarrassed or let down that you need to take a break to express milk for your baby. Enjoy this beautiful bond with your baby and continue to feeding as long as you wish too. Its tedious its cumbersome but its all worth it.
This is a website for the parents and we would love to know your ideas and feedback.
Neha Savla
KSP Team
