CaptHeather
10-21-2007, 08:45 AM
THIS POST HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM THE OLD BOARDS: Originally posted by Noelle
Welcome to the pumping board at bf.com! All the moms here put together this list of FAQs to help other new moms who are beginning the journey of pumping and working. If you don't find what you're looking for here, and even if you do, post! We are sure you'll find us a supportive community of pumping moms.
Pumping and Working Outside the Home Resource Page
Tips for Beginning Pumpers
Where to Get Pumps
Tips for Building a Freezer Stash
Breastmilk Storage and Handling
How Much Breastmilk will my Baby Need?
Talking to your Boss About Pumping
Baby Won't Take a Bottle
Not Enough Milk?
My Milk Smells/ Tastes Funny!
Reverse Cycling
Exclusive Pumping
Tips for Beginning Pumpers
1. Remember, pumping is a learned art. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get much milk the first few times you try- your body has to get used to the pump. Just keep trying, and it should improve.
2. Your body makes more milk early in the morning, and less as the day goes on- so the best time to pump is morning. In the afternoon, even the best pumpers find their output slows.
3. It’s normal for one side to make more than the other- don’t sweat it!
4. The best investment you may ever make is a handsfree pumping bra… read a book, do work, or surf bf.com as you pump! Here’s a great one:
http://www.easyexpressionproducts.com/
Here are some instructions on how to make a do-it-yourself one:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/hands-free-pumping.html
5. If you are planning to go back to work full-time, you should seriously consider investing in a double electric pump. Most women who work full time need one to keep their supply up. The leading double electric pumps are the Medela Pump In Style (PIS) and the Ameda Purely Yours (PY). Another double electric pump available is the Whisperwear hands-free pump, but it is not as frequently used as the PIS and PY. There are also two newer entries into this pump class: the Playtex Embrace and the Avent ISIS iQ Duo. Since they are relatively new, it is not as well known how they perform over the long haul, but early reports are good.
Here is a link to a site that reviews all the leading pumps.:
http://www.consumerdemocracy.com/phelp/cd4/listPosRevs2B.aspx?catId=31455
You can also visit amazon.com for individual reviews on all of the leading pumps.
Here are the websites for Medela, Ameda, Whisperwear, Playtex and Avent, which offer pump and pumping info:
http://www.medela.com/
http://www.hollister.com/us/ameda_redirect.htm
http://www.whisperwear.com/
http://www.playtexbaby.com/playtexbaby/newproducts/
http://www.avent.com/uk/en/breastfeeding_avent_isis_iq_duo.php
6. Bring a piece of clothing that your baby wore the night before to work with you! If you smell it when you’re pumping, you may increase your letdowns.
7. Don’t freak out after your first day back to work if you pumped exactly enough as your baby ate, or even less than your baby ate. Milk supplies, and babies’ appetites, vary from day to day. It’s better to, at the end of the week, get an average of what you pumped per day, and what your baby ate per day. Use that as your guidepost, and then you can figure out what you may have to do to increase supply- or drop a pumping session!
8. Remember that stress can adversely effect your milk supply- try not to stare at the markings on the bottle as you pump. By focusing on the output, you may actually reduce the amount you pump. Instead, call your day care provider for a baby update, look at baby pics on your computer, or surf bf.com. Before you know it, you will have filled those bottles up!
9. Looking for a place to pump at work, but don’t have an office? There are many alternatives to the yucky bathroom. How about buying a sheet or privacy guard to hang across your cubicle door? You can also pump in your car- most double electric pumps offer a car adaptor and battery pack.
10. Did baby not completely drain your breasts in the morning, and you don’t have time to pump again at work until 10:30? Consider pumping during your commute- I did it for 9 months! All you need is a handsfree pumping bra, your pump and horns, and a car or battery adaptor. Hook up the pump after you buckle your seatbelt, and after everything is secure, throw a bathtowel (or not ) over the works and drive! When you are done pumping, you can pull over in a safe place, remove the horns, and store the milk in a cooler bag.
11. Pumping schedule- at the beginning, plan to pump as often as your baby nurses- usually every 3 hours. After a while you will get into the swing of things and figure out what pumping schedule works for you. Don't worry if you can't pump at exactly the same time every day! Your supply will be okay as long as you're reasonably consistent over the long run, even if you have to adjust your schedule for meetings or even miss a session here and there. Just think of it as comparable to a baby taking an extra long nap while you were home with them.
12. Remember to drink a lot of water! Staying hydrated in an important factor in keeping up your supply, especially at work since the large HVAC units in office buildings suck moisture out of the air. A good rule of thumb is to always have a large bottle of water at your desk, and drink to thirst.
13. How to store and freeze breastmilk: There are a lot of options when it comes to storing breastmilk. Many moms store their milk in specialty breastmilk bags, which are available in stores or online. There are many different types of bags- some have ziplock closures, some have wire closures- so you may want to try all the different kinds to see what you prefer. These specialty bags are made for storing bm, and are sterilized; however, some moms choose to use the more inexpensive plain ziplock freezer bags, used for storing food as well. If you go this route, be sure you are using bags made for the freezer to prevent bm freezerburn. Another option is the Mother's Milk Mate, a system of bottles and a bottle organizer that can be refridgerated or frozen. Tip: if you choose to use bags, freeze them laying on their side- this will allow you to stack them in your freezer, and take up less space. Also, make sure you rotate your freezer stash so none of your precious bm goes to waste! First in, first out.
14. Bm is a combination of foremilk, which is more like skim milk, and hindmilk, which is fattier and more like creme. Your breastmilk will separate when it is stored in the fridge- this is normal! But it's important to gently swirl your milk and make sure that you get all the fatty hindmilk mixed back in before you prepare a bottle for your baby. If hindmilk is stuck to the sides of your storage bag, use a clean spoon to knock it into the milk. NEVER shake breastmilk- this will break down some of the important nutrients it contains.
15. Remember, like it or not Daycare Providers (dcps) are used to feeding formula, not bm, so it is important to explain to them how to handle and feed a bfed baby. Print the Breastmilk Storage and Handling guide, found below, and provide it to them. Explain that they need to swirl the milk. Share that if your baby does not finish a bottle on the first try, the remainder of the bottle can be given to her on her next feed. Let them know that bfed babies may eat more often than formula fed babies, and this is normal. Assume that your dcp knows nothing about bfing, and educate her- that will ensure that not a drop of your precious bm is lost to mishandling.
16. Remember, the fresher the milk your baby gets, the better. Bm is a living substance, and the longer it sits in your fridge or freezer, more of those living elements are lost. Don't get me wrong, frozen bm is still better for your baby than formula, but fresh bm is even better. Because of this, many pumping moms keep a freezer stash for emergencies, but send the milk they pumped Monday for use on Tuesday. That ensures that their babies are getting the freshest, most nutrient rich milk possible.
17. Try to make your pumping schedule as simple as possible. That way, you are more likely to stick with it over the long haul. Some tips that other pumping moms have shared are to store your horns in the fridge or a desk drawer between pumping sessions, rather than washing them each time (remember, bm is good at room temp for 10 hours, so it will be safe) and only washing them once at night; pumping directly into the bottles or liners your baby uses to aviod pouring milk back and forth; keeping your pump at work so you don't have to drag it back and forth each day; keeping your pump set up at all times and in your drawer, so you don't have to waste time setting it up every time you pump; keeping a box of freezer bags at the office in case you forget bottles one day. Those are just a few tips- for more, start a new thread here on the board! There are always tons of posters willing to share their tricks of the trade.
18. Invest in a second (or third) set of horns and membranes. This will reduce the amount of dishwashing you have to do- or, keep an extra set at the office for that day that you forget to bring your pump parts (and it happens to all of us!). This way, you won't find yourself in a jam and having to hand express all day.
Where to get pumps
If you are looking to rent a hospital-grade pump, contact the maternity ward where you delivered or your midwife for referrals. If you are looking to buy a pump, many can be found at retailers, but more competitive prices can often be found by searching the web. Brand new pumps can be found listed on ebay- just make sure the listing states that they have never been used and the safety seal on the box is intact. In addition, here are a few online retailers to visit who sell breastpumps:
http://www.qualitymedicalsupplies.com/page/QMS/CTGY/PMP-SP
www.bosombuddies.com
http://www.mothersmilkboutique.com:/
http://www.nursingmothersupplies.com/
http://www.selfexpressions.com/
Can’t afford a pump? WIC provides low-income women with pumps, at reduced cost or free of charge. For more information, check the links below:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Breastfeeding/lovingsupport.HTM
http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/Learning_Center/loving_support.html
Tips for Building a Freezer Stash
Many moms feel more confident about returning to work when they know that they have a few days extra supply in their freezers. This is commonly called a ‘Freezer Stash’. During maternity leave, when baby is nursing often, building a stash can seem daunting. Here are some tips on how to build a stash:
1. The one sided trick: After baby has slept her longest sleep stretch of the night, and she wakes to feed, give her one side only. After she feeds on that side, she will probably be full, so pump the other side. She may ask to eat again sooner, but that is ok- by using this technique you should be able to get 2-4 oz from that one side, and after a week, you will have 14 - 28 oz to stash!
2. Getting up: When baby starts sleeping through the night, get up in the middle of the night to pump. It may seem hard to fathom, but this technique is the fastest way to build a stash, as the wee hours of the morning is when your supply is the highest.
3. Tandem pumping: When nursing baby on one side, pump the other. This is a learned art, but it’s an effective one; your baby’s suckling will stimulate your opposite breast to make more milk.
Breastmilk Storage and Handling*
Freshly expressed milk
Warm room (79°F / 25°C) 4-6 hours
Room temperature (66-72°F / 19-22°C) 10 hours
Insulated cooler / icepacks (60°F / 15°C) 24 hours
Refrigerated Milk (Store at back, away from door)
Refrigerator- fresh milk (32-39°F / 0-4°C) 8 days
Refrigerator- thawed milk (32-39°F / 0-4°C) 24 hours
Frozen Milk (Do not refreeze! Store at back, away from door/sides)
Freezer compartment inside refrigerator (older-style) 2 weeks
Self-contained freezer unit of a refrigerator/freezer 3-6 months
Separate deep freeze (0°F / 19°C) 6-12 months
*These guidelines are for milk expressed for a full-term healthy baby.
If baby is seriously ill and/or hospitalized, discuss storage guidelines with baby’s doctor.
Information courtesy of www.kellymom.com.
How much breastmilk will my baby need?
Many mothers wonder how much expressed breastmilk they need to have available if they are away from baby. In exclusively breastfed babies, milk intake increases quickly during the first few weeks of life, then stays about the same between one and six months (though it likely increases short term during growth spurts). Current breastfeeding research does not indicate that breastmilk intake changes with baby's age or weight between one and six months. After six months, breastmilk intake will continue at this same level until -- sometime after six months, depending in baby's intake from other foods -- baby's milk intake begins to decrease gradually (see below).
The research tells us that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 oz (750 mL) per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. Different babies take in different amounts of milk; a typical range of milk intakes is 19-30 oz per day (570-900 mL per day).
We can use this information to estimate the average amount of milk baby will need at a feeding:
• Estimate the number of times that baby nurses per day (24 hours).
• Then divide 25 oz by the number of nursings.
This gives you a "ballpark" figure for the amount of expressed milk your exclusively breastfed baby will need at one feeding. Example: If baby usually nurses around 8 times per day, you can guess that baby might need around 3 ounces per feeding when mom is away. (25/8=3.1).
Information courtesy of www.kellymom.com.
Talking to your boss about pumping
It’s inevitable- if you’re going back to work and are going to be expressing your milk for your baby, you are going to have to talk to your boss about what you are doing. However, if you go in prepared and level-headed, it’s not a hard conversation to have. Here are some ideas on how to make the conversation successful:
1. Reel in your emotions: Getting the go-ahead to pump is an emotional issue- after all, it’s your baby! But remember that you’re in the workplace, where unfortunately, expressions of emotion are usually looked down upon. Your proposal to pump will be better received it you go into the discussion in a businesslike manner.
2. Go in with a plan: Start the discussion with your boss stating what you plan to do- don’t ask permission. For example, say “I plan to take two pump breaks a day, one in the morning and one at night” instead of “May I take two breaks a day”. Going in with an assertive, but polite, attitude increases your chance for success.
3. Go in with a plan part 2: Make sure to address how work will get done, if you are taking any extra time away from your job. For example, say “During those two breaks, I will be working at my computer and accessible by phone.” This shows your employer that you are dedicated to the job.
4. Have the facts: Make sure you share with your employer how continuing to breastfeed will benefit the company. Tell him how breastfed babies get sick less often than formula fed babies, and that translates into less time you may have to take off to care for your baby. Don’t get out of hand with the breastfeeding advocacy, but do share with him some basics of what’s in it for him.
5. Have a plan b: If in the rare event that your boss does not approve your plan, leave his office politely, but be ready with a plan b. Take your discussion to the Human Resources department. Think about alternative pumping schedules that may minimize time away from your desk. Contact your local La Leche League for information on state laws that may protect your right to pump at work. But don’t give up- you can succeed!
For more tips on working and breastfeeding, check out this great resource book, Business Backs Breastfeeding, at the following link:
http://www.ross.com/images/library/Business%20Backs%20Breastfeeding.pdf
Baby won’t take a bottle
You’ve got your pump, your freezer stash, your place to pump at work. You’re all set right? But then your baby expresses outrage when you try to give her a bottle. What to do? Will your baby starve? How can you go back to work? Don’t worry, it may take a little work, but most babies will take a bottle eventually. Here are some tips for a reluctant bottle-taker:
• Wait until your baby is latching on easily and your breasts and nipples are comfortable before starting bottles if possible. Plan to introduce the bottle about two weeks before you return to work. This will give you time to work out any problems that may occur.
• Let someone else introduce the bottle. Your baby may not take a bottle from you because she can smell your milk and wants only the breast. She may be more willing to take the bottle from a caregiver other than her mother. It may be necessary for you to leave the room or even the house.
• Offer the bottle before baby is too hungry.
• Wrap the baby in a piece of mom’s clothing while offering the bottle.
• Experiment with different types of nipples until you find the one that works best. Most breastfed babies prefer nipples that mimic the breast as opposed to ‘orthodontic’ nipples. Avent, Playtex natralatch, and the Adiri Breastbottle are all great choices to try.
• Always use a ‘Stage 1’ or ‘Newborn’ nipple. This more closely mimics the flow rate of the natural breast- faster flow nipples may lead to baby preferring the bottle over the breast.
• Run warm water over the nipple to bring it to body temperatire before offering to baby.
• Rock, walk or sway with the baby while offering the bottle.
• Have the caregiver hold the baby in a position other than the traditional cradle hold when offering the bottle, such as having the baby facing outward or propping her against the caregiver’s outstretched legs.
• Hold the bottle in an armpit and draw your baby close as though breastfeeding
Obviously it is impossible to do all of these things at once- they key is, if one does not work for your baby, another may. Use trial and error until you discover what works for your baby. And if it is time to return to work and your baby still will not take the bottle, don’t panic- remember that you can also feed your baby with a cup, spoon or eyedropper.
Not Enough Milk?
If after working and pumping for a while, you find you are not making as much milk as your baby is eating, check out this great link which details numerous ways to handle a pumping deficiency:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
My Milk Tastes/ Smells Funny!
Some women find that after they defrost their bm, it may have a strange odor or taste. This is normal and is not harmful to your baby at all. Some women's milk contains an excess of the enzyme lipase in thier milk that makes the milk smell and taste different after it is defrosted. Most babies will take this milk without complaint, and nothing needs to be done. However, a few babies will not drink the defrosted milk. Once the milk has been frozen there is no way to improve it, but if your baby will not drink your defrosted milk due to excess lipase, you can prevent the problem next time by scalding the milk just prior to freezing it.
For more information on excess lipase and how to prepare milk to prevent the problem if your baby will not drink it, check out this link:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/lipase-expressedmilk.html
Reverse Cycling
You’ve been back to work for a couple of weeks. You’re pumping enough, your baby is sleeping through the night- things are going well and you are starting to get back into the swing. All of the sudden, your day care provider calls- your baby is not taking any milk! This continues for a couple of days, and your baby starts getting up one, two, three times a night to nurse. Your baby seems fine- no fever, no teething- but you are starting to bear the brunt of this night waking, and the fact that she is taking so little milk during the day is making you nervous. What’s going on? Don’t worry- it’s normal- she is reverse cycling.
Reverse cycling is a phenomenon where a baby decides to eat less during the day, and more at night, because they prefer to get their milk ‘straight from the tap’. As exhausting as it might sound, it’s really the ultimate compliment- your baby prefers you to all others. And there are benefits to reverse cycling: more time with baby at night, less milk to pump during the day. That’s nice to say, but really- how can a mom survive with a reverse cycling baby and a full time job during the day?
The easiest answer is co-sleeping. If you can keep your baby in your bed, and nurse lying down, you don’t even need to wake up to feed your baby. Many parents would have never considered co-sleeping until their babies became reverse cyclers, but now are co-sleeping converts. If you choose not to co-sleep, you may consider bringing your baby’s crib into your bedroom and setting up a sidecar arrangement, so you don’t have to leave your bed to get your baby. Finally, if your baby is in her own room, having your significant other go get the baby and bring her to you in bed, and then return the baby to their crib can be a big help.
Try to remember that your baby is paying you a compliment if she begins to reverse cycle, and that it will get easier as time passes. Your nursing relationship is only a short time in your baby’s life- this too will pass! Someday soon you will be getting sleep again and you may look back fondly on those nights your baby called to you in the night.
For more information on reverse cycling, visit this website:
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/reversecycling.htm
For information on safe co-sleeping, visit this website:
http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/familybed.html
Exclusive Pumping
A few women have problems with breastfeeding that they can not overcome. Perhaps their baby can not suck, they have ongoing breast problems, or they have a history of sexual abuse. Some women in these circumstances accept that they can not directly breastfeed, so they express their milk and bottlefeed their babies- this is called Exclusive Pumping (EPing). These women are dedicated to providing their babies with mama’s milk, even if they can not directly nurse their babies, and take the extra time necessary to make it work. All of the tips in this document are applicable to EPers, but EPers have special challenges as well. Here are some links that will provide extra support to the EPing mom:
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/ExclusivePumping.htm
http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,98xx,00.html
http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/bfnotwk.htm
http://www.artofbreastfeeding.com/pump2.html
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVFebMar01p3.html
http://www.deleons.com/Pumping_info/index.htm
Welcome to the pumping board at bf.com! All the moms here put together this list of FAQs to help other new moms who are beginning the journey of pumping and working. If you don't find what you're looking for here, and even if you do, post! We are sure you'll find us a supportive community of pumping moms.
Pumping and Working Outside the Home Resource Page
Tips for Beginning Pumpers
Where to Get Pumps
Tips for Building a Freezer Stash
Breastmilk Storage and Handling
How Much Breastmilk will my Baby Need?
Talking to your Boss About Pumping
Baby Won't Take a Bottle
Not Enough Milk?
My Milk Smells/ Tastes Funny!
Reverse Cycling
Exclusive Pumping
Tips for Beginning Pumpers
1. Remember, pumping is a learned art. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get much milk the first few times you try- your body has to get used to the pump. Just keep trying, and it should improve.
2. Your body makes more milk early in the morning, and less as the day goes on- so the best time to pump is morning. In the afternoon, even the best pumpers find their output slows.
3. It’s normal for one side to make more than the other- don’t sweat it!
4. The best investment you may ever make is a handsfree pumping bra… read a book, do work, or surf bf.com as you pump! Here’s a great one:
http://www.easyexpressionproducts.com/
Here are some instructions on how to make a do-it-yourself one:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/hands-free-pumping.html
5. If you are planning to go back to work full-time, you should seriously consider investing in a double electric pump. Most women who work full time need one to keep their supply up. The leading double electric pumps are the Medela Pump In Style (PIS) and the Ameda Purely Yours (PY). Another double electric pump available is the Whisperwear hands-free pump, but it is not as frequently used as the PIS and PY. There are also two newer entries into this pump class: the Playtex Embrace and the Avent ISIS iQ Duo. Since they are relatively new, it is not as well known how they perform over the long haul, but early reports are good.
Here is a link to a site that reviews all the leading pumps.:
http://www.consumerdemocracy.com/phelp/cd4/listPosRevs2B.aspx?catId=31455
You can also visit amazon.com for individual reviews on all of the leading pumps.
Here are the websites for Medela, Ameda, Whisperwear, Playtex and Avent, which offer pump and pumping info:
http://www.medela.com/
http://www.hollister.com/us/ameda_redirect.htm
http://www.whisperwear.com/
http://www.playtexbaby.com/playtexbaby/newproducts/
http://www.avent.com/uk/en/breastfeeding_avent_isis_iq_duo.php
6. Bring a piece of clothing that your baby wore the night before to work with you! If you smell it when you’re pumping, you may increase your letdowns.
7. Don’t freak out after your first day back to work if you pumped exactly enough as your baby ate, or even less than your baby ate. Milk supplies, and babies’ appetites, vary from day to day. It’s better to, at the end of the week, get an average of what you pumped per day, and what your baby ate per day. Use that as your guidepost, and then you can figure out what you may have to do to increase supply- or drop a pumping session!
8. Remember that stress can adversely effect your milk supply- try not to stare at the markings on the bottle as you pump. By focusing on the output, you may actually reduce the amount you pump. Instead, call your day care provider for a baby update, look at baby pics on your computer, or surf bf.com. Before you know it, you will have filled those bottles up!
9. Looking for a place to pump at work, but don’t have an office? There are many alternatives to the yucky bathroom. How about buying a sheet or privacy guard to hang across your cubicle door? You can also pump in your car- most double electric pumps offer a car adaptor and battery pack.
10. Did baby not completely drain your breasts in the morning, and you don’t have time to pump again at work until 10:30? Consider pumping during your commute- I did it for 9 months! All you need is a handsfree pumping bra, your pump and horns, and a car or battery adaptor. Hook up the pump after you buckle your seatbelt, and after everything is secure, throw a bathtowel (or not ) over the works and drive! When you are done pumping, you can pull over in a safe place, remove the horns, and store the milk in a cooler bag.
11. Pumping schedule- at the beginning, plan to pump as often as your baby nurses- usually every 3 hours. After a while you will get into the swing of things and figure out what pumping schedule works for you. Don't worry if you can't pump at exactly the same time every day! Your supply will be okay as long as you're reasonably consistent over the long run, even if you have to adjust your schedule for meetings or even miss a session here and there. Just think of it as comparable to a baby taking an extra long nap while you were home with them.
12. Remember to drink a lot of water! Staying hydrated in an important factor in keeping up your supply, especially at work since the large HVAC units in office buildings suck moisture out of the air. A good rule of thumb is to always have a large bottle of water at your desk, and drink to thirst.
13. How to store and freeze breastmilk: There are a lot of options when it comes to storing breastmilk. Many moms store their milk in specialty breastmilk bags, which are available in stores or online. There are many different types of bags- some have ziplock closures, some have wire closures- so you may want to try all the different kinds to see what you prefer. These specialty bags are made for storing bm, and are sterilized; however, some moms choose to use the more inexpensive plain ziplock freezer bags, used for storing food as well. If you go this route, be sure you are using bags made for the freezer to prevent bm freezerburn. Another option is the Mother's Milk Mate, a system of bottles and a bottle organizer that can be refridgerated or frozen. Tip: if you choose to use bags, freeze them laying on their side- this will allow you to stack them in your freezer, and take up less space. Also, make sure you rotate your freezer stash so none of your precious bm goes to waste! First in, first out.
14. Bm is a combination of foremilk, which is more like skim milk, and hindmilk, which is fattier and more like creme. Your breastmilk will separate when it is stored in the fridge- this is normal! But it's important to gently swirl your milk and make sure that you get all the fatty hindmilk mixed back in before you prepare a bottle for your baby. If hindmilk is stuck to the sides of your storage bag, use a clean spoon to knock it into the milk. NEVER shake breastmilk- this will break down some of the important nutrients it contains.
15. Remember, like it or not Daycare Providers (dcps) are used to feeding formula, not bm, so it is important to explain to them how to handle and feed a bfed baby. Print the Breastmilk Storage and Handling guide, found below, and provide it to them. Explain that they need to swirl the milk. Share that if your baby does not finish a bottle on the first try, the remainder of the bottle can be given to her on her next feed. Let them know that bfed babies may eat more often than formula fed babies, and this is normal. Assume that your dcp knows nothing about bfing, and educate her- that will ensure that not a drop of your precious bm is lost to mishandling.
16. Remember, the fresher the milk your baby gets, the better. Bm is a living substance, and the longer it sits in your fridge or freezer, more of those living elements are lost. Don't get me wrong, frozen bm is still better for your baby than formula, but fresh bm is even better. Because of this, many pumping moms keep a freezer stash for emergencies, but send the milk they pumped Monday for use on Tuesday. That ensures that their babies are getting the freshest, most nutrient rich milk possible.
17. Try to make your pumping schedule as simple as possible. That way, you are more likely to stick with it over the long haul. Some tips that other pumping moms have shared are to store your horns in the fridge or a desk drawer between pumping sessions, rather than washing them each time (remember, bm is good at room temp for 10 hours, so it will be safe) and only washing them once at night; pumping directly into the bottles or liners your baby uses to aviod pouring milk back and forth; keeping your pump at work so you don't have to drag it back and forth each day; keeping your pump set up at all times and in your drawer, so you don't have to waste time setting it up every time you pump; keeping a box of freezer bags at the office in case you forget bottles one day. Those are just a few tips- for more, start a new thread here on the board! There are always tons of posters willing to share their tricks of the trade.
18. Invest in a second (or third) set of horns and membranes. This will reduce the amount of dishwashing you have to do- or, keep an extra set at the office for that day that you forget to bring your pump parts (and it happens to all of us!). This way, you won't find yourself in a jam and having to hand express all day.
Where to get pumps
If you are looking to rent a hospital-grade pump, contact the maternity ward where you delivered or your midwife for referrals. If you are looking to buy a pump, many can be found at retailers, but more competitive prices can often be found by searching the web. Brand new pumps can be found listed on ebay- just make sure the listing states that they have never been used and the safety seal on the box is intact. In addition, here are a few online retailers to visit who sell breastpumps:
http://www.qualitymedicalsupplies.com/page/QMS/CTGY/PMP-SP
www.bosombuddies.com
http://www.mothersmilkboutique.com:/
http://www.nursingmothersupplies.com/
http://www.selfexpressions.com/
Can’t afford a pump? WIC provides low-income women with pumps, at reduced cost or free of charge. For more information, check the links below:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Breastfeeding/lovingsupport.HTM
http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/Learning_Center/loving_support.html
Tips for Building a Freezer Stash
Many moms feel more confident about returning to work when they know that they have a few days extra supply in their freezers. This is commonly called a ‘Freezer Stash’. During maternity leave, when baby is nursing often, building a stash can seem daunting. Here are some tips on how to build a stash:
1. The one sided trick: After baby has slept her longest sleep stretch of the night, and she wakes to feed, give her one side only. After she feeds on that side, she will probably be full, so pump the other side. She may ask to eat again sooner, but that is ok- by using this technique you should be able to get 2-4 oz from that one side, and after a week, you will have 14 - 28 oz to stash!
2. Getting up: When baby starts sleeping through the night, get up in the middle of the night to pump. It may seem hard to fathom, but this technique is the fastest way to build a stash, as the wee hours of the morning is when your supply is the highest.
3. Tandem pumping: When nursing baby on one side, pump the other. This is a learned art, but it’s an effective one; your baby’s suckling will stimulate your opposite breast to make more milk.
Breastmilk Storage and Handling*
Freshly expressed milk
Warm room (79°F / 25°C) 4-6 hours
Room temperature (66-72°F / 19-22°C) 10 hours
Insulated cooler / icepacks (60°F / 15°C) 24 hours
Refrigerated Milk (Store at back, away from door)
Refrigerator- fresh milk (32-39°F / 0-4°C) 8 days
Refrigerator- thawed milk (32-39°F / 0-4°C) 24 hours
Frozen Milk (Do not refreeze! Store at back, away from door/sides)
Freezer compartment inside refrigerator (older-style) 2 weeks
Self-contained freezer unit of a refrigerator/freezer 3-6 months
Separate deep freeze (0°F / 19°C) 6-12 months
*These guidelines are for milk expressed for a full-term healthy baby.
If baby is seriously ill and/or hospitalized, discuss storage guidelines with baby’s doctor.
Information courtesy of www.kellymom.com.
How much breastmilk will my baby need?
Many mothers wonder how much expressed breastmilk they need to have available if they are away from baby. In exclusively breastfed babies, milk intake increases quickly during the first few weeks of life, then stays about the same between one and six months (though it likely increases short term during growth spurts). Current breastfeeding research does not indicate that breastmilk intake changes with baby's age or weight between one and six months. After six months, breastmilk intake will continue at this same level until -- sometime after six months, depending in baby's intake from other foods -- baby's milk intake begins to decrease gradually (see below).
The research tells us that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 oz (750 mL) per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. Different babies take in different amounts of milk; a typical range of milk intakes is 19-30 oz per day (570-900 mL per day).
We can use this information to estimate the average amount of milk baby will need at a feeding:
• Estimate the number of times that baby nurses per day (24 hours).
• Then divide 25 oz by the number of nursings.
This gives you a "ballpark" figure for the amount of expressed milk your exclusively breastfed baby will need at one feeding. Example: If baby usually nurses around 8 times per day, you can guess that baby might need around 3 ounces per feeding when mom is away. (25/8=3.1).
Information courtesy of www.kellymom.com.
Talking to your boss about pumping
It’s inevitable- if you’re going back to work and are going to be expressing your milk for your baby, you are going to have to talk to your boss about what you are doing. However, if you go in prepared and level-headed, it’s not a hard conversation to have. Here are some ideas on how to make the conversation successful:
1. Reel in your emotions: Getting the go-ahead to pump is an emotional issue- after all, it’s your baby! But remember that you’re in the workplace, where unfortunately, expressions of emotion are usually looked down upon. Your proposal to pump will be better received it you go into the discussion in a businesslike manner.
2. Go in with a plan: Start the discussion with your boss stating what you plan to do- don’t ask permission. For example, say “I plan to take two pump breaks a day, one in the morning and one at night” instead of “May I take two breaks a day”. Going in with an assertive, but polite, attitude increases your chance for success.
3. Go in with a plan part 2: Make sure to address how work will get done, if you are taking any extra time away from your job. For example, say “During those two breaks, I will be working at my computer and accessible by phone.” This shows your employer that you are dedicated to the job.
4. Have the facts: Make sure you share with your employer how continuing to breastfeed will benefit the company. Tell him how breastfed babies get sick less often than formula fed babies, and that translates into less time you may have to take off to care for your baby. Don’t get out of hand with the breastfeeding advocacy, but do share with him some basics of what’s in it for him.
5. Have a plan b: If in the rare event that your boss does not approve your plan, leave his office politely, but be ready with a plan b. Take your discussion to the Human Resources department. Think about alternative pumping schedules that may minimize time away from your desk. Contact your local La Leche League for information on state laws that may protect your right to pump at work. But don’t give up- you can succeed!
For more tips on working and breastfeeding, check out this great resource book, Business Backs Breastfeeding, at the following link:
http://www.ross.com/images/library/Business%20Backs%20Breastfeeding.pdf
Baby won’t take a bottle
You’ve got your pump, your freezer stash, your place to pump at work. You’re all set right? But then your baby expresses outrage when you try to give her a bottle. What to do? Will your baby starve? How can you go back to work? Don’t worry, it may take a little work, but most babies will take a bottle eventually. Here are some tips for a reluctant bottle-taker:
• Wait until your baby is latching on easily and your breasts and nipples are comfortable before starting bottles if possible. Plan to introduce the bottle about two weeks before you return to work. This will give you time to work out any problems that may occur.
• Let someone else introduce the bottle. Your baby may not take a bottle from you because she can smell your milk and wants only the breast. She may be more willing to take the bottle from a caregiver other than her mother. It may be necessary for you to leave the room or even the house.
• Offer the bottle before baby is too hungry.
• Wrap the baby in a piece of mom’s clothing while offering the bottle.
• Experiment with different types of nipples until you find the one that works best. Most breastfed babies prefer nipples that mimic the breast as opposed to ‘orthodontic’ nipples. Avent, Playtex natralatch, and the Adiri Breastbottle are all great choices to try.
• Always use a ‘Stage 1’ or ‘Newborn’ nipple. This more closely mimics the flow rate of the natural breast- faster flow nipples may lead to baby preferring the bottle over the breast.
• Run warm water over the nipple to bring it to body temperatire before offering to baby.
• Rock, walk or sway with the baby while offering the bottle.
• Have the caregiver hold the baby in a position other than the traditional cradle hold when offering the bottle, such as having the baby facing outward or propping her against the caregiver’s outstretched legs.
• Hold the bottle in an armpit and draw your baby close as though breastfeeding
Obviously it is impossible to do all of these things at once- they key is, if one does not work for your baby, another may. Use trial and error until you discover what works for your baby. And if it is time to return to work and your baby still will not take the bottle, don’t panic- remember that you can also feed your baby with a cup, spoon or eyedropper.
Not Enough Milk?
If after working and pumping for a while, you find you are not making as much milk as your baby is eating, check out this great link which details numerous ways to handle a pumping deficiency:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
My Milk Tastes/ Smells Funny!
Some women find that after they defrost their bm, it may have a strange odor or taste. This is normal and is not harmful to your baby at all. Some women's milk contains an excess of the enzyme lipase in thier milk that makes the milk smell and taste different after it is defrosted. Most babies will take this milk without complaint, and nothing needs to be done. However, a few babies will not drink the defrosted milk. Once the milk has been frozen there is no way to improve it, but if your baby will not drink your defrosted milk due to excess lipase, you can prevent the problem next time by scalding the milk just prior to freezing it.
For more information on excess lipase and how to prepare milk to prevent the problem if your baby will not drink it, check out this link:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/lipase-expressedmilk.html
Reverse Cycling
You’ve been back to work for a couple of weeks. You’re pumping enough, your baby is sleeping through the night- things are going well and you are starting to get back into the swing. All of the sudden, your day care provider calls- your baby is not taking any milk! This continues for a couple of days, and your baby starts getting up one, two, three times a night to nurse. Your baby seems fine- no fever, no teething- but you are starting to bear the brunt of this night waking, and the fact that she is taking so little milk during the day is making you nervous. What’s going on? Don’t worry- it’s normal- she is reverse cycling.
Reverse cycling is a phenomenon where a baby decides to eat less during the day, and more at night, because they prefer to get their milk ‘straight from the tap’. As exhausting as it might sound, it’s really the ultimate compliment- your baby prefers you to all others. And there are benefits to reverse cycling: more time with baby at night, less milk to pump during the day. That’s nice to say, but really- how can a mom survive with a reverse cycling baby and a full time job during the day?
The easiest answer is co-sleeping. If you can keep your baby in your bed, and nurse lying down, you don’t even need to wake up to feed your baby. Many parents would have never considered co-sleeping until their babies became reverse cyclers, but now are co-sleeping converts. If you choose not to co-sleep, you may consider bringing your baby’s crib into your bedroom and setting up a sidecar arrangement, so you don’t have to leave your bed to get your baby. Finally, if your baby is in her own room, having your significant other go get the baby and bring her to you in bed, and then return the baby to their crib can be a big help.
Try to remember that your baby is paying you a compliment if she begins to reverse cycle, and that it will get easier as time passes. Your nursing relationship is only a short time in your baby’s life- this too will pass! Someday soon you will be getting sleep again and you may look back fondly on those nights your baby called to you in the night.
For more information on reverse cycling, visit this website:
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/reversecycling.htm
For information on safe co-sleeping, visit this website:
http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/familybed.html
Exclusive Pumping
A few women have problems with breastfeeding that they can not overcome. Perhaps their baby can not suck, they have ongoing breast problems, or they have a history of sexual abuse. Some women in these circumstances accept that they can not directly breastfeed, so they express their milk and bottlefeed their babies- this is called Exclusive Pumping (EPing). These women are dedicated to providing their babies with mama’s milk, even if they can not directly nurse their babies, and take the extra time necessary to make it work. All of the tips in this document are applicable to EPers, but EPers have special challenges as well. Here are some links that will provide extra support to the EPing mom:
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/ExclusivePumping.htm
http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,98xx,00.html
http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/bfnotwk.htm
http://www.artofbreastfeeding.com/pump2.html
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVFebMar01p3.html
http://www.deleons.com/Pumping_info/index.htm