KM-NICU-Breastfeeding-Book-English-Final

Pumping Basics

Establishing Your Milk Supply • The best way to establish and maintain a good milk supply is to pump as often as you would nurse a newborn baby. • You should begin pumping as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within 6 hours. The hospital will provide a pump for use during your stay. • It is best to pump with a hospital-grade breast pump and a double pumping kit, so you will be able to pump both breasts at the same time. These breast pumps are available in stores for purchase and can also be rented. Plan to rent a hospital-grade electric breast pump at least until your due date plus one month if your baby was born prematurely. If you participate in WIC, you may be eligible to be supplied a pump for use while your baby is in the hospital. Ask your baby’s nurse for details.

Preparing to Pump Your Milk • Wash your hands before pumping to keep germs from getting into your milk. • You may want to apply a warm, moist towel over your breasts and/or massage your breasts gently from the chest wall toward the nipples before pumping, covering all areas of both breasts. Warmth and massage will help with your milk flow and supply.