Here are a couple tips; written for Nourishy by Lynne, an IBCLC endorsed Midwife
1. When you are considering buying a breast pump, ask friends about the one they use and look for recommendations from mothers on social media groups. Pumps are expensive and some are not as good as they look. Consider one with a double flange as it can be on sold or safely given away if you no longer require it (pumps with a single flange should not be used by anyone else).
2. Your pump can be washed in hot soapy water, rinsed in hot water and drained on clean dry paper or material towelling. Don’t drain your equipment or bottles on a draining rack.
3. Also check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storing your pump.
4. Set your pump up in a convenient spot so you can pump quickly and easily when time permits. Look or think about your baby to help trigger a letdown response.
5. If you have a lot of milk, you can express some off at the beginning of the feed with a Rose Liquid Gold Pump (rosebubs.com.au) from the breast you are not using or express between or after feeds as it suits you.
6. Expressing stimulates your supply so adjust the timing to suit your needs and supply.
7. Expressing for 10 to15 minutes will help stimulate your supply if needed or soften the breasts if you haven’t breastfed. With a great supply you will probably express enough milk to collect for storing in less time.
8. Apply the flange of the pump over your areola so your nipple is in the centre. It should always feel comfortable and cause no pain. Turn down the pressure dial on the pump if it hurts and check the size of the flange it should not rub anywhere on your nipple. You may need a larger size. You won’t express successfully if you have pain (think of painful blisters when wearing the wrong shoes!).
9. If using an electric pump, you can increase the speed but not the pressure.
