7
Hints to help
you succeed
The single electronic breast pump is
easy to use. Take some practice, and
you will soon get used to expressing
milk.
• Choose a time when you are not
rushed nor interrupted easily.
• Having your baby or a photograph
of your baby nearby can help
encourage your milk to flow.
• Before expressing milk, place a
warm towel onto your breast, and
lightly massage for a few minutes.
This encourages milk flow, and ease
the pain of your breast.
• Warmth and relaxation can
encourage milk flow. Try expressing
after a warm bath or shower.
• Try expressing from one breast
while your baby is feeding from the
other, or continue expressing just
after a feed.
• Repositioning the pump on the
breast from time to time can help
stimulate your milk flow.
Tip
•
Practice with your pump to find the best
pumping techniques for you. If the process
becomes painful, stop and consult your
breast-feeding advisor.
12
EN
8
When to
express milk
If possible, wait until your milk supply
and breast-feeding schedule are well
established, normally at least 2-4 weeks
after birth, unless told otherwise by
your doctor or breast-feeding advisor.
The exceptions are:
• If you are expressing milk for your
baby to be given in hospital.
• If your breasts are engorged (painful
or swollen). You can express a small
amount of milk before or between
feeds to ease the pain, and to help
your baby latch on more easily.
• If you have sore or cracked nipples
and you may wish to express your
milk until they are healed.
• If you are separated from your baby
and wish to continue to breast-feed
when you are reunited. You should
express your milk regularly to
stimulate your milk supply.
Right times of the day to
express your milk
• Early in the morning when you
breasts are full, just before or after
your baby's first feed.
• After a feed, if your baby has not
emptied both breasts.
• Between feeds or in a break if you
have returned to work.