How to use a manual breast pump

The benefits of storing breast milk.

One of the main reasons mothers need to pump breast milk is so that their babies can breastfeed at any time, even when the mother isn't around. Besides this main reason, pumping breast milk also stems from many other factors:

Stimulating milk production: If the baby nurses infrequently, the milk glands will not be stimulated enough, resulting in less milk production. Pumping will stimulate the milk glands to produce more milk while ensuring the mother's health and safety.

Reduces breast engorgement and blocked milk ducts: Pumping milk helps mothers reduce breast pain and prevent blocked milk ducts.

Helping your baby get both foremilk and hindmilk: If your baby nurses too quickly, they will only get the foremilk and miss out on the fattier hindmilk. Pumping will help your baby get both foremilk and hindmilk.

Maintaining breastfeeding: Regular pumping helps the milk glands produce a stable amount of milk over a long period. Therefore, mothers can ensure they have enough milk for their babies even when the baby is not breastfeeding directly.

What is a breast pump?

Breast pumps are designed to mimic the sucking action of a baby during breastfeeding. There are two different types of breast pumps: electric and manual. With the manual type, you squeeze the piston by hand, while the electric version does this for you.

How to pump breast milk manually

- Wash your hands thoroughly, clean and sterilize bottles and related equipment before pumping. Mothers should sit in a comfortable, quiet place to relax, as stress can hinder milk flow.

- To pump breast milk effectively by hand, before pumping, mothers should gently massage their breasts in a motion similar to the pumping motion.

- After stimulating the breasts, place the breast pump funnel over the nipple (making sure to seal it properly).

- Hold the breast pump with one hand and use the other hand to place the funnel onto your breast. Begin by gently squeezing the handle or lever to create suction. It may take a few minutes before milk begins to flow; once milk starts flowing, you can increase the suction level.

If you are pumping one breast at a time, switch to the other breast once the milk flow has slowed down.

- After pumping, carefully remove the breast pump funnel, store the pumped milk in a clean container, and refrigerate or freeze it immediately.

Source: https://laodong.vn/suc-khoe/cach-su-dung-may-hut-sua-bang-tay-1388269.ldo