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Breast-feeding: 7 tips for pumping success
Breast-feeding is a commitment, but your efforts are worthwhile. If you're pumping, follow these simple tips for maintaining your milk supply — from pumping often to drinking plenty of fluids.
By Mayo Clinic staffBreast-feeding is based on supply and demand. The more you breast-feed your baby — or pump while you're away from your baby — the more milk your breasts will produce. Consider these seven tips for pumping success.
1. Relax
Stress can hinder your body's natural ability to release breast milk. Find a quiet place to pump. It may help to massage your breasts or use warm compresses. You may want to think about your baby, look at a picture of your baby or listen to relaxing music.
2. Pump often
The more you pump, the more milk you'll produce — especially if you're using a high-quality pump. If you're working full time, try to pump for 15 minutes every few hours during the workday. If you can, pump both breasts simultaneously. It'll save you precious time and may even increase your body's production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.
3. When you're with your baby, breast-feed on demand
The more you breast-feed your baby when you're together, the greater your supply will be when you pump. Try more frequent evening, early morning or weekend feedings. Pumping after a breast-feeding session can help boost milk supply, too — even if you pump but no milk is produced.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Learning to breastfeed. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Breast-feeding your baby. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp029.cfm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Enger L, et al. Patient information: Breast pumps. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Schanler RJ, et al. Patient information: Breastfeeding basics. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Butte NF, et al. Patient information: Maternal health and nutrition during breastfeeding. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.
- Mennella J, et al. Breastfeeding and smoking: Short-term effects on infant feeding and sleep. Pediatrics. 2007;120:497.
- LaFleur EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 16, 2009.
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