Breast pumping when your baby is in the hospitalArticle Translations: (Spanish) Show
After giving birth, your body is ready to produce milk when your breasts are stimulated. If your baby is unable to breastfeed, we will help you develop and maintain a good supply of breast milk. Start pumping as soon as possible after your baby's birth. If you wait, it may be harder to develop your supply. How do I develop my milk supply?
How often should I pump?
Empty your breasts each time. Empty breasts signal your body to make more milk; full breasts tell your body to make less. What is "let-down"?Let-down is when your breasts release milk in response to signals from your hormones and nervous system. Let-down is also called the "milk ejection reflex." Relaxation is the key to let-down. It happens easier if you are not tired or stressed. Here are some ways to enhance let-down:
Where can I pump at the hospital?
How much milk is enough?
How do I keep up my milk supply?
How do I store my milk?
How long the milk is usable depends on where you store it.
How should I clean the pump kit?
Clean parts after every pumping session:
What else do I need to know?
When should I ask for help?Ask your nurse if:
ResourcesBreast pumping log Questions?This is not specific to you and your baby but provides general information. If you have any questions while at Children's, please ask the nurse or lactation specialist: Children's - Minneapolis 612-813-7654 If you have any concerns after your baby goes home, make an appointment with your baby's doctor, nurse practitioner, or a lactation consultant. La Leche League International is also available to provide help and support to breastfeeding mothers: 1-800-525-3243,
www.llli.org Back To Top This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials. © 2022 Children's Minnesota Can I leave my breast pump on all day?So, pump at least every two hours, and avoid going longer than three hours without pumping until your supply is well established (1). Pumping whenever your newborn baby eats is the best way to ensure you are mimicking nursing. Some mothers have to pump exclusively for the first week if their baby won't latch.
How do you know when to stop pumping?Pumping sessions should be ended once you feel empty and milk stops flowing. This is usually after 2-3 letdowns and around the 20-minute mark. The length of time can vary depending on several factors. Pumping sessions may last anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes.
How long should you pump on each side?How Long to Pump at Each Session. At each session, you should pump for at least 15 minutes on each side. It can take a few minutes for your milk to begin to let down, so give yourself enough time. Also, try to empty your breasts fully at each pumping session.
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