Just like first learning to breastfeed, pumping is a skill – I might even say it’s an art!    When first trying a breast pump, most mothers are only able to express a few drops of milk.  That’s okay.  Don’t get discouraged.  With the proper practice and knowledge, you will become a pro at pumping.

Preparing your breast pump

1. Read all the instructions in the kit very carefully.

2. Check to see if any parts need to be sterilized before usage — most likely not — but be sure to check.

3. After use, all the parts of the pump will need to be washed in warm soapy water, then rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel.  The  plastic tubing doesn’t need to be cleaned unless you get milk stuck into it.  If you do wash it, it should be hung up to allow time to drain and dry thoroughly.

4. When you first start with an electric pump, the suction level should be set at the lowest

possible setting.  You can increase the amount of pressure, gradually, in small increments until you find the setting that’s absolutely perfect for you.

Let’s get started!

• Warm compresses, gentle massages of the breast and gentle nipple stimulation will help  to stimulate a quick let down.
• You should always relax while doing breast massages during pumping.  Some mothers prefer to close their eyes then think about nursing the baby, imagining the baby in their arms. The more relaxed a mother is, the better let down she’ll have and the more milk will be dispensed.
• Your first attempts at pumping should be considered practice sessions with learning to use the breast pump as the goal, not how much milk is actually dispensed.
• When you use a hand pump, quick, short pumps at the start is stimulating and will imitate more closely the way a baby breast feeds.  Once the let down occurs and milk starts to flow freely, long, steadier strokes are more effective and less tiring.
• When you learn to pump, you should practice for 5 minutes on each side at least once or twice a day.  Always pick the least stressful part of your day for pumping.

Relaxing and realizing that the pump is your friend is the single most important thing that a mother can do.  There are several things that a mother can do to help herself relax – putting a picture of the baby on the pump, playing cards or a game with friends, watching television, read books, or talk on the phone.  Simply watching the collection bottle is not helpful and will probably put more stress on you than you actually need.

Stay positive.  Some moms pump out 4 or 5 ounces on their very first attempt!

Melanie Kissell

I want to share a link with you today that will make shopping for a nursing bra a breeze.  You can take a peek at what’s available at JCPenny, Target, Pea In A Pod, Motherhood, and many more locations.

Nursing Bras

You’ll have lots of choices in styles and pricing.  Remember to stay away from “underwire” bras during engorgement.  The wire will create constant pressure/stimulation on your breasts and aggravate the situation.  The whole concept of milk production is stimulation.

Have fun shopping around and I hope you find something comfortable, beautiful, and to your liking!

Melanie Kissell

Within the first two to three days after you have given birth, you may discover that your breasts begin to feel swollen, tender, and overly full.  Sometimes the swelling will extend all the way under your armpit, and you may possibly run a low grade fever as well.

What Causes This

Within the first 2-5 days of giving birth, an abundance of water-packed milk will come in and become available to your baby.  As this happens, more blood will flow to your breasts and some of the surrounding tissue will swell.  The result is full, swollen, engorged breasts.

Not every postpartum mom experiences true engorgement.  Some women’s breasts become only slightly full, while others find their breasts have become amazingly full and firm.  Some women will barely notice the pain as they go about their daily routine.  And other new moms will be constantly reminded of the discomfort.

Treatment

Keep in mind, engorgement is a positive sign that you are producing milk to nourish your baby.  Until you produce the right amount:

1. Wear a supportive nursing bra, even at night – making sure it isn’t too tight.

2. Breastfeed often, every 2 – 3 hours if you can.  Try to get the baby to go to both sides at each feeding to soften the breasts.  If your baby seems satisfied with just one breast, you can offer the other at the next feeding.

3. Avoid letting your baby latch on and suck when the areola is very firm.  To reduce the possibility of nipple damage, hand express some milk out first to soften the areola before you get the baby to attach.

4. Avoid pumping milk except when you feel it’s absolutely necessary.  Excessive pumping can lead to the over production of milk and prolonged engorgement. The whole concept of milk production is “stimulation”.

5. To help soothe the pain, apply warm compresses before and in between feedings and cool compresses for a short amount of time after you nurse.  Crushed ice in a plastic bag will also work.

6. Look ahead.  You’ll get past this engorgement in no time and soon be able to enjoy your breastfeeding relationship more and more with your new baby.

Engorgement will pass very quickly as nursing your baby will be the best remedy.  You can expect it to diminish completely in about a week to two weeks. If you aren’t breastfeeding, it will normally get a little worse before it gets better.  Once the engorgement has passed, your breasts will be lighter, softer, you’ll feel like a new woman, and you’ll still have plenty of milk for your baby.

During this time, you can and should continue to nurse.  Unrelieved engorgement can cause a drop in your production of milk, so it’s important to breastfeed right from the start.  Keep an eye for signs of hunger and feed your baby on demand.

Melanie Kissell

Breastfeeding is a gift that lasts a lifetime and a gift that only a mother can give her baby. The first six weeks will be both a glorious adventure and a time for learning.

Breast milk is a complete food source, containing all the nutrients your baby needs – at least 400 of them to be exact, including hormones and disease-fighting compounds. The nutritional makeup of breast milk will adjust to your baby’s needs as he or she grows and develops.

Aside from the brain-building, infection-fighting benefits of breast milk, nursing will also help to build an extraordinary bond between you and your baby.  When nursing, your child thrives on the secure comfort of your contact, cuddling, and holding.

Since breastfeeding sessions can take up to 40 minutes or more, pick a cozy spot and atmosphere where you won’t get easily distracted by noise.  Turn on some soothing music if you live on a busy street, in a lively apartment complex, or there’s construction going on nearby.

Hold your baby in a position that won’t leave your arms, neck, or back sore.  A nursing pillow can sometimes be a big help.  Some moms prefer to sit upright in a glider rocker or comfortable chair while other moms love to nurse lying down.  Like any other new skill, breastfeeding will take practice.  While some moms adjust to breastfeeding easily, other moms feel more challenged.

If you feel discouraged at times, know that you aren’t alone.  Always take it one feeding at a time and give yourself as much time as you need until it becomes second nature.

Pay attention to how your breasts feel when you baby first latches on.  The initial attachment can be somewhat uncomfortable at times, but try to be patient.  The discomfort usually subsides in about 60 to 90 seconds.  If not, then break your baby’s latch and begin again.

The more you breast feed, the more you’ll learn.  Keep in mind that any problems are temporary, and you’ll be nursing like a pro by your six-week postpartum check up!

Melanie Kissell

No need to mortgage your home to prepare for breastfeeding a new baby! Breastfeeding does not require a large quantity of supplies and high-tech equipment. Your body prepares for breastfeeding naturally, leaving only a few convenient essentials for the new mother to have on hand.

Hopefully your pregnancy pillow is one that can double as a nursing pillow, which will save you a few dollars right from the start.  One that is machine washable is best since new babies can be a bit messy.  It’s a good idea to pick up a couple of slip covers that will fit your pillow snugly.

For sore nipples:  lanolin cream, olive oil, tea bags, and cold green cabbage leaves (yes, you read that correctly) can provide soothing relief.  Olive oil can work miracles but it’s very thick so don’t forget to wash it off before baby’s next feeding.  The biggest favor you can do your nipples is to air them out in between feedings.  Air drying helps to toughen them up and keep them in good condition.

A breast pump, nursing pad inserts, nursing bras, and burp cloths are absolute staples in a nursing mom’s life.  You have the choice of manual, battery-operated, and electric pumps.  Every mom has her favorite.  Nursing pads come in disposable varieties and those that can be laundered and used over and over again.  Decide on which one fits your budget.  A cloth diaper can easily serve as a burp cloth.

Nothing can be as bothersome as an ill-fitting nursing bra.  One area to splurge a little extra on is the bra department.  As you lose your pregnancy weight, a bra with adjustable cups is an excellent choice.

Melanie Kissell

Let’s switch up the conversation a bit today from “lactation” to “literacy” – two important life skills that begin with “L”.

Post By Cathy Puett Miller, Independent Children’s Literacy Consultant

You are starting a whole new world with the arrival of your new baby. You have lots to think about and probably are full of questions and uncertainties. One of most important gifts you can give you new baby doesn’t cost a dime. It’s the gift of literacy and the gift of you.

Start reading with your baby right away when you come home from the hospital. It will grow the bond between you as your child listens to your soothing, familiar voices (get Dad in on the act too). Relax, trust your instincts, and follow these simple guidelines. You’ll be an expert in no time!

While you are still getting ready, add books to your baby shower “wish list”. If you have favorites of yours from your childhood you can list specific titles. Otherwise choose from the wide variety of picture books (simple, colorful stories with little text to artistic, beautifully illustrated stories). Here are a few to get you going:

The Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier (there are several books with this very same title)

When Daddy Comes Home At Night by Eileen Spinelli (there’s one for Mamas too)

I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal

Welcome them all and take time in those few quiet months before the baby arrives to read them yourself. If you like them, your child is likely to also. When you start to read with your baby, it won’t matter so much what you read as that they are hearing the sound of your voice. A few dads even read The Wall Street Journal or Sports Illustrated to their “chip off the old block”. Try these tips as you read with babies six weeks to three months old:

• Don’t try to read too long. As few as five minutes as you put your baby down for a nap or when you are rocking your baby in your arms.

• Keep your voice calm; no need to be theatrical at this age. Choose books like Mem Fox’s Time for Bed, a lullaby of a story or excerpts from Hush, Little Ones by John Butler.

• Once you’re in a routine, try reading to your baby when he or she is fussy. If you’ve already set the pattern to connect reading with a calm, warm, close time, sharing a story before your baby becomes too overstimulated can help him or her to quiet down.

BIOGRAPHY CATHY PUETT MILLER

Through varied avenues such as her award-winning Reading is for Everyone® tutorial model, her contributions to Educationworld.com as their national “Reading Coach” monthly columnist and her training workshops for children, educators and parents,
Cathy Puett Miller, The Literacy Ambassador™, spends her time spreading the news that reading can be fun, powerful and practical.

Mrs. Miller received the coveted 2003 National Silver Award for investigative educational reporting from Parenting Publications of America and regularly writes for both on-line and print publications including peer-reviewed educational journals such as the Georgia Journal of Reading. She continues to contribute to the world of literacy by designing research-based initiatives, creating reading packages such as Babyzone.com’s first reading page for parents, and serving on the Alabama School Readiness Advisory Council and the board of directors of The Reading Tub. She proudly serves as a member of the International Reading Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Mrs. Miller’s most recent projects involve presenting at regional and state reading and preschool conferences, authoring a book for parents of preschool children on emergent literacy, creating and managing the pilot of a local United Way’s Fun Learning Moments™ parent involvement/school readiness initiative, and conducting a national study on at-home reading in collaboration with university early education departments in AL and TX.

Melanie Kissell

Once the third trimester approaches, you’ll want to start stocking up on nursing bras, breast pads, nursing pajamas, and loose button-down shirts for the coming months ahead.  While getting ready to breastfeed, you can also have fun creating your personal space,  a custom-tailored breastfeeding area for yourself and your precious baby.

Your special nursing area should reflect your unique personality. If you prefer a bright, active, yet friendly surrounding, you should consider sitting in a corner of the living room or family room.  Keep an extra chair or two nearby so family members or even friends can keep you company.

If you prefer peace and quiet, a cozy study or guest bedroom would be ideal.  You can close the door, dim the lights, and do some deep, calming breathing exercises for relaxation.

Your Own Special Chair:

No matter if you choose a glider rocker, overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure your nursing chair is super comfortable.  You’ll be sitting in the chair for hours each day, so you’ll want it to be as comfy as possible.  You should always look for one that offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests.

Support Underfoot:

You can use a footstool, low coffee table, or a stack of firm pillows to elevate your feet as you breastfeed.  If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your breast, you’ll avoid the possibility of backache.

Pillows, Pillows, And More Pillows:

Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as much support as you can provide, so don’t hesitate to surround your body with pillows.  If you lay a pillow across your lap for your baby, she’ll be very comfortable and that much closer to your nipple.  For extra comfort, you can even purchase a specially made nursing pillow, a “boppy”, that will encircle your waist.

Table For One:

You should always keep a small  end table or stand within arm’s length of your breastfeeding chair. What you use should be accommodating enough to hold a glass of liquid. You’ll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers and peanut butter to help you replace the energy you use while you breastfeed.

Distractions:

If your baby is a slow eater or has a really voracious appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy while he feeds.  You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or bookcase with your favorite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself until your baby is full.  You should also keep a phone nearby, as well, so that you can talk to family or friends to pass the time.

MELANIE KISSELL

Here are a few of the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding for your baby … and You!

Breastfeeding is Eco-Friendly – Protects the Environment: Breastfeeding saves food resources, fuel and energy – no chemicals or packaging required!

Breastfeeding can Save on Orthodontic Bills: The sucking motion/action, which is different to that of a bottle nipple, enhances jaw and facial development.

Breastfeeding usually Delays the Return of Menstruation after Childbirth: Meaning less discomfort, reduced expense of buying sanitary products, and NO premenstrual mood swings – for a while at least.

Breastfeeding is like a Daily Vaccination: Breast milk is a living fluid containing healthy bacteria, antibodies, white blood cells, anti-microbials, and cell wall protectors.  It also contains proteins that offer protection against bacteria and viruses.

Breastfeeding Helps you Lose Fat Stored during Pregnancy more Quickly: Which means that you will regain your pre-pregnancy shape more quickly without stringent diets. Breastfeeding is also related to a reduced incidence of obesity later in life, and conveys protection against Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, ovarian cancer, and pre-menopausal breast cancer.

Breastfeeding Your Baby Girl: You can reduce her risk of developing breast cancer later in life by 25 percent.  Since breastfeeding also lowers your own risk of breast cancer, you could be saving TWO lives!

Breastfeeding Your Baby For More Than Six Months: Children contract one-third the number of inner ear infections in the first three years of life than formula fed babies, the incidence of allergies is reduced sevenfold, and infants are also protected against bacterial meningitis in their first five years.

Breastfeeding Can Reduce the Risks of Serious Disorders: Such as insulin-dependent diabetes, childhood lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and chronic liver diseases.

Breastfeeding is Good for Postpartum Recovery, Too: Hormones released while breastfeeding cause your uterus to contract and involute so it can return to pre-pregnancy size, which means you will also experience less postpartum bleeding.

Moms and Moms-To-Be ~ Give yourself a gigantic pat on the back if you have made the commitment to breastfeed!

MELANIE KISSELL

“I loved this book. It’s humorous, honest, and empowering without being unrealistic. It paints a very full, complex, and real picture of what it’s like to breastfeed–and that’s exactly what moms need.”  ~ Nancy Gruver, founder and publisher, New Moon Magazine

“Spilled Milk is filled with the voices of the wise and witty girlfriends I wish I had had when my first baby was born and I was struggling to keep the milk bar open ’round the clock. It’s warm, compassionate, funny, and just the thing for a late-night nurse-a-thon.”   ~ Beth Hawkins, senior editor, City Pages (Minneapolis)

“Wise, witty, deliciously reassuring. The perfect pick-me-up for mothers convinced that they’re the only ones on the planet who are doing it wrong which is pretty much all of us.”  ~ Barbara Graham, author, Women Who Run with the Poodles

To begin your exhilarating journey into breastfeeding (or maybe your lumpy, bumpy pathway to lactation),  I would love for you to have the joy of reading Andy Steiner’s book, “Spilled Milk“.

Wildly funny tales and practical wisdom from the author’s and other women’s breastfeeding experiences-to reassure readers that there is no one way to be a great breastfeeder.

In this perfect antidote to “lactivist” propaganda, award-winning writer Andy Steiner weaves together hysterical anecdotes and tips from the trenches to offer comfort and realistic advice to new nursing moms.

Spilled Milk will help you understand that not all babies are going to “get it” right away, that breastfeeding can hurt even if you’re doing it correctly, and that baring your breasts in public will actually become shamefully easy with time.

Steiner writes: “Looking back at my milky adventure, I realize now that while breastfeeding is a natural act, it’s also a difficult one.  And after amassing an impressive collection of how-to breastfeeding books, nipple shields, lactation consultants, breast pumps, nursing bras, storage bags, and wicked breast infections, I can only say that the one thing that was missing from the experience was a book that could tell me-in a casual, non-preachy tone-that I wasn’t alone, that everything was going to be okay.”

That is the book that Steiner has written.  Her fresh viewpoint; casual, girlfriend-to-girlfriend advice; and the book’s great price make Spilled Milk the ultimate shower gift for moms-to-be.

MELANIE KISSELL

How can I prevent problems with my breasts before my baby is born?

* Be sure to make your OB/GYN or other caregiver aware of any breast biopsies, breast enhancement, breast reduction, or other breast procedures/surgeries you’ve undergone.

* For flat nipples – have a nipple “shield” on hand. It’s soft and pliable, fits right over your nipple and areola, and will help your baby to latch on better – especially during those first couple of days of jumpstarting lactation.  You may only need to use the shield for a brief of period of time.  Once your milk comes in, an increase in oxytocin and prolactin (hormones) in your body will cause the nipple to protrude out (evert) more.

* Prenatal nipple conditioning: This uses exercises to help decrease nipple discomfort when you start to breastfeed your baby.  These exercises may also cause your uterus to have contractions.  This can cause your baby to be born too early.  Ask your caregiver first before you try any nipple conditioning exercise.

o Massage your breasts gently.

o Roll your nipples between your fingers for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also use a special lanolin cream while rolling your nipples.

o Rub your nipples gently with a soft towel for 15 seconds.

* For inverted nipples – have a pair of nipple “shells” on hand (just in case). They are small plastic cups with a hole in the center which are pressed against the breast, leaving the nipple exposed.  Moms oftentimes find it beneficial to wear the shells inside their bra in between feedings.

Breastfeeding is the best “gift” a mother can give her baby.  It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime!

MELANIE KISSELL