Pumping problems and errors can appear in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Some common pumping errors are so detrimental that they can entirely sabotage your breastfeeding efforts. Today, however, you will learn how to avoid these milking errors and maximise the use of your Baby Express breast pump!
1. Skipping Your Pumping Sessions
This first common pumping error is made most frequently by new mothers. It is understandable why. This is especially true if you exclusively extract your breast milk.
The daunting requirement of sustaining a stringent pumping schedule 24 hours a day is exhausting and sometimes feels impossible.
The nighttime milking sessions are the most frequently neglected by nursing mothers. This is a grave error.
Missing pumping sessions sends a strong signal to your body’s supply and demand market that maintaining demand is no longer essential. Consequently, your supply will adjust to satisfy the newly established demand.
2. Not Sticking to a Schedule
The second pumping error to avoid is neglecting to adhere to a pumping schedule. As discussed previously, this may be due to your neglect of pumping sessions. This could also indicate that your daily consistency is severely lacking.
The lack of a pumping schedule can result in poor pumping practices, which can have severe consequences. The likelihood of developing clogged mammary ducts may increase if you fail to adhere to a regular milking schedule. Another adverse effect is a drastic decrease in lactation.
3. Using Incorrect Size Flanges
Unfortunately, using the incorrect size flange is a common breastfeeding error that even seasoned mothers can make.
It can be difficult to determine if your flange size is appropriate.
Most indigenous pumping systems will include both small and large flange diameters. The diameters of flanges range from 19mm to 36mm.
Pain, friction, insufficient milk output, and discomfort are typically the strongest indications of improper sizing.
4. Incorrect Pump Settings
Let’s explore pump settings and how improper use of them can result in significant pumping errors.
This can cause inflammation, which can inhibit milk flow and cause pain due to breast tissue injury.
Instead, begin with a low suction and a faster speed. This shouldn’t feel at all like a forceful pull. A low suction paired with rapid speed is intended to induce a letdown. Once the milk begins to flow, you can progressively increase the suction and decrease the pace. This should help you empty your breasts completely.
5. Not Pumping Long Enough
As you may be aware, breast pumping is a significantly different experience for your body than breastfeeding. This means that it will be less effective at removing breast milk than an infant.
Therefore, it is essential to give yourself sufficient time on the pump to extract as much milk as feasible.
A minimum of 15 to 20 minutes is typically recommended for each pounding session. However, it may take up to an hour for some women to sense that they have completely emptied their breasts.
A decent rule of thumb is to continue milking for at least 5 minutes AFTER milk flow has ceased.
