Struggling to get milk with your pump?
You've decided you want to pump and with last weeks information you have now decided on a pump that works for you. Or maybe 2..
Either way... you just hook and go right?
Well not really.
I hear so many conversations about how a Mom couldn't pump, they just couldn't get anything.
But why?
There is a skill to pumping just like there is a skill to nursing.
& fortunately it's not always going to be this way, once you've conditioned your body to respond to your pump you can remove some steps.
Do you remember in school- talking about the bird who was conditioned to good behavior by a positive stimulus- ok maybe you don't remember- but I do!
What this means is we have to set up a series of conditions to make your body thing/feel like it is nursing your baby in order for you to have a let down.
But how?
Let's back up a little..
In order to start pumping and pumping effectively we need the following things in place:
the correct flange size
the correct pump for the job
the correct suction - more doesn't mean more
sterilized parts
a comfortable location to set up as your pump station
Now that we are hooked up and ready to go, we need to set the stage. Kind of like the foreplay of pumping. Conditioning your body to replicate a baby.
Here are some helpful strategies to set the stage:
heat pack to replicate warmth
videos of your baby or looking at your baby - to get that love hormone flowing that also helps initiate a let down
massage - just like a baby would when their hands get all up in the way
being comfortable, supported position
calm state - take a few deep breaths
positive mindset - this is a BIG one - a lot of us go in with the self talk of "I hate this" "ugh.. pumping" - let's change that - "I am feeding and nourishing my baby" "I can do this it's only 10-15 minutes of my day" "All breastmilk has benefits"
Cover it up! If you catch yourself watching the drops flow in to your bottle - cover your flanges with your shirt or stick socks over the bottles - quantity does not matter
Need help pumping? or maybe you are struggling with low supply...
Want help to figure out what pump is best for you & your needs? Or get pumping set up right!