Breastfeeding is an entirely natural procedure. It gives the infant all of the nutrients they need for optimal growth. Breastfeeding, in addition to providing all nutritional requirements, aids in developing a link between the mother and the infant.
Mothers no longer need to look for alternatives to nursing. Today’s moms understand the benefits of breast milk and are willing to go the additional mile to feed their children.
Pumping breast milk is not without difficulties. Even if you are using good breast pump brands such as Baby Express, pumping incorrectly may result in preventing the necessary amount of milk from being expressed.
Here are some of the most typical pumping mistakes made by new moms.
1. Using the incorrect flange size.
The cup-shaped end of a breast pump fitted to the breast is called the flange. The flange is responsible for stimulating the breast to make milk. If the flange is too small, you may be unable to extract the necessary amount of breast milk. Using the wrong size flanges is like wearing the wrong size bra. It can induce nipple soreness and other discomforts, making pumping even more difficult.
If pumping causes pain, it is a sign that you have chosen the incorrect flange size. If the flange is the proper size, the nipple should be able to travel freely in and out of the tunnel without discomfort or pain.
2. Seeking high suction.
Mothers often prefer strong suction to extract more milk in a shorter period of time. However, this can cause more harm than benefit. The high suction can occasionally promote breast irritation, making it more difficult to pump milk.
A breast pump simulates a baby sucking. A baby will begin to suck slowly, stimulating the breast to create milk. The baby’s sucking becomes lengthy and powerful when the milk starts to come out. The breast pump should adhere to the same guidelines.
3. Not following a timetable.
Pumping the milk should be done on a timetable, much like nursing. In this manner, your body is programmed to produce milk at the appropriate moment. If you do not stick to a pumping schedule or skip a session, your hormones will cause your body to make less milk.
Skipping a pumping session might potentially result in a clogged milk duct. Mastitis can develop as a result, making pumping even more difficult.
4. Forgetting to drink a sufficient amount of water.
Normally, a healthy adult should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, not including during breastfeeding. Keeping hydrated not only helps to keep a continuous flow of milk going, but it also keeps you healthy.
5. Failure to replace pump components.
Even after pumping for 15-20 minutes, you may not receive the appropriate amount of milk. This might be because the pump’s parts need to be replaced. Like any other product, continuous use can wear down the pump and its components.