Simak 8 Cara Memerah ASI Ini supaya Proses Menyusui Lancar
The way to express breast milk may differ for every mother, depending on their individual comfort. Basically, there are no specific rules that govern the correct way to pump breast milk. However, hopefully, a little guidance in the article below can help you, Mom, during the process of pumping breast milk for your little one!
Types of Breast Milk Expressing Tools
Before discussing further about how to express breast milk, you can get to know the various types of breast pumps first. Some mothers may find it easy to express breast milk using their hands, but others feel more comfortable using a breast pump as follows.
1. Manual Breast Pump
This tool usually consists of a hand pump used to stimulate and express breast milk manually. A manual breast pump is typically simple, easy to use, and can be operated without electricity.
2. Electric Breast Pump
An electric breast pump uses electric power to stimulate and express breast milk. This pump has several modes and speed settings to help facilitate the breast milk expression process.
3. Handheld Breast Pump
A handheld breast pump is a mini version of an electric breast pump. This tool is designed to be easy to hold and can be used with one hand, making it suitable for more portable use.
The Correct Way to Express Breast Milk
Actually, there are no standard rules regarding the procedure for expressing breast milk. However, you can pay attention to the following tips so that the experience of pumping breast milk for your little one becomes more comfortable and enjoyable.
1. Wash Your Hands
Ensure your hands are clean before starting the process of expressing breast milk. Use soap and clean water to wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Choose a Comfortable Place
Choose a quiet and comfortable place to express breast milk. You can sit in a comfortable chair or use a nursing pillow to support your body.
3. Stimulate the Breasts
Start by stimulating the breasts by gently massaging them or rubbing the nipples slowly. This stimulation helps increase milk flow.
4. Use Massage Techniques
Use gentle massage techniques to help stimulate milk production. Start from the outside of the breast and massage in circular motions toward the nipple. This technique helps open the milk ducts and improve milk flow.
5. Expressing Breast Milk
Place your thumb and index finger around the areola (the dark part around the nipple) gently, but try not to press too hard. Press the breast slowly towards the chest and release the pressure as the breast milk comes out. Perform these steps repeatedly gently and slowly.
6. Switch Breasts
After finishing expressing from one breast, continue by expressing from the other. It is important to ensure that both breasts receive equal stimulation and emptying.
7. Consider Double Pumping
Double pumping breast milk is the process of expressing milk from both breasts simultaneously using a double breast pump. Double pumping has many benefits, especially for mothers who have limited time or want to increase breast milk production effectively. In addition, the pumping process is also faster, which can save the mother's energy.
8. Store Breast Milk Correctly
Store breast milk storage bottles in the refrigerator or freezer according to safe breast milk storage guidelines. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for use within 3-5 days or in the freezer for a longer storage period.
Every mother may have a different experience in applying the method of expressing breast milk. It is important to follow individual needs and comfort, as well as consult with a lactation expert or healthcare worker if you have any problems or difficulties in the process of expressing breast milk.
Recommended Breast Milk Expressing Frequency
The recommended frequency of expressing breast milk can vary depending on the mother's and baby's needs, as well as specific situations that may be experienced. However, generally, the following is a general guide on the recommended frequency of expressing breast milk for you to apply.
1. Early Breastfeeding Period
In the early breastfeeding period, it is recommended to express breast milk at least 8-12 times a day with a duration of 20-30 minutes or until the breasts are empty. This helps stimulate milk production and ensures sufficient breast milk availability for the baby.
2. According to Baby's Needs
In addition to scheduled expressing, it is also important to express breast milk according to the baby's needs. Usually, newborns need to be breastfed at least 8-12 times a day, so breast milk expression can be done before or after each breastfeeding session.
Sometimes, the frequency of expressing breast milk needs to be adjusted to changes in the baby's needs or changes in the mother's milk production. So, it is important to monitor the baby's response and changes in milk production to adjust the frequency of expressing as needed.
3. While the Mother is Working or Separated from the Baby
If the mother returns to work or is separated from the baby for a certain period, it is recommended to express breast milk at least every 3-4 hours or according to the schedule you have set without disrupting your work activities.
If you are still unsure and do not understand this matter, you can consult a doctor or lactation consultant to get the right advice according to each individual's condition.
Hegen Breast Pump, Best Friend in the Breast Milk Expressing Process
Understanding how to express breast milk correctly is indeed very important. In addition, you must also ensure the emptying of the breasts while pumping breast milk. It is important to ensure that the breasts are emptied completely each time you express breast milk to ensure optimal stimulation and sufficient breast milk production.
Furthermore, consistency in the frequency of expressing breast milk is also important to keep milk production stable. Try to maintain a consistent schedule for expressing breast milk every day.
Well, Mom, the choice of a breast pump is also a key factor in the smoothness of expressing breast milk. Therefore, ensure that you only choose the Hegen Breast Pump which is guaranteed in quality. Here are the advantages of the Hegen breast pump that you can consider.
- Ergonomic design that makes mothers more comfortable and able to express breast milk efficiently.
- Equipped with an anti-colic system that can help prevent air from entering the bottle during the pumping process.
- Uses BPA-free PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) material, making it safe for babies.
- Flexible, practical, and easy to carry anywhere.
- Can be integrated with various other Hegen accessories, such as breast milk storage bottles, teats, lids, and others.
- There is a massage feature on the breast pump that can increase/facilitate breast milk production.
- The Hegen breast pump is equipped with an advanced wireless charging feature.
- Available in two type options: manual and electric.
The following are Hegen Breast Pump product options that you can choose from.
In addition to breast pumps, Hegen also provides other maternal and baby supply products such as feeding bottles, drinking bottles, straw cups, teats, breastmilk storage (breast milk & complementary food containers), bottle and teat cleaning brushes, and complementary accessories that you can get by clicking here.
References:
- NHS. Expressing with a pump. https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/expressing-your-breast-milk/expressing-breast-milk-with-a-pump/
- The Womens. Expressing Breast Milk. https://www.thewomens.org.au/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Expressing-breast-milk-05819.pdf
