Pumping breast milk

For when breastfeeding isn't an option

- May 6, 2020

Is co-author of Nurturing with Nutrition and a former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics representing over 100,000 Nutrition professionals, while also active as a clinical dietitian in South Florida.

Article in collaboration with: Melanie Bazarte, PhD

Electric pumps are the most effective; pumping can increase milk supply.

Wash your hands well with plain soap and water to ensure cleanliness during breast milk pumping. Wash the pump and attachments thoroughly.
Collection kits should be rinsed then cleaned with hot soapy water then dried in the air. Dishwasher cleaning is fine.
Breast milk may be stored in glass or hard plastic containers or baggie bottles.
Begin pumping and storing at least two weeks before you need the milk.
If you can, arrange to go back to work on a Wednesday or Thursday to make a shorter first week so the transition is easier on both of you, and to make the necessary feeding adjustments.
While the time of day for pumping is an individual decision, early morning is a popular time for milk collection, continue pumping or breastfeeding every three to five hours which means pumping during work breaks.