Breast pumps
Many mothers return to work after having their baby and desire to continue providing breastmilk for their infants. Using a breast pump while at work is an efficient and convenient method of expressing milk and maintaining your milk supply when you and your infant are apart.
There are many types of breast pumps on the market, the most reputable brands are Medela and Avent-Hollister. Prices range from $30 to $400 and depend on the type of breast pump you purchase: manual, single electric, or double electric.
Plan ahead
I suggest that mothers introduce a bottle of pumped milk to their infants around 4 weeks of age, once latch and milk supply are well-established. This can be continued at least once a day or every other day so the infant learns how to suck the bottle nipple which is quite different from your nipple, both in shape and milk flow. The mother may need to be out of the room when introducing a bottle so that the infant cannot see or hear her, as many infants prefer the breast over the bottle and will not take it if they know their mother is near.
A woman can start pumping once her milk has come in to start storing milk for when she returns to work. It is important to remember that your body makes milk in response to breast stimulation, whether that is a breast pump or your infant sucking at the breast. Therefore, if you begin to pump before you return to work, be consistent and pump the same time every day. If your infant only takes one breast for a particular feeding, or all feedings, you can pump the other breast to empty it of milk.
Work and Pump
When separated from her baby, a woman should pump at least every 3-4 hours to maintain her milk supply. She should completely drain her breasts of milk at each pumping session.
Milk can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and then can be transferred to a freezer and stored for up to 6 months. Milk can be stored in bottles or bags specifically made for breastmilk storage. It should be stored in 2-3 oz portions; the infant can always be given more if needed but you cannot store milk once it has been reheated. If using breastmilk bags, place them flat in the freezer, this will save space.
As the milk sits, the cream will naturally separate and rise to the top. When reheating the milk, gently swirl the cream back into the watery portion of the milk. Reheat breastmilk by placing warm water into a cup, do not microwave or heat the breastmilk in a container on the stove, hot spots can develop and burn the infant’s mouth.
by: Pamela K. Murphy, PhD, CNM, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
MUSC Lactation Center