Can i pump and breastfeed: Pumping Breast Milk | Nutrition

How to combine breastfeeding and pumping into a schedule that works

Pumping breast milk — whether you are planning a return to work, or just need a few hours’ break — is a wonderful gift you can give to your baby. But it doesn’t come without stress. Caring for and breastfeeding your baby is difficult enough, but the idea of adding pumping into the mix can feel overwhelming. If you feel that way, you’re not alone.

“Nursing and pumping may come with unexpected demands,” says Dr. Nikki L. Roberts, an OB-GYN at CareMount Medical in Duchess County, New York. However, she assures that the majority of breastfeeding parents are able to pump without encountering serious roadblocks.

The keys to success, according to Roberts? Patience, setting realistic goals and cutting yourself a whole lot of slack. Here are some tips for how to combine breastfeeding and pumping into a reasonable schedule that works.

1. Pump after breastfeeding

You might be wondering when the best time to pump is. Should you pump before nursing, or is it best to pump after?

Experts agree that you should put your baby’s breastfeeding needs first and pump after breastfeeding. Roberts recommends delaying pumping until about two weeks after birth, or when your milk supply is established.

“Once you are ready to start pumping, nurse your baby, then pump afterward,” she says. “Waiting about 30 minutes after you’re done with breastfeeding is helpful, as well.”

“Once you are ready to start pumping, nurse your baby, then pump afterward. Waiting about 30 minutes after you’re done with breastfeeding is helpful, as well.”

— DR. NIKKI L. ROBERTS, OB-GYN

2. Continue to breastfeed on demand

Feed your baby according to their own schedule, even as you pump, says Roberts. This will amount to breastfeeding every two to three hours, including at least once at night.

“I nurse my baby on demand, which means anytime day or night,” says Karen Walsh, a lactation consultant from Bellmore, New York, who is certified with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Walsh shares that pumping the other side while she nurses has been very helpful and allows her to meet her daughter’s needs while building up her freezer stash. When she can’t do that, she has her husband hold the baby while she pumps.

3. Keep your stress in check

Stress isn’t just unpleasant; it can make pumping less successful.

“Stress can reduce your supply, in general,” says Donna Kimick, a board-certified lactation consultant at Lakeshore Lactation in Massapequa Park, New York. “It can also increase your cortisol levels and therefore decrease important milk-making hormones. It’s a good idea to try to stay calm while pumping.”

“Stress can reduce your supply, in general. It can also increase your cortisol levels and therefore decrease important milk-making hormones. It’s a good idea to try to stay calm while pumping.”

— DONNA KIMICK, LACTATION CONSULTANT

Kimick recommends keeping a piece of your baby’s clothing in a zip-close bag near you and then smelling it as you are pumping. This can help you relax and let down more easily while pumping.

4. Pump first thing in the morning

“I found I had the most milk in the morning,” says Cordelia Newlin de Rojas, mom of two from Merida, Mexico, and founder of Multilingual Mama. “I was very worried about having sufficient milk once I went back to work, so I would pump after I had nursed the baby in the morning.”

Indeed, says Roberts, many parents find they produce more milk in the morning. “If you are unable to pump after every feed, focus on pumping in the morning,” she says. “The difference may be small, but you may find that the total volume of milk produced is greater.”

“If you are unable to pump after every feed, focus on pumping in the morning. The difference may be small, but you may find that the total volume of milk produced is greater.”

— DR. NIKKI L. ROBERTS, OB-GYN

5. Develop a de-stressing technique

There are many methods breastfeeding parents utilize to reduce stress while pumping, including listening to music, meditation, visualization and looking at pictures of their baby if they are apart. Distracting yourself can also work wonders, a fact that Newlin de Rojas stumbled on by accident.

“A friend of mine was upgrading her iPod, and she gave me her old video iPod with a couple of seasons of ‘The West Wing’ loaded on it,” she says. “I decided to try pumping while watching the program. I went from struggling to get 1 to 2 ounces to filling 6-ounce milk bags!”

6. Stock up on helpful supplies

Donna Kimick recommends using a hands-free pumping bra, where the pump flanges fit into your bra, leaving your hands free to hold your baby or tend to work. There are also breast shells like Milkies Milk Saver or manual pumps like the Haakka that collect any milk that leaks between feedings or while you nurse. 

Liz Whalen, a mom from Little Neck, New York, recommends having multiple pump parts on hand in case anything gets misplaced or damaged. She also shared a game-changing trick she learned.

“I read in a support forum about putting all the pump parts into a zip-lock and refrigerating them until the next pump,” she says. “I had been washing the pump parts out after every single pump, so that was a life-changing revelation for me.”

Kimick gives this time-saving trick her stamp of approval and says refrigerating bottles and pump parts can help prevent bacteria from growing. Although if you have a premature or ill baby, she recommends checking with your doctor regarding pump sanitizing guidelines. You may also need to take extra sanitizing precautions if you are currently infected with COVID-19.

7. Have realistic expectations

Expecting perfection with pumping can cause stress, advises Roberts. For example, she shares that the amount you pump isn’t always consistent and may even change over time. Many breastfeeding parents will still be able to pump 2-3 ounces after breastfeeding their babies, she says, though this amount can differ from one parent to another.

You have to learn to meet yourself where you’re at, try not to compare yourself to other parents and keep a positive attitude.

8. Make a breastfeeding and pumping schedule

Wondering how an actual pumping and breastfeeding schedule might look? Here’s an example, based on a young infant with an already established breastfeeding schedule and a breastfeeding parent who has access to their baby throughout the day.

Please note: This is only meant to serve as an example of one way a breastfeeding and pumping schedule might look. Every baby and breastfeeding parent has different needs and habits, so find the rhythm that works for you and your child.

Sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule

9.

Ask for help if you’re struggling

Most importantly, says Roberts, remember you are not meant to do this alone.

She advises parents to set up a meeting with a lactation consultant if they are experiencing challenges with pumping. “Having a specialist observe and make recommendations can be helpful in a potentially frustrating situation,” she says.  

There are other support options as well, such taking a breastfeeding class, or connecting to other breastfeeding parents online, Roberts suggests. 

Support can be instrumental in helping you meet your breastfeeding and pumping goals. Some online breastfeeding support groups to consider joining include:

• La Leche League International Breastfeeding Support
• KellyMom Breastfeeding Support 
• The Leaky Boob Community Group
• Dairy Queen Breastfeeding Support
• Milky Mamas Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding FAQs: Pumping (for Parents)

Many breastfeeding moms pump their breast milk to give to their baby when they are away. Here’s some information about pumps and when and how to pump safely.

What Type of Pump Do I Need?

That really depends on how often you plan to use your pump. Manual pumps tend to be best for occasional pumping, while electric pumps are better for regular or daily pumping.

• Manual pumps. Manual (or hand-operated) pumps are small and inexpensive (less than $50) compared with electric pumps. They take more effort and more time than electric pumps to draw out milk, so they’re better for occasional use. Many women keep a manual pump as a back-up in case there’s a power outage or problem with their electric pump.
• Electric pumps. Electric (or automatic) pumps can be easier to use than manual pumps because they don’t require as much physical effort and can draw out the milk faster. Many models let you pump both breasts at once, which is a real time-saver. This also may increase your milk supply. Electric pumps come in many sizes. Most can be plugged in or are battery-operated.

Most insurance plans will cover a breast pump. Call to find out if you can receive a free pump. If not, you can buy or rent a breast pump from lactation consultants, hospitals, retail stores, and online. If you don’t have the money to buy or rent a pump, contact Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to find out about their free or low-cost pump program and see if you qualify.

Are Used Pumps OK?

It’s not a good idea to borrow or buy someone else’s used pump. This is because bacteria and viruses from the previous owner can get trapped inside the pump. They are potentially hazardous to your baby’s health, even with repeated sterilization and cleaning.

Hospital-grade pumps, though, are meant for more than one user. These pumps let women use their own accessory kits, which lowers the risk of contamination.

Why Would I Need to Pump Right After Birth?

If your baby can’t eat due to an early birth or illness, or if you are separated from each other, you can pump your milk. In the first 2 hours after birth, hand-express your breast and then begin pumping every 2–3 hours. Use a hospital-grade pump or an electric pump, if possible. You will make only small amounts of colostrum (a rich “pre-milk”) until your milk fully comes in. Keep pumping and your supply will slowly increase.

If your baby is exclusively breastfeeding and gaining weight as expected, there’s no need to pump right away. It can be tempting to build up a supply of milk for later. But this isn’t a good idea because it can cause an over-supply of milk and keep your breasts engorged (over-full) for a longer period of time than expected.

When Can I Begin Pumping to Build Up a Milk Supply?

If you’ll return to work after maternity leave or plan to spend time away from your baby, start pumping a couple of weeks before. This will give you time to practice with the pump and get comfortable using it. It also gives your baby time to learn how to drink from a bottle.

How much milk women can express with a pump varies. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few pumping sessions for you to express enough milk for a full bottle. Some women find that they express more milk when their baby is close by, if they look at a picture of the baby, or if they smell a piece of the baby’s clothing. While it may take time to get the hang of pumping, it’s a great way to ensure that your baby continues to get breast milk even when you’re not there.

If you have questions or concerns about how much milk you are expressing, talk to a lactation consultant or your health care provider.

What Can Make Pumping Easier?

It can take a little practice and time for your body (and your mind) to get used to producing milk without your baby’s help. These tips can make things easier:

• Find a comfortable spot and relax. Your let-down reflex (when milk is released) can be affected if you’re frustrated, anxious, or rushed. So sit in a comfortable spot and try not to think about other things you need to do. Listening to soothing music can help. Find out what works best for you so that you can relax.
• Massage your breast before and during pumping. Using your hands to massage and compress the breast can help empty them more efficiently. This can be hard if pumping both breasts at once so consider wearing a hands-free bra. 
• Hold something that reminds you of your baby, like a picture or video on your phone, or has your baby’s scent, like a blanket or piece of clothing. This can help you get in the right frame of mind and trigger let-down. 
• Place the breast shield (flange) correctly over your breast. The breast shield is the plastic cup that goes over the nipple and areola (the dark circle of skin around your nipple) when you pump. Make sure it’s covering your entire nipple and areola (not just the top of your nipple) and get a good seal. If this doesn’t happen, you may be uncomfortable and less likely to get the milk you need.
• Find the right size breast shield for your breast. While pumping, your nipple should move freely inside the tunnel of the breast shield without too much of your areola being drawn in. If this is happening or pumping is uncomfortable, try a different flange size. Most pumps come with different flange sizes, so find the best fit. 
• Adjust the speed and suction to the level that’s comfortable for you when using an electric pump. This will help prevent any discomfort. It’s best to use the lowest setting that allows milk to flow comfortably. 

Where Can I Pump at Work?

If you’re pumping at work, find a discreet place where you feel comfortable.

Many companies offer their employees pumping and nursing areas. If yours doesn’t, ask your supervisor or the human resources department about an office or other private area that might be suitable. Employers are required by law to provide an appropriate area (that’s not a bathroom) for employees to pump breast milk and reasonable time to do so.

How Do I Clean Pump Parts?

Before their first use, wash and then sterilize breast pump supplies (for example, the breast shields and any other part that touches your breasts or your milk) by boiling them for 5 to 10 minutes. Check the manufacturer’s directions about how long to boil the parts.

You also can sterilize the parts with a countertop or microwaveable sterilizer, but boiling works just as well and costs nothing. After that, wash the bottles, nipples, and pump supplies in hot, soapy water (or run them through the dishwasher) after every use. They can spread bacteria if not cleaned properly.

Feeding with expressed milk | breastfeeding

When can I start breastfeeding my baby with expressed breast milk? How to do it right? Is it worth worrying that the child will confuse the pacifier with the breast? In this article we will answer your questions.

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When can I start breastfeeding my baby?

If your baby is healthy and breastfeeding well, there is no need to give him expressed milk. For the first four weeks, you work together to start and increase milk production, and your baby also learns to suckle properly at the breast. There is not enough scientific data on this yet, ¹ but there is an opinion that bottle feeding in the first month may adversely affect the process of establishing breastfeeding.

However, if the newborn is unable to latch on or suckle for some reason, start expressing milk as soon as possible after delivery. Read more about this in our articles on coping with problems in the first week, breastfeeding premature babies and babies with special needs, and seeking help from your healthcare provider.

How can I feed my baby with expressed breast milk?

There are many expert feeding solutions that allow you to give your baby expressed milk in a variety of ways, depending on your and your baby’s needs.

For example, the innovative Calma smart pacifier only lets milk through when the baby creates a vacuum by suckling. This means that when feeding from a bottle, he will make the same movements with his tongue and jaws as when sucking at the breast. ^2.3 Calma was developed with the help of breastfeeding experts from the University of Western Australia. When using this pacifier, the baby can suck, swallow, pause and breathe in the same way as when breastfeeding. ⁴ Preserving natural sucking habits allows baby to transition easily from breast to bottle and back.

In addition, Medela also offers regular bottle teats* in two versions that produce milk at different rates. All Medela* nipples can be placed directly on bottles used for expressing milk, minimizing the risk of spillage.

If you need to feed your baby with expressed milk, but you do not want to bottle feed him until he is learning to breastfeed, you can use a sippy cup* for temporary feeding. The baby will be able to drink milk from such a mug, but you should be careful not to spill the milk. For the first time, it is advisable to feed the child from a drinking cup under the supervision of the attending physician in order to learn how to do it correctly.

If your baby needs to be supplemented with expressed milk in addition to regular breastfeeding, the Supplementary Feeding System (SNS)* can be used. It is equipped with a thin, flexible capillary that can be clipped close to the nipple to give your baby expressed milk while breastfeeding. Thanks to this, the baby suckles the breast for longer, thereby developing sucking skills and stimulating the production of milk from the mother. This can be helpful when there is a shortage of breast milk, as well as when feeding adopted or surrogate children.

If the baby is unable to breastfeed because he is too weak or has a congenital disease, you can use the Special Needs Cup*, which releases milk with gentle pressure, making it suitable for feeding these babies.

How to teach a child to bottle feed?

If breastfeeding is going well and you decide to start bottle feeding your baby with expressed breast milk, follow these guidelines.

Start early and take your time

Don’t wait until the first day of work or the first time you leave the house to start bottle feeding your baby. Start accustoming your baby to small portions of expressed milk a couple of weeks before the desired date, calmly and without haste. Gradually build up to one full serving of pumped milk from a bottle.

Choose a time

Ideally, at the first bottle feeding, the baby should be hungry, but not too hungry – in this state, he is as relaxed as possible.

Let others feed

Your baby is used to feeding from your breast, so when you offer him a bottle it can be confusing. The process can go faster if the first time the baby is bottle-fed by someone else while you are not in the room, so that your sight and smell do not embarrass the baby.

Maintain optimal temperature

Your baby will be more willing to eat expressed milk if the temperature is around 37°C, close to body temperature.

Dip the nipple in milk

Try dipping the nipple in expressed milk before offering it to your baby. This way it will taste and smell like your breast milk. Lightly touch the baby’s upper lip with the nipple to open the mouth.

Choose the right position for bottle feeding

Feed your baby on demand and keep him reclining during feeding. Never bottle feed your baby when he is lying or sitting, otherwise he may choke. Listen to the wishes of the child – take as many pauses as he needs. You can even try to shift it from one hand to another during feeding.

Be patient

Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t take the bottle right away – it may take several tries. If he pushes the bottle away or starts crying, calm him down, wait a few minutes and try again. If he still doesn’t want to bottle feed, wait a few more minutes and breastfeed him as usual. Repeat the bottle experiment at a different time of day.

How much pumped milk should I give my baby?

All children are different. Research shows that between the ages of one and six months, a baby can consume between 50 and 230 ml of milk per feeding. To start, prepare about 60 ml and observe how much your baby needs – more or less. You will soon realize how much milk he usually eats. Just never force him to finish the cooked portion.

How can I keep my baby safe when bottle feeding?

Always clean and sterilize your pump and bottles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash your hands before expressing, pouring milk, and feeding your baby. Follow our instructions for safely storing and thawing your expressed milk.

If breastmilk needs to be warmed, place the bottle or bag in a bowl of warm water or a heater or under running water at a maximum of 37°C. Never heat breast milk in the microwave or on the stove.

Will the baby be able to transition from breast to bottle?

Some mothers worry that if they start bottle feeding too early, the baby will get used to the artificial nipple and not want to breastfeed. Others, on the contrary, are worried that if the child is not immediately accustomed to the bottle, then he will no longer eat from it. In general, in these cases, they say that the child confuses the nipple with the breast.

Experts disagree on whether such confusion is a problem. ¹ Without a doubt, it is easier for a baby to suckle milk from a regular bottle with a nipple, which does not require a vacuum, than from the breast, since the milk flows faster, also under the influence of gravity. And some babies really have clear preferences: only the breast or only the nipple. However, many babies are comfortable suckling both the breast and the pacifier.

If you are unable to feed your baby with expressed breast milk, seek help from a lactation consultant or specialist.

Literature

1 Zimmerman E, Thompson K. Clarifying nipple confusion. J. Perinatol. 2015;35(11):895-899. – Zimmerman I., Thompson K., “On the issue of breastfeeding.” Zh Perinatol (Journal of Perinatology). 2015;35(11):895-899.

2 Geddes DT et al. Tongue movement and intra-oral vacuum of term infants during breastfeeding and feeding from an experimental teat that released milk under vacuum only. Early Hum Dev . 2012;88(6):443-449. – Geddes D.T. et al., “Language Movements and Oral Vacuum Generation in Term Infants During Breastfeeding and Feeding from an Experimental Vacuum-Delivery Teat”. Airlie Hume Dev. 2012;88(6):443-449.

3 Segami Y et al. Perioral movements and sucking pattern during bottle feeding with a novel, experimental teat are similar to breastfeeding. J. Perinatol. 2013;33(4):319-323. – Segami I. et al., “Perioral movements and sucking during bottle feeding with a new experimental nipple are very similar to sucking from the breast.” Zh Perinatol (Journal of Perinatology). 2013;33(4):319-323.

4 Sakalidis VS et al. Oxygen saturation and suck-swallow-breathe coordination of term infants during breastfeeding and feeding from a teat releasing milk only with vacuum. Int J Pediatr. 2012;2012:130769. – Sakalidis V. S. et al., “Oxygenation and Coordination of Sucking, Swallowing, and Breathing in the Term Infant During Breastfeeding and Feeding from a Purely Vacuum Teat”. Int J Pediatrician 2012;2012:130769.

Read instructions before use. Consult a specialist about possible contraindications.

* RC No. FZZ 2010/07353 dated 07/19/2010

Solving five breastfeeding problems after the first month

Expert advice on the top five breastfeeding problems you may experience after the first month.

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Cathy Garbin, child health nurse, midwife and lactation consultant:
Cathy, a mother of two, was a research fellow at the renowned Human Lactation Research Institute, founded by Peter Hartmann, for seven years, providing support to breastfeeding mothers in clinics and at home. Today, she still works as a family counselor, and also conducts seminars for attending physicians and speaks at international conferences.

You and your baby have already fully established the process of breastfeeding and know what and how to do. It seems that all difficulties are left behind. However, some more surprises await you. The following are suggestions for dealing with breastfeeding problems that may arise later.

Problem #1. I need to be away from my baby

Whether it’s social events, travel or medical treatment, at some point you may need to be away from your baby for a while.

Solutions

• Express milk so that someone else can feed the baby. Now that breastfeeding is established, you can express and store your breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer. Try different options to find the most convenient time for pumping in your daily routine. Some mothers manage to pump more breast milk in the morning when the baby wakes up after a long night’s sleep. For others, it’s best to express 60 minutes after feeding. Remember that everyone is different. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get enough milk the first time: it’s possible that you’ll be able to express enough for one feeding in just two or three pumpings. As with feeding, it may take time for your body to adjust to pumping.
• Take your pump with you, , if you plan to skip a feed. Even if you leave your baby with expressed milk, but will be absent for more than two hours, you will need to empty your breast. Pump at the same frequency as you would breastfeed your baby. This will support milk production and prevent discomfort. Express milk regularly throughout the day without waiting for your breasts to overflow. ¹ Most electronic breast pumps are battery operated, so you don’t have to look for an outlet nearby.

Problem #2. How to continue breastfeeding after returning to work?

You will probably have to leave your baby more often and for longer when you go to work, so it’s especially important to find ways to continue breastfeeding and pumping that work for both of you. As mentioned above, you can build up a supply of breastmilk before you go to work and then pump regularly to support milk production, prevent discomfort, and make sure your baby has enough pumped milk the next day. Many companies now provide dedicated pumping rooms, and modern breast pumps work efficiently and reliably. If you have a regular work schedule or work part-time, you can still breastfeed your baby before and after work and at night.

Solutions

• Express as often as you would feed your baby. This will help maintain milk production and prevent discomfort, as well as reduce the risk of clogged milk ducts, mastitis and breast swelling. ¹
• Try double pumping. Double pumping not only takes half the time, but also produces an average of 18% more milk than pumping from each breast in sequence. Milk is more nutritious and has a higher fat content. ²
• Assemble and bring to work the set, which includes a breast pump, milk storage bags and, if desired, a bustier top for hands-free pumping. You will also need a cooler bag to carry your expressed milk.
• Know your rights. In many countries, the law allows women to express and safely store breast milk at work. Discuss these options with your employer before returning to work. This will get you both ready.

Problem #3. It seems to me that the baby suckles only for pleasure

Sometimes you may feel that the baby takes your breast in order to calm down, and not to eat. However, do not forget that breastfeeding is not only nutrition, it is also comfort for your baby. “Soothing suckling” (when the baby suckles but does not eat milk) helps the baby to calm down and relax. Remember that a sudden increase in the frequency or duration of feedings may indicate insufficient milk production. However, if the baby continues to gain weight and you use enough diapers a day, this is unlikely.

Solution

• Please be patient. The baby needs your care – listen to his needs and support him. Usually, the period of soothing suckling does not last too long, but it allows the child to feel your love and protection – and this is the best thing you can give him.

Problem #4. I want to switch from mixed to exclusive breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is so good for you and your baby that it’s worth trying to fight for it. However, if you have rarely fed lately, your milk production may have been reduced. If your baby has only been mixed-fed for a couple of weeks, you will most likely be able to restore enough milk. Contact a lactation consultant or medical specialist who will help you and give you the necessary advice. This is a very individual process that depends on many factors. In any case, do not despair, because every drop of your milk is important for the child.

Solutions ^1.3

• Increase milk production. Try to put the baby to the breast more often, because the more milk the baby consumes, the more milk is produced. You can also express milk additionally. As mentioned earlier, double pumping in particular helps increase milk production.
• Be in physical contact with your baby as much as possible. As in the first days after childbirth, close physical contact with the baby promotes the production of the hormone oxytocin, which in turn triggers milk production. It will also make both of you feel more calm and relaxed.
• Reduce the number of formula feedings gradually. Resist the urge to stop supplementing with formula right away. If you gave your baby formula after each breastfeed, start giving it every other time until milk production rises. Keep a close eye on the number of soiled diapers and weight gain during this transition period. It is likely that at first the child will ask for the breast more often, and this is absolutely normal.
• Speak with a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. He will be able to help you and strengthen your confidence that your baby gets everything he needs.

Problem #5. My child has lost interest in the breast

If your child, who always ate with appetite, suddenly began to refuse the breast for no apparent reason, this is a false refusal, the so-called “strike”. You may assume that he is ready to switch to solid foods, or that he does not like your milk anymore, but this is most likely not the case. It’s just that the child develops vision, and now he is more distracted by the world around him. Or maybe something frightened the child during feeding, or he reacts to a violation of the regimen, perhaps he has a stuffy nose or teething. What you take for lack of interest may actually mean that your baby has simply learned to breastfeed more effectively and therefore takes less time to suckle.

Solutions

• Please be patient. False rejection is usually a temporary phenomenon that resolves after a few days. To provide the baby with the necessary nutrition during this period, give him expressed milk.
• Find a quieter feeding area with as few distractions as possible. Baby is more likely to eat better if he can relax and focus on his chest.
• Check in which position you feed. The baby may refuse to breastfeed if he is uncomfortable or unable to move his head to breathe during feeding.
• Express milk to keep it flowing . You can try feeding your baby with expressed breast milk using the Medela Calma smart pacifier.
• Do not start formula or solid foods. Supplementing with formula can lead to reduced milk production and will only make matters worse. If your baby is regularly fed with expressed milk and is growing well, and the number of soiled diapers is normal, try not to worry. If the baby is less than six months old, you should not give him solid food: his digestive system is not yet strong and may not be ready for such a load.
• Do not force-feed. Try to relax and be in skin-to-skin contact with your baby as much as possible, hug him and often offer the breast so that he can take it on his own. The release of oxytocin that body contact triggers will also help you pump. ⁴

Related content: Breastfeeding: what to expect after the first month

Literature

1 Kent JC et al. Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. J Obstet , Gynecol , & Neonatal Nurs . 2012;41(1):114-121. – Kent J.S. et al., “Principles for Maintaining and Increasing Breast Milk Production”. G Obstet Ginecol Neoneutal Nurs. 2012;41(1):114-121.

2 Prime DK et al. Simultaneous breast expression in breastfeeding women is more efficacious than sequential breast expression. Breast Med . 2012;7(6):442-447. – Prime D.K. et al., “During the breastfeeding period, pumping both breasts simultaneously is more productive than sequential pumping.” Brest Med (Breastfeeding Medicine).