Health & Wellness

Health Tips

Tips for the Exclusive Pumping Mother

Congratulations on your new baby and for choosing to give your baby the best nutrition available. We want you to be successful!

Start pumping immediately after the birth of your baby. Do lots of skin to skin.
You will want to pump at least 8-10 times a day. And you should be waking during the night to pump as well.
Do not be discouraged if you do not see a lot at first, keep pumping.
Sit in a quiet environment and have your baby close while you pump. If you are away from your baby, look at their picture or video while you pump.
Pumping should not be painful. You should feel a gentle tug and pull.
A hospital grade pump is best, but you can purchase a good pump as well. Your insurance may even cover the cost of the breast pump. We can help you with selecting the right pump for you.
You will have more milk in the morning. Pump more frequently in the morning.
You can use warm compresses and gentle massage prior to pumping to increase the amount of expressed milk.

Online Resources

By Phyllis Kombol, RNC, MSN, IBCLC; Judith Lauwers, BA, IBCLC; Patricia Berg-Drazin, IBCLC