If you are going to pump frequently, because you are working or your baby is in the hospital for a long time, you should consider purchasing or renting a good quality pump. The hospital grade pumps which are available for rental do the best job. You can pump both breasts at the same time which will cut the time you spend pumping in half. Breast pump rental is available in most locations.

Manually or battery operated breast pumps may be fine for occasional pumping, but in general, they are not effective for long term use. They vary widely in comfort, the amount of milk they pump and their ability to help you maintain your breastmilk supply.

Pumping Tips:

• Pump at the times your baby feeds if you are away from her



• To increase the amount of milk pump in a quiet place, apply warm compresses to your breasts and try gentle breast massage before pumping.



• Don't be discouraged if the initial quantity of milk is low. Regular pumpingwill usually produce a good milk supply within 2 weeks.



• Store milk in the amounts your baby will eat in a single feeding. Try 2 ounce to 4 ounce portions. Small amounts thaw faster and less milk will be wasted if your baby consumes less than usual.
  
  
• If you are pumping at work, refrigerate (or use a portable cooler bag) the milk pumped on Monday to send to daycare on Tuesday, etc.



• Breastmilk can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 72 hours. If it won't be used within that time period, freeze it. You can use any clean container. Plastic storage bags or bottles (if your baby uses them) are good options.
  
  
• If you are going to be pumping and storing breastmilk regularly, consider getting plastic bags designed for breastmilk collection. Fold the top over several times and seal with freezer tape. Place smaller bags in a larger bag to help protect against punctures. Some bags come with twist ties for sealing and are strong enough that they don't need to be double bagged.
  
  
• Mark the date and amount on each container.
  
  
• Freezing breastmilk: Safe storage length depends on the temperature of your freezer and where you keep it.

  These are the LLL Guidelines:

  • Freezer compartment located inside a refrigerator--2 weeks
  • Separate door refrigerator/freezer--3 or 4 months (temperature varies because the door opens frequently)
  • Separate deep freeze at constant -19 degrees C (0 degrees F) 6 months or longer
    Source: LaLeche League International
  
  
  
• Defrosted milk may be kept for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. freezer.
  
  
• Leave some space at the top of the container. Like most liquids, breastmilk expands as it freezes.
  
  
• To thaw breastmilk, place it in a pan of warm water for a few minutes or hold under warm running water.
  
  
• Never use a microwave to thaw or warm breastmilk.
  
  
• Don't boil breastmilk
  
  
• Gently swirl the thawed breastmilk to mix the fat that has risen to the top back into the milk
  
  
• Breastmilk can be kept safely at room temperature for several hours