Tag: pumping

Pump Flanges: Size Matters

- Julie Matheney

The history of the 24mm pump flange is closely linked to the evolution of breast pump technology. Breast pumps have been around for over a century, but significant advancements began in the 20th century. Early breast pumps were manual, cumbersome, and often inefficient.

In the mid-20th century, electric breast pumps were introduced, revolutionizing breastfeeding by making it easier and more efficient to express milk. However, these early models were still quite rudimentary in design.

The 1980s and 1990s saw significant improvements in breast pump technology, with companies like Medela and Ameda leading the way. During this period, a range of flange sizes was developed to accommodate different nipple and breast sizes. The 24mm flange size became a standard option, as it was thought to fit a significant portion of women effectively. However, over time, it has become evident that the 24mm size is often too large for many women. Research and user feedback have shown that the majority of women actually require smaller flange sizes for a proper fit and comfort.

The predominance of the 24mm flange as a default size reflects an initial lack of understanding and support for the anatomical diversity among breastfeeding mothers. Many women experience discomfort and inefficient milk expression due to using flanges that are too large. This mismatch can lead to reduced milk supply and a negative breastfeeding experience.

Today, there is a growing awareness of the need for a wider variety of flange sizes that truly support the diverse needs of breastfeeding mothers. Companies are increasingly offering smaller flange sizes and more customizable options to ensure a proper fit for all users. This shift towards inclusivity and better support for all anatomical variations marks a significant improvement in the breast pump industry, aiming to enhance the breastfeeding experience through better technology and design.

Alternatives to bottle feeding a baby: Cup feeding

- Julie Matheney

Cup feeding involves using a small, open cup to feed a baby. The baby sips or laps the milk from the cup, much like how an adult would drink. This method is often recommended for newborns, especially preterm infants, or when direct breastfeeding is not possible.

When is Cup Feeding Used?

Cup feeding can be an appropriate option in several scenarios:

- **Premature Babies**: For babies born prematurely who may have difficulty latching onto the breast.

- **Transitioning from Tube Feeding**: To help babies transition from nasogastric tube feeding to oral feeding.

- **Temporary Separation**: When the mother is temporarily unable to breastfeed due to medical reasons or separation.

- **Avoiding Nipple Confusion**: To prevent nipple confusion in breastfed babies who need supplementation.

Benefits of Cup Feeding

  1. Preserves Breastfeeding Skills: Unlike bottle feeding, which can cause nipple confusion, cup feeding allows babies to maintain their breastfeeding suckling patterns. This makes it easier for them to transition back to the breast.

2. **Encourages Natural Feeding Behaviors**: Babies can control the pace of their feeding, similar to breastfeeding. This can reduce the risk of overfeeding and helps babies develop their feeding cues.

3. **Avoids Nipple Confusion**: Since cup feeding doesn’t involve artificial nipples, it helps avoid nipple confusion, making it easier for the baby to switch between breast and cup.

4. **Promotes Oral Development**: The use of cup feeding supports the development of the baby's oral muscles, which are important for speech and eating solid foods later on.

5. **Simple and Accessible**: Cup feeding requires minimal equipment – just a small cup. It’s easy to clean and sterilize, making it a hygienic option.

How to Cup Feed a Baby

Cup feeding requires patience and proper technique to ensure the baby feeds safely and effectively. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Prepare the Cup**: Use a small, clean cup. A medicine cup or a small shot glass works well. Fill the cup with a small amount of breast milk or formula.

2. **Hold the Baby Upright**: Position the baby in an upright, seated position. Support their head and neck with one hand.

3. **Offer the Cup**: Hold the cup at the baby’s lips, tilting it just enough so that the milk touches their lips. Allow the baby to lap or sip the milk at their own pace. Do not pour the milk into the baby’s mouth, as this can cause choking.

4. **Take Breaks**: Give the baby time to swallow and breathe. Watch for their cues to know when they need a break or are full.

5. **Burp the Baby**: After feeding, gently burp the baby to release any swallowed air.

#### Safety Considerations

- **Supervision**: Always supervise your baby closely during cup feeding to prevent choking.

- **Hygiene**: Ensure the cup is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before each use.

- **Small Amounts**: Start with small amounts of milk to avoid spillage and waste.

Cup feeding can be an excellent alternative to bottle feeding, offering numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. It supports breastfeeding efforts, promotes natural feeding behaviors, and aids in the baby's oral development. With proper technique and patience, cup feeding can be a successful and rewarding feeding method. If you’re considering cup feeding, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide additional guidance and support.

Do I need to use pump flange spray while pumping?

- Julie Matheney

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding but challenging journey, especially when it comes to using a breast pump. One often overlooked aspect that can significantly enhance your pumping experience is lubrication. Here's why lubrication is essential while using a breast pump:

1. **Prevents Nipple Damage**: Dry pumping can lead to friction, which may cause nipple soreness, cracking, and irritation. Using a lubricant can help reduce this friction, keeping your nipples healthy and comfortable.

2. **Enhances Comfort**: Lubrication can make the pumping process much more comfortable. A smoother, less abrasive experience means you’re more likely to stick with your pumping routine, ensuring your baby gets the nourishment they need.

3. **Improves Suction Efficiency**: A properly lubricated nipple can help create a better seal with the pump flange. This can enhance the efficiency of the pump, allowing for better milk extraction in less time.

4. **Reduces Pumping Time**: When the pump is working efficiently and comfortably, you may find that your pumping sessions take less time. This can be a significant benefit for busy moms juggling multiple responsibilities.

5. **Prevents Plugged Ducts**: Consistent lubrication can help maintain a steady flow of milk and prevent issues such as plugged ducts, which can be painful and may lead to mastitis if not addressed.

### How to Properly Lubricate

1. **Choose a Safe Lubricant**: Opt for a nipple-friendly lubricant such as medical-grade lanolin, coconut oil, or a water-based lubricant specifically designed for breastfeeding. Avoid using lotions or products with fragrances and additives.

2. **Apply Before Pumping**: Before you start pumping, apply a small amount of the lubricant to your nipples and the inner part of the pump flange. Ensure even coverage without over-applying.

3. **Reapply as Needed**: If you’re pumping for extended periods, you may need to reapply the lubricant to maintain comfort and efficiency.

4. **Keep Clean**: Ensure that your pump parts are clean before applying the lubricant. Proper hygiene can prevent infections and ensure the longevity of your pump.

5. **Consult a Professional**: If you’re unsure about which lubricant to use or how to apply it, consult a lactation consultant for personalized advice and recommendations.

Incorporating lubrication into your pumping routine can make a significant difference in your comfort and efficiency. By taking this simple step, you can ensure a more pleasant and productive pumping experience, ultimately supporting your breastfeeding goals and your baby’s health.

How long is my breast pump good for?

- Julie Matheney
IMG_2653

Your pump motor has a warranty for the number of hours it will provide strong suction for pumping. Each company has a different motor warranty for how long their pump will suck. Most pumps have a 2 year warranty for regular use (3-4 pumps a day while working a 5 day a week job) and this would get you through pumping while breastfeeding that baby. Each manufacturer should have this information on their website or in the pamphlet that came with your pump. The Spectra, one of my favorite pumps and very commonly used, has a motor life of approx 1500 hours with general use. For most, they find this pump will provide good suction for about 3-4 years. For Exclusive Pumpers (EP), many find the pump will wear out around 700-800 hours of use. If you only occasionally pumped with your first baby, you may find the pump works great for your second baby. You may also then get a different pump, like a portable or wearable. But if you pumped a lot, consider getting a new pump for each new baby born.

How long did you use your pump for before it wore out?

Used pumps are considered electronic waste. Disposal options include recycling through the manufacturer, or contacting your local recycling center or electronic recycling site to see if they will accept it.

#spectrabreastpump #spectra #breastpump #breastpumping #pumpingmom #pumpingmilk #pumpingtips #pumpprincess #breastmilkstorage #breastmilksupply

 

Ready to WEAN FROM PUMPING? Click here for more information.

Pumping is not an indication of milk supply

- Julie Matheney

Hey you!!! Yes, you, the one pumping milk at 2am. Just a reminder pumping volumes are not a true indicator of your milk supply and don’t determine your work as a parent. There are many factors that go in to how much you can pump. Pump quality, the flanges you’re using, how you’re setting up the pump session, how long it was since your last session, time of day, medications, and where you’re at on your period all play a role in how much milk you will see in the bottles. 

Pumps were designed after babies and not the other way around. And they’re not usually as efficient as an efficiently feeding baby. A baby with no tongue or lip tie and a strong suck can remove more milk and trigger more milk to be made better than commercially purchased pumps. 

I expect you to be able to pump 1/4-1oz combined from both breasts when pumping after directly breastfeeding and 2-4oz every 2-3 hours when pumping in place of breastfeeding. Your worth is not measured in ounces. Nor is it measured by what that other lady on social media can pump. You’ve got this. Trust your baby and trust your body. 

If you’re struggling with pumping or how to understand the process better, consider taking my Pumped class. Or a personal flange fitting both in person and virtual.

Pump flange fit

- Julie Matheney

Finding the right size pump flange is essential. I’ve found there are 3 F’s to Flange Fitting:

FIT:  🗝Flange fit isn’t based on your breast or areola size, it is JUST the size of the nipple and how it changes with suction

🗝Proper fit isn’t as simple as measuring your nipple, but it’s a start.

🗝A small amount of space around your nipple in the flange tunnel is good. There should be no space around the areola or in the larger bell part of the flange 

🗝The nipple tip shouldn’t hit the back of the flange. This means you have an elastic nipple

FEEL: 🗝Pain or blanching (changing colors to white or red) means it’s the wrong size

🗝Nipples rubbing against the sides of the flange tunnel mean fit needs to be improved and there is a risk of pain and damage

FUNCTION: 🗝It should actually move your milk efficiently. If you feel like there’s still milk left after pumping, you’re getting recurrent plugs or seeing a drop in supply, it’s not functioning well for you and changing the size should help

🗝Every nipple is unique and each side may use a different size (or shape/brand!). There are all kinds of flange sizes, inserts, and cushions to improve the pump experience

Which is the best breast pump?

- Julie Matheney

Pumps are machines designed to help establish and maintain milk supply to feed your baby. They are not perfect and no where near as efficient as a baby If they are not used correctly they can fail you (and your supply). Make sure you’re using the correct sized flange and alternating between the settings. Pumps don’t measure milk supply. They also don’t measure your worth as a parent. If your milk supply dropped because of the pump, the pump failed you. You are not a failure.

Pumps are a modern invention and are far from perfect. They’re still seem like rotary telephone technology in an iPhone generation. The first pump was patented in 1854, and the second patent in 1864 was literally for cows. New pumps were created every few years, typically as improved medical devices used to treat inverted nipples and to help babies who were too small or too weak to nurse, but comfort was not the priority. Widely available products for personal or home use have really only been around for about 30 years. It wasn’t until 1991 (around the time most of y’all who are reading this were born) that the Swiss manufacturer Medela introduced its first electric-powered, vacuum-operated breast pump in the US for personal use. Prior to that pumps were limited to select hospitals. Pumps have become such a common tool that many of us think you have to pump if you want to be successful at breastfeeding. While pumping may be needed for some to help establish and maintain supply or for when away from baby, if all is going well and you’re with your baby there’s never a need to pump.

Best bottle for the breastfed baby

- Julie Matheney

DON’T FALL FOR THE MARKETING

There are lots of bottles on the market. And so many of them are marketed to be “most like the breast”. Let me tell you a secret. There is no bottle that works like the breast. Don’t fall for the marketing. The breast is a complex organ that works with hormones, compression, suction, positive and negative pressure. It is controlled by the baby and how the baby sucks. Baby can make your milk flow or not depending on how they suck. It is never empty and constantly making more. It is hormone driven. A bottle is passive. It has a hole that will drip when turned over. Your nipple changes shape to fill baby’s mouth. Your nipple can help fill a high palate. your nipple and a good portion of your areola/breast also need to be in baby’s mouth in a deep latch for milk to be transferred. Your nipple should go in round and come out round. Baby’s tongue should cup and protrude past the lower gums and stay out to massage your nipple/breast in their mouth Baby has to change the shape of their tongue to accommodate the firm bottle nipple. Baby can chomp or mash the nipple and doesn’t need to keep the tongue out because they can compress milk out. Baby can also latch just to the tip of the bottle nipple and still get milk.

We can make the bottle work like the breast, though. By slowing the feeding down or “pacing” the feeding, we can help baby go back and forth between bottle and breast. You want a straight nipple that tapers wide at the base for a “deep” latch. If your baby is just latched to the tip of a bottle nipple they can still get milk. But then their muscles will learn to latch shallow and that’s often why you’ll get a shallow latch with a “small” mouth at the breast. The bottle nipples that are already pinched or tapered are also not good choices. If your nipple came out of baby’s mouth looking like, that you’d have damage within a few days. If your baby struggled at the breast and will only take a bottle nipple that looks flat and pinched there is usually something going on in baby’s mouth and the bottle nipple is compensating for it. Tongue tie is the most common culprit.

LATCHING TO A BOTTLE

Having an optimal latch at the breast reduces nipple pain and prevents damage. Your nipple should go in baby’s mouth round and come out round. If we want to encourage good latch when breastfeeding, we want to do the same when bottle feeding. This helps baby go back and forth without “confusion”.

This can be difficult when a bottle nipple abruptly changes in shape from narrow to wide. Bottle nipples like the Playtex Baby Ventaire Bottle,Tommee Tippee, Avent Natural, Nuby Comfort, and Chicco Naturalfit have narrow nipple tips and wide bases. Babies usually end up latching onto the tip and sucking it like a straw. If baby’s cheeks dimple or suck in when feeding from these bottles, they’re drinking but not demonstrating a wide latch and optimal mouth posture. If they had that same mouth posture on your nipple, they would cause pain and damage. Baby’s don’t drink from the breast like a straw. Conversely, they may try to fit the base of the nipple in their mouth and end up with air pockets where the tip meets the base. This can result in breaking the suction and swallowing excess air while feeding. Nipples like the Nuk Simply Natural and Mam are not round, but pinched or flat. If your nipple looked like that coming out of baby’s mouth we’d be talking about deeper latch or tongue tie.

Bottle nipples that gradually change in shape from narrow at the tip to wider at the base promote a deeper latch. If the nipple stays narrow at the base, like the Similac nipples many hospitals give at birth for supplementing, you’ll want baby’s lips to be able to come up almost to the collar (plastic o-ring base). If the nipple is sloped to gradually widen at the base, baby will be able to get the nipple deeper into their mouth with no air pockets. My favorite sloped nipples include the Pigeon SS Nipple, Lansinoh, Dr Brown’s Original Narrow, Dr Brown’s Wide Neck, Munchkin Latch, and Evenflo Balance, which promote a deeper latch mouth on the nipple.

So what does this mean?! If your baby is already bottle feeding and going back and forth from bottle to breast, don’t sweat it! No need to change anything! If your baby is struggling at the breast and preferring a narrower or non-round nipple, having a full oral motor assessment may help you get back to breast.

If Goldilocks Needed a Breast Pump

- Julie Matheney

IF GOLDILOCKS PUMPED

What pump do you have? What size flange are you using? The answer can make a huge difference in pumping success.

Not all pumps are created equal. Prior to the ACA, there were few pump choices. Once laws said people needed to be provided with a breast pump, and insurance would fit the bill, lots of companies flooded the market with pumps. Not all of them are good, and some will even sabotage your supply. You want a pump with a good motor in it that has lots of variability in the cycle (how fast or slow it pumps) and suction (how strong it sucks).

You also need to be mindful of the flange you’re pumping on. Most companies will send a standard 24mm flange. Sometimes they’ll send a larger size as well. In reality nipples, and thus flanges, are not one size fits all. And in my practice I hardly EVER use the 24 or bigger flanges. For almost all of my families we’re sizing down. Some times significantly smaller.

Flanges are the horn shaped part that actually touch the breast. The fit of the flange can make or break your pumping experience. Too small and friction can cause pain and even damage (and pain makes it difficult for milk to let down). Too large and the breast may not be stimulated well, which inhibits your let down to have milk flow. When too much areola is pulled into the flange, the tissue swells around the nipple pores and can prevent milk from efficiently emptying from the breast, resulting in plugged ducts, pain, tissue breakdown, and eventually a reduced milk supply. Using too large of a flange from the beginning may even prevent you from bringing in a full milk supply. Do you ever pump for 20+ minutes and still feel like there’s milk in there? Most likely too large of a flange. The stimulation from the pump is triggering you to make more milk, but the size of the flange is preventing you from emptying that milk efficiently. Poor flange fit can also impact the suction of your pump and how well it functions with your body. If you have the suction all the way to the highest level and aren’t emptying well, you flange is too big.

Flange fit tips:

Some of the flanges I tried

🗝Flange fit isn’t based on your breast or areola size, it is JUST the size of the nipple and how it changes with suction. Some nipples are dense and don’t stretch much. Some are super elastic and swell a lot. How your nipple responds to suction can make a difference in which flange you select and if other products are needed to happy pump

🗝Proper fit isn’t as simple as measuring your nipple, but it’s a start. See a trained IBCLC to help if you haven’t found the right fit or are struggling with poor output, pain/damage, or plugged ducts

🗝A small amount of space around your nipple in the flange tunnel is good. There should be no space around the areola or in the larger bell part of the flange. If your breast tissue recoils back into the horn part of the flange with every cycle, the flange is too large. If the tissue is white where the tunnel meets the horn, the flange is too small

🗝Pain or blanching means it’s the wrong size

🗝Nipples rubbing against the sides of the flange tunnel mean fit needs to be improved and there is a risk of pain and damage

🗝There should only be a small amount of areola pulled in the flange tunnel space. The bell or horn part will have most of the areola held back so it doesn’t get pulled into the tunnel

🗝The nipple tip shouldn’t hit the back of the flange. This means you have an elastic nipple. Sizing up isn’t necessarily the right answer. Using a pump insert, cushion like @beaugenmom or @pumpinpalofficial may be a better solution

🗝Evaluate as you pump. You can changing flange size mid-pump to improve comfort if you’re between sizes. You may also need to change the flange size the longer you pump. Our nipples can become more elastic and larger or smaller with time.

🗝Every nipple is unique and each side may use a different size (or shape/brand!). There are all kinds of flange sizes, inserts, and cushions to improve the pump experience

Do I need a breast milk stash?

- Julie Matheney

NO STASH NEEDED

If breastfeeding is going well and you’re planning on being home with your baby or only gone for a few hours at a time there is no need to have a huge freezer stash. Having milk in the freezer is a nice security, especially is your have to work or will be away from your baby. But if you’re always with your baby or are only gone for a short while, there is no need to have a stash.

Having the right stash for your family means having enough stashed for when you’re away from your baby. If you’re gone for one feeding, you only need one feeding worth of milk. If you’re gone 2-3 feedings, you need 2-3 feedings worth of milk. If your baby is being bottle feeding while you’re away, you would pump while you’re gone to tell your body the milk is needed. That milk then becomes the stash for the next time that you’re gone.

If you want to have a big stash, great!!! You can absolutely have that as an option. Just don’t feel pressured from other people’s journeys on social media to have something you may not need or use. I’ve had several moms who spent countless hours pumping and stashing only to have to donate or throw out the milk stash because they never used it and it was going to expire. I’ve also had several moms who thought you had to have a stash and were relieved to know they didn’t! Do what is best for you and your baby and not based off of anyone else.

You’ve got this. Trust your body. Trust your baby.