How to Wean off Breastmilk With Pumping

Breast pumping usually takes 15 minutes per breast with an electric pump and 45 minutes with a manual pump. The best pumps will mimic the action of a baby sucking the nipple. The shields included with the pumps come in various sizes, so use smaller shields for small nipples and larger shields for big nipples. This will ensure that you don't pinch and irritate your skin. You can also squirt the milk into a bottle by hand if you only need to provide a minimal amount.

Instructions

Electric Pump

1

Put a breast shield from the electric pump over your nipple. Sit up and lean forward. Turn the machine on. It will begin to express the milk out of your breast for storage in a container, which is already attached to the pump. Form a C with your hand by placing your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other side of you nipple. Compress the areola in a rolling motion.

2

Use a hands-free pumping bra if you want to read a book or do another activity while you are pumping.

3

Set the pump on the lowest setting and then gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. Stay calm and relaxed for the best pumping action, according to babycenter.com.

4

Pour the milk into a bottle and offer it to your baby. It could take a while for your baby to adjust, but hold the bottle close to your nipple at first and eventually your baby will draw milk from the bottle.

Manual Pump

5

Place the breast shield of the pump over your nipple. Sit up and lean forward. (Various styles of manual pumps are available.) Either squeeze the pump or pull the plunger with one hand while using the other hand to secure the shield to your nipple.

6

Form a C with your hand by placing your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other side of your nipple. Compress the areola in a rolling motion. Suction softly until you get the hang of it. It could feel strange at first. You might want to massage your nipple before expressing the milk.

7

Stay calm and relaxed for the best pumping action, according to babycenter.com.

8

Pour the milk into a bottle and offer it to your baby. It could take a while for your baby to adjust, but hold the bottle close to you nipple at first and eventually your baby will draw milk from the bottle.