Manual Breast Pump Technique

Many nursing mothers find that they need to pump at some point during their nursing relationship. For some, pumping is necessary upon returning to work, while other moms want extra milk for an evening out or they need to relieve some of the pressure of engorged breasts. While double electric pumps are ideal for pumping, sometimes budget or circumstances (like the power being out) dictate using a manual breast pump. Practice and being aware of technique can help manual pumping to be more successful for you and your baby.

Relax

The most important part of successful pumping is practicing relaxation. When you are getting ready to pump, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, releasing tension each time you exhale. Some moms find that sniffing a piece of their baby's clothing or holding a baby toy helps them to feel more connected to their baby as they relax and get ready to pump.

Massage

Once you have relaxed, you will need to prepare your breasts for releasing milk. You can help the breast to soften in preparation for let-down by practicing breast massage before you pump. Move your hand in circular motions all the way around your breast. Be sure to stay relaxed and breathe deeply.

Visualization

When you are pumping, be sure to use visualization to your advantage. Visualize your baby nursing at the breast or think about flowing rivers of milk in order to encourage your body to release milk. If you can trick your body into responding to the pump in a similar way to the way it would respond to your baby, you should be able to collect more milk during your pumping session.

Speed and Suction

When you first attach the manual breast pump to your nipple, begin pumping with fast, shallow motions. These motions will resemble the way the babies suck at the beginning of a nursing session in order to get you to let-down. Once you feel your breasts let-down and see milk beginning to drip into your collection container, begin pumping with slower deeper motions. This will help to draw out as much breast milk as possible during your pumping session.

Multiple Let-Downs

Many moms find that they can achieve more than one let-down while using a manual breast pump. Once you have experienced a let-down, go back to using the shorter, faster motions while pumping. Continue visualizing your baby nursing and within three to five minutes you might find that you have a second let-down. When you do, go back to using the slower, deeper pumping motions. If you find that you leak from the other breast while pumping, be sure to place a collection receptacle beneath the breast that you are not pumping so that you do not lose any precious breast milk.