How to Use Ameda

Breastfeeding mothers often find a breast pump is either a convenient addition or an absolute necessity. Moms can choose from a manual pump, a hospital-grade pump or a personal electric pump. Ameda produces a hospital-grade pump available for rent, but Ameda personal electric pumps are common choices. Using a breast pump for the first time be daunting, but the process is fairly simple. Issues with milk supply or problems with pumping not related to the breast pump might require the assistance of a lactation consultant.

Instructions

1

Sterilize the parts of the collection kit before using it for the first time. Immerse the parts in boiling water for 20 minutes. Do not boil the white cap, tubing or pump connector. These parts will not come into contact with breast milk and could be damaged from the sterilization process.

2

Assemble the collection kit by attaching the collection bottles to the breast flanges. The flanges resemble horns. The bottles screw onto the end of the flange. Place the diaphragm in the piston chamber and close it with the white cap. Insert the connector at the end of the tube into the input slot on the pump.

3

Turn on the machine and adjust the suction dial to the lowest setting. Having the suction going will help to properly position the flanges. Place the "horn" over the breast, with the nipple centered inside the chamber. The nipple and surrounding tissue should fill the chamber. Horns with smaller or larger flange chambers can be ordered separately to best fit the user. Maintain a slightly downward tilt while holding the collection cups in place to facilitate milk flow.

4

Adjust the cycles per minute speed using the cycle dial between low and high, determined by your comfort level. Adjust the suction dial to the highest comfortable setting. Faster cycles and/or higher suction stimulates faster letdown for some mothers, but the vacuum and pressure should not hurt. Lower the suction or cycles if you feel pain.

5

Store the breast milk as desired and disassemble the collection kit. Wash everything except the tubing, pump connector and white cap. The parts are dishwasher safe, but Ameda recommends hand-washing and drying to prolong the life of the components.