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Pumping and storing breastmilkWhether you're going back to work, want to have your partner help with feedings, or want to make sure you have breastmilk for your baby if you are away for a few hours, you will need to pump and store your breastmilk. Get tips on pumping your milk and storing it safely. Pumping your breastmilkIf you are unable to breastfeed your baby directly, make sure to pump during the times your baby would normally eat. This will help you to continue making milk. Before you pump, wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Make sure the area where you are pumping and your pump parts and bottles are clean. You do not need to wash your breasts and nipples before pumping. If you need help to get your milk to start flowing without your baby there, you can:
Pumping: Ways to express your milk by hand or pump
* You can rent an electric pump from a lactation consultant at a local hospital or from a breastfeeding organization. This type of pump works well for creating a milk supply when a new baby can't feed at the breast. Mothers who have struggled with other pumping methods may find that these pumps work well for them. Most insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. You may be offered a rental or a new one for you to keep. Your plan may provide guidance on whether the covered pump is manual or electric, how long the coverage of a rented pump lasts, and when they'll provide the pump (before or after you have the baby). Learn more about your breastfeeding benefits at HealthCare.gov and talk to your insurance company to learn their specific policies on breast pumps. Storage of breastmilkAfter each pumping, you can:
When storing breastmilk, use breastmilk storage bags, which are made for freezing human milk. You can also use clean glass or hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Do not use containers with the recycle number 7, which may contain BPA. Do not use disposable bottle liners or other plastic bags to store breastmilk. Storage bottles or bags to refrigerate or freeze your breastmilk also qualify as tax-deductible breastfeeding gear. Most insurance plans must cover breastfeeding supplies, such as storage bags, in addition to breast pumps. Call your insurance company to learn more. View our guide to storing fresh breastmilk or learn tips for freezing milk. Storage: Tips for freezing milk
Storage: Tips for thawing and warming up milk
Guide to storing fresh breastmilk for use with healthy, full-term babies
Source: Adapted from 7th Edition American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Pediatric Nutrition Handbook (2014); 2nd Edition AAP/American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Breastfeeding Handbook for Physicians (2014); Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) Clinical Protocol #8 Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants (2017); CDC Human Milk Storage Guidelines (2018). Guide to storing thawed breastmilkDid we answer your question about pumping and storing breastmilk?All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated. Page last updated: February 22, 2021 How many times a day should you pump while breastfeeding?The majority of new mothers get the most milk early in the day. Plan to pump at least 8-10 times in a 24-hour period (if exclusively pumping) You can pump in-between, or immediately after, breastfeeding. Make sure the pump flanges are the right size.
What is a good breastfeeding and pumping schedule?If you're primarily breastfeeding:. Pump in the morning. Many moms get the most milk first thing in the morning.. Pump between breastfeeding, either 30-60 minutes after nursing or at least one hour before breastfeeding. ... . If your baby wants to breastfeed right after breast pumping, let them!. Is it OK to pump while breastfeeding?If the baby is ready to eat, however, you may need to wait until after the feeding to pump. Pumping after a feeding will give you milk with a higher fat content (hindmilk). Or, you could try nursing the baby on one breast while pumping the other at the same time.
Should you pump before or after you breastfeed?It's generally best to pump after breastfeeding. That way your little one can have their fill first, you'll be able to empty your breasts fully after, and your breasts will have maximum time to refill before the next feed!
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