For many breastfeeding parents, ensuring an adequate milk supply is a common concern. While direct breastfeeding remains the most effective way to stimulate milk production, breast pumping can be an invaluable tool to increase your supply, especially if you’re returning to work, dealing with latch issues, or simply aiming to build a freezer stash. The principle behind increasing milk supply through pumping is simple: the more frequently and effectively milk is removed from the breasts, the more milk your body is signalled to produce.
Here’s how to effectively use breast pumping to boost your milk supply:
Pump Frequently and Consistently:
The golden rule of milk supply is “supply and demand.” To tell your body to make more milk, you need to demand it more often.
- “Power Pumping”: This technique mimics cluster feeding, a natural way babies increase supply. Dedicate an hour once a day to power pumping: pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump for 10, rest for 10, pump for 10.
- Add Extra Pumping Sessions: Aim for 1-2 extra pumping sessions per day, in addition to your regular feeds or pumping routine. Early morning, when prolactin levels are naturally higher, can be a particularly effective time.
- Pump After Feeds: After your baby has finished nursing, pump for an additional 10-15 minutes. This signals to your body that more milk is needed.
Ensure Effective Milk Removal:
It’s important to ensure you’re emptying your breasts efficiently; here are some tips to help you do this effectively.
- Use a Hospital-Grade Double Electric Pump: These pumps are designed for regular and efficient milk removal. Double pumping stimulates both breasts simultaneously, which can lead to higher prolactin levels and more milk production.
- Proper Breast Shell Fit: This is crucial! A shell size that is too small or too large can cause pain and prevent effective milk expression. Your nipple should move freely within the tunnel without excessive rubbing, and none of your areola should be drawn in to the tunnel.
- Massage and Compression: While pumping, gently massage your breasts and perform breast compressions. This can help move milk from the ducts and ensure more complete emptying.
- Relaxation: Stress can inhibit oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk let-down. Find a comfortable, quiet place to pump. Looking at pictures of your baby or listening to soothing music can help.
Optimise Your Pumping Sessions:
- Don’t focus on the volume: It’s easy to get discouraged by small output, especially when trying to increase supply. Focus on consistency and effectiveness rather than immediate volume. Remember: in the early stages baby needs little and often, enabling your supply to gradually build over time.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
- Prioritise Rest: While challenging with a new baby, adequate rest can positively impact your milk supply.
How Ardo Medical Can Help You on Your Pumping Journey
At Ardo Medical, we understand the dedication and effort involved in pumping and breastfeeding, especially when trying to increase milk supply. Our range of breast pumps and accessories are designed with both efficiency and comfort in mind, empowering you to achieve your milk supply goals.
- Finding the Perfect Breast Pump: When choosing a breast pump, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how it fits into your daily routine. At Ardo, we offer a wide range to suit every need, from our reliable Calypso electric pump to modern, wearable options like the Melia. If you’re looking to boost supply, the Alyssa Hands-Free features a built-in power pumping programme, allowing you to set a routine at the touch of a button, all while staying hands-free.
- Hospital-Grade Performance for Home Use: Used across NHS hospitals, and rented at home by thousands of mums, the Ardo Carum is renowned for its hospital-grade performance. It’s gentle, yet highly effective for expression, especially in the early days when you’re establishing your supply. With individual vacuum and cycle settings, it allows you to customise your pumping experience to find what works best for your body, ensuring optimal milk removal.
- Comfortable and Fit for Every Mother: We emphasise the importance of correct breast shell size. Our Ardo breast shells & inserts are available in a wide range of sizes, from 13mm to 36mm, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for comfortable and efficient milk expression. Our soft silicone massage inserts further enhance comfort and stimulate milk flow.
- Quiet and Discreet Operation: We know that pumping can sometimes feel like a chore. Our pumps are designed to be exceptionally quiet, allowing for discreet pumping sessions at home or in the workplace, helping you to relax.
- Closed System for Hygiene and Safety: All Ardo breast pumps feature a “Vacuum Seal Technology” closed system. This means no milk can enter the pump tubing or motor, preventing contamination and ensuring the highest standards of hygiene for both you and your baby.
- Support and Resources: Beyond our products, we are committed to supporting breastfeeding parents. We provide comprehensive guides and resources to help you understand how to use your pump effectively and troubleshoot any challenges you may encounter.
Increasing milk supply with breast pumping is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and support with the right tools. By incorporating these strategies and leveraging the advanced features and comfort provided by Ardo Medical breast pumps, you can confidently work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy milk supply for your baby. We are here to support you every step of the way.
