Breast Pumping Guide
YOUR GUIDE TO BREAST PUMPING
Breast pumping is an important
part of your motherhood journey.
At Ameda, it is our mission to help moms through their breastfeeding
journey, whether they’re experienced or just beginning. This guide will help
answer common questions about breast pumping and more.
Choosing the Right Pump
When it comes to choosing a breast pump, be sure to know what features matter most to you. There are so many options for breast pumps today, and you need to be sure you’re buying the right one for your lifestyle.
Breast Pumping on Milk 101
We don’t expect you to have all of the answers as a first-time mom (or even an experienced one). Our blog features posts about breastfeeding, breast pumping, and other topics to help you along the way. You aren’t alone in this journey, Mom!
QUESTION
Why should I use a breast pump?
You may need to use a breast pump to express (take milk from your breasts) and store your breast milk when separated from your baby. This can happen when you return to work or are apart from your baby for other reasons.
QUESTION
How does a breast pump work?
A breast pump extracts milk from the breasts by creating a seal around the nipple. Then it applies and releases suction to the nipple, which expresses milk from the breast. This suction is similar to a baby suckling at the breast. Each suction and release combination is called a cycle.
QUESTION
How often do I need to pump?
To establish good milk production, you’ll need to breastfeed or breast pump about eight times every 24 hours. Find times throughout your day that work with your schedule to pump. With that frequency of pumping, you’ll need a pump that is reliable and convenient.
QUESTION
How long should I breastfeed my baby?
According to guidelines from health officials and reliable organizations, moms should solely breastfeed their babies for at least six months before introducing other foods in addition to breastmilk. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the more protection they have for their overall health.
QUESTION
What’s an open system breast pump?
An open system does not have a barrier between the wet side and dry side. Without a barrier, moisture from the humidity produced by pumping your warm milk can get into the tubing and breast pump motor. Organisms such as mold, bacteria and viruses thrive and grow in moist environments.
QUESTION
What’s a closed system breast pump?
A closed system should have a barrier between the wet side and dry side. This barrier helps in preventing moisture from getting in to the tubing and pump motor. So, there should be no need to clean and dry the tubing and your breast milk will stay safe.
QUESTION
How do I use my pump?
Follow the instructions for use that come with your breast pump. There will be different settings that you can control with your pump to personalize each pumping session. Find the right settings that feel comfortable to you.
QUESTION
How do I store breast milk?
The CDC and other health organizations have guidelines for storing breast milk at the proper temperatures and durations. Click below for more information on these recommendations to store breast milk properly.
Universal HygieniKit™ Milk Collection System
TRUE CLOSED PROTECTION SYSTEM
With the Ameda HygieniKit Milk Collection System, you get Proven Airlock Protection™ provided by the silicone diaphragm. The diaphragm has proven to be an effective barrier between the breast flange and the pump tubing. This helps to stop milk, moisture, and air from crossing in either direction. If the pump motor or tubing is contaminated during a prior use, the diaphragm protects your collected breast milk.
The Ameda HygieniKit makes cleaning simple. After every use, you’ll only need to clean your breast flanges, valves, diaphragms and bottles. Pump tubing, adapter caps and the tubing adapter should not need to be washed when used as instructed.
CustomFit Flange System
Every mother needs a good breast flange fit for greater comfort and better milk flow. The breast flange is the piece held to your breast during pumping. What determines a breast flange’s size—and your fit— is the width of its opening. With a good fit, you should see space around your nipple during pumping as it moves freely in the breast flange’s tunnel. With a tight fit, your nipple may rub along the tunnel’s sides or move very little.
The Ameda CustomFit Flange System makes it easy to find a good flange fit by offering seven sizes that adapt to all Ameda Breast Pumps and Kits. Research has found that nearly one third of mothers who pump report greater comfort and more milk with a larger-than-standard breast flange size.
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