As an extension of my previous post, Getting Started, I’d like to provide you with some more general information regarding pumping.  Please continue to keep in mind that every woman, baby, nursing, and pumping relationship is different.  Not all advise I’ve included worked for me, however much of it did. The part that seems to vary from women to women is the pump and suction setting.

This section includes what I feel is the most valuable advice for an exclusive pumper, using Olive Oil has prevented me from lots and lots of pain.  If you have a busy schedule or need/want to multi-task you may want to pay special attention to the Hands Free part.  Now to the advice!

General

• Know your body, Some women find that pumping more often for shorter periods works the best, and others pump longer apart for longer times.  I heard that if you get pregnant easily you have a better chance at a good supply, and if you have a larger breast you make milk slower but can typically hold more, and if you are smaller you tend to make milk faster but don’t hold as much.  Play that to your advantage in terms of when to pump.
• You do not need to sterilize equipment very often if your baby is healthy.  I boiled the equipment once or twice with each kid.  To save time I kept the pump parts attached and in the fridge after each use, then washed with soap and water in the evening.
• When cleaning the pump parts, if you keep the pump parts in the fridge between pumping or don’t clean them right away milk tends to stick.  I found the small brushes that came with the Dr Brown’s bottles works great.
• Olive Oil is your friend (You can use Vegetable Oil as well).  Putting a little on the Horn or the base of the nipple can help prevent blisters, redness and pain in general.  It’s safe for babies and all your need is a little.  I kept a jar in my pump bag.  One thing to note, make sure you wipe it off good after each pumping otherwise you’ll get an oil stain on your bra (or use nursing pads).
• Going Hands Free can help a lot.  You can get more work done and there are several different methods.  You can get hands free bra’s or make your own.  I used the Freemie system that went into my regular bra and replaced the traditional horns.  Each side of it holds 4 oz, and it has slightly less suction than the pump itself.  Keep an eye on it, if you spill any out or hook it up wrong milk could get into the tubing.
• If milk gets into the tubing, run water through it, and swing it above your head like a cow-girl and yell “Yea haw” (Ok, you don’t need to yell that, but in the stress of pumping sometimes a little laugh is good).  Let dry, and use a spare if you have one.
• Play around with suction, never start with it on high; most women only turn it up about half way.  If it gets un-comfortable or hurts turn the suction down.  Also play around with the stimulation phase, some women find that using it after a letdown will help get another.
• If you find you’re having problems pumping try taking a hot shower or bath to relax, then pump right after.
• Drink responsibly, there are alcohol testing strips you can get to make sure your milk is safe for the baby.  They say it’s best to drink while you feed the baby because alcohol seeps into your milk the say way it does your blood.  If you want to have a night of drinking, pump extra milk beforehand so you don’t feel guilty.
• Have a hand pump in the bag in case of a power outage or lack of outlet.  If your pump has a battery pack, keep some spares in there as well.

If you haven’t read the previous post on Getting Started you might want to check it out.  Also look for the next post on Increasing your supply and future posts on Traveling and Freezing milk.