How to Use a Bulb Type Breast Pump
- 1). Wash your hands before you begin pumping. If you find pumping your breasts to be an uncomfortable experience, the "Breastfeeding Answer Book" recommends applying lanolin over your nipple and areola. Lanolin is safe for both mother and baby and doesn't need to be removed before the baby nurses from the breast.
- 2). Assemble your bulb-style breast pump pieces. To do this, push the valve onto the inner ring of the pump body. Then, screw the bottle onto the pump body. Place the stem handle opening on top of the pump body and push until you feel it snap. Then, place the breastshield into the top opening of the pump body.
- 3). Place the breastshield over your breasts and center it. Don't push too firmly, though, as this could reduce your milk flow. Also, the "Breastfeeding Answer Book" says that if your nipples are too close to the edges of the breastshield, they could rub against the shield and cause you discomfort.
- 4). Massage your breasts before pumping to help stimulate milk flow. Though not necessary, this extra step could help you achieve the milk-ejection reflex more quickly with a manual pump.
- 5). Adjust the bulb or lever until your arm is comfortable. Next, either squeeze the bulb or crank the lever until you reach the speed and vacuum pressure with which you're most comfortable. Generally, double-automatic breast pumps can generate approximately 60 suction cycles per minute; however, with a manual pump, you can expect fewer suction cycles.
- 6). Pump your breasts until the milk-ejection reflex has stopped. For each woman, this will be a different amount of time. Expect to pump each breast anywhere from seven to 15 minutes. When you're finished pumping, try rubbing a small amount of breast milk on your nipple to help prevent soreness.
- 7). Clean the breastshield, valve and membrane thoroughly after each pumping session. Most breast pump accessories are dishwasher safe or can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Rinse the parts well. Air dry the parts on a clean towel.
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