All about Pumping Milk – At home and work

Pumping milk is one of the toughest decisions we need to make as a mother! While
many others chose to feed by formula, and it is always recommended to give the
breast milk for the baby.

Not having a proper latch is one of the main reasons why moms chose to pump milk
and working might be one of the other reasons. Whatever the reason you chose this, I
appreciate your for not dumping the idea of breast milk.

1. How long and frequently to pump?
   • For the first 3 months it is important to pump every 2-3 hours, even in the
     night. This will help establishing a stable milk supply and also aids in
     increasing the supply. Ideally aim for 8 – 10 times a day at least for 20 mins in
     each session even if there is no milk flowing at the end of the session.
   • After 3 months until 6 months, it is OK to pump every 3-4 hours aiming for
     6 – 8 sessions in 24 hour period each session for 20 – 30 minutes.
   • After 6 months, I used to pump every 4-5 hours and dumped the night
     sessions. This is the stage we introduce purees and other baby cereals. Milk
     per pumping session will also increase by now. So, it will be more than
     enough for your baby.

2. Weaning
   • When you are ready to wean, do it gradually. Drop 1 session for every 3-4
     days or until your body adjusts to it without forming any lumps,
     engorgement and mastitis. And if you are feeling full after dropping all the
     sessions, you can once final pump to let the pressure go!

3. Cleaning
   • Always wash with soapy water and sterilize before each use. It is best way to
     deep clean all the accessories to keep away from bacteria. It is a bit more
     work but worth it!

4. Storing
   • Storing pumped breast milk needs a little more knowledge and should be
     careful.
   • To store the freshly expressed breast milk, remember the 5 hour – 5 day – 5
     month rule.
   • Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature up to
     5 hours. If you are about to use it in next couple hours I suggest you to put in
     room temperature because storing and warming breast milk might result in
     nutrient loss.
   • Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the fridge/refrigerator safely
     for up to 5 days.
   • Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the freezer by putting them in
     freezer safe breast milk storage bags up to 5 months.
   • If the baby had the milk in the bottle and if you want store the remaining in
     the fridge, you will need to use it by 24 hours to rule out any bacteria
     forming.
   • If you are a working mom and stored milk in the cooler bag, it needs to be
     out of it in 24 hours and can be re stored in fridge up to 4 – 5 days.
     If you take the milk from the freezer, thaw it in the fridge (not in room
     temperature) or bottle warmer. It can be stored up to 2 days if thawed in the
     fridge and it can be stored in room temperature up to 2 hours.

5. Pumping at Work
   • Choose rechargeable breast pump. Not all work places have a designated
     pumping room and there might be no power outlet in the room given to you.
     It would be handy if you have a rechargeable pump.
   • Pump directly into the storage bags. Instead of pumping to bottle and them
     transferring to the storage bags, I suggest you directly pump to the bags. This
     will decrease the risk of contamination.
   • Choose a nice cooler bag. Investing properly in a cooler bag is very
     important. After all, it is what it keeps the milk safe and cold. If you are living
     in hotter temperatures, you might need a real good one.
   • Choose a clean and neat space to pump milk.
   • Store the milk in air tight bag or bottle right after expressing and put it in a
     cooler bag.
   • Cooler bag keeps milk cold until 24 hours but, if your office has a fridge, I
     recommend putting the cooler bag in the fridge so milk will stay cold for
     longer.
   • Instead of washing the pumping accessories in office, you can pack in a Ziploc put it in a bag and store it in the fridge. You can reuse the accessories without washing and you can clean them once after you are home.

If you have any doubts regarding storing milk, always contact your nurse practitioner.
Happy pumping!