You’re about to welcome a new baby — Congratulations! If this is your first time as a mother, then you’re likely being inundated with plans and tips to help make your transition into motherhood easier and more enjoyable. One thing to keep in mind if you plan on breastfeeding is the purchase of an electric breast pump to provide consistency for your schedule and freedom for your family to thrive. Improper use of your new breast pump may lead to unwanted consequences, all of which can be avoided with the right instruction and guidance.
The Breast Pump Store is here to help make your job a little easier, providing a wide range of insurance-covered breast pumps to affordably outfit moms with the best products. Our knowledgeable team can help you every step of the way to achieve an ideal fit for you and your newborn. We know you want to provide the best for your little one, and our breast pump supplies and services help to ensure they receive the best nutrition.
Keep reading for eight common pumping mistakes you should keep an eye out for, and be sure to browse our online store if you’re ready to begin searching for your breast pump!
Using Too Much Suction
It makes sense that a stronger suction from your breast pump will produce more milk, right? The reality is that excess suction may actually result in the opposite outcome! Too much pull can result in inflammation, blocking your ability to express and making life more difficult. We know that you are eager to begin building your milk supply, but it’s important to exercise caution.
To get started, The Breast Pump Store recommends starting on the lowest suction option. As you grow more comfortable with your electric breast pump, you can then begin to increase the suction to see how your body reacts. Taking the time to learn how your body responds to changes in suction settings can help you to optimize your sessions. If you find yourself struggling with settings such as the medium suction, be sure to speak to a lactation consultant for assistance!
Not Completing Your Pumping Sessions
If you’re pumping with the focus of achieving a certain volume of milk, future problems may develop. It is essential to complete your entire pumping session to avoid disrupting your milk supply. Mothers who cut their feeding or pumping time short may leave milk behind, which blocks the body’s signals to produce more.Be sure to plan your pump time and stick to your schedule to avoid cutting your production short. Conversely, pumping after a feeding session can help to kick-start more production, producing more milk in less time!
Not Pumping Enough
Your body strives to make milk only as needed, and will reduce its production if you are not pumping often enough. New mothers are worried that frequent sessions will cause them to be empty of milk, but the reality is that increasing the demand over time will also increase your supply.
Inconsistent Pump Times
In addition to pumping more often and completing their pumping sessions, new mothers must also create a schedule to normalize their feeding and pumping routines. Inconsistent sessions can impact the body’s schedule, reducing milk production and causing future issues. Much like your newborn, your body performs better with a consistent schedule, which is why it helps to create a plan to track your feeding and pumping sessions. A breast pump is ideal for this approach because it enables you to express at regular intervals whether you are with your little one or away at work. Structure can help to improve nap times and mood regulation for young children, and for new mothers, it also helps to generate more milk!
Nutritional Deficiencies
You have likely heard a lot about breastfeeding and its effects on the body. Most mothers cite becoming very hungry or thirsty (more below) during their feeding session, as the process of pumping or breastfeeding takes a considerable amount of calories. Your doctor will likely discuss nutritional requirements to keep you happy and healthy while breastfeeding. Many moms make the mistake of normalizing their diet after birth, failing to account for the extra energy needed to generate high-quality milk (normally around 500 more calories!).
Dehydration Concerns
New mothers are often surprised to learn how much hydration is needed to sustain both themself and their newborn. Hydration was essential throughout pregnancy, and now is no time to slow down on your water intake. It’s important to remember that your breast milk is nearly 90% water, delivering life-sustaining nutrients in addition to much-needed H2O. Failure to hydrate properly may impact your body’s ability to produce enough milk!
Mothers who are breastfeeding or pumping while dehydrated may notice a few key signs and symptoms, including:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Giddiness
- Decreased milk production
Relying on Improper Breast Pump Supplies
Your new breast pump may address all of your lifestyle needs, yet when it arrives, you find yourself dealing with issues such as difficulty expressing, sore nipples, and discomfort while pumping. Mothers experiencing these symptoms may need to find the right flange size for a better fit. The average flange size is between 24 and 27 mm to address the widest range of mothers, but keep in mind that these components can range in size from 21 mm to 36 mm or more. Introducing the proper flange size can help to create a more comfortable experience for you while increasing the speed and volume of your milk production.
Looking to order supplies to keep your breast pump running smoothly? The Breast Pump Store offers parts, supplies, and complete customer support to ensure that your pump is providing the best results for your growing family!
Paying Too Much for Your Breast Pump
One avoidable mistake comes during the finance stage of finding the best breast pump for your family. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) required most insurance providers to offer breast pumps to new mothers at little to no cost. You can qualify through insurance for a covered breast pump, including top-name brands for patients covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, and more.
An insurance-covered breast pump can provide ideal support for you and your newborn without the worry of high purchase prices or maintenance costs. The Breast Pump Store can help you find the best breast pump to fit your needs and insurance coverage. We can also provide support and supply orders to make your job as a new mom easier.
Shop Our Online Store
Are you ready to get started in finding your pump? Read our guide for more information, or browse our shop our available breast pumps, including Spectra, Medela, Elvie, Lansinoh, Motif, and Zomee.
Have questions? You can contact us online for complete assistance. We look forward to helping you!