THE portable breast pump is a practical solution for mothers who wish to combine breastfeeding and daily life. Whether at work, on the go, or simply to maintain a regular draw routine breast milk, a portable breast pump is perfectly suited for these uses. However, some common errors can reduce efficiency of your breast pump and ultimately cause a drop in your milk supply. Discover the 5 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Wrong breast shield size 🎯
Using a suitable breast shield size is essential for efficient extraction of breast milk.
Indeed, using a size that is too large or too small can cause discomfort, limit the flow of milk and even cause pain. It is therefore crucial to choose a breast shield that fits your nipple perfectly.
How to choose the right breast shield size?
For define your breast shield size, use a ruler and measure the diameter of your nipple (not including the areola). You generally need to add 2 mm to obtain the most suitable breast shield size.
Be careful to repeat the operation carefully on each breast, because yes, your chest is asymmetrical and your nipples may not be the same size on each side!
What size breast shield should I choose for my portable breast pump?
Almost all portable breast pump models offer several different nipple shield sizes. But, small subtlety, there are still very few to provide different breast shield sizes in basic kits portable breast pumps.
You often have to choose your size at the time of purchase, at the risk of having to buy the right size if it ultimately doesn't fit your nipples.
This is really problematic when we know that using a suitable breast shield size is essential for a pump to be effective.
The best option therefore remains to choose a model that provides different sizes when starting, such as the Emy Pump portable breast pump. This cordless breast pump comes with 6 different sizes, ranging from 28 to 15 mm and can adapt to all nipple sizes.
Not using the right modes ❌
Portable breast pumps often have several modes, notably a stimulation phase and an expression phase. Failure to use these modes correctly may cause the ineffective stimulation And reduce the amount of breast milk extracted at each draw.
Understanding the modes of an electric breast pump
THE electric breast pumps all have at least two different modes :
- a first mode (generally called massage or stimulation) which encourages the milk ejection reflex. This mode uses quick and light sucking to imitate a baby's first sucks, intended to stimulate the flow of milk and trigger the milk ejection reflex. It usually lasts 2 minutes and helps stimulate milk production.
- a second mode (generally called expression): once the milk begins to flow, this mode takes over with slower and more intense sucking. It simulates the baby's deeper sucks when the milk flows. The purpose of expression mode is to maximize milk flow to collect as much breast milk as possible.
How do you know which mode to use on a portable breast pump?
Always start with stimulation phase to encourage the milk ejection reflex. Once milk begins to flow and collect in the reservoir of your portable breast pump, it is recommended to switch to expression mode to maximize the quantity of milk collected and optimize the efficiency of its extraction.
When to change the modes of a breast pump?
Generally, switching from one mode to another is done automatically on many models of portable breast pumps.
For example, the hands-free breast pump Emy Pump automatically starts in massage mode. After 2 minutes, it then switches to expression mode. You don't even need to press a button or make a setting from your phone, you just have to slip the device into your bra and then start your drawing session, with peace of mind!
Also, very few women know it, but during a feeding, there is actually several ejection reflexes. When expressing milk with an electric breast pump, it is therefore recommended to maximize ejection reflexes.
If milk production slows down (or every 5 min), you can go back in massage or stimulation mode for 2 minutes. This triggers a new milk flow and helps you maintain regular milk production and above all, to prevent pain.
Improper positioning of the portable breast pump 📍
Incorrect positioning of the portable breast pump can, in addition to being uncomfortable, reduces extraction efficiency. So make sure to position correctly your nipple well in the center of the breast shield.
Here is some tips to get there:
- lean forward and place your nipple in the middle of the breast shield ;
- the first few times you can help yourself with a mirror to check that the positioning is correct;
- press the breast pump firmly against your chest so that there is no no space between the breast pump and your chest ;
- use a extendable strap for bra to adjust the compression if necessary.
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Shooting with parts that are too worn 📉
A classic mistake that often happens with a portable breast pump is to use parts that are too worn, such as membranes and valves, can significantly affect performance of your portable breast pump.
Indeed, deformed membranes or clogged valves may prevent optimal suction of the device. That reduces the efficiency of milk extraction, but also causes pain and even, affects the quality of milk collected.
When to change the valve of your breast pump?
Regularly inspect the valve and accessories of your breast pump and replace them as soon as you notice that they are damaged or every 2-3 months, depending on your frequency of use. By replacing these parts in time, you will ensure that your breast pump always works properly. optimal way !
Some manufacturers offer in their basic kit, in addition to the portable breast pump, spare parts. This is a criterion to take into account when making your purchase if you are comparing different portable models.
And good to know, on certain models of portable breast pumps, there are small seals which can easily be lost and which must be renew regularly to maintain the effectiveness of the device. Therefore, prefer a simple to assemble model with few parts like Emy Pump.
Can you buy your breast pump second-hand?
Many mothers sell their portable breast pump as soon as they finish breastfeeding. If you want to buy a second-hand breast pump, think carefully about renew all plastic parts to give a second life to the device and above all, to ensure its effectiveness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a second-hand portable breast pump rather than a new one, keep in mind that you will not be able to know us the condition of its engine : has it already been used a lot? Has milk already gotten into it and could disrupt its proper functioning?
It is therefore sometimes better to pay a few euros more, but to be able to benefit from the manufacturer's warranty in case of problem!
Not having a regular draw schedule 🗓️
The last mistake most frequently found among mothers who express their milk with a portable breast pump and who face a drop in lactation : not having put in place a drawing schedule.
Because in fact, regularity is essential to stimulate and maintain good milk production. If possible, try to use your breast pump regular times every day, even when you're at work or on the go.
I want to express my milk hands-free
And don't forget, your milk quantity may vary depending on different factors:
- time of day;
- hydration;
- your hormonal cycle ;
- your state of fatigue;
- or even stress…
So don't be discouraged if your extraction varies; trust yourself and be patient ! Breastfeeding is a natural process and fluctuations are normal and common.
And to end this article, here are our 5 tips if you use a portable breast pump and want to maximize its effectiveness :
- Use the most suitable breast shield size on each breast.
- Know the modes on your breast pump to use them correctly.
- Find a comfortable position to hold your portable breast pump securely.
- Change washable plastic parts regularly.
- Pump regularly to maintain good breast milk production!
