Store collected milk in single-serving sizes of 2 to 4 ounces. Seal the container with a solid lid, and label each container with the date the milk was pumped.

Frozen milk expands, so leave at least one ince between the milk and the container’s lid. Store milk in the refrigerator or freezer away from the door to avoid changes in temperature.

At Room Temperature:

In the Refrigerator:

In the Freezer:

Source: Breastfeeding Made Easier at Home and Work, womenshealth.gov

Not even boiling at home will completely sterilize your breast pump parts; it’s impossible to completely sterilize your breast pump at home. Some hospitals offer free or fee-based sterilization services, but you should be able to effectively wash away germs and bacteria after each use. Consult your instruction manual for proper breast pump cleaning instructions.

Take apart your pump, and wash each piece separately using liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. Rinse each piece with hot water for 10-15 seconds, placing the pieces on a clean paper towel or in a drying rack to allow them to air dry. Avoid using a cloth towel to dry your pump since it can carry harmful germs and bacteria. When the pump and pieces dry, reassemble before storing away.

Before using your breast pump for the first time, read the entire instruction manual. Wash your hands with soap and dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel. You don’t have to wash your breasts before you pump unless you use creams, ointments or other products on your breasts. Check your products’ labels and ask your doctor for advice. Assemble your pump using the manufacturer’s instructions. Then find a clean and comfortable place where you can relax and not be distrubed. Position the breast-sheilds using your instruction manual for tips on positioning your nipple. Adjust the breast-shield until it feels comfortable, and begin pumping. Adjust the speed until you find one that is comfortable.

Since the amount of milk produced is different for everyone, you should consult with a qualified health care professional to help you dterming the best pumping method for you. A typical pumping session lasts about 10-15 minutes per breast, but you should only pump as long as it is comfortable and productive.

When you are finished pumping milk, gently insert a finger between your breast and the breast-shield to break the vacuum seal. Remove the bottle of milk and label with the date and time of pumping before storing in the refrigerator or freezer.

Several factors can help determine your ideal breast pump. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right pump. What works well for one mother may not for you. If you are having difficulty choosing a breastpump, talk with your healthcare provider.

Consider these factors when choosing a breast pump:

1) How do you plan to use the pump?
2) How much time will it take you to pump?
3) Are the pump’s instructions easy for you to understand?
4) Where will you be using a pump?
5) Do you need a pump that is easy to transport?
6) Will the breast-shields fit you?

Once you’ve made your decision, visit our Mother & Baby Care products online.

Breast pumps are medical devices regulated by the FDA. Used to extract (or express) milk for breastfeeding these devices are a convenient way to breastfeed baby. Many women find breastfeeding convenient or even necessary. Women can express their breast milk and store for use when separated from their baby. Breast pumping can also be used as a supplement to breastfeeding, and some pumps are even designed to mimic the suckling of a nursing baby.

There are three main types of breast pumps: manual, battery-powered, and electric. Breast pumps extract milk from the breasts by creating a vacuum around the nipple that pulls air into the breast-shield, and apply and release suction. Each suction and release combination is called a cycle.

Many manual breast pumps use a system of two cylinders to create suction. Once the breast-shield is placed over the nipple and areola, a small cylinder-shaped tube is pumped in and out of a larger cylinder to create a vacuum that expresses milk and collects it in an attached container. Some manual pumps have a handle or lever that is squeezed to create suction and express milk from the breast. The bicycle horn pump and consists of a hollow rubber ball attached to a breast-shield and is the original design of the breast pump.

A powered breast pump uses batteries or a cord plugged into an electrical outlet to power a small motor that creates suction to extract milk from the breasts. One or more long plastic tubes connect the breast-shield to the motor, which has a dial or switch to control the suction. It is important for breastfeeding mothers that use these pumps to plan for emergency situations like power-outages or dead batteries.

Find our manual breast pumps, electric breast pumps, and nursing accessories.