Hailey Tran
There are many reasons why you might want to pump breast milk in the hospital, including if your baby is in the NICU or if you plan to exclusively pump from birth. If you plan to pump in the hospital, it is recommended that you bring your own pump to avoid any additional charges and to ensure you have access to your preferred accessories, such as flanges and bottles. It is also a good idea to practice using your pump before your hospital stay so that you can work on establishing your supply and become comfortable with the process of expressing milk. During your hospital stay, aim to pump every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night, for a total of 8 sessions in a 24-hour period, pumping for 15 minutes at a time. Remember to be kind to yourself and do the best you can, as pumping can be challenging, especially in the early days after childbirth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start pumping | As soon as you get to your postpartum room, especially if you plan to exclusively pump from birth |
| How often to pump | Every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. Aim for 8 sessions in a 24-hour period, pumping for 15 minutes each time |
| What to do if your baby is not latching well | Use a pump to provide your baby with expressed breast milk |
| How to store pumped milk | Leave it at room temperature for up to 4 hours or give it to your nurse to store |
| What type of pump to use | Double electric breast pump, hand pump, silicone pump, or hospital-grade pump |
| Advantages of bringing your own pump | Familiarity with the device, access to your preferred accessories, and the ability to practice your pumping technique |
| How to address latching issues | Consult hospital staff, including lactation consultants, for assistance before resorting to pumping |
| How to get a pump | Some insurance companies provide a free pump before your baby's birth. You can also order one ahead of time or use a hospital-grade pump during your stay |
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What You'll Learn
Packing your pump in your hospital bag
Packing your hospital bag is one of the final steps in preparing for the arrival of your baby. If you're planning to exclusively pump, you may want to consider packing your pump in your hospital bag. Here are some reasons why you might want to bring your pump to the hospital:
Familiarity and Comfort:
Bringing your own pump can offer familiarity and comfort during your hospital stay. You're already accustomed to how your pump works, how to assemble it, and how to adjust the settings. This can reduce stress and confusion in a new environment. You'll also have access to your personal accessories, such as your preferred flange size and bottles.
Practice and Technique:
The hospital stay is a great opportunity to practice your pumping technique and become comfortable with the process of expressing milk. Lactation consultants at the hospital can observe your technique, advise on improvements, and assist with flange sizing to ensure a proper fit.
Availability and Convenience:
If you bring your own pump, you won't have to wait for the hospital to provide one, which may take several hours. Additionally, you can use your pump for nipple stimulation during labor, which can help progress labor and provide expressed milk for your baby if needed.
Individual Situation and Medical Needs:
Your decision to bring a pump may depend on your individual situation and medical needs. If you experience complications like a C-section or need to be separated from your baby, having your pump can ensure you can express milk and maintain your milk supply. If your baby is in the NICU or has special feeding needs, pumping may be recommended to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Alternative Options:
If you choose not to bring your pump, the hospital will provide a hospital-grade pump if needed. These pumps are closed-system and safe for multiple users. They typically have programmable settings and stronger suction, which can help establish a good milk supply.
Remember, the decision to bring your pump ultimately depends on your preferences, situation, and hospital policies. Discuss your feeding plan with your healthcare provider and lactation consultants to determine the best course of action for you and your baby.
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How to pump in the delivery room
If you plan to pump exclusively from birth, it is a good idea to call the hospital in advance to ask about their facilities and whether there is an additional charge for using their pump. You may prefer to bring your own pump, which some insurance companies will provide at no cost before your baby's birth. If you are planning to collect colostrum before delivery, you should also check with your doctor whether they recommend this.
If you are planning to breastfeed, it is likely that you will pump at some point, and it can be helpful to have your pump with you during labour and delivery. Your pump can be used for nipple stimulation, which helps progress labour, and can be useful if your baby is not latching well. If you are separated from your baby after birth, you can use your pump to provide your baby with expressed breast milk.
If you are exclusively pumping, it is recommended that you aim for eight sessions in a 24-hour period, pumping for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. However, it can be hard to collect colostrum with a pump, and you may not get much milk in the first few days. This is normal, and you may be provided with formula or donor milk until your milk is established.
If you are in your recovery room, you can leave your milk out at room temperature for up to four hours, or give it to your nurse to store for you. If you are working on nursing and want to feed pumped breast milk, consider using a syringe to avoid issues with nipple confusion.
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Pumping schedules
If you are a first-time breastfeeding mother, you may be wondering when to start pumping. If you are planning on exclusively pumping from birth, you will need to start pumping soon after your baby is born. You will need to have a pump on hand, preferably a double electric breast pump. In the US, you can get a free breast pump through your health insurance. If you are getting an insurance-covered pump, you can bring it to the hospital and start pumping right away, or you can use the hospital pump.
If you are unsure about how to start pumping and feeding your baby in the hospital, you will likely be asked while you are in labour whether you plan to breastfeed your baby. This can be a difficult question for an exclusive pumper. You will need to decide whether you want to nurse your baby for their first feeding. If everyone is healthy, your baby will usually be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin and nursing right after birth. You can decide to do one nursing session and pump from there, or decline.
If your baby is in the NICU, or you've decided to exclusively pump, you can start pumping as soon as you get the okay from your provider. If you have had a difficult birth and aren't ready, it's okay to take some time. If your baby is very sleepy after birth, you may want to pump every few hours to work on establishing your supply. Ask the lactation consultant at your hospital what they suggest in your situation.
A healthy and effective pumping schedule will ideally have frequent sessions every 2-3 hours throughout the day, depending on your baby's age and development. An average milk supply is one ounce per hour or 24-26 ounces per day until 6 months. Once solids are introduced, you can cut back on pumping sessions. Most exclusive pumpers should aim for a minimum of 120 minutes of pumping per day, unless they are weaning. You can divide 120 by the number of pumping sessions you have and set that as your goal.
There are a few different ways you can structure your exclusive pumping schedule: a set schedule with the same times every day, or an "every x hours" schedule, where you mark your next pumping time from your last pump time. Different set-ups might work for you at different times in your pumping journey. A schedule of pumping when your baby ate may be easiest in the newborn phase, but a set schedule may be better once you return to work.
Remember that pumping schedules will differ depending on your baby's age, as their nutritional needs change over time.
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Milk storage
If your baby is admitted to the hospital, you can continue to breastfeed or pump and store your milk for your baby. If you plan to breastfeed, you may not be able to for a period of time, depending on your child's healthcare needs. In this case, you can pump and store your milk until your baby can be fed by tube, breast, or bottle.
It is important to note that you should never store breast milk on the door of the freezer because the temperature is not constant, and the breast milk can begin to thaw. Freshly pumped milk should not be added to a container of milk that is already in the refrigerator or freezer. Instead, it should be stored separately in the refrigerator or freezer. If your baby will consume the milk within 96 hours, it can be stored in the refrigerator; otherwise, it should be placed in the freezer. Frozen milk can be stored in a regular freezer for up to three months and in a deep freeze for six months.
To ensure that your milk is only given to your baby, several checks will be performed on each labeled container. These checks will include your baby's name and hospital number. It is your responsibility to work with the hospital staff to verify that the expressed milk you take home is yours.
If you are in the hospital and plan to pump, inform your nurse that you are lactating and intend to pump or hand-express your milk. They will ensure this information is documented in your medical chart and provide you with the necessary supplies, such as human milk storage containers, labels, and individual storage bins for refrigeration or freezing.
If you are staying overnight or for several days, plan to pump or hand-express milk throughout your stay. It is recommended to pump or express milk on the same schedule as your child's usual feedings to maintain a steady milk supply.
If you are using a breast pump, it is essential to clean and sterilize the equipment after each use. Wash all parts of the pump that came into contact with your breast or milk with dish soap and water, then rinse and allow to air dry. Sterilize these parts in boiling water for 15 minutes once a day or use a microwave bag specifically designed for sterilizing pumping equipment.
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Advantages of bringing your own pump
Bringing your own pump to the hospital has several advantages. Firstly, you will have access to your personal accessories, such as your preferred flanges and bottles, which may be more suitable for your body and preferences. This can make a significant difference if you have specific requirements or sensitivities. Additionally, using a familiar pump can provide comfort and ease during your hospital stay. You will already know how it works, and you can avoid the hassle of learning to operate a new pump. This can be especially beneficial if you have a specific pumping routine or schedule that you intend to follow.
Furthermore, having your own pump ensures consistency and control over your pumping process. You can maintain your preferred settings, which may be optimised for your body and your milk expression needs. This is particularly important if you have already established a pumping routine at home and wish to continue it in the hospital. By bringing your own pump, you can avoid the potential inconvenience of adapting to a new device and its settings.
Another advantage is that you can avoid potential issues with pump availability at the hospital. While many hospitals provide breast pumps, there may be instances where the pumps are in high demand or not readily available when you need them. By bringing your own pump, you can ensure immediate access whenever you require it. This can be crucial for maintaining your milk supply and avoiding any disruptions to your pumping schedule.
Lastly, bringing your own pump can facilitate a smoother transition between the hospital stay and returning home. You can continue using the same pump and maintain consistency in your pumping routine, which can be beneficial for both you and your baby's adjustment. This eliminates the need to adapt to a new pump upon discharge, reducing potential stress and complexity during the post-hospitalisation period.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to bring your own pump to the hospital. This is because you are already accustomed to how your pump works, how to assemble it, and how to adjust the settings. However, if you don't bring your own pump, the hospital will provide you with a pump to use.
If you are exclusively pumping, you will need to start pumping soon after your baby is born. It is recommended to pump every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night, for 15 minutes at a time, aiming for 8 sessions in a 24-hour period.
If your baby struggles with latching, a pump can help ensure that your milk supply is established and that your baby is still getting the nutrients they need through expressed milk. You can also use a syringe or medicine dropper to collect your colostrum/milk and feed it to your baby.
There are several types of pumps available, including hand pumps, silicone pumps, double electric pumps, and hospital-grade pumps. The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Hand pumps are easy to use, portable, and lightweight, while silicone pumps are quiet, discreet, and easy to pack. Double electric pumps allow you to pump both breasts at the same time, and hospital-grade pumps have stronger suction to help establish an abundant milk supply.
