7. When to express milk
1)If possible, wait until your milk supply and breastfeeding schedule are well established, normally at least
2)The exceptions to the above are:
a)If you are expressing milk for your baby to be given in hospital.
b)If your breasts are engorged (painful or swollen), you can express a small amount of milk before or between feeds to ease the pain and to help your baby latch on more easily.
c)If you have sore or cracked nipples, you may wish to express your milk until they are healed.
d)If you are separated from your baby and wish to continue to breastfeed when you are reunited, you should express your milk regularly to stimulate your milk supply.
3)You will need to find the right times of the day for you to express your milk, e.g.
a)Early in the morning when your breasts are full, just before or after your baby’s first feed.
b)After a feed, if your baby has not emptied both breasts.
c)Between feeds, or in a break if you have returned to work.
8. Hints to help you succeed
Using a breast pump takes practice – you may need to make several attempts before you succeed, but because ISIS is so simple and natural to use, you will soon get used to expressing your milk.
1)Choose a time when you’re not rushed and won’t be interrupted.
2)Having your baby or a photograph of your baby nearby can help encourage
3)Placing a warm cloth on the breasts for a few minutes before you start pumping can encourage milk flow and soothe painful breasts.
4)Warmth and relaxation can encourage milk flow. Try expressing after a bath or shower.
5)Try expressing from one breast while your baby is feeding from the other, or continue expressing just after a feed.
6)Repositioning the pump on the breast from time to time can help stimulate your milk ducts.
Practice with your pump to find the best technique for you. However, if the process becomes very painful, stop and consult your breastfeeding advisor.
9. How to use the ISIS Manual Breast Pump
1)Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure your breasts are clean. Gently squeeze a little milk from each nipple to ensure milk ducts are not blocked.
2)Make sure you have sterilised and carefully assembled your pump exactly as shown in sections 3 and 6.
3)Consult the ‘Hints to help you succeed’ section.
4)Relax in a comfortable chair, leaning slightly forward (use cushions to support your back). Make sure you have a glass of water nearby.
5)Press the funnel and
6)As you gently push down on the pump handle, you will feel the suction on your breast. You don’t need to depress the handle fully to create a vacuum
– only as much as is comfortable. Your milk will soon start flowing, even though you may not use all the suction the pump can generate.
7)Begin by pumping
8)Milk should begin to flow after the first few strokes. Don’t worry if your milk does not flow immediately. Relax and continue pumping.
Do not continue pumping for more than 5 minutes at a time if
NO result is achieved. Try expressing at another time during the day.
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