New mothers have quite the journey ahead of them, and there is little you can do in the way of preparation. Not only will the responsibility of caring for another life become a full-time part of your own life, but you will receive a lot of information to remember. It can be a stressful time, but it is also beautiful and satisfying for many who embark on this journey.
One of the many things that you will have to learn about as a new mother is breast pumping, which is the process of gathering milk from your breasts and is often used to store it for later use. Some women prefer to use a breast pump rental in Calgary for this process, but others may wish to purchase the equipment outright.
Both approaches are valid. When it comes to a breast pump rental in Calgary, the benefits include a lower cost and the return of the equipment after lactation has ceased. However, some people may not be comfortable with pre-used equipment, and wish to have their own equipment. Either way, the process of breast pumping will be similar for either person.
The Process of Using a Breast Pump
The first step in learning to breast pump is relaxing. Stress isn’t good for you or your newborn, so remember to approach the process calmly and rationally. You will have to work your way up to average production in the first days by fully emptying your breasts, which triggers the response in your body to produce more milk, and the amount will gradually increase with every pump.
Ideally, you should hope to produce between 750-1,035 mL of milk in a day, with 8-10 sessions of pumping. Many women find that they produce more milk in the morning, so consider starting your first session of each day early. Remember, relaxation is the key to your success, so each time you pump, find a comfortable place and bring a snack.
When using your breast pump, start with high speed and low suction, similar to breastfeeding. Once the flow of milk has begun, switch to medium speed and adjust the suction for your comfort. Some women prefer to double pump for better production, and the process should be reasonably similar. After the flow of milk has started to wane, hand express the remainder of the milk to empty your breasts.
Weaning from Breast Pumping
Once your child is ready to move on from breast milk, you may wish to continue pumping to donate to a milk farm. Although, if this is not the case, you should begin the weaning process. Simply drop a pump session from your routine, and wait a few days for your body to adjust. Then, drop another session and repeat the process until you fully wean from the pump. Finally, you can return your breast pump to the pharmacy you rented it from, or wait happily for your next child.
Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the essential services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us on (403) 453-6113.
