If you used a breast pump while in the hospital, odds are, you used a Medela breast pump. In fact, the Symphony double electric breast pump by Medela is the number one pump used in hospitals across Canada.

If you choose to use the Medela breast pump at home, here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started!

Using the Medela Breast Pump

Wash Your Hands

You want to make sure your hands are germ-free when working with equipment that interacts with your body.

Position the Pump

Take note of the breast shields on the pump. You want to make sure your nipples are centred to prevent any irritation or injury.

Turn It On

Making sure you’re in a comfortable position, turn the machine on. The past-paced stimulation phase will then start. Depending on the style of Medela breast pump, you may have to hold the shields in position while you pump.

Get Ready For Milk

When you see or feel milk, press the “expression phase” button. This slows down the machine. If you don’t press the button, it will automatically switch over to this phase once you’re two minutes into pumping.

Adjust the Speed

Ensure the speed of the pump is comfortable for you. Adjust the speed knob until the pumping feels both comfortable and efficient.

Remove the Tubing

Once you’re done pumping, remove the tubing from the breast shields.

Cap the Bottles

Now that you’re finished, add the lids to the milk bottles and store them.

Shut It Down

Turn off the machine and clean it thoroughly. You don’t want old milk sitting in there the next time you use it. Then wash your hands again.

Using a breast pump can be tricky, so don’t hesitate to experiment with what works best for you! From the amount of time you’re able to pump to what your comfort levels are, you want to ensure you’re taking care of yourself during the process. Pumping shouldn’t hurt, so if it is, look for ways that the experience can be improved!

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all 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. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

After your newborn, breast pumping usually becomes a necessity. While this isn’t true for all mothers, for most, the addition of a breast pump rental in Calgary makes the process easier and reduces the costs. Thankfully, breast pumping is a natural part of the giving birth process, and many find great joy in the act.

However, sometimes difficulties occur when pumping enough milk. This issue can cause problems with feeding your newborn and may require a formula substitution. Additionally, if you are planning to produce extra breast milk to donate to a milk bank, production problems can have an even more significant effect.

Luckily, there are ways to produce more milk and more consistently as well. For some tips to consider, please continue reading.

Tips for Extra Breast Milk Pump Production

Pump in the Morning

One of the best ways to increase your breast milk production is through pumping in the morning. Many women feel their breasts are full in the morning, so after feeding, make sure you take some time to empty the milk stores fully. In fact, whenever you feed, you should attempt to drain all milk, triggering your body’s natural response and increasing milk production.

Eat Throughout the Day

Eating throughout the day is also critical to your pumping success. When your body feels tired or malnourished, it will not produce extra milk in an attempt to keep you healthy. For a convenient way to stay fed throughout the day, consider packing some snacks just for mommy.

Use Both Sides

A critical error, especially in the early months, is favouring one side. Yes, this might feel better or reduce the pain around the nipple, but it will also affect your breast milk production. Instead, alternate your feeding side regularly, and ensure you use both breasts during pumping, as supply allows.

Power Pump

Power pumping is a great way to increase your milk production in the earliest stages. For this method, simply pump after each feeding until your breasts feel empty. Again, this will trigger a response from your body to produce more milk, and that will gradually increase through repetition.

Breast Massage

The final way for you to produce more breast milk is through breast massage. Consider speaking with a nursing coach about great methods, but remember the relevant part of the procedure is to remove any remaining milk. This process can be tricky at first, but with enough practice, you will be utilizing your breast pump rental in Calgary to the fullest.

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.

When it comes to producing breast milk, it can be tough for some women to lactate the required amount for their child. It is why plenty of new mothers get a breast pump rental in Calgary to help them.

Unfortunately, there are many different types of breast pumps available for rent, so finding the right one can be difficult. But these tips can help guide you.

4 Ways To Choosing The Best Breast Pump Rental In Calgary

Do Your Research

You shouldn’t just accept or rent any breast pump available at your pharmacy in SW Calgary. You need to take the time out to find the right unit for you, so research is paramount. Look up the type of products on offer, how you can use them, and if they fit into your budget. The more information you collect, the better a decision you can make.

Determine Your Needs

As a mother, you’re the only one who is going to know what you need for your child, and more importantly, for your body. You then have to determine the needs for getting a breast pump rental in Calgary. Consider how much milk you need regularly, how often you are going to have to do it, and if it is going to be worth your time and money. Settling on your required needs will help you find the right unit to help you.

Speak To An Expert At Your Pharmacy In SW Calgary

With expertise and firsthand knowledge, speaking to your local expert at your compounding pharmacy in Calgary can prove super useful. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know about their products and provide you with insider tips that can help. They can point you to the right model that works for your needs.

Take Time To Learn Pumping

Without a doubt, learning to pump your breasts might be difficult at first. So don’t stress if you can’t get it right the first few times. However, if you are having real difficulty getting the required milk, then you can look towards changing your rental. Trialling and testing different rentals will help you find the right model at your pharmacy in SW Calgary.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important 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.