Your midwife may recommend using a breast pump to express your milk.
This can happen if:
- you're often separated from your baby
- there is a delay in breastfeeding after birth
- your baby is unable to attach to your breast
Start as soon as you can. The more you breastfeed or express, the more milk your body produces.
Choosing a breast pump
Choose a breast pump depending on you and your baby's needs. Talk to your PHN, lactation nurse of midwife for advice on which pump is best for you.
When choosing the right pump, think about:
- your own breastfeeding goals
- how often you plan to pump
- advice given to you by your PHN, lactation nurse or midwife
There is no single recommended pump brand. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Types of breast pumps
There are many different types of breast pumps.
Pumps can either be open or closed circuit. Closed circuit pumps give the best protection against cross-contamination of your breast milk.
Manual (hand-operated) pump
Manual pumps are suitable for occasional use (pumping no more than twice a day) or a missed feed.
It takes longer to express with a manual breast pump than an electric pump. The good thing about manual pumps is that they're cheaper, simple-to-use, lightweight and quieter.
Small electric pump
If you only express occasionally or for a short time, a small electric pump can be helpful.
The advantage of using an electric breast pump is that it does the work for you. It also takes less time than a manual breast pump.
Electric double breast pump
A double electric breast pump may be the right choice if you're:
- returning to work and want to continue to breastfeed
- pumping at least twice a day, more than 5 days a week
It will save you time as both breasts are pumped at the same time.
Wearable pump
These are battery (rechargeable) operated pumps that sit inside your bra.
They are suitable for:
- occasional use - for example when using another type of pump or hand expressing is not an option
- pumping more than twice a day, more than 5 days a week
Wearable pumps are new products. There's not much evidence to show how effective they are.
If you have a bigger breast or nipple shape, wearable pumps may not be suitable.
You cannot build and maintain a reliable supply by using a wearable pump alone.
Rental grade pump
A rental grade pump is the best option if:
- your baby is ill
- your baby is premature
- you're trying to establish a good milk supply for your baby
- you are giving the majority of bottle feeds using expressed breast milk
- you are trying to keep up milk supply while latching issues are being resolved
If your baby is being cared for in a special care baby unit or paediatric hospital, you can use a rental grade pump free-of-charge. If you want to use a rental grade pump at home, you will need to rent or buy one.
You may be able to to get money back for any breast pumps you rented or bought for your premature baby through the Revenue Commissioners.
Claim money back on health expenses - revenue.ie
Expressing for a premature or ill baby
Silicone milk collectors
Some mothers use milk collectors to catch leaking milk from the other side when breastfeeding.
If you use milk collectors, make sure there is enough space in your bra so they do not press too hard on your breasts. Do not use them for too long at a time. Wear them only while feeding or for 15 to 20 minutes if your breasts are full or leaking.
Wearing milk collectors during or between feeds may cause over-supply. This can lead to engorgement and mastitis. Milk collectors can also result in poor stimulation of the breasts, resulting in poor milk supply.
Talk to a GP, PHN, lactation nurse or midwife for support.
Ask our breastfeeding experts
How to use a breast pump
Breast pumps are manual or electric (powered by batteries or mains electricity).
Manual pumps work by creating suction when you squeeze the handle or collection container. This can become tiring after a while, so take your time.
Your breast pump may be a two-part collection set and storage container. Or it may be a collection unit alone.
What you need
Prepare everything before you start expressing.
You will need:
- a clean collection set for milk collection
- clean containers for milk collection
- a breast pump
- labels and a pen for labelling containers
- a comfortable chair to sit in while expressing
- a facecloth or warm compress to help massage your breasts before expressing
- a small towel to catch any drips
- a drink and a snack within reach
Give yourself plenty of time and try not to feel rushed. Expressing is a skill that you learn. It will get easier over time.
How to use a manual breast pump
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Assemble the pump.
- Make sure you are in a comfortable position with your back supported.
- Begin pumping slowly with even pressure.
- Increase the pressure gradually - this should never be painful.
When you finish expressing, put the lid on the storage container, or pour the milk into a suitable storage container. Make sure to label containers with the date and time.
Wash and dry the collection set of the pump to get it ready for the next use.
How to use an electric breast pump
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Assemble the pump and connect the tubing to the collection set and container, if needed.
- Make sure that the breast pump pressure is set to the minimum setting.
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported.
- Place a warm compress such as a facecloth over the breast and massage for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Position the funnel of the collection set so that your nipple is in the centre.
- Hold the funnel so that the pump can maintain a vacuum - but try not to press too firmly into the breast tissue as this can prevent milk flow.
- Turn on the breast pump.
- Keep the breast pump pressure at the minimum setting for 2 minutes to help stimulate your milk flow.
- Gradually increase the pressure on the breast pump to the highest pressure that is comfortable for you - this should never be painful.
- Gently massage your breasts and continue to express until the flow of milk slows down.
- Turn off the breast pump and when the suction is released, remove the funnel of the collection set from your breast.
- Repeat with the second breast if using a single-collection set. Some pumps may have double-collection sets and containers so you can pump both breasts.
- Express no more than 15 to 20 minutes per breast in each pumping session.
If you are double pumping you will need to alter your bra to hold the funnels so you can express hands-free.
When finished, put the lid on the storage container, or pour the milk into a suitable storage container. Remember to label it with the date and time.
If you're still in hospital, include your baby's details on the label. Many hospitals provide printed labels that include your baby’s name, date of birth and address. You will also need to add the time and date of expression.
Wash and dry the collection set to get it ready for next use.
If your baby is still in hospital, this expressing set will need to be sterilised. Your nurse or midwife will help you. They will also show you where to store breast milk.
Join a breastfeeding support group
Cleaning the breast pump
Clean the collection set and storage container of the breast pump after every use:
- Take apart the breast pump tubing and separate all the parts that come in contact with breast milk or your breast.
- Wash the parts in hot soapy water and rinse.
- Leave the parts to dry well in the air, or use paper towels.
Some manufacturers recommend sterilising collection and storage containers once a day. If your baby is sick or premature, sterilise the expressing set after each use.
Hand expressing
You may not need to use a breast pump.
Hand expressing may be best if:
- you are expressing in the first 1 to 3 days after birth to provide more colostrum for your baby or relieve breast fullness (engorgement)
- your milk supply is established and you only want to pump occasionally
- you are expressing to soften your breasts so your baby can attach more easily