Many moms need to express on day 4 but feel concerned that if they do express, somehow it will mess everything up. Besides, popping an electric device onto your breast to extract milk, is not something most first time moms feel up to on day 4!
I want to clear up some myths about expressing this early on. As it is Friday, this is for those of you who need this advice over the weekend but can’t travel to see me. Do get yourself a copy of the Expressing eBook, so that you have something constructive to follow.
Let’s answer some questions and see if the answers help get you onto the right path.
- Why would a mom need to express on day 4?
- What should you do before pumping?
- What should you pump with?
- How often should you express?
Okay, first question. A mom would need to express on the 4th day, if her baby is not able to latch and feed well or if she is producing too much milk and her breasts were feeling hot, heavy and on the verge of developing mastitis. Usually, a mom will be aware that breastfeeding is not going well and that baby is not able to drain the breast properly before she reaches this stage, but will not know what to do.
Signs that breastfeeding is not going are as follows: baby is not filling nappies, colour of poo is not changing as quickly as we would like, baby is crying a lot and refusing to be put down, nipples are sore, breasts feel full and lumpy after feeds.
Second question: Moms should apply something warm to the breast before expressing and soften the areola by massaging the milk which has collected just behind the nipple, back into the breast. By softening the areola, the pump will be able to pull in breast tissue as well as the nipple and prevent further damage being created.
Third question: Most often moms do well with an electric pump. I would suggest the Medela Swing over other current brands, as they are easy to manage. Using an electric pump will usually not be an option if the nipples are not sore, as even a low suction may hurt mom, but the Medela Swing is very gentle.
If the nipples are sore and you already have an Avent pump, I would suggest that you use the manual pump to start with, as it is easier to control the level of suction and the frequency of sucks. Once you have eased yourself into pumping and you are getting milk, pop the electric pump onto the breast and go from there.
Fourth question: If you are expressing to feed your baby – who is not able to latch and feed, you will need to pump as frequently as he would feed – every 3 hours calculating expressing times from the start of one session to the start of the next. See Expressing eBook for more details on the quantity your baby will need.
If you are only needing to relieve the breasts of excess milk, pump once and pump well. Frequent pumping will lead to an increase in supply, which is counteractive to your situation.
For all the London moms who are needing help this weekend, remember that I do offer emergency visits, either at the practice or at your home. Just give me a call.
Much love,
Geraldine
