On this page you will learn how to use a breast pump. Using a breast pump has many benefits. Mothers are often reassured to see how much milk their baby is drinking, a benefit that comes with pumping and preparing bottles for your infant. Also, the cost of a pump is often much less than providing an infant with formula, an option which many mothers must turn to when they are having difficulty nursing. You can even donate extra milk that you have pumped to local "milk banks" across the United States that serve ill and abandoned infants.http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/baby/breastfeeding/breastpumping.asp

Using a breast pump can range from easy to moderate in difficulty, depending on your milk output, your degree of breast tenderness or soreness due to past nursing, and the model of breast pump that you have chosen. Before getting started, you should consult with your child's pediatrician about any nutritional concerns that you have. You should also consult with your partner about the process and let them know of ways that they can assist you, such as warming bottles and getting involved in the feeding process. You should also start doing some research on different kinds of breast pumps and talk to friends who have used breast pumps in the past.

If you are interested in learning how to use a breast pump, you should follow the directions below.

Before choosing a breast pump, you should review your pumping needs. Choosing the right breast pump for your and your baby will help save you money, time, and soreness later on. The following are somethings to consider when choosing a breast pump:

• Cost: Pumps can cost anywhere from around $35 for a manual pump with few features to a deluxe electric model that costs $300 or more. In addition, for high volume pumpers there are hospital grade pumping units that can range up to $1000 or more. Some health insurance companies will cover the cost of renting a hospital grade pump for mothers who have premature babies, or babies with conditions that require more frequent than normal nutritional supplementation.

• Time: Some units can pump a breast in just 10-15 minutes. Manual units can take much longer, but many women prefer the more natural sucking rhythm of a manual unit.

• Frequency: For a woman who is only occasionally pumping to provide milk for a babysitter to dispense on rare nights out, a manual unit may suffice. For a mother who is primarily pumping for their baby's nutritional supplementation, it may be reasonable to invest in a more pricey, electrical unit.

• Suction: Many women prefer the more natural feeling of a manual device that mimic more closely the sucking sensation of an infant.

Manual pumps are typically the least expensive of all breast pumps. They often cost less that $35 depending on the features that you choose. Manual breast pumps have been used for decades, though there are some negative aspects to manual pump use. Manual pumps may not empty the entire breast, leading to decreased milk production over time. Also, manual pumps are often much slower than electric pumps.

If you choose to use a manual pump, you should follow the steps listed below:

• Make sure that the container that you are pumping into is clean and sterile. You should use a container that is certified BPA-free. Most pumping devices come with or suggest a specific storage device. Especially if you are using a less expensive pump, make sure that the container is clean and free of harmful chemicals. Also, there are many good commercial optional for milk storage in the form of milk storage bags that are made especially for breast milk. These are sterile, chemical free, and found in most grocery stores.

• Cup your nipple with the suction part of the manual pump. Some manual pumps rely on a plunger-type device, while others rely on a squeeze mechanism.http://www.babycenter.com/0_pumping-your-breast-milk-an-overview_8791.bc?page=1

• Fresh milk should be used within 72 hours of pumping. You can freeze your breast milk for up to six months.http://www.breastisbest.com/infofreezingbreastmilk.html

• With both electric and manual pumps you should clean the device after use.

Using an electrical pump is extremely similar to a manual pump. You should hold the suction cups to either one or both breasts (if it is a double-pumping device), and turn the machine on. Many electrical pumps have buttons or knobs that control the intensity of the sucking mechanism. If your breasts or nipples become sore during or after pumping, you should try to turn down the intensity. You can easily pump your breasts with a good quality electric pump in under 15 minutes.

With both manual and electric pumping devices, you should stick to a regular pumping schedule.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025600.asp This will help keep your milk production high. You should also try to massage your breasts for a few minutes before pumping to increase flow. You should pump as frequently as your baby feeds, or about every three hours.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025600.asp

You should also strive to keep hydrate while pumping. Try to drink a few glasses of water before pumping, or during pumping if you have a hands-free unit.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025600.asp Remember that there are a wide variety of electrical pumps on the market today, and if you not getting adequate milk production with your current pump, you should try to switch to another one.