Using a breast pump is quite intuitive, but sometimes a few helpful tips can make a difference in taking your experience from 'okay' to 'wow this really works!"
Make sure that your breast pump is properly assembled and cleaned before use.
Experiment with different settings and positions to find what works best for you in terms of comfort and milk flow.
Use a hands-free pumping bra or a nursing cover to help keep the pump in place and free up your hands.
Try to relax and take deep breaths while pumping to help stimulate milk flow.
Keep a container of water and some snacks nearby, as pumping can be dehydrating and time-consuming.
Coordinate your pumping schedule with your baby's feeding schedule, so that you are able to pump at the times when they are most likely to be hungry.
Store your milk properly, label the container with the date and time you expressed it.
Try to pump every 2-3 hours to maintain your milk supply.
Keep track of how much milk you are expressing each time you pump, this will help you to gauge whether or not you need to adjust your pumping schedule.
If you are returning to work, make sure to pump during your scheduled breaks and make arrangements with your employer to pump on a private area with a comfortable chair, and have a cooler bag to store the milk.