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1) Is Breastmilk Good For My Baby?
Yes, very much so. Breastmilk naturally contains all nutrients and antibodies important in the development of your baby. Breastmilk also helps the baby build up his own immune system and allows him to thrive, in a manner no other alternative completely matches. The World Health Organization (WHO), lactation consultants, and paediatricians alike all recommend that babies be fed breastmilk exclusively for the first six months of their life, and if possible this period should extend to their first year.
2) Is Breastfeeding Beneficial To Mothers?
Breastfeeding does not only deepen the physical bond between mother and child; research has also shown the breastfeeding has other health benefits for new mothers.
Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size quicker. Nursing mothers also lose weight more quickly in the three to 12 months postpartum.
3) I Have Concerns About Inadequate Milk Supply.
Inadequate milk supply is a common reason for discontinuing breastfeeding. The first few weeks after birth are essential in establishing good milk supply. It is very important that new mothers get adequate rest, a balanced diet during this period to improve milk supply. During this period, engorgement needs to be relieved sufficiently, and babies need to start breastfeeding regularly to keep the milk supply strong. Breastpumps are also recommended to be used to re-stimulate the milk supply should it grow weak.
4) What Is Engorgement?
When milk starts to be produced for the first time, veins in the new mother’s breasts start to expand, and breasts thus normally swell up. Many women commonly experience engorgement two to six days after delivery.
5) What Are The Benefits Of Breast Pump Use Over Direct Breastfeeding?
6) Can I rent retail breastpumps instead of hospital-grade breastpumps?
Hospital-grade breastpumps are designed differently from retail breastpumps, and milk never touches working parts of hospital-grade pumps. This enables the breastpump to be shared between mothers.
Retail breastpumps are personal care items, and sharing used retail pumps is unhygienic.
Nursing takes place in two phases:
- First, babies suckle at their mother’s breast quickly and lightly. This action stimulates the breast to release milk and works the milk ejection reflex
- Once the flow of milk has been sufficiently stimulated, the baby settles into slower, relaxed suckling
8 ) What Is 2-Phase Expression®?
Medela’s innovative technology has converted the baby’s intuitive nursing behaviour into a new, gold standard in breastpumps. 2-Phase Expression closely mimics the baby’s natural nursing rhythm for efficient expressing. The rapid Stimulation and slower Expression modes make pumping more comfortable and efficient.
Our Symphony model breastpump is proven to achieve faster milk ejection in less time.
9) Why Do I Need To Purchase The Pump Kit Set Separately? Shouldn’t This Be Part Of The Rental Pump?
Hospital-grade breastpumps are designed in a manner that specifically denies direct contact between milk and the pump’s working parts. However, for hygienic purposes, the pump kit set itself should not be shared. Each user of a hospital-grade breastpump should have their personal kit set.
The breastpump is always cleaned and serviced after each use before being rented out again.
10) Do Medela Breastmilk Bottles Or Products Contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?
No. All Medela breastmilk bottles and products that come into contact with breastmilk are, and have always been, 100% BPA-free.
BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics.
Medela products are made with polypropylene instead, a plastic that has been shown to be safe.
11) Why Should I Rent My Breastpump As Soon As I Deliver?
12) What are the differences between the three models of hospital-grade breastpumps available for rental?
We have three models available for rental: the Symphony, and two Classic models – the Lactina Select, and the Lactina Electric Plus.
The Symphony model is equipped with Medela’s more advanced 2-Phase Technology. This technology recreates the natural nursing rhythm of a baby; the initial rapid Stimulation Phase promotes let-down and the subsequent Expression Phase uses a deeper, slower rhythm for more efficient expression.
The Classic models require the user to occasionally massage their breasts during pumping, as well as before pumping, to encourage milk flow.
The Lactina Select and Lactina Electric Plus both allow users to adjust pumping strength, but the Lactina Select allows adjustment of pumping speed on top of strength.
13) Is A Breastpump Easy To Use?
Yes, breastpumps are designed to be very user-friendly.
However, first-time users should pay attention to the following instructions:
- Wash your hands before using the breastpump, and find a comfortable place to use the pump. Milk expression is easier and quicker if you are relaxed.
- Massage your breasts before and occasionally during pumping to encourage let-down and milk flow.
- Start with the lowest strength of setting and gradually increase the strength of suction to a level you are comfortable with.
- Remember that milk expression should not be a painful process. If you feel some pain, interrupt the session immediately and seek advice.
14) How do I stimulate my breasts, or increase let-down, in order to let milk flow easily?
It is far easier to express milk when you are relaxed. Get as much rest as possible, and try some deep breathing exercises to relax yourself. If it helps, you may use mental imagery to set your mind at ease; imagine yourself sitting in a setting that you find relaxing. Many mothers find it easier to express their milk in front of their baby. Consider looking at a picture of your child or listening to a tape recording of his/her voice.
Be patient, and express milk at your own pace. There is no need to rush the process. Avoid distraction while using the breastpump, and look for a comfortable private place where you will not be interrupted. Place everything you will need within easy reach. Have a drink or a nice snack handy during the pumping session.
Make sure you establish a good routine. Sometimes a warm compression pack can help to encourage let-down and make milk flow more freely. Remember that a breastpump is still a machine, and will need a little bit of getting used to. After a while though, you will learn to trigger your let-down easily and quickly.
15) How can I tell if the breastshield is fitted correctly?
A correctly fitted breastshield should closely surround your nipple, but leave enough space so your nipple is not rubbing against the breastshield’s wall. The breastshield is the part of the pump that is shaped like a funnel. Your nipple should be placed square in the centre of the shield.
When the breastshield fits correctly, you should be able to observe the following:
- Your nipple should move freely in the tunnel
- Very little, or no areola tissue should be pulled into the breastshield’s tunnel
- You should observe a gentle, rhythmical motion in the breast with each cycle of the pump
- You should feel the breast emptying all over
- Your nipple should not hurt
Disclaimer: This information is provided by The Baby Specialist Pte Ltd and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about any specific medical condition.