expressing milk

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Important Dos and Donts of Expressing Breast
Milk
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some Dos Donts of the process

• Dont pump in a rush Dont be in a hurry while
  expressing milk. Rushing the process will
  adversely affect the output.
• Dont compare your output We are competitive
  naturally but it is not beneficial every time.
  Everybody is different biologically, therefore,
  will produce results accordingly. Comparing
  yourself with others and worrying about wont
  help conversely, it will affect your output. 
• Dont try to express more milk With machines in
  play, you might be tempted to express more milk
  via high power settings in the machine. Dont
  indulge in such practices.

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• Dont try to fill the container completely You
  have to keep in mind that you have to feed the
  baby and not the container. Dont try to fill the
  containers. Every mother expresses different
  quantities and the same container is made for
  everyone. So, filling the container is of no use.
  How much milk is consumed by the baby is more
  important.
• Dont worry about the milk while expressing We
  worry a lot and it's very natural to think about
  different aspects of expressing while at it.
  However, it's not a healthy practice. Thinking or
  worrying too much about it will adversely affect
  the output.
• Dont use a single-use pump more than
  once Single-use pumps are called so for that
  very reason they are to be discarded once used.
  Dont use it again or borrow one already used as
  it can lead to infections.
• Dont feed the milk that looks or tastes
  differently It can be very tiresome to express
  milk but make sure the quality is intact before
  feeding. Milk gone bad can create problems in the
  child.

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• Dont store the milk longer than recommended Ask
  your doctor for how much time and how you should
  store the milk after expressing. Dont exceed the
  limits. It can cause problems in the child.
• Dont forget to clean your breast pump Regularly
  clean the pump in order to prevent the growth of
  bacteria in the pump.
• Dont be too hard on yourself Massage your
  breasts before the session and be gentle while
  pumping.

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Dos

• Meet a lactation expert Mothers new to this
  concept ought to have their doubts and fears.
  Hence, it is advisable that they meet their
  lactation expert or doctor before starting the
  process.
• Store milk in batches To ensure minimum wastage,
  storing milk in batches is a good practice. Make
  each batch according to the quantity your child
  is consuming.
• Properly learn the art of expressing
  milk Additional to using pumps, you should also
  learn to express milk with hands. Emergency cases
  when pumps arent available, you wont be
  helpless.

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• Collect and store milk in sterilized containers
  only Impurities can lead to the growth of
  bacteria which can cause problems in children.
  Hence, it is advisable that containers should be
  properly sterilized.
• Frequency of pumping You require to pump around
  12 pumping sessions daily if youre feeding
  expressed milk only. If youre pumping only when
  away from the baby and breastfeeding most of the
  time then pumping sessions every 2-3 hours are
  optimum to maintain the milk supply.
• Be patient It takes a few minutes for the milk
  to start flowing. So, be patient and dont panic.

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• Wash your hands properly before pumping Hygiene
  is very necessary throughout the process so make
  sure it is maintained right from the start.
• Pump at least for 20 minutes each side.
• Get in the mood While pumping, seeing your
  babys picture, video or clothes releases
  oxytocin which enhances the output.
• Be ready with reinforcements You might feel
  hungry and parched between the sessions. Keep
  healthy drinks and snacks by your side while
  expressing.
• Know yourself the best Purchase the ideal pump
  suitable to your needs.
• Proper storage is necessary Store your milk
  properly to ensure the quality and nutrients stay
  intact.

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Thank You!