No mastitis please 🙏🏼

Being a first time mum, I’m also breastfeeding for the first time. Saving my nipples from the sores and the cracks, I decided to pump exclusively which also helps in increasing or maintaining supply.

When I was nesting, I did not research about pumps as I had hand me downs (thanks cuz):

1) Medela swing maxi flex

2) Babyexpress be free (hands free)

Since then, I’ve purchased a second hand Spectra S1+ and have been super reliant on it till date.

✨Type of pumps✨

There are sooo many type of pumps in the market. The most hyped brand may not be the best brand. Be sure to do your own research and ask for recommendation from your friends.

A lot of these pumps are very 💰pricey💰 I went on Carousel to look for second hand pumps then purchased a new set of parts for hygiene purposes. Saved a ton! Of course, I made sure the pump was not overused.

✨Flange size✨

Omg I cannot emphasise how important this is. For 1.5 months I was using flange sizes that were way too big (together with the wrong type of pump) which resulted in stubborn clogged ducts.

When I was nesting, I tried to get my nipples measured but the service staff at mummy’s market was not very helpful. When I delivered, the lactation consultant did a measurement for me, that was when I first realised that the flanges that I had on hand may possibly be way too big. I didn’t think more of it but boy boy boy I should have. My ducts were eventually so clogged that I had to have it pricked.

✨Modes✨

Breast pumps have two different modes: massage and expression. Massage helps to stimulate a let down, and when a let down occurs, switch to expression for extraction.

Massage modes are very short and fast pulses, while expression modes are usually longer and has more suction.

oh yes!! Pumping intervals also prevent mastitis. I stuck to the 3h interval religiously until I was guided by the lactation consultant to stretch the hours slowly to have a more sustainable schedule (because waking up every 3h at night was just NOT IT). This topic can take up a whole new post, lmk if you guys want to know more!! #breastfeeding #maternity #pregnancy