BEFORE YOU BEGIN

One of the most important things to know before you pump: in the beginning you may get very little milk when you pump, maybe less than an ounce at a time. This is normal, don't get discouraged and keep trying, soon you will get better results for your efforts!

* Always wash your hands thoroughly before you start pumping and make sure that
  you use clean equipment.
* Choose a comfortable chair that gives good support.
* Get yourself something to drink and put some soft music on if you like to help you relax.

ENCOURAGING YOUR MILK TO LET DOWN

The rush of milk coming down the ducts to the nipple is called the "let down".
Many women feel a tingling sensation when this happens; others don't feel it at all.
If you have trouble getting a let down, as many women have in the beginning when they pump their milk, here are a few tips you can try to encourage your milk to let down.

* Apply some heat on your breast before pumping (warm washcloth, hot water bottle,   heating- pad).
* Massage your breast, moving your fingers in a circular motion, from the chest wall to
  the nipple, all around the breast.
* Stimulate your nipples by gently rolling or pulling them.
* Looking at a picture of your baby, thinking of your baby may also help to archive a
  let down.
* Try some relaxation techniques that you used during pregnancy or take a few deep   breaths.

PUMPING YOUR MILK

* Moisten your breast with a few drops of water to create a seal with the shield of the
  breast pump.
* Center your nipple in the shield of the pump.
* Use the lowest pump setting at first, and then increase to your comfort level.
* You may want to switch breasts several times during a pumping session and
  massage your breasts in between to obtain more milk.
* When you are pumping at home you can try pumping one breast while baby nurses
  on the other side, this way your milk lets down easier and you will obtain more milk.
* A pumping session will usually take about 20 minutes depending how experienced
  you are.
* There are breast pumps that pump both breasts at the same time, this way you cut
  pumping time in half and obtain a higher milk yield.
 

CLEANING THE EQUIPMENT

* Wash the pump parts well with warm water and soap and rinse well with water after
  each use during the day.
* At home you can clean pump parts and bottles in the dishwasher or wash them
  with hot water and soap or, if you want to sterilize them, put them in boiling water
  for 5 minutes. Check the instructions of your pump for advice on cleaning.
  Most doctors do not recommend sterilizing anymore.

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