How much do I need to pump for each feed?

Here is a chart of average pumped milk intake by weight:8 lbs 21.3 oz per day, 9 lbs 24.0 oz per day,
10 lbs 26.7 oz per day, 11 lbs 29.3 oz per day,12 lbs 32.0 oz per day, 13 lbs 34.7 oz per day,14 lbs 37.3 oz per day, 15 lbs 40.0 oz per day,16 lbs 42.7 oz per day.
If you´d like to continue this chart, take a baby´s weight in pounds and multiply by 2.67. That gives you average number of ounces per day. Then take the total ounces and divide by the daily feedings to find out how much to put in a bottle.

Hand Pumps

There are many different hand pumps on the market today. The most popular hand pump is probably the cylinder type. It looks like two tubes (usually made of clear plastic), one of which fits inside the other. It creates a vacuum (suction) when the inner tube is pulled in and out. The milk goes directly into the outer tube or into a standard bottle. It is easy to use and is convenient to carry with you. It is also easy to clean. There are several brands on the market and most work about the same. The White River brand features a flexible shield which some mothers say helps stimulate milk production. Ameda Egnell and Avent now make pumps that can be easily operated with one hand. The design of these pumps allows the mother to pump while nursing.

Hospital Grade Electric Pumps

For long-term pumping, you will need the professional electric pump (hospital grade) made by White River, Medela or Ameda-Egnell. Their rhythmic suctions are automatic. These heavy duty pumps are used by mothers of preemies or sick babies, and by working mothers who can leave them at the job site. These also come with the double kit for faster, more efficient pumping. These pumps are too expensive for most women to buy, but can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly rate. Your lactation consultant or health care provider can tell you where to locate one.

Different methods of storage

Different methods to store breast milk are as follow: in a cooler with ice packs for 24 hours, at room temperature (66-72degrees) for 10 hours, refrigerator 8 days, refrigerator freezer 3-4 months, deep freeze (0 degrees) for 6-12 months.

Cleaning Your Pump

While human milk has a lot of protective qualities, it is important to take precautions to keep it bacteria free. Most pump equipment should be rinsed out with clean water and stored where it can dry. A cleansing solution provided by the pump company should be okay, but regular soap can give the baby diarrhea. Be sure to clean the area well where the milk comes in contact. Be sure to wash your hands before pumping, too! At least once a week you should wash it thoroughly, preferably in the dishwasher. There you have a non-sudsing detergent, and the high temperatures reached in the dishwasher are important.

Small Electric Pumps

Several companies now make small electric pumps. These pumps fit in a handbag and are convenient to take along on short trips away from the baby. They are best suited for limited, occasional use and probably won't hold up for long-term, heavy use. Small electric pumps do not have automatic rhythm, and require the mother to control the suction rhythm with her finger. These pumps are very reasonably priced and like the battery-operated pumps, will probably work just fine if you only need it once in a while. They are available in large discount stores and drugstores.

Medium Sized Electric Pumps

If you are going back to work, there are several medium-size electric breast pumps available for that purpose. Two breast pump manufacturers (Bailey, Medela), now have affordably priced electric pumps that are portable and lightweight. Medela will rent the Lactina. These pumps have double kits included that allow you to pump both breasts at once. They all come in carrying cases and are convenient to take to work.

Cleaning a Hospital Grade Pump

Hospital grade pumps are required to have a safety valve that does not allow milk to regurgitate (backflow) into the pump. Each patient has her own disposable kit, so that each kit is cleaned by that woman. These kits can be used multiple times by a woman, with cleanings after each use, but they can't be used by more than one woman. The only thing that is necessary to clean the pump is to wipe the pump off with the standard cleaning solution that the hospital provides for other multi-patient use equipment. This is a standard procedure in hospitals; you don't need to do any more cleaning beyond this.

Battery Operated Pumps

A battery operated pump is small and can be used with one hand. Most do not have automatic rhythmic suction. Milk flows directly into a standard bottle. The biggest complaint about these is the short life span of the batteries, and the suction gets less as the battery gets weaker. However, some of the battery operated pumps can be converted to electricity with the use of an adapter. These are only recommended for short term, occasional use. If you have a preemie who must remain in the hospital a long time or if you plan to pump at work, you will need a more substantial pump. But if you only need a pump occasionally these pumps will do just fine.