Skip to content 
It is best to start pumping two months before the baby is born.
Some women start showing their hands just a few weeks before they start pumping to start a routine. It is very gentle on the breasts and is a good starting point.
Use a medical grade electric pump.
Start slowly as breastfeeding can be difficult on the nipples. Start by pumping for 5 minutes, 3x a day and work up to pumping for 15-30 minutes every 2-3 hours.
A baby feeds at least 8 to 12 times a day, so it is important to pump eight times a day regularly. Pump as often as possible, even if you don’t think you’re getting anything. The more you pump, the more milk you produce.
Any breast milk you produce can be stored in the refrigerator.
The Medela Symphony Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump
Have realistic expectations
Don’t despair if you don’t make milk for a while. It takes time to start breastfeeding and milk builds up slowly with frequent pumping and feeding.
Related posts: What to Expect When Lactation Begins
Be Consistent
Consistency is the magic part of starting lactation. It may feel like you don’t see results for a long time, but keep at it and your body will respond.
USE the Extended Nursing Process
Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is a method of breastfeeding after birth. An SNS is when a special feeding tube is attached to your breast when the baby receives extra milk or donor milk. This helps to strengthen the breasts when the baby is breastfeeding.
It is a way to add your baby to the breast to increase your milk supply.
Get the right help
While breastfeeding, work with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
They can help you make your milk and deal with any problems you have along the way. Find an IBCLC near you.
Eat GLACTAGOGUES
You may need to introduce glass into your diet while breastfeeding. Galactagogues are foods and herbs that have incontrovertible evidence to support breastfeeding. This may be useful for some people, but it is not guaranteed to work.
Some of these include fennel, barley, flax seeds, brewers yeast, and oats. To get three of these in your diet, make homemade breastfeeding cookies with simple (and delicious!) ingredients (just add butter and eggs and voilà!)