Milk is expressed at short intervals for about one
minute. This simulates your baby's sucking action
which is rapid at first in order to quench the
baby's thirst. At the same time, rapid sucking
stimulates the milk flow.
After this the breast pump changes automatically
to a slow, more intensive pumping rhythm. This
corresponds to your baby's drinking behaviour.
As soon as baby's thirst is quenched it changes to
a calm, slow and intensive sucking action so as to
drink its fill.
Alternate between breasts when the milk flow
slows down or ceases.
The amount of time needed to express milk will
vary considerably from one person to another.
9.3 Milk quantity
Please do not be surprised if initially it takes a
while for the milk to start to flow. This is not
unusual. In fact it is quite normal for the following
reasons:
Milk production will adapt itself to daily
requirements.
This means that the quantity of milk produced
may vary considerably.
Hygiene is particularly important when using the
breast pump. This applies to all the individual
pump components as well as to your own
personal hygiene.
•
Always ensure that you drink plenty of flu-
ids. This helps to stimulate milk production.
•
Do not set the suction strength too high. A
higher suction strength does not increase
the quantity of milk produced.
9.4 Milk flow reflex
With breastfeeding, putting your baby to the
breast stimulates the milk flow reflex and the
milk will begin to flow. You can also stimulate the
milk flow reflex as follows:
•
Find yourself a quiet place to sit, where you
can relax fully when using the breast pump.
•
Find a comfortable and relaxed sitting
position.
•
Before starting, place a warm object (e.g.
NUK Gel Breast Cushion) on your breasts
for a few minutes to help relax the tissue.
•
Make sure you have eye contact with your
baby. If that is not possible, look at a photo
of your baby.
•
The milk flow reflex releases the flow of
milk to both breasts simultaneously. Any
surplus milk leaking from the breast that is
not currently being expressed can be col-
lected using the NUK Milk Capturing Dish.
10. Hygiene Tips
We recommend a daily shower or washing your
nipples in clean water. Where possible, avoid
using soap on your nipples, as this may cause
irritation.
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