Got a question? Our expert is here to help.
Got a question? Our expert is here to help.
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These questions were answered by Dr Natalie Epton, specialist paediatrician and neonatologist at International Paediatric Clinic. Got a question? E-mail us at magyoungparents@sph.com.sg.
What should I look for in a breast pump?
An electric pump is really worth the additional investment. Yes, it is eye-wateringly expensive, but if you’re a busy working mum, it will have the job done in a quarter of the time of a manual one.
If price is an issue, you can look into renting a pump, or buying one secondhand. You’ll need to buy new tubing, funnels, valves and bottles, but these are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of the pump itself.
Some mums prefer the manual pumps as they feel they are more comfortable. You can decide after you’ve given birth, so you can try out the various models in the hospital.
If you prefer to buy one before you deliver your baby, take it to the hospital with you. The lactation consultant can show you how to use your model, and you can practise with support before going home.
Finally, ask the consultant to teach you how to do manual expression. It isn’t quick or practical for regular pumping, but it is an invaluable skill if you need to quickly express a small amount of milk, or your pump breaks down (which obviously won’t happen if you have a manual one!).
How do I safely store breast milk?
Breast milk is so precious. Those of us who’ve pumped and stored it for our little ones know that nothing is more devastating than having to throw away spoilt milk.
Always wash and sterilise your equipment before each use. This includes the funnels, valves and bottles. Choose a storage container that is sterile and easy to store, as well as practical to get the milk out of when you need to. I prefer the Lansinoh brand of breast milk storage bags as these can be stored flat, like “bricks”, making it easier to store multiple bags.
Once you’ve finished pumping and transferred the milk to the container, remove as much air as possible, and decide when you are going to need the milk.
Milk stored in the refrigerator will need to be used within 24 to 48 hours; and if in the freezer, it will last up to three months (six months in a deep freezer). When kept outside at room temperature, it must be used within 30 minutes in this climate.
If pumping in the office, I recommend buying extra funnels, valves and bottles for each time you will be pumping, and sterilising them at the start of the day, putting each set in separate clean resealable storage bags.
This way, you can pump your milk within a short period of time without feeling guilty about being away from your desk, while not compromising on sterility.
After pumping, simply detach the used funnels, valves and bottles from the pump, give them a quick wipe with a wet wipe, and put them back in the storage bag to wash and sterilise at home.
