Can I use a breast pump if I have little milk?

A breast pump is an instrument that helps pregnant women to express milk. It is a very good and practical device for women who have deflated or blocked nipples and whose milk has difficulty coming out, as well as for women who cannot breastfeed anytime and anywhere and need to express milk in advance. However, not everyone is suitable for using a breast pump. So, can you use a breast pump if you have little milk? Let’s take a closer look below.

In this case, a breast pump is ineffective because your milk is not enough for your baby. In other words, your baby can drink up all the milk every time and there is no need to use a breast pump. A breast pump is mainly used when there is too much milk to be sucked out, or when there is too much milk for the baby to finish and the breasts are swollen and uncomfortable.

Precautions for using a breast pump:

1. If the baby is around when using a breast pump, it is recommended that mothers look at the baby and think more about the baby. Working mothers can carry a photo of their baby with them.

2. Make sure to empty the breast milk every time you use a breast pump. The more you suck, the more milk you produce. If you don't empty the milk, the milk will only become less and less.

3. When using an electric breast pump, do not set the suction force too high, otherwise the nipple may be easily broken or swollen. For ladies who are just starting to use a breast pump, it is recommended that you adjust the breast pump yourself, slowly adjust the suction force until it is a little uncomfortable, and then adjust it back a little. This way you can ensure that the suction force is just the most comfortable you can bear and can maximize milk extraction.

4. After each time of milk expression, use the milk on the breast pump horn to rub the nipple and areola, and then apply some lanolin ointment, which can play a protective role. Some people think that there is no need to deal with it in this way if the nipples are not broken or red and swollen, but the problem is that once these conditions occur, they usually take many days to heal, and milk pumping cannot be interrupted, which will be very painful for the breastfeeding mother.

5. When pumping milk, do not press the bell cover hard against the breast. Just stick it lightly to ensure there is no leakage. Pressing too hard can easily cause local milk blockage.

A breast pump may not be suitable for all mothers. Many mothers still have no milk flowing out after squeezing the breasts several times. At this time, don't be anxious, just keep trying. However, if you squeeze the breasts for more than 5 minutes and still can't suck out milk, you must give up in time to avoid damaging the breasts. If you feel pain during the milk pumping process, stop immediately and consult a doctor. Discover and treat potential diseases in the body early. The above are the things you need to pay attention to when using a breast pump, and it is also the correct way to use a breast pump.