Bloom Collective

Did you know that you should change your breast pump parts out frequently? Yes, it’s true. The parts all serve a function, and in order for the pump to work at optimal levels, you need to be aware of the shelf life of your pump parts. If pieces are faulty or have run their course, you run the risk of reduced efficiency and suction, resulting in less pull, less suction, and therefore less milk. No one wants that!Below is a general guideline on when to change your parts. Remember that not all pumps are the same, so look at your pumps manufacturing manual as well for reference.

Below are general guidelines:

Duck valves or valve membranes
🔹Pump 2-3x/day: change every month
🔹Pump Less than 3x/day: every 2-3 months

Tubing:
🔹When it becomes damaged ex. immediately if breast milk or moisture gets into the pump because it can damage the motor

Backflow Protectors: 
🔹Every 3-6 months

Breast shields and Connectors: 
🔹 Every 6 months , or immediately after you see tears/cracks 

If you have any questions in regards to your specific pump, contact Bloom for help!

Another awesome tip from Bloom Collective!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Massage those breasts!!!! Massage works to both empty the milk ducts and encourage the production of more milk. Gentle breast massage (for just a minute or two) before a pumping session helps stimulate your milk-producing glands allowing for a faster let-down. Using breast compression during pumping aids in fully draining all of the milk ducts. This equals MORE milk. We have also found that breast compression during pumping has the added benefit of reducing your total pumping time because it helps drain the milk faster.

How to use breast compression during pumping:
🔘Wear a hands-free nursing bra so that you can use both hands
🔘Gently, but firmly, massage and squeeze your breast starting from the upper chest and working your way towards the ni***es and as close to breast shields as you can get
🔘You can even stop pumping in the middle of a session, or when you see the milk start to slow down, and massage your breasts for a minute or two and then go back to pumping. This helps to stimulate more let-downs!
🔘If you notice any hard plugged ducts, then provide extra massage to work these ducts clear!

Massage those breasts!!!! Massage works to both empty the milk ducts and encourage the production of more milk. Gentle breast massage (for just a minute or two) before a pumping session helps stimulate your milk-producing glands allowing for a faster let-down. Using breast compression during pumping aids in fully draining all of the milk ducts. This equals MORE milk. We have also found that breast compression during pumping has the added benefit of reducing your total pumping time because it helps drain the milk faster.

How to use breast compression during pumping:
🔘Wear a hands-free nursing bra so that you can use both hands
🔘Gently, but firmly, massage and squeeze your breast starting from the upper chest and working your way towards the ni***es and as close to breast shields as you can get
🔘You can even stop pumping in the middle of a session, or when you see the milk start to slow down, and massage your breasts for a minute or two and then go back to pumping. This helps to stimulate more let-downs!
🔘If you notice any hard plugged ducts, then provide extra massage to work these ducts clear!

👏👏👏👏

One of our favorite pumping tools is the HAAKAA - a manual breast pump. Did you know that while you breastfeed on one breast you can suction your haakaa on the other side? This way you don't have to deal with messy bra pads and wet shirts when that pesky let down milk starts flowing. This is a great way to build your supply during the initial postpartum phase without having to use your electric pump. Trust us - the let down milk expressed from the haakaa builds up faster than you think. Before you know it, you are storing ounces away!

We also wanted to include other options for collection cups. These aren’t manual pumps, so they don’t actively suction/express from your breast, but they are very discrete and easy to place in your bra to collect leaking milk. Save that milk mama! 💪🏼