FOR any new mother, the prospect of breastfeeding can be more than a little daunting.
But luckily there are always experts on hand to help answer your questions and queries, or calm your fears.
One of the most commonly asked breastfeeding questions is what to do if your baby doesn't feed, with expressing a popular option.
But how should you go about expressing – and how do you choose the perfect pump?
We spoke to Breastfeeding Doctor Dr Sharon Silberstein – International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Tongue Tie Specialist – and asked for her top expressing and pumping tips.
"Some of my patients pump some of the time or even pump exclusively if either baby doesn’t latch or if it is more convenient or for other reasons," Dr Silberstein explained.
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When choosing a pump, she recommends the Spectra S1 – a "well priced double electric hospital grade pump" that is more "more efficient than a single pump as you can pump both breasts at the same time".
It's also important to ensure you've got a good flange fit.
The flange is a funnel-shaped piece of plastic that fits over your nipple, and it comes in sizes from 10mm to 36mm.
"There are also various flanges for nipples that need a more specific fit," Dr Silberstein continued.
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"For elastic nipples (a nipple that stretches more than we would typically expect when pumping), there are silicone flanges (made by LacTeck), or PumpinPals, there are also silicone inserts to adjust the flange size.
"To measure the nipple you need to measure the base of the nipple across.
"If the nipples are elastic you may need to add a millimetre on each side, i.e if you measure 13mm your best fit would be a 15mm flange."
You might have seen bra pumps advertised online, but Dr Silberstein has mixed feelings about them.
"Pumps like the Elvie work very well for some mums but are not very good for others," she said.
"There are not many flange sizes available so they are not great for fine tuning the best fit."
If you're unsure about the fit of your pump, it's a good idea to consult a lactation consultant to help, "as it can make a big difference to comfort levels and milk output".
"If the flange is too large it will pull some of the areola in and cause swelling around the nipple and pain and the milk volumes pumped can be much lower," she continued.
"If the flange fits well, the funnel will contain only the nipple and there will be no friction around the nipple."
Dr Silberstein also shared some of her other tips, such as using a little coconut oil or nipple cream to improve the seal between the breast and the pump.
She also cited a "good pumping bra" as an essential.
"To help with pumping mums do well with gentle heat and gentle massage before the pump, setting up a comfortable space with plenty water, healthy snacks and maybe some gentle music," Dr Silberstain said.
"Stress can really have a negative impact on milk supply so trying to pump when it’s fairly calm helps.
"Also having Baby near or at least something like a cloth that smells of baby or a picture/video can help with getting the flow going."
To find a Lactation Consultant, click here, and search by area.
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Dr Sharon Silberstein, aka the Breastfeeding Doctor Ltd, is a Medical Doctor, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Tongue Tie Specialist.
She also has a shop, where mums can buy everything they need.
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