Contents:
- Medical Video: Self-Massage for Nursing Mothers and New Moms from Louisville Massage Therapist Heather Wibbels, LMT
- The bathroom is not a good place to pump breast milk
- Tips for pumping breast milk in the bathroom
- 1. Pump breast milk at the right time and place
- 2. Wear clothes that do not make it difficult for you to pump breast milk
- 3. Wash hands before pumping breast milk
- 4. Select the manual ASI pump
- 5. Save the ASI in the refrigerator if it is not used immediately
Medical Video: Self-Massage for Nursing Mothers and New Moms from Louisville Massage Therapist Heather Wibbels, LMT
The limited space for pumping milk makes the mother have to pump her milk in the bathroom. Although the government has issued a regulation that every office building provides a breastfeeding room (ASI Corner), there are still some office buildings that do not yet have such rooms, so many mothers think of pumping their milk in the bathroom rather than pumping milk in public places. In fact, the bathroom is actually not a proper place to pump breast milk.
READ ALSO: A Guide to Saving Breast Milk to Stay Durable
The bathroom is not a good place to pump breast milk
When pumping breast milk, mothers need tranquility, a fairly loose time, and a comfortable and clean place. When compared to other rooms, the bathroom is far from the proper word for pumping breast milk. Mothers are not free to use the bathroom because they are waiting for the next bathroom user, especially if it is crowded. Mothers need at least 15-20 minutes to pump breast milk. Sometimes, mothers also have to pump their milk more than once a day, can be 2-3 times during working hours.
Besides that, when it is crowded the bathroom is sometimes noisy even though the mother needs calm when pumping breast milk. Usually the bathroom also has a narrow size so that the mother is less comfortable when pumping breast milk. If the mother is not calm and comfortable when pumping milk, this can affect the smooth flow of milk. Maybe the mother can experience difficulties when pumping milk.
The most worrying thing is, the bathroom is a place that has lots of germs and bacteria. This makes the bathroom a place that is not feasible as a place to pump breast milk. It is feared that breastmilk pumped by the mother is contaminated with germs or bacteria in the bathroom. If contaminated breast milk is taken by the baby, the baby may be infected with the disease.
However, especially what you can do if there is no breastfeeding room. The only choice is a bathroom for pumping breast milk. Or, if available and possible, you can choose another room for pumping breast milk, for example in a meeting room, a women's prayer room, a dressing room, and other enclosed spaces.
Tips for pumping breast milk in the bathroom
If there is no other room for pumping breast milk, the mother is forced to pump her milk in the bathroom. This practice has been done by many mothers, maybe including you. If that's the case, it's a good idea to follow these tips when pumping breast milk in the bathroom.
READ ALSO: 6 Stances Right Remain Live Exclusive ASI for Working Mothers
1. Pump breast milk at the right time and place
Usually in one building there are several bathrooms. To pump breast milk, you should choose a bathroom that is not crowded and clean. If in an office building, you should pay attention at certain hours where the bathroom is quiet, when you should use it to pump breast milk. This is done so that you are calm and comfortable while breastfeeding, so that your milk can come out smoothly. If the bathroom is quiet but dirty, you should look for another bathroom that is clean.
In addition, choose a bathroom with a toilet seat. To provide comfort to you when pumping breast milk, you should choose a bathroom with a toilet seat. So, you pump your milk in a sitting condition instead of standing.
2. Wear clothes that do not make it difficult for you to pump breast milk
Wearing clothes that are easily removed when pumping breast milk can make it easier for you and also saves you time. We recommend that you use a special breastfeeding bra so you can easily remove and use it again.
3. Wash hands before pumping breast milk
As you already know, the bathroom is an unhygienic place. Therefore, to reduce the chance of ASI contamination you should wash your hands with soap before you pump the milk. Also make sure the ASI pump and the bottle that you use to store the milk are clean. After use, do not forget to wash the ASI pump again.
4. Select the manual ASI pump
Usually in the bathroom there is no electric plug. So, it's a good idea to prefer a manual ASI pump rather than an electric breast milk pump that requires electricity. After all, manual ASI pumps are easier for you to carry anywhere. However, you may need more time when using a manual ASI pump than an electric breast milk pump.
READ ALSO: Choose a Manual or Electric Breast Pump? This is a comparison
5. Save the ASI in the refrigerator if it is not used immediately
If breast milk is not directly given to the baby, you should keep the milk in the refrigerator. Breast milk can last up to 2 days if stored in a refrigerator and can last up to 3 months if stored inside freezer. If you bring your milk home from work, don't forget to bring it cool box as a place to store breast milk to stay awake. Also, don't forget to give the date when the milk is pumped so that you remember the time limit for use.
