Useful Faq's
How do I choose the right breastpump?
What is the let-down reflex?
When babies start to breastfeed they suckle with rapid sucking motions and low suction, this causes the milk by the stimulating let down. This effect is replicated by a breastpump by starting with a higher cycle level and lower vacuum. When let down occurs, reduce the cycles and strengthen the vacuum until you find the most comfortable level for you.
If you are not attaining let down this can be encouraged by either; massaging your breasts, applying a warm flannel to your breasts, or using a photo or video of your baby which all help stimulate the milk ejection reflex.
How does my breastpump get delivered?
How do I choose the right Breast Shell size?
- the nipple moves freely in the funnel and can follow the rhythmic movements of the pump
- no part or very little of the areola tissue is in the funnel
- the milk flows and the breast feels soft everywhere after pumping.
Ardo offers the following breast shell sizes:
- 26mm, that accepts a 22mm insert
- 31mm, that accepts a 28mm insert
- 36mm
What do I do if there is low or no suction on the electric breastpumps?
- 1. Is the tube connector closed off if you are single pumping?
- 2. Is the membrane under the pumpset lid going up and down and not caught in the lid?
- 3. Is the pumpset lid fitted correctly and not loose?
- 4. Is the tube free of any kinks?
- 5. Is the lip valve connected to the breast shell ripped or torn?
If you have carried out all the checks and still need help please contact us on 01-4438841 for advise and support.
How do I clean a Pumpset?
There are four options:
- 1. Use Ardo Easy Clean Microwave Bags for fast and convenient cleaning at home or out and about.
- 2. Electric or Microwave Steam sterilisers – using the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 3. Immersion in a pan of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- 4. Cold water sterilisation – according to the instructions on the sterilising fluid/tablets.
What materials are your bottles made from?
How many times a day do I need to express?
If you are pumping to collect your milk, and are also breastfeeding, then you can express whenever is convenient for you to do so, even during a feed. Some mums find it useful to express straight after a feed, you will find the right time that suits.
Will I produce enough breast milk?
How do I store breast milk?
Expressed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator (4 – 6°C) for three days. In order to stock up, the expressed breast milk can be stored for three months in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator and six months in the deep-freezer at a temperature of at least -20°C. The specially designed Easy Freeze bags have an integrated temperature indicator so that you can be confident the breast milk is at the correct temperature.
How do I defrost frozen breast milk?
NB: Never microwave breast milk as it can change the composition of breast milk.
Breastfeeding and expressing with implants
Some mothers worry that the quality of their milk may be affected by implants. There is no evidence that the material in the implants can harm a baby, even if a leak in the implant packet occurs.
The location of the implant can impact on breastfeeding. When the packets are inserted under the fold of the breast or under the arm, there is less risk of damage to important nerves and milk ducts. Sometimes, implants are inserted at the edge of the areola. There is more risk with this surgical approach that the nerve sensation to the nipple will be damaged. If this happens, both milk supply, and milk release, can be affected.
On rare occasions, a woman gets implants because of irregular breast development. She may have too little glandular tissue to bring in a full milk supply. In such a case, her breastfeeding problems are not directly related to the implants, but to the earlier problem. Source http://www.amazingbreastmilk.nhs.uk/how-to-breastfeed/feeding-with-implants/