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  3. Choosing and Using Breast Pumps (Manual vs. Electric)
Course Content
Why Breastfeeding Matters (10 minutes)
Health and developmental benefits for infants Maternal benefits (physical and mental) Economic and community-level advantages Common myths and culturally specific misconceptions
0/4
Health & Developmental Benefits for Infants from Breastfeeding
Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding (Physical and Mental)
Economic and Community-Level Advantages of Breastfeeding
Common Myths and Culturally Specific Misconceptions about Breastfeeding
Newborn Feeding Cues & Anatomy (20 minutes)
Early vs. late hunger cues and what they mean Normal newborn feeding patterns and stomach capacity Brief breast anatomy (lobes, ducts, nipple, areola) in plain language Signs of effective feeding (swallowing, contentment, diaper output)
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Early vs. Late Hunger Cues in Infants
Normal Newborn Feeding Patterns and Stomach Capacity
Breast Anatomy (in Plain Language)
Signs of Effective Feeding in Breastfed Babies
Positions & Achieving a Good Latch (40 minutes)
Position options: cradle, cross-cradle, football/clutch, side-lying Stepwise approach to help baby latch (prepare — attach — assess) Signs of a good vs. poor latch (comfort, nipple shape, audible swallowing) Small-person adaptations (premature, small mouth, tongue-tie considerations) Safe positioning for mothers with C-section recovery
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Position Options for Breastfeeding
Stepwise Approach to Help Baby Latch
Signs of a Good vs. Poor Latch
Small-Person Adaptations in Breastfeeding
Safe Positioning for Mothers with C-Section Recovery
Protecting & Building Milk Supply (25 minutes)
Establishing supply in the first days and weeks (frequency, skin-to-skin) Night feeds and cluster feeding explained Lifestyle and medical factors that reduce supply (e.g., certain medications, stress) Relactation and increasing milk supply safely Nutrition and hydration myths vs. evidence
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Establishing Milk Supply in the First Days and Weeks
Night Feeds and Cluster Feeding
Lifestyle and Medical Factors That Reduce Supply
Relactation and Increasing Milk Supply Safely
Nutrition and Hydration Myths vs. Evidence in Breastfeeding
Expressing & Storing Breastmilk (20 minutes)
Hand-expression steps and common mistakes Choosing and using pumps (manual vs. electric) — practical tips Safe collection, labeling, storage, thawing and warming guidelines (low-resource options included) Cleaning and hygiene for bottles and storage containers Feeding expressed milk to infant (cup, spoon, paladai, bottle considerations)
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Hand-Expression Steps and Common Mistakes
Choosing and Using Breast Pumps (Manual vs. Electric)
Safe Breast Milk Handling
Cleaning and Hygiene for Bottles and Storage Containers
Feeding Expressed Milk to Infants
Common Problems & Practical Solutions (25 minutes)
Causes of sore nipples and immediate relief techniques Managing engorgement and preventing blocked ducts Recognising mastitis vs. normal engorgement and when antibiotics may be needed Low weight gain: assessment steps and feeding plan adjustments Non-judgmental approach to supplementation and safe short-term options
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Causes of Sore Nipples and Immediate Relief
Managing Engorgement and Preventing Blocked Ducts
Recognising Mastitis vs. Normal Engorgement
Low Weight Gain — Assessment and Feeding Plan Adjustments
Non-Judgmental Approach to Supplementation
Returning to Work or School; Feeding Outside the Home (15 minutes)
Creating an express-and-feed routine (timing, containers, transport) Practical storage and transport tips for different commute types Rights and workplace basics (general guidance; encourage local legal verification) Communicating with caregivers and preparing safe feeder notes Emotional coping and practical fallback plans
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Creating an Express-and-Feed Routine
Practical Storage & Transport Tips for Expressed Breast Milk by Commute Type
Rights and Workplace Basics for Breastfeeding Mothers
Communicating with Caregivers and Preparing Safe Feeder Notes
Emotional Coping and Practical Fallback Plans
Special Situations (20 minutes)
Feeding preterm or low-birthweight infants: kangaroo care, cup or tube feeding basics Managing twins/multiples: tandem feeding tips and time-saving routines Mothers on medication or with infectious illness: how to check drug safety and local guidelines (HIV, TB, etc.) Using donor milk or milk banks (where available) — safety basics
0/4
Feeding Preterm or Low-Birthweight Infants
Managing Twins/Multiples — Tandem Feeding Tips and Time-Saving Routines
Mothers on Medication or with Infectious Illness — Drug Safety & Guidelines
Using Donor Milk or Milk Banks — Safety Basics
When to Seek Help & Building a Support Network (15 minutes)
Red flags for baby and mother (e.g., poor weight gain, fever, severe pain) Where to seek help: clinic, CHW, lactation consultant, emergency care Building a support network: partners, family, peer counsellors, community groups Using telephone/text supports, community groups, and referral pathways
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Red Flags for Baby and Mother
Where to Seek Help for Breastfeeding Challenges
Building a Support Network for Breastfeeding Mothers
Using Telephone/Text Supports, Community Groups, and Referral Pathways
Wrap-up, Resources & Final Assessment (15 minutes)
Key takeaways and common pitfalls to avoid Next steps: seeking local support, advanced training options How to use course materials beyond the course (groups, sharing, peer support) Final 20-question multiple-choice quiz (80% pass mark)
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Key Takeaways and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Next Steps — Seeking Local Support & Advanced Training Options
How to Use Course Materials Beyond the Course
Final 20-question multiple-choice quiz (80% pass mark)
How to Breastfeed — Self-Paced, Evidence-Based Course for African Moms

Introduction

Breast pumps can be useful for mothers who need to return to work, store milk, relieve engorgement, or when the baby cannot feed directly. Choosing the right pump and learning how to use it correctly makes pumping more effective and comfortable.

1. Types of Breast Pumps

Manual Pumps

  • How they work: Operated by hand, usually with a squeeze handle.

  • Advantages:

    • Affordable and portable.

    • Quiet — good for occasional use.

  • Limitations:

    • Slower, requires hand effort.

    • Less practical for frequent or exclusive pumping.

Electric Pumps

  • How they work: Motor creates suction, single or double.

  • Advantages:

    • Faster, especially with double pumping (both breasts at once).

    • Better for regular or exclusive pumping.

  • Limitations:

    • More expensive.

    • Louder, need power source or batteries.

2. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pump

  • Frequency of use:

    • Occasional → Manual may be enough.

    • Regular/daily → Electric recommended.

  • Budget: Electric pumps cost more but save time.

  • Portability: Manual pumps are light; some electric pumps are portable or wearable.

  • Comfort and fit: Ensure correct flange size (breast shield should fit nipple comfortably without rubbing).

3. Practical Tips for Pumping

  1. Timing

    • Best after or between feeds, or when breasts feel full.

    • Aim for 8–10 sessions per day if exclusively pumping.

  2. Setup

    • Wash hands and use clean pump parts.

    • Relax — look at baby’s photo or smell baby’s blanket to trigger let-down.

  3. Technique

    • Start with gentle suction, then increase gradually.

    • Pump for 15–20 minutes, or until flow slows.

  4. Storage

    • Collect milk in clean containers.

    • Label with date/time.

    • Follow safe storage guidelines (fridge, freezer).

4. Common Mistakes

  • Using wrong flange size → causes pain and poor milk flow.

  • Setting suction too high → can damage nipples.

  • Skipping cleaning → risks contamination.

  • Pumping too rarely when away from baby → lowers supply.

End of Lecture Quiz

Q1. Which type of pump is best for daily, frequent pumping?
A. Manual
B. Electric
C. Hand-expression only
D. None of the above

Answer: B. Electric
Rationale: Electric pumps are faster and more efficient for regular use.

Q2. What is one way to trigger let-down before pumping?
A. Drinking cold water
B. Looking at baby’s photo or holding a blanket with baby’s scent
C. Setting pump suction to maximum
D. Eating a large meal

Answer: B. Looking at baby’s photo or holding a blanket with baby’s scent
Rationale: Familiar sights and smells stimulate oxytocin, which triggers let-down.

Q3. True or False: Pumping less often than baby would feed can reduce supply.
Answer: True
Rationale: Milk production depends on frequent removal; skipping sessions lowers supply.

Curated Online Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Manual pumps are best for occasional use, electric pumps for regular use.

  • Correct flange size and gentle suction improve comfort and flow.

  • Pumping is most effective when mother is relaxed and consistent.

  • Safe cleaning and storage prevent contamination.

Call to Action

  • Mothers: Choose a pump based on your needs — occasional or daily. Learn correct technique for comfort and supply.

  • Health workers: Teach mothers about pump hygiene, flange fitting, and realistic expectations.

  • Communities: Support working mothers with private spaces and flexible breaks to express milk safely.

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