How to make the most of your Youha breast pump
Not sure where to start, or feel like you're forgetting something?
Let us guide you through how you can best set yourself up and take control of your pumping journey.
Alternatively, skip ahead to:
First things first
Choose your pump
There are so many convenient options available. Deciding what your priorities are will help you work out whether a traditional direct-to-bottle pump can work for you or if you want the freedom to be mobile and discreet while pumping...
In case you need more detail:
- Visit our Breast Pumps page to learn about the different types of pumps available
- View a comparison table of Youha's bestselling breast pumps
SO IMPORTANT
Refine your size
Did you know that the standard sizing on most pumps is WAY too big for most pumpers? Save your nipples from potential damage, pump more comfortably and get more milk with sizing convertors, also known as flange inserts.
In case you need more detail:
- Follow our sizing guide so you know which sizing convertors and cushions will get your sizing dialled
- Read our article on Why breast pump flange sizing matters
What else
Get the right accessories
What's your plan for all that expressed milk?? It's worth considering breast milk storage, transportation of your pump and milk, feeding attachments (if your new pump doesn't already come with them) as well as dedicated cleaning brushes.
In case you need more detail:
- Visit our collection of feeding and storage accessories so you're all set up
- Check out our range of practical and stylish bags to keep your pump and milk safe during transportation
BEFORE FIRST USE
Clean and Sterilise
Before your first use, pull apart all the parts on your new pump so that you can sterilise them (not their motor or any tubing though!). Typically this process involves washing with dedicated cleaning brushes in a wash tub (not your sink) and then boiling parts in an oversized saucepan. Your Youha owner’s manual will guide you through the steps and considerations for proper pump sterilisation.
In case you need more detail:
- Visit our Cleaning page for general principles
Getting Ready
Put it all together
For your pump’s longevity and your baby's safety, pumps should only be assembled once completely air-dried. Your Youha owner’s manual will guide you through the steps and considerations to assemble your pump and keep it in top shape
and.... ACTION!
Get pumping!
Line up your nipple, secure your bra and take a moment to breathe, relax, and look at your little one or a favourite photo of them. Turn on the pump motor, always keeping the suction within your comfort level. Use warmth, massage or vibration if needed to help the pump's two minute massage setting stimulate your letdown before it switches over to your last used express setting.
In case you need more detail:
- Read our article on How to use a breast pump like a boss
Take note
Track your progress
Celebrate your efforts and learn what's normal for YOU by noting the volume of milk you're collecting each session. Keep a journal or pop a manual entry & note into My YOUHA for the ability to visualise your progress over days, weeks or months. Connect your Youha Embody or The INs and the app will prompt you to log your sessions and input your milk volumes automatically.
In case you need more detail:
- Read our My YOUHA FAQs to learn how the app works
Between uses
Store and transport your pump safely
Once your pump is cleaned and completely air-dried, store either assembled or apart in an airtight container until your next use. If transporting your assembled pump, ensure you fit dust covers to your pump's breast shield before popping them in your bag. After use, ensure wet parts of your pump are rinsed if possible and kept separated from the motors in a waterproof compartment or bag and clean and dry them as soon as you're able.
In case you need more detail:
- See our collection of Pumping Bags for tailored options
Now what?
Store and transport your milk safely
Woo! You've collected your expressed milk and transferred it to a sterile container, but now what? If you're out and about for a while, an insulated bag or pocket and frozen ice-block will likely be necessary to bring your milk down to a safe temperature until you can pop it in a fridge. Check out the Australian Breastfeeding Association for great in-depth guidelines to ensure safe milk storage.
In case you need more detail:
- See our options for breast milk storage
- Visit the national breast milk storage guidelines
Optimise Performance
Replace and recycle worn parts
Certain parts on your pump, like the little valves and membranes, work overtime for you and need to be replaced more frequently than others. When worn, these parts can diminish your pump's performance and effectiveness (read: less milk in your bottles!), so set yourself a recurring reminder to regularly check parts for signs of wear.
In case you need more detail:
- Read our article on the Benefits of replacing your breast pump parts
Simple as that!
If you're still unsure about any aspect of pumping, we've got loads more detail in our FAQs for each pump as well as articles in our Get Super Pumped blog to help bring you up to speed. If you just prefer to shoot us your question directly, we'd love to hear from you! Email ask@youha.com.au and we'll be happy to help.