- To start:
- Push the wave button when beginning the pumping session- This will put the pump in the stimulation phase (fast cycles, low vacuum)(70 for cycle, 1-3 for vacuum).
- No need to increase vacuum much or at all in this phase.
- Next:
- When the milk begins dripping quickly and/or spraying, push the wave button again- This will put the pump in the expression phase (slower cycles, higher vacuum- to mimic the baby swallowing a lot of milk)(54 for cycle, 4-8 for vacuum).
- Increase suction strength here as high as you can tolerate without pain or pinching. If it starts to hurt at any point, turn it down.
- Timing:
- Pump both breasts simultaneously for 15 minutes max, or 10 minutes per side if doing them one at a time.
- Longer is not better unless milk is still coming out actively at 15 minutes. If so, continue until milk flow slows dramatically.
- Important:
- There is no one perfect setting as far as cycles and vacuum level. You’ll need to play around to find what works best to remove the milk from your breasts.
- Maximizing output:
- You have 2 to 3 letdowns per breastfeeding or pumping session.
- You may need to switch back to the stimulation phase again once the milk output slows significantly. This will mimic the baby waiting for the next letdown. Then switch back to expression once the milk is coming quickly.
- Doing breast compression throughout the pumping will help you maximize output.
