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find a hospital grade pump, you can go with a Medela Pump in Style or similar pump. It is important to remember that these pumps are not meant to be used in EP. The motors may die quickly and sometimes the suction is not strong enough to keep up your supply.

(2) Milk storage system. As you pump, you may need tto begin thinking about building a freezer stash for the days when you cannot pump or you find you supply is a little lower than usual. There are several ways to store you milk in both the refirigerator or freezer.

Bottles: You want HARD plastic bottles with tight fitting caps or disposable bottles. These are my favorites (in order of preference):
* Breastmilk storage systems from Medela
* One-Step storage kit by Playtex
* Avent milk storage kit

Milk Storage Bags*: Usually resealable with nice pour spout.

* Easy Pour Spout bags by "The First Years"
* Medela Freezer Bags

Ice Trays: You can store your milk in plastic ice trays and then defrost each cube as need,*I don't endorse these products. I find them cumbersome and annoyinf to use. I would rather use bottles.

OK, I have these things, now what?

Since all pumps work differently, make sure that you read your instruction manuals. However, the basic concept is the same. You place the flange over your nipples and turn the machine on. The pumps produce a sucking-like motion that extracts milk from your breasts. It is that simple, but here are some tips to help your pumping session be more productive.

1. Pump Often. Breastmilk is supply and demand. If you demand more milk from your breast, they will produce. In order to successfully feed your baby breastmilk without having to supplement with formula, you have to pump as many times as a baby would nurse. That is usually around 8-10 daily. I pump every 3 hours when I am not working. When I go back to work I will pump as many times as I can at work without causing problems, and then I will make up for it when I get home. You should try to pump AT LEAST 8 times a day especially early on so you can build your milk supply.
2. Empty the Breast. You need to pump until the milk stops flowing. Many sources will say to pump for at least 15 minutes and no longer than 20. Babies usually eat for 20-30 minutes and you should be simulating that. I pump longer because it takes 45 minutes to empty my breast completely. When I first started I only got 2 oz of milk from each breast. Now I get 5-6oz.
3. Eat Oatmeal. For some reason eating oatmeal (not the instant kind) can build up your supply. eat 2-3 servings a day.
4. Drink ALOT of clear liquids. Dehydration will KILL your milk supply. Make sure you are well-hydrated and your body will produce more milk.
5. Eat. Your body burs 500 calories from breastfeeding but you have to make sure you eat so that your body has enough nutrients and energy to produce milk. Don't diet. Just eat healthily and you will lose your pregnancy weight without damaging your milk supply.
6. RELAX! This is by far the most important. You will not produce milk if you are stressed about producing milk. Play some relaxing music. Look at pictures of your baby. Do whatever it takes to relax.

How much milk do I need to get?

Most babies eat about 3oz of breastmilk every three hours. You will need to produce about 24-30 oz of milk a day.

Learn more about this author, Kristina Daniele.
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