Whether you’re heading back to work, craving a post-delivery hot date night out, or just in need of a couple of kid-free hours, having a high-quality pump on deck is indispensable. Not only does it help maintain an adequate milk supply, but consistent pumping also helps prevent that painfully engorged, overly-full breast situation.
However, pumping breast milk is like the ultimate love-hate relationship. On one hand, having a machine that can extract milk from your breast so you can store it for later is pretty amazing. Like, can you even imagine if our ancestors had that kind of technology? Breastfeeding would've been a total breeze, whether you were planning on combining pumping with nursing or exclusively going pumping.
But on the other hand, learning how to use one of those pump contraptions is no walk in the park. Raise your hand if you've ever strapped yourself into a breast pump and immediately thought, "What fresh hell is this?" Between the flanges, the tubing, and the suction patterns - it's a lot to figure out when you're already drowning in new mom life.
That's exactly why I'm here today. To be your breast friend (pun very much intended) and give you the real, honest truth about pumping. As a mom who's been there and done that with the pump struggle, I’m sharing this guide on how to use a breast pump and maximize its features.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Use a Breast Pump
Using your breast pump effectively is equal parts science and art. Follow these steps, and you'll be pumping away stress-free in no time:
Step 1: Get Your Gear Ready
Having all your pumping supplies neatly organized and within reach is key to a smooth, stress-free pumping session. Lay out your pump motor, bottles or milk collectors, flanges (the cone-shaped breast shields), tubing, power cord, if applicable, and any other accessories your particular pump requires-do NOT forget those duckbills. Also, ensure that you wash your hands with soap and that all the gear is clean.
Step 2: Make Sure Your Flanges Fit
Getting the correct breast shield (flange) size is absolutely crucial for efficient, comfortable pumping. Flanges that are too small can lead to painful issues like clogged ducts, blistered nipples, and decreased output. Too big, and your nipples will rub uncomfortably along the tunnel sides.
Step 3: Get Into a Comfortable Position
Posture is everything when pumping, so take a seat somewhere you can really settle in and relax those shoulders. It’s for this reason that pumping at work is a no-no! An ultra-comfy glider or recliner is amazing if you have one. If not, any well-cushioned chair with good back support will do.
Prop some pillows behind you if needed. And for the love of all things sacred, go to the bathroom first to avoid a majorly uncomfortable situation halfway through your pumping session. There's nothing less relaxing than a screaming bladder!
Step 4 (Optional): Massage Your Breasts
While not 100% necessary, I’ve included this step for those of you that find it helps. If you find it doesn’t help you, don’t worry about it–it's not a must. If you’d like, before you start the pump motor, take a minute to massage and compress your breasts. This helps kickstart your letdown reflex and get your milk to start flowing. You can also use a warm compress or do some light circles and squeezes from the outer areas, working inward towards the nipples for the same effect.
Step 5: Start Pumping
Pumping can seem a bit daunting at first with all the parts and accessories. But it becomes second nature before you know it. The key is taking it one step at a time, irrespective of the pump in use, be it an electric or manual breast pump. Electric breast pumps are the trendy option nowadays though.
Begin with a low suction level to start pumping. Increase suction as your milk starts flowing freely. Most pumps will automatically transition into stronger expression mode once a letdown occurs. Stop pumping when the milk flow slows significantly, which can occur after 15 minutes of pumping. For a more detailed guide, check out my course on this subject (coming next month)!
Step 6: Adjust Speed and Suction
While pumping, don't be afraid to play around with the speed and suction settings to find your sweet spot. What feels comfortable can fluctuate based on the time of day, hydration levels, hormones, and even your mood! The key is striking that perfect balance where the suction is strong enough to effectively empty both breasts, but not so strong that it hurts or causes excessive tugging.
Step 7: Wrap Up
As soon as you finish pumping at room temperature, refrigerate or cool the milk right away. Freshly pumped or hand-expressed breast milk can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours before needing refrigeration. Refrigerated milk should be used within 4 days, otherwise, freeze it.
Properly stored, breast milk keeps for 6-12 months in a standard freezer. Be diligent about labeling all milk containers with the pump date. Having a solid freezer stash is a gamechanger for busy breastfeeding moms.
One With The Pump’s Tips for Using a Breast Pump
Pumping can seem daunting with all the parts, accessories, and techniques involved. But having the right tips and tricks up your sleeve can make it a total breeze. Let's get into it!
Invest in Milk Storage Bags
Look for milk storage bags specifically designed to withstand freezing and prevent contamination. Also, clearly label the bottles or bags with the date before storing them. Most breast milk can last 6–12 months frozen!
Use Pump Cleaning Wipes
Having to wash pump parts after every single session is such a time suck. That's why pump cleaning wipes are a total lifesaver, especially when you're pumping on-the-go. You can use them for a quick clean of flanges, connectors, and bottles between uses when you don't have access to soap and hot water. Just let everything fully air dry before reassembling.
Invest in a Wearable Pump
Wearable, hands-free pumps have been a revolutionary innovation for making pumping way more convenient. These sleek, discreet devices simply slip into your bra and use gentle suction to collect your milk as you go about your day. You can attend meetings, run errands, and more without being tethered to a wall outlet.
Set Reminders to Pump
As a new parent, remembering to pump at regular intervals can easily slip through the cracks. Set recurring alarms or calendar reminders on your phone for pumping sessions.
Stay Hydrated, Eat Well, and Add Protien to Your Diet
You're making food for an entire human being, and that's some serious hard work! So, how can you fuel your body? First, adequate hydration is key for keeping your supply strong. As well as a healthy, well-balanced diet full of protein. To help yourself accomplish this, have a big water bottle on standby during pumping sessions, don't skip meals, and overall, just don't stress. The most important thing to remember is that you need energy to pump. Water, well-balanced meals, and protein can help you accomplish just that!
Pumping does not need to be this hard, and you do not need to suffer!
I know learning how to use a breast pump can feel totally overwhelming at first. But with the right techniques, it can ultimately be an empowering, convenient experience.
Having the right pump is honestly a game changer; it can make or break your whole pumping experience. With a high-quality option from a top brand like Pumpables, Davin & Alley, or Kindred, pumping sessions transform from a dreaded chore into something you may actually look forward to. When you pair one of those powerhouse pumps with the tried-and-true tips we discussed, pumping goes from a stressed-out struggle to a straightforward self-care routine.
You'd also be doing yourself a huge favor by enrolling in my ultimate pumping class tagged the “Ultimate Pumping Course” where I go through EVERYTHING you need to be successful in your pumping journey. I’ve helped over 2,000 moms so far; you can be one too!
I also offer one-on-one consultations to provide personalized pumping support and quarterly live workshops focusing on different key topics.
I know your story. I know you are stressed, I know how hard this is for you. I’ve been there. I’ve done the research. And as your lactation consultant, I’m ready to give it to you! Let’s do this!
