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Pumping Basics

What Nobody Tells You About Pumping

Pumping is not instinctive, and many moms struggle because they’re never taught how it actually works. Issues like pain, low output, or confusion often come from things like incorrect flange size, wrong settings, or using the wrong type of pump—not personal failure. More suction doesn’t mean better results, and wearables often work best as secondary pumps. With the right knowledge and setup, pumping becomes much more manageable.

If you are struggling with pumping, I need you to know something right away:

Pumping is not instinctive.

Most moms are told to order their pump through insurance, wait for it to arrive (sometimes barely in time), told to pump every few hours, and somehow expected to magically know:

  • What the settings mean
  • What flange size they need
  • Whether their pump is emptying them
  • Why pumping hurts
  • Why their output changes
  • Whether their wearable is actually working

And when things are not going well, moms immediately blame themselves.

They assume:

  • Their supply is low
  • Their body is failing
  • They are doing something wrong

But the reality is that most moms were simply never taught how pumping actually works.

So let’s talk about the things nobody tells you about pumping - but absolutely should.

What Nobody Tells You About Pumping

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two women relaxing on a couch, with one person holding a baby

Flanges Come in Sizes

This one shocks so many moms. The flange that comes with your pump is not automatically your size.

In fact, most moms are not the standard 24mm flange included in the box.

And using the wrong flange size can affect:

  • Comfort
  • Output
  • Letdowns
  • Milk removal
  • Nipple swelling
  • Pumping pain

Your nipples should not be rubbing against the sides of the flange tunnel. Your entire areola should not be getting pulled deeply into the tunnel. And pumping should not leave your nipples damaged.

If pumping hurts, something likely needs adjusting.

More Suction Does NOT Mean More Milk

I cannot tell you how many moms immediately turn their pump suction all the way up thinking stronger suction means better output.

You do not win an award for pumping on level 12.

Too much suction can actually:

  • Increase swelling
  • Restrict milk flow
  • Cause pain
  • Make output worse
  • Damage nipple tissue

The goal is effective milk removal — not surviving the highest suction possible.

Comfort matters. Your settings matter. And the strongest setting is not always the best one.

Wearables Are Secondary Pumps

Wearable pumps are amazing. They give moms flexibility, freedom, and convenience.

But most wearable pumps are secondary pumps.

That means they are not ideal to rely on as your only pump all day long, especially early postpartum or while exclusively pumping.

For most moms, they do not remove milk effectively enough to fully maintain supply. Which is why I only recommend to use a wearable for 1-3 pump sessions max per day.

That does not make wearables bad. It just means they are tools: great for pumping during meetings, during that dinner-prep rush, and when you just need to have your hands and get all the things done.

Still confused on what primary and secondary means? Check out my full blog here on primary vs. secondary pumps, and what you need to know.

Pumping Should NOT Hurt

This is one of the biggest myths I wish would disappear.

Pumping pain is common. But common does not mean normal.

Things like:

  • Cracked nipples
  • Bleeding
  • Severe pain
  • White nipples after pumping
  • Swelling
  • Pinching
  • Blistering

…are signs that something needs adjusting.

Pain is often caused by:

  • Incorrect flange sizing
  • Poor settings
  • Excessive suction
  • Elastic nipples
  • Pump incompatibility

You should not spend months suffering through every session.

signs something is wrong while pumping

Your Breasts May Need Different Settings

Your breasts are not identical.

One side may produce more milk. One side may let down faster. One side may prefer gentler suction. The other may respond better to faster cycles.

And that is normal.

Some moms notice dramatically different output between breasts and immediately assume something is wrong.

Usually, it just means your body responds differently side to side.

This is why customizable pumps can make such a huge difference for some moms.

Babies Remove Milk Differently Than Pumps

Many moms assume: “If nursing is going well, pumping should too.”

Not necessarily.

Babies remove milk differently than pumps do.

Your body may respond beautifully to your baby but struggle to respond to your pump setup.

That does not automatically mean your supply is low.

Sometimes it means:

  • Your settings need adjusting
  • Your flange size is wrong
  • Your pump is not a good fit for your body
  • Your wearable is not emptying you effectively

Pumping is learned equipment use.

Pumping Is NOT Instinctive

This may be the most important thing I can tell you.

Struggling with pumping does not mean you are failing.

Most moms are never properly taught:

  • How to size flanges
  • What pump settings mean
  • How to trigger letdowns
  • How long to pump
  • How to recognize poor milk removal
  • How different pumps function
  • How to troubleshoot output problems

You are expected to figure out all of this while exhausted, postpartum, and caring for a newborn.

Of course it feels overwhelming. You are not bad at pumping. You were just never taught how to do it.

And that is exactly why support matters.

If you are struggling with pumping pain, output, flange sizing, settings, or figuring out your pump, you do not have to do this alone.

You can book a pumping consult with us for personalized support, or check out The Ultimate Pumping Course to learn how pumping actually works.

Because pumping should feel manageable — not miserable.

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