What is the best pump for me?
How long should I pump for?
Am I pumping enough?

There are SO many questions that come up when you’re pumping for your baby.

The truth is, there are just a few simple rules you need to understand when it comes to pumping successfully.

10 Pumping Rules To Help You Pump Like A Pro

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1. Find The Best Pump For Your Lifestyle

There are 3 basic types of pumps: hand pumps, double electric pumps, and hospital grade pumps.

Each kind has its place, depending on your particular situation.

For Occasional Pumping: Use a hand pump. They only pump one breast at a time, and requires you to pump your breast manually.
PRO-TIP: They’re also great to have on hand for small trips and as a backup in case something unexpectedly happens to your main pump.

For Regular Pumping: Use a double electric pump which pumps both of your breasts at once. 

For Exclusive Pumping/Pumping For Baby In NICU: Consider renting a hospital grade pump.

2. Recognize That Pumping Is Different From Breastfeeding

Pumping your milk is different than breastfeeding, most notably because direct breastfeeding is both a feeding method and a bonding experience. Your baby snuggled up against you releases hormones that aid in the letdown and flow of your milk. 

That doesn’t mean that pumping can’t be effective! But it’s important to understand that there are certain limits to pumping, and making sure to mimic the emotional aspects of pumping milk for your baby—perhaps by looking at photos of your baby, or having a blanket that smells like them nearby—can aid in the pumping process.

Want to get more milk out each time you pump? Try THIS cool little gadget!

3. Take Breaks And Add Massage

When you’re breastfeeding, there are little lulls where your baby sucks more vigorously and other times when they are sucking more lightly. There are even times that they may take a quick break to look up at you or snooze for a bit.

Adding in a few breaks in your pumping time can help mimic the breastfeeding experience and make pumping more effective.

 It can also be helpful to add in massage. Massaging your breasts can help get your milk flowing. If you want to get your milk flowing during a pumping session, you can gently squeeze your breasts as well. Taking the pump off and hand expressing milk from your nipples can also be helpful and can be a good way to keep your milk flowing when things seem to be stalled.

Related Article:  The Smush Method: Hands-On Pumping To Double Your Output

4. Pumping Should Not Hurt!

Just like breastfeeding should not hurt, pumping shouldn’t hurt either!

And it certainly should not cause damage to your nipples.

If your pump feels like it’s pinching your nipples, you may need a larger flange size. You may also need to turn down the suction strength on the pump. 

5. Understand That The Amount You Pump Will Vary

You can’t expect to pump the same amount of milk during each session. Just like breastfeeding, the amount you pump will vary depending on time of day, how you’re feeling, and how recently you have pumped.

You might have a few days where you pump a little less, or a few days where you pump a little more. These fluctuations are normal: the only concern is if your overall output has changed dramatically.

6. Take Advantage Of Early Mornings

Your body naturally produces more prolactin in the middle of the night and the early morning. This means you’ll likely produce more milk then. You can take advantage of that and pump first thing in the morning.

7. Make Friends With Your Pump

Many moms get frustrated with pumping, which is understandable. They start to seriously resent their pump and feel unhappy just looking or thinking about it. The problem is that this can impact your ability to pump successfully. Remind yourself that just by showing up and attempting to pump, you’re an amazing mom!

PRO-TIP: Some moms even decorate their pump or put encouraging notes on their pump to keep themselves motivated.

8. Tap into the mind-body connection

Milk is released during pumping or breastfeeding when you “let down.” The letdown mechanism is controlled in part by your emotions. The more stressed you are, the harder it can be to letdown.

So if you are feeling stressed about pumping, you won’t pump as much. Some tricks that can get you through this stress is deep breathing, meditation, visualization, and distraction. Some moms find it particularly helpful to hide the bottles under their shirt or under a blanket so that they don’t watch as the ounces accumulate and scrutinize the amount they’re pumping.

9. tune-up your pump

If you’re pumping and you notice that you are suddenly producing less or that your pump doesn’t seem to be working properly, you might need a pump tune-up. Pump parts—such as tubing and valves—need to be periodically replaced so that your pump stays in top working order. If you are finding that the suction doesn’t seem as strong as it once was or the pump seems sluggish, contact the manufacturer of your pump for troubleshooting tips.

10. Don’t Compare Yourself To Other Moms

Just because your friend can pump 7 ounces at once doesn’t mean that you’re any less awesome if you only pump 2 ounces. The amount that moms can pump depends on many factors and can vary significantly from one mother to another. In general, pumping between 2-5 ounces at a time is normal. If you are on the lower end of the spectrum, it might just mean you have to pump more frequently than others. If you have any questions about your output, consider contacting a lactation consultant.

FAQs About Pumping

When To Start Pumping Breast Milk

If your baby isn’t able to breastfeed yet because of a medical condition, hospitalization, or because they are premature, you will want to start pumping right away, about 8-12 times in 24 hours and with a high quality pump, such as a hospital grade pump.

 If you are planning to go back to work, you only have to start pumping a week or two before you go back to practice pumping, and to slowly build up a small freezer stash. Try pumping in the morning if possible, when your milk supply is highest. You can try pumping an hour or so after your baby nurses.

How To Pump And Breastfeed At The Same Time

Pumping on one side while your baby nurses from the other can help you produce more milk because your baby can do the work of stimulating your letdown. To do this, have your baby close by as you set up your pump. If possible, you can have your baby brought to you. With your pump set up on one side, you can latch your baby on to the other side. If pump parts are in the way, you can try a position like football hold to keep your baby out of the way. With practice, doing this will become easier over time.

How To Store Breast Milk

There are many options when it comes to storing breastmilk. Freshly pumped milk can be kept on the counter for 4 hours; it can be stored in your fridge for 4 days; it can be stored in a freezer for 3-6 months; it can be stored in a deep freezer for 6-12 months. For complete milk storage guidelines visit the CDC.

Want a printable version of the storage guidelines to keep on your fridge or in your pumping guide?  Get it HERE.

How To Warm Breast Milk

Breast milk should not be microwaved or boiled. Instead, you can run a bottle or pouch of pumped milk under warm water, or place it in a bowl or warmed water. Most babies are fine with room temperature milk.

Remember… Support Is EVERYTHING.

 Pumping can be difficult sometimes—and if you’re experiencing a challenge with it, you’re not alone!

It can be very helpful to connect with other pumping mamas, either online or in person. Consider joining a breastfeeding or pumping support group. And always contact your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant with questions and concerns.

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