Intro to Pumping

Learning to pump can be overwhelming.  In an effort to make the learning process easier, I have answered the most common questions, which are listed below.  Each question is clickable and will take you to the corresponding section on this page.  Generally, within that same section, I have also provided links to other posts on this website that address the same topic.  Happy Pumping!

• What is Pumping?
• Why Do People EP Instead of Nursing?
• What Do You Need to Pump?
• How Often Should I Pump?
• How to Use Your Pump
• How Long Should Each Pump Session Be?
• How to Pump?
• Fresh Milk
• Storing Milk: Fridge
• Storing Milk: Freezer
• Checking for Excess Lipase Activity – a MUST before freezing milk!
• Troubleshooting: Pain While Pumping
• Troubleshooting: Little to No Milk Flow
• Troubleshooting: Low Milk Supply
• Troubleshooting: Increasing Milk Supply
• Troubleshooting: You Switched Pumps And Your milk Output Decreased

What is Pumping?

The act of breast milk removal using a handheld pump or machine.  Exclusive pumping refers to mamas who provide breast milk for their little one exclusively through pumping as opposed to nursing or a combination of nursing and pumping.

Often those who exclusively pump will say they “EP” (exclusively pump), are “EPing” (exclusive pumping) or are an “EPer” (exclusive pumper).

Why Do People EP Instead of Nursing?

There are many reasons why a mama may EP instead of nurse, including a prolonged separation from their baby, personal preference, their baby is sick, a desire to monitor their baby’s milk intake, or their baby may struggling to latch and suck.

What Do You Need to Pump?

Must haves:

• a handheld/manual pump or machine/electric pump
• bottles or bags to pump into if your pump does not come with them.

Strongly consider having:

• a pumping bra (you can create one by cutting slits in an old bra/nursing bra or buy a bra specifically for this purpose),
• a nipple lubricant (such as coconut oil, olive oil, or a lubricant specifically made for pumping)
• breast milk bags for storage.

For more information on pumping accessories.

Manual pumps are generally less expensive, more easily portable due to their smaller size, more reliable because they do not need to be charged or plugged into an outlet, and quieter than machine pumps.  However, because hand held pumps are entirely hand operated, you may find it hard to pump both breasts at the same time and the repetitive motion may be hard on your hands.  Some women find their breasts respond better to a handheld pump, so if you are struggling with your electric pump, perhaps give a manual pump a try!

Machine pumps have many different features.  A double electric pump will allow you to pump both breasts at the same time and a pump with a battery charging option will give you portability.  If you are not sure what pump to buy, you can often rent a pump from your local hospital until you make a decision.

For more information on different types of pumps.

How Often Should I Pump?

This depends on where you are in your breastfeeding journey.  Breast milk works on a system of supply and demand—the more milk you remove from your body, the more milk your body makes and vice versa.

If you are less than 12 weeks postpartum, it is recommended you pump 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period; this is roughly the average amount a newborn nurses in that same time period.  Many professionals recommend pumping approximately every two hours until your supply regulates somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks postpartum.

An “oversupply” (when you make more milk than your baby is eating) during the first 12 weeks is not necessarily an indication that you can pump less often.  If you do, you may find that when your body regulates, your supply will drop significantly because you “told” your body that your baby did not need that much milk.

For more information on how often you should pump, including information for mamas more than 12 weeks postpartum.
For sample pump schedules.

How Long Should Each Pump Session Be?

This also depends on where you are at in your pumping journey.  If you are less than 12 weeks postpartum, the suggested pump time is between 15 to 20 minutes each session.  Some woman find that if they pump for less than 15 minutes, they are not able to sustain their current supply.  Other women find they need to pump for thirty minutes.  If you are more than 12 weeks postpartum, try pumping until you have achieved 2-3 let-downs.

For more information on let-downs.
For more information on how long each pump session should be, including information for mamas more than 12 weeks postpartum.

How to Pump?

Before you pump, make sure your hands are clean!  Wash them for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.  Then assemble your pump parts.  Make sure you check your pump parts before each use for mold or for signs of wear.

For more information on when to replace pump parts.

Next, turn on the machine, and make sure the suction level is low, then turn off the machine.  Put on your pumping bra and slip your flanges into the pumping bra, centering your nipple at the entrance of the flange tunnel opening.  Then, connect your tubing (and any backflow protector) to the flanges.  Using olive oil or coconut oil (or some other lubricant specifically designed for nursing/pumping) on your nipples will reduce friction and can make the experience more comfortable.

Now you are ready to turn on the pump!  Before you do, take a few breaths and relax.  The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be for your body to give up milk to a machine.

Once you’ve turned on the pump, start in stimulation mode until you see milk start to flow—this is your first let-down.  Some pumps automatically start in stimulation mode and after a few minutes will switch to regular mode; others require you to initiate the switch.  Some mamas will achieve a let-down in thirty seconds, while others may take a few minutes.  Once you are pumping in regular mode, increase the level of suction to your comfort.  Pumping should not hurt.  You may find your milk flows faster with a higher suction, but a higher suction may also cause more irritation in the long run.  Just listen to your body!

For additional and more detailed information on how to pump.
For more information on let-downs.

Fresh Milk

Milk that is freshly pumped remains safe for consumption for four hours at room temperature (no more than 77˚F) as long as it is kept from sources of heat, such as the sun.

Storing Milk: Fridge

The following guidelines are for healthy, full term babies.  There is different guidelines if your baby is hospitalized or has a weakened immune system.

You should always date your milk before storing it.  When storing it in the fridge, place it in the back of the fridge where it is coldest and the temperature is most consistent.  Use the first in, first out rule and feed the oldest milk to your baby first.

Most sources suggest consuming milk stored in the fridge within four days of pumping it.  The fridge should be set to a temperature of 39-40˚F.  There are some sources that suggest a period of 5-8 days may be safe if the milk is pumped and stored under very clean conditions; however, to be safe, freeze any milk you do not anticipate using within 4 days of pumping it.

For more information on storing milk in the fridge.

Storing Milk: Freezer

Milk can be stored in a freezer up to 12 months; however, use of the milk within 6 months is ideal.  The freezer temperature should be at 0˚F or colder.

To prepare breast milk for freezing, you will want to have breast milk storage bags on hand.  If you freeze the milk in serving sizes—somewhere between 3 to 5 ounces—you will have an easier time preparing bottles later with the thawed milk.  Don’t forget that liquids expand as they freeze, so only fill the bags three-quarters of the way full.  And don’t forget to date the bags!

For more information on storing milk in the freezer.

Checking For Excess Lipase Activity

Some mamas have an excess of lipase activity in their breast milk; this is commonly referred to as “high lipase.”  Many mamas may not be aware they have excess lipase activity until they thaw one of the many bags of milk they have accumulated in the freezer only to find their baby will not drink it because of the soapy smell or taste.  There is nothing harmful about milk that has excess lipase activity—it is safe for a baby to drink, but some babies do not care for the change in smell or taste.  As you can imagine, this is an incredibly defeating moment in an EPer’s journey.

In order to avoid this moment, smell milk that has been stored in the fridge or freezer for a few days—does your milk smell or taste soapy?  If so, you may have excess lipase activity in your breast milk.

For more information on excess lipase activity.

Troubleshooting: Pain While Pumping

You should not have pain while pumping.  There are many reasons you may be experiencing pain while pumping; a few of the pain-causing culprits are:

• the suction of your pump may be set too high
• you may not be using the correct flange size
• you may have elastic nipples
• your skin is dry and the friction of pumping is painful

For additional information on addressing pain while pumping.
For information on breast pain that is present regardless of whether you are pumping.
You may also find the Troubleshooting Page helpful.

Troubleshooting: Little To No Milk Flow

If you are putting on your breast pump only to find you have little or no milk flow, it may be one of the following:

• Your milk has not come in yet
• You are struggling to get a let-down
• You may not be using the correct flange size
• It may be time to replace your pump parts
• You may need to massage and compress your breasts while pumping

For more information on your supply the first few days postpartum.
For more information on let-downs.
For more information on flange-sizing.
For more information on pump parts and when to replace them.
For more information on massaging and compressing while pumping.
You may also find the Troubleshooting Page helpful.

Troubleshooting: Low Milk Supply

You may be surprised to learn that if the amount you pump is equal to the amount your baby eats, your milk supply is not considered “low.”  Many things contribute to your milk supply.  The three main categories that impact your supply are:

• Your pumping habits
• Your health
• Your anatomy

If you have already reviewed the other categories above and are confident you are pumping often enough, long enough, and achieving a few let-downs each pump session, then consider your health.  Make sure you are taking care of yourself by getting as much rest as possible and consuming plenty of water and food.  If your basic health needs are not the issue, consider the following:

• Have you addressed any new or preexisting hormone or endocrine issues with your healthcare professional since you gave birth? Are there other health concerns that may be contributing to your low milk supply?
• Are you on new medication or have you resumed taking birth control?
• Has your menstrual cycle returned?

For more information on medications and milk supply.
For more information on your menstrual cycle and its effect on milk supply.
You may also find the Troubleshooting Page helpful.

Troubleshooting: Increasing Milk Supply

Many things may increase your milk supply; however, there is no substitute for good pumping habits.  Please see the topics above for tips on establishing good pumping habits.  You may not notice any benefits from the following list of suggestions until your good pump habits are established.  Here are a few methods mamas use to increase their milk production:

• Power pumping
• Many mamas find eating lactogenic foods, such as oatmeal, increases their milk supply
• Continue pumping for 2-5 minutes after the flow of milk stops—this will signal your body to create more milk
• Use galactagogues—substances that may increase milk supply—such as herbs or prescription medications

Be careful of herbs that say they increase milk supply—some mamas experience the opposite effect.  The use of herbs should always be under the guidance of a knowledgeable expert—a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopath, herbalist—and communicated to your healthcare professional and your baby’s health care provider, who can make sure the herbs you take do not interact negatively with any medications or conditions you or your baby may have.

For information on power pumping.
For more information on increasing your milk supply.
For information on galactagogues to ask your doctor about.
You may also find the Troubleshooting Page helpful.

Troubleshooting: You Switched Pumps and Your Milk Output Decreased

If you recently switched pumps and are experiencing a decrease in supply, your body may need to be “trained” on the new pump.  Some pumps, such as the Willow pump, use a very different type of suction and may require you to train your body to respond.  This may also be true for women who were nursing while on maternity leave and only started to use a breast pump when they returned to work.

For more information on issues related to switching pumps.