You’ve got a new baby (congrats!) and a plan for how you want to feed them. Whether that plan involves a combo of breastfeeding and pumping, exclusively pumping, a mix of pumping and formula, or any combination of all of the above, it’s time to start getting into a routine and building your supply. Sounds simple, right? Well, not exactly.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Pumping can be tricky if you’re new to it, and lots of things can happen, from sore nipples to figuring out how to use the breast pump in the first place. Beyond reading the manual, we’ve gathered a few breast pumping tips and tricks that’ll make the process easier. Trust us, we’ve been there! And as always, make a plan with your healthcare provider and lean on them with any questions or if you feel like something isn’t right.
1. You don’t have to rush to start pumping
When you first have your baby, you probably don’t have to worry about pumping. You’ll need to focus on developing a good latch and a good supply before starting a pumping schedule, though timing can vary if your baby is premature or has special needs. According to The Cleveland Clinic, it generally takes anywhere from four to six weeks before your supply is established and you know your flow patterns.
2. Good hygiene is a must
Scrub up before you hook up to your pump. Good hygiene is as important as ever when you’re handling pump parts! You’ll also want to rinse all the pieces that touch milk after each session, the sooner the better, and sterilize them once a day. In addition to sterilization, these parts can be cleaned in a wash basin in the sink or in the dishwasher.
3. Master the pump settings
Knowing how to use your pump is essential—because who wants to do all that work and not have a solid supply to show for it? As explained in What to Expect, if your pump has two-phase expression technology, you’ll want to start in letdown mode, which mimics your baby’s fast sucking, then switch to a higher setting like expression mode when the milk starts flowing. Another thing to remember is that faster isn’t always better, so adjust the suction level for comfort, not just the highest power. More suction doesn’t equal more milk!
4. Your nipples deserve some TLC
Breastfeeding is great for baby, but not so great for your nipples. You can do a few things to keep pain to a minimum. La Leche League experts recommend making sure your baby’s positioning and latch are correct to avoid unnecessary nipple issues, and making sure your bras aren’t too tight. To heal cracked or achy nipples, rub some breast milk on and air-dry them after each feeding (it’s like magic!), and consider using cooling gel pads or lanolin cream.
If you notice your nipples rubbing and chafing during pumping sessions, you might be using the wrong size flange (the part that looks like a funnel and fits over your breast). According to Medela, it should just fit over your areola but with enough space for the nipple to freely move back and forth in the flange. Blisters or chafing can also be a sign that you’re pumping at too high a setting, so try reducing the suction to ease discomfort.
5. To combine pumped milk… or not to combine
You can combine! But there’s a catch. According to the CDC, you should cool your fresh batch before mixing it with already cooled or frozen milk. And pay attention to the date on your previously stored milk. It can last in the fridge for up to four days before the properties that slow bacteria growth start to decline, and for about six months in the freezer. Breast milk shouldn’t be left on the counter for more than four hours.
6. Multitask like a boss
If you use a hands-free pump or pumping bra, you can use pumping time to catch up on emails, share a recent batch of baby pics, or binge-watch your favorite shows. After all, you’re producing food for your little one, why shouldn’t it come with a little “me time?” Have all your gear on hand before you start—snacks, water, remote, phone, etc. A couch caddy or armrest table is a great way to keep everything within arm’s reach.
7. Cleaning your gear: Sterilizer vs. microwave bags
If you’re torn between investing in a sterilizer or opting for microwave bags, you’re far from the first expecting parent to feel this way. While sterilizers are highly effective and can be used for bottles, tubes, and other parts, they aren’t cheap or convenient for travel or work.
Microwave bags are just as effective as sterilizers, but they can only be used a certain number of times before they aren’t as effective, and you’ll need a separate place to dry everything. So, in a perfect world, you might opt to use both, but if microwave bags make more sense, you’ll be just fine.
8. Pumping bras are a game-changer
The thought of sitting for 20 minutes doing nothing but holding breast pumps can almost make you want to skip pumping altogether. That’s why using a pumping bra is a must. You can snack, scroll your feeds, or even get work done. As a bonus, the bras are designed to fit most standard pumps, so you don’t have to buy any extra equipment other than the bra. (Hot tip: If you don’t feel like dropping cash on a pumping bra, take a sports bra and snip small holes over each nipple. It might not be as elegant, but it’ll do the trick!)
Related: The Breastfeeding Supplies Moms Swear By
9. Timing is everything
Healthline explains that breastfeeding moms “synthesize the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breast milk production,” overnight, so your best bet for pumping the most milk is right after your baby’s morning feed. Give it a go for 10-15 minutes and start your day. Leave it at that or keep pumping according to your routine and needs.
10. Power pump to boost supply
Breast milk responds to the rule of supply and demand, so the more you pump the more milk your body thinks you need. If you feel like your supply needs a boost, bring it up with a kind of pumping interval training to stimulate prolactin, the milk-making hormone. Pump for 20 minutes, then take 10 minutes off. Then pump for 10 minutes, and take another 10 minutes off. Do this for a few days and you’ll see an increase in your supply, says Happiest Baby. Just be sure not to skip any of your regularly scheduled feeds.
11. Keep a spare kit
This is a simple breast pumping tip, but it’s an important one—especially for working moms. If you’re on the go, keep a backup set of parts in your bag. There’s nothing worse than realizing you left a valve at home when your boobs are on the brink.
12. Use pumping time to bond with your baby
Yup, the simplest way to help boost your milk supply, according to What to Expect, is connecting with your baby. It can be anything from smelling their favorite blanket or looking at pictures of them to indulging in skin-on-skin time, or, if you’re up for it, nursing on one side and pumping on the other.
