A Beginners Guide to Breast Pumping

If you’re ready to master the art of breast pumping then you’ve come to the right place. As a new or expectant mother you’ve got enough to worry about, and how to use your breast pump shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why we’ve broken down pumping to an exact science to help you learn all of the dos and don’ts!

Do I Need A Breast Pump?

No, but they certainly help and it’s a required benefit so you’re insurance will cover a breast pump.. Breast pumping can be beneficial for a variety of different situations:

• They can relieve engorgement and prevent mastitis.
• They allow you to provide breast milk when nursing isn’t an option due to latching or other complications.
• Pumps give your partner or other caregivers the ability to help out with feedings and enhance bonding with baby.
• They help you build and maintain an adequate milk supply.
• They allow you to run a quick errand or participate in date night because you can be away from baby for a few hours without missing a feeding.
• They make it easier to maintain your breast pumping goals by providing the ability to pump once you return to work.
• Many women enjoy the convenience of breast pumping on the go. Some options weigh less than a pound, so you can throw it in a bag and go! Plus, battery-powered options can be used to pump when no other power sources are available!

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

Research has shown that breastfeeding is extremely beneficial for the health of both mom and baby, especially when you exclusively breastfeed for at least six months.

Benefits for baby:

• Breast milk is full of naturally occurring nutrition for your baby, including vitamins, proteins, and fats that provide everything needed to grow healthy, big, and strong. Plus, it’s much easier to digest than formula.
• Your milk also contains antibodies to help your baby fight viruses, bacteria, illnesses, and diarrhea. Breastfed babies are often healthier and require fewer trips to the doctor with a reduced risk of developing asthma, allergies, diabetes, and obesity.

Benefits For Mom:

• Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the hormone that can help reduce uterine bleeding and assist with returning your uterus to its normal size faster and giving birth.
• Because breastfeeding burns about an extra 500 calories a day it can help you burn fat to possibly return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster.
• Breastfeeding saves time and money! Instead of spending a ton on formula that you have to mix and heat up you can provide breast milk to your baby for free, straight from the boob!

How Do Breast Pumps Work?

If you feel as breast pumps work in mysterious ways as intricate medical devices, don’t worry  Mama. You’ve got this. They’re actually pretty easy to assemble and use.

1. A breast pump emulates a nursing baby by mimicking their natural suckling pattern. As infant nurses, he/she doesn't apply constant pressure to the breast. The average baby sucks about 50 to 90 times per minute, and slow down once milk is released. An electric breast pump will create this cycle of suction and release by producing one pull per second to initiate milk let down as breast milk begins to flow.
 

Breast pump suction mirrors baby’s natural sucking through several phases:
Let Down - mimics when baby is vigorously sucking. This phase stimulates the nerves in your breasts, which signals the release of a hormone called oxytocin. The release of oxytocin will make the small muscles that surround your milk-producing tissue to contract, which squeezes milk into your ducts.
Expression - mirrors when baby's sucking slows down, and he/she is swallowing milk. This is sometimes called "suck, pause, swallow."

Leah DeShay, CLEC, IBCLC

 
1. As breast milk is expressed from the breast it collects in a storage container. The containers are gravity fed so the milk that’s released drips downward into them.
2. Breast pumps come with flanges, also known as breast shields, which are funnel-shaped plastic parts that are placed over the nipple and areola to create a seal. The nipple is gently pulled into the flange tunnel to release milk. Make sure you have the correct flange size for pumping success.

Does Breast Pumping Hurt?

It can, but it shouldn’t. The first 10 to 15 seconds may be uncomfortable as your nipples begin to stretch and your milk begins to flow, but that generally takes a bit of getting used to. If you experience pain, soreness, or chaffing you may need to:

Change your flange size. If your flange is too big or too small it can pinch the sides of your nipple and pull the areola inside of the tunnel.

Change positions. Make sure that your nipple is in the center of your flange. If it’s off to one side it can get pulled and pinched in the flange tunnel.

Adjust the speed and suction settings. If the suction strength or speed is too high, it may cause irritation and discomfort. The highest settings are much stronger than an infant’s natural suckling pattern.

Don’t over pump. It takes the breasts about 15 to 30 minutes to empty. Do not pump for more than 30 minutes. If you’re having trouble getting your milk to flow try using a warm compress or massaging your breasts prior to pumping.

Using a pump should be a similar sensation to comfortable breastfeeding: some pressure and gentle tugging. If you catch yourself dreading the feeling of your pumping sessions or wince while pumping, its is, quite literally, counterproductive to ignore.

Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC, Motif Medical Lactation Director

How To Set Up Your New Breast Pump

Once you receive your breast pump through insurance don’t feel overwhelmed once you open the box to find tubing, small parts, and bottles! We believe in you Mama, setting your pump up is easy with just a few simple steps

1. Don’t wait til baby arrives to set up your pump. After your delivery, you don’t want to have to worry about setting your pump up. Take about an hour before your due date to put your pump together and to become familiar with how to use it.
2. Bust out that instruction manual to learn about how to use your pump. Follow it’s directions and store it somewhere safe. Your pump manual might have resources for troubleshooting your pump if issues arise. Plus, YouTube is another great resource for learning how to put pump parts together. Some manufacturers have educational videos as well.
3. Sterilize your breast pump parts before use. Check to see if your breast pump is dishwasher safe before placing parts in there. Usually, its recommended to remove breast pump parts from the dishwasher before the drying cycles, as it can warp the parts.
   - Some people prefer to boil their breast pump parts in water for about five minutes.
   - Medela makes steam bags that allow you to sterilize your pump parts in a matter of minutes in the microwave.
   - After your breast pump has been sterilized allow the parts to completely air dry before storing them or putting the parts together.
   If you have a closed system pump do not worry about cleaning the tubing. However, it is recommended to clean your tubing with an open system breast pump.
4. Take your time. Be patient. Learning can take a little time, that’s why it’s important to get started before your little bundle of joy arrives. Most pumps have a variety of suction settings and pumping cycles to become familiar with. While it’s recommended to try on your flanges before your baby is born to make sure they fit, it’s not recommended to try your pump out. 
5. Plan ahead with breast pump accessories. The breast pump is only the tip of the iceberg! Accessories such as nursing pads, a breast pump tote bag, hands-free bra, or nursing pillow cold all be added to your registry as essential items to make expressing milk easier and more comfortable.  

How To Use A Breast Pump

Now that you know how to pick a breast pump let’s tacking how to breast pump. The process is simple, but it can take some getting used to.

When do I start pumping after birth?

After giving birth you can either start breast pumping right away (one to six hours afterward) to provide for your infant. If they don’t have issues latching you can actually breastfeed them and wait a few weeks prior to pumping.

• Start breast pumping when you’re ready to build and/or store a supply of breast milk to provide your baby with. Then remember to stick to your pumping schedule to keep your milk supply consistent.
 

Sleep is a big topic for new parents. During the first month, you can begin using your breast pump to store milk in order to give your partner the opportunity to feed the baby during the night. This can help your partner have bonding time and share the responsibilities of midnight feeding. It will also give you a chance to practice setting up and using your pump.

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA

 
• If you’re returning to work, try to start pumping a few weeks (if you have that amount of time)  before you return. Waiting until the day before might be stressful and frustrating.
• Pump in the morning, that's when moms tend to get the most milk.
• Pump between feedings, either 30 to 60 minutes after nursing or an hour before breastfeeding. This will leave plenty of milk for baby during the next feeding.
• It’s fine to breastfeed right after pumping, some babies are patients and will feed longer to get the milk they need.

To properly breast pump refer to the following instructions:

1. Bust out that instruction manual to refresh your memory on to properly use your pump and to take note of any special features. But generally pumping is as easy as:
   - Placing the breast shield on your nipple, and
   - Turning your electric pump on, or squeezing the mechanism if your pump is manual.
2. Relax. Find a comfortable place to pump that's free from distractions. Make sure your shoulders are back and your arms are supported. Applying a warm compress to your breasts can enhance let down, the process when your milk begins to flow. Massaging your breasts before and after pumping can also help.

   Don’t worry if it takes your milk several minutes before your milk begins to flow. Be patient, it’s not immediate at first.

   Practicing pumping before you need milk can help your body get used to your pump so you’ll be more comfortable with the process.

3. Stick to a breast pumping schedule. Pumping at the same times each day can help your body produce more milk as demand increases. Also, looking at a picture of your baby or listening to them can help stimulate more milk.
   
   If you’re exclusively pumping them make sure you pump more frequently to store enough milk for your infant. If you’re breastfeeding and pumping, pump about 30 minutes after feeding your baby or 60 minutes before.

1. Clean your equipment as directed, as soon as you can after uses. Wash all of your equipment with warm soapy water and let them fully air dry.
   
2. Store your milk properly by labeling the date the milk was expressed storage container with a waterproof marker. Only use breast pump storage bags for freezing milk. Place the container in the back of the fridge or freezer so it’s temperature will remain consistent.
   - Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
   - Breast milk will last for about six months in the freezer.
   - Your milk will be fine for one day in a cooler.
   - You can leave your milk out at room temperature for up to six hours.

How Often Should I Breast pump?

How often you breast pump depends on a few different factors such as if you want to build a bigger milk supply, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, or if you’re going back to work and might be away from your baby regularly.

• If you plan to stay at home with your baby and you're available for breastfeeding, you may only need to pump occasionally. Early on, you should breastfeed or pump 8 to 10 times a day as your milk supply becomes established.
• Your breasts will make more milk when there’s a higher demand for it, so it’s important to breastfeed or pump regularly to boost your supply.
• If your baby feeds regularly and you only want to pump occasionally, it’s best to pump in the morning. It was also help to pump in between feedings, about 30 minutes after or 60 minutes before.

How Much Milk Should I Pump?

When breast pumping be sure to fully empty both breasts. This process could take 25 to 30 minutes. Continue breast pumping for a few minutes after the last few drops of milk have passed to make sure you're done.

The amount of breast milk you produce will vary based on your baby’s age, time a day, how often you pump or feed, the quality of your pump, diet, and more.

Based on your child’s age, you can expect to pump:
Days 5 - 7 - Up to 2oz.
1 to 3 weeks old - Up to about 3oz.
4 weeks to six months old - up to 5oz.

Don't worry if you aren't pumping very much breast milk during the first few days after your baby is born. Their stomach is still very tiny, so it's normal to only pump about 2oz during the first 5 to 7 days.

All moms are different! Some produce more milk and others produce less. If you’re concerned about your breast milk production, speak with your doctor or a lactation professional.

Bonus Breast Pumping Tips!

Once you get the hang of breast pumping, check out these times to make your life easier!

1. Replace Breast Pump Parts
   Your breast pump supplies need to be replaced on a regular basis to keep your pump functioning like brand new and you may qualify for replacement parts through insurance too!
 

Worn out breast pump parts are actually the number one cause of decreased milk supply. This is because worn out parts can lead to a decrease in breast pump suction.

Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC, Motif Medical Lactation Director

 
1. Let Down And More Milk
   If you’re stressed out or at work with your flanges on and can barely get a single drop of milk try to relax. Save a TV show or book to enjoy only while you pump. Also, photos of your baby or something that smells like them can help produce more milk when you’re away from them.
   
   Simulating the warmth of your baby’s mouth with a warm compress, a warm massage, or warm flanges can also increase your breast milk speed and out put.
 

Using breast massage and hand expression along with pumping with an electric breast pump is the best way to maximize milk output.

Georganna Cogburn, MSHE, RD, LDN, IBCLC, RLC

 
1. Storage At Work
   When you pump at work, where does your milk go?! You can put it in the fridge, but be sure to label it as yours. Also, separating your milk into smaller portions will help you save milk if your baby doesn’t drink a whole 8 oz.
   
   If you don’t have access to a fridge at work keep your milk in an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs. Also, using milk storage bags that lay flat are easier for storing because they’re easier to stack.
   
2. Travel And The Airport
   Be prepared in the airport, mama. Have your pump ready to pull out of your carry on bag and place it in a separate bin for the x-ray machine. Tell the agent that you have a breast pump. As a medical item, it will not count as a carry-on. It’s best to have it in your carry one because you don’t want to be separated from your ump in the event of a delay or if your checked bag is lost.
   
   You can take your breast milk on the plane in quantities higher than 3.4 oz. Tell the TSA agent that it’s breast milk, and be aware that they may need to test it with a swab.

Getting Your Breast Pump Through Insurance

What is a breast pump?

A breast pump is a device that removes breast milk (human milk) from your breasts (chest). You may decide to use a breast pump if you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding) and need to:

• Be away from your baby for several hours or longer while maintaining your milk supply.
• Store milk that you’ve pumped (expressed milk) for another caregiver to feed your baby.
• Prevent milk from building up and causing discomfort.
• Pull out flat or inverted nipples to allow your baby to latch on for breastfeeding.
• Maintain your milk supply during a period when your baby can’t breastfeed.
• Increase your milk supply.

Removing (expressing) milk may become part of your daily routine. But that doesn’t mean it’s simple or that learning how to use a breast pump is intuitive. Be patient with yourself and know it might take a little time. Choosing the right pump for you can help make the process easier.

Types of breast pumps

There are several types of breast pumps that each work a little differently.

Manual breast pump

With this type of pump, you squeeze a lever to create suction that helps milk come out. A manual pump takes some more work on your part, and each pumping session can take a while. However, it allows you to control the pace and rhythm of pumping, and it’s low-cost. It also doesn’t require electricity or batteries to operate and can be easily transportable.

Most manual pumps are single pumps. This means you remove milk from one breast at a time.

Powered breast pump

Powered pumps, unlike manual ones, use a motor to create suction and remove milk. There are two types of powered pumps: electric breast pumps and battery-powered breast pumps.

You need to plug an electric pump into a wall outlet while you use it. With a battery-powered pump, you don’t have to be near an outlet and can pump on the go. It just requires a battery that you either replace or recharge.

Some powered pumps are double pumps, meaning you can remove milk from both breasts at once. This time-saving feature is a big plus for many parents.

Wearable breast pump

This is a specific type of powered pump that you tuck into your bra. Some wearables are more discreet than others. But the general idea is that you can pump while in public or on the go without people easily noticing. A wearable pump frees up your hands to do other things (you don’t have to hold the pump parts in place). So, you may like this type if you need to multitask while pumping.

Hands-free breast pump

This term sometimes refers to wearable pumps. But a hands-free pump can also attach to the front of your chest and stay in place while you do other things. They don’t necessarily fit inside your bra.

You may choose to get a hands-free pumping bra. This is a piece of clothing that supports the pump and makes you more comfortable as you go about your daily tasks.

Milk Collection devices

These are silicone devices that collect milk from one breast when your baby is breastfeeding on the other breast. Some use suction just like a pump to draw milk out. Some passively collect milk that would have otherwise dripped into your bra/nursing pad from letdown. If you have an oversupply of milk, speak to your provider before using.

What’s the best breast pump?

You might be wondering, what’s the best breast pump I can get? The answer is simple: there’s no one pump that’s best for everyone. That’s because everyone has different needs and preferences. And there’s a huge variety of pumps out there to choose from.

If you’re overwhelmed by all the options and don’t know where to start, talk to a lactation consultant. They’ll help you look at the features of different pumps and decide which pump is best for you. Some questions you might want to think about include:

• How often will I be pumping?
• Where will I need to use the pump?
• Do I need to increase my milk supply?
• Do I have limited time for each pumping session?
• What’s my budget?
• Which pump or pumps does my health insurance cover?

Your answers can help you and your lactation consultant find the best fit for your needs. For example, a powered pump may be preferable if you:

• Plan to pump often (more than just a few times per week). Powered pumps are efficient and get the job done quickly, especially if you use a double pump.
• Need to pump away from home or while doing other tasks.
• Have low milk supply and need stronger suction.

On the other hand, a manual pump is a good option for some people and situations. Here are some points to consider:

• Manual pumps are more affordable than powered pumps. So, they’re a budget-friendly option.
• With a manual pump, you can control the rate and rhythm of pumping. This might be more comfortable for you than using a powered pump with a motor that revs up and goes to work on its own.
• A manual pump gets the job done if you pump rarely, like a few times a week or less.
• You may want a manual pump as a backup, even if you mostly use a powered pump. The manual pump could come in handy if you don’t have access to a power source or the power goes out. You could also keep a manual pump at a friend or relative’s house where you sometimes visit, in case you forget your usual pump.

Your lactation consultant will discuss all these factors with you and help you reach the best decision for your needs.

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What are the different parts of a breast pump?

Breast pump parts include:

• Breast shield. You might hear people call this a breast pump flange. It’s a cone-shaped cup that looks a bit like a small megaphone. It fits over your nipple and areola. One challenge you might face is how to size the flange. Flanges come in different sizes, and many pumps will come with a standard “medium” size. If this doesn’t work for you, talk to your lactation consultant. They’ll help you find the proper flange size for your body. Your nipple should move freely in and out of the flange tunnel with a tiny amount of space around the nipple. If pumping is painful, it could be due to flanges that don’t fit properly.
• Pump. The pump creates a vacuum that draws out milk. Depending on the specific type you choose, the pump may attach directly to the flange or have tubing that connects it to the flange.
• Milk container. This is a reusable bottle or disposable bag that collects milk as it comes out. You use the milk container to store the milk so you can give it to your baby later.
• Control panel. Powered pumps have a control panel that you use to operate the pump. You press certain buttons to turn the pump on or off, or to select different modes. For example, you may be able to adjust the pump’s suction level so it’s similar to your baby’s.
• Lever. Manual pumps don’t have a control panel. Instead, they have a lever that you squeeze to get the suction going and start expressing milk.

These parts might look or feel a little different depending on the type of pump you have. It’s a good idea to look at and compare different pumps to get a sense of what’s out there, and what each one looks like. Your lactation consultant can also help you do this.

Breast pumps generally have a container for holding milk and a shield that fits onto your breast.

How do I use a breast pump?

If you’ve never used a pump, you’re probably wondering how to pump breast milk. The specific details depend on the pump you’re using. In general, you’ll follow these steps:

1. Read the pump’s instruction manual. Don’t skip this step to save time. Learning exactly how your pump works can save you time down the road.
2. Wash your hands. Dry them with a clean paper towel. Wash your chest if you’ve used a cream or ointment that requires removal. The product label should tell you if you need to clean it off before breastfeeding or pumping.
3. Put together your pump. Follow the instruction manual’s steps.
4. Find a comfortable place. It should be somewhere relaxing and free of distractions, if possible. Make sure you’re close to an outlet if you’re using an electric pump.
5. Put the breast shield (flange) over your breast. Your nipple should be in the middle of the flange opening. The flange shouldn’t pinch, pull or feel like it’s irritating your breast. If it feels uncomfortable, you may need a different flange size.
6. Start pumping. Your instruction manual will tell you how. You may press a button for a powered pump or start squeezing a lever for a manual pump. Start in letdown/stimulation mode.
7. Continue pumping. Once milk starts flowing, switch to expression mode. The session can continue as long as you’re comfortable and milk is coming out. This is typically about 10 to 15 minutes per breast.
8. Break the vacuum seal. The flange attaches tightly to your breast in order to suction out the milk. You need to break this seal when you’re done pumping. Do this by gently putting your finger between your breast and the flange.
9. Remove the milk container (bottle or bag) from the pump. It’s important to use expressed milk while it’s fresh. So, label the container with the date and time before you stow it in the fridge or freezer. Add your baby’s name if you plan to send the milk with your baby to daycare or another group setting.

You can safely store expressed milk for up to four days in the fridge and up to twelve months in the freezer (though using it within six months is best).

As with any new device, you might need a little time to get used to your breast pump. But your lactation consultant, friends and family can help. Online communities of parents who breastfeed or pump can also offer practical and emotional support.

How to clean a breast pump

Cleaning your breast pump after each use is crucial for keeping you and your baby safe from infections. Your pump’s instruction manual will tell you exactly how to clean your pump.

General steps for washing by hand include:

1. Use cool, running water to rinse every part that touches milk. Do this as soon as you can after pumping.
2. Use dish liquid and warm water to wash each piece.
3. Use hot water to rinse each piece for about 10 to 15 seconds.
4. Dry each part with a clean paper towel, or place the parts on a clean drying rack so they can air dry. Drying with a dish towel isn’t a good idea because the towel can accidentally spread germs.

Your instruction manual will tell you if you can wash pump parts in the dishwasher.

Sanitizing your breast pump

In addition to washing the pump after each use, you should also sanitize it at least once a day. Sanitizing is an extra layer of protection from germs, beyond washing with soap and water. Sanitizing is crucial if your baby:

• Is under 2 months of age.
• Was born early.
• Has a compromised immune system.

To sanitize the pump parts, follow the instruction manual’s guidelines. The manual may tell you to steam the parts in a microwave or boil them in water. Make sure you clean the pump parts first, following the steps above (never jump right to sanitizing after pumping).

You may be able to skip daily sanitizing as your baby gets older if they don’t have underlying health issues. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician about best practices.

Additional tips for keeping your pump clean

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• If any parts of your pump grow moldy, throw them out and get new ones.
• If you use a dishpan or bowl to wash the pump parts, don’t use it to wash anything else (like dirty dishes). Set it aside only for the pump parts.
• The bottom of your sink may contain germs (even if it looks clean). So, avoid setting the pump parts directly in the sink. Put them in a clean dishpan instead.

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When is it too early to pump breast milk?

You can start pumping soon after your baby is born. But wait to give expressed milk to your baby in a bottle until they’ve gotten the hang of breastfeeding. For many babies, this takes about four to six weeks.

Giving your baby a bottle too soon can interfere with their ability to breastfeed. Healthcare providers call this “nipple confusion.” They may struggle to latch on or may turn away from your chest. Your lactation consultant can help you decide when to start pumping and when to begin bottle feeds.

Your breasts will refill with milk every time they’re emptied, so pumping can stimulate more milk production. Talk with your provider if you have any oversupply of milk.

Can I get a breast pump through insurance?

Contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers a breast pump. Questions you may want to ask include:

• Does my plan cover the cost of a breast pump?
• Will I rent the pump or keep it?
• If it’s a rental, how long can I use it?
• If I can keep the pump, should I buy it on my own and get reimbursed later? Or will you send the pump to me?
• Will the pump be powered or manual?
• Do I need a prescription or other paperwork from my healthcare provider?
• Are there other breastfeeding benefits available to me through my plan?

If you have access to healthcare through the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace, your plan is required to cover the cost of your breast pump. Your plan will describe specific details, including whether the pump is new or a rental, and whether it’s manual or powered.

Is it safe to share breast pumps?

It depends. There are two kinds of breast pumps:

• Single-use, designed for just one user.
• Multiple-use, designed for more than one user.

Most of the pumps you’ll buy at the store are single-use. That means they’re meant for you and you alone, and sharing can lead to infections. Never share a single-use pump, even with family or friends. And although you can find lots of treasures at garage sales, don’t buy a single-use breast pump secondhand. This isn’t safe for you or your baby.

You can safely rent or borrow a multi-use pump from an authorized provider, like a hospital or lactation consultant. These pumps are literally just that — pumps. They don’t come with all the other parts that touch breast milk (like milk containers and flanges). Your lactation consultant or healthcare provider can tell you which parts you’ll need to purchase to use with a shared pump.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

It’s good to have options, but sometimes an endless array of choices can be overwhelming. You might feel that way when choosing a breast pump. Advice from loved ones can help. But remember that the best breast pump for someone else might not be the best one for you.

That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to a lactation consultant. Tell them your plans for pumping and any special circumstances or needs (like low milk supply or flat or inverted nipples). They’ll look at the big picture as well as the little details to help you choose the right pump for you. They can also continue to support you throughout your pumping and breastfeeding journey.