A Beginner's Guide to Breast Pumping

A Beginner's Guide to Breast Pumping

Mastering the Art of Breast Pumping: A Beginner's Guide

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?

If you intend to provide breast milk for your baby and might be away for periods of time (like going back to work), you will need a breast pump. But you do not necessarily need a breast pump to breastfeed. Breast pumping can be beneficial in 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 challenges or other complications.
  • Pumps give your partner or other caregivers the ability to help with feedings and enhance their bond with baby.
  • They help you build and maintain an adequate milk supply.
  • They allow you to do other things that require you to 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 simply throw your pump in a bag and go!
  • 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 rich in nutrients, including vitamins, proteins, and fats that help your baby grow healthy and strong. Plus, it’s much easier to digest than formula.
  • It contains antibodies that help your baby fight viruses, bacteria, and illnesses. Breastfed babies have fewer doctor visits and a lower risk of asthma, allergies, diabetes, and obesity.

Benefits for Mom:

  • Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which helps move milk and reduce uterine bleeding after birth.
  • It assists your uterus in returning to normal size more quickly.
  • It burns around 500 calories per day, potentially aiding weight loss.
  • It saves time and money—no need to buy, mix, or heat formula. Breast milk is free and always ready.

How Do Breast Pumps Work?

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

A breast pump emulates a nursing baby by mimicking their natural suckling pattern. As infants nurse, they don't apply constant pressure. The average baby sucks 50–90 times per minute and slows down once milk is released. An electric breast pump recreates this pattern by producing one suction per second to stimulate letdown and milk flow.

As breast milk is expressed, it collects in a storage container below. These are gravity-fed, so milk naturally drips downward into the container.

Breast pumps include flanges (or breast shields), which are funnel-shaped parts placed over the nipple and areola to create a seal. The nipple is gently drawn into the tunnel of the flange, encouraging milk release. Make sure to choose the correct flange size for comfort and efficiency.

"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 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 –

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 chafing, 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 centered in the flange. If it's off to one side, it can get pulled and pinched inside the tunnel.
  • Adjust the speed and suction settings. If the suction strength or speed is too high, it may cause irritation and discomfort.
  • 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, it 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, it may feel overwhelming to open the box and find tubing, small parts, and bottles. We believe in you, mama! Setting up your pump is easy with just a few simple steps:

  • Set it up before baby arrives. Don’t wait until delivery day to learn how it works. Take an hour before your due date to get familiar with it.
  • Read the manual. Follow the instructions carefully and keep the manual safe—it may include troubleshooting tips. YouTube is also a great resource, and many manufacturers have their own demo videos.
  • Sterilize before first use. Check if your parts are dishwasher safe. If so, remove them before the drying cycle to prevent warping. You can also boil them for 5 minutes or use microwave steam bags from brands like Medela and Motif.
  • Let everything air dry completely before assembling or storing the parts.
  • Closed system pumps usually don’t require cleaning the tubing. But if you have an open system, thoroughly clean the tubing too.
  • Be patient. Learning how your pump works takes time. It's recommended to try on your flanges before birth, but not to test the pump yet.
  • Plan ahead with accessories. Items like nursing pads, a hands-free bra, pump tote bag, and a nursing pillow can make your pumping journey easier and more comfortable. Add them to your registry!

How to Use a Breast Pump

Now that you’ve got your pump set up, let’s dive into how to actually use it. The steps are simple, but like anything new—it takes a little practice.

When to Start Pumping After Birth

  • Immediately after birth: You can start pumping within 1 to 6 hours after delivery if you need to provide milk right away.
  • If breastfeeding is going well: You can wait a few weeks to begin pumping and focus on direct nursing at first.
  • Start when building a supply: Begin pumping when you're ready to store breast milk. Consistency is key to maintaining your supply.
  • If returning to work: Begin pumping a few weeks beforehand so you’re not scrambling the night before.
  • Best time to pump: Pump in the morning—most moms have a higher supply then.
  • Between feedings: Pump 30–60 minutes after breastfeeding or one hour before the next session to leave enough milk for baby.
  • It’s okay to nurse right after pumping. Some babies are patient and will nurse longer to get what they need.

"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

How to Pump Properly

Refer to the following instructions to help you breast pump properly:

  • Read the instruction manual. Refresh your memory on how to use your specific pump and explore any special features.
  • Begin pumping: Place the breast shield on your nipple. Turn on your electric pump or squeeze the mechanism if you’re using a manual one.
  • Relax. Find a quiet, comfortable space to pump. Sit with your shoulders back and arms supported. A warm compress can help trigger letdown (when milk starts to flow). Lightly massage your breasts before and after pumping to encourage better flow.
  • Stick to a schedule. Pumping at the same time each day helps signal your body to produce more milk. Looking at a picture of your baby or hearing their voice can also boost milk flow.
  • Be patient. It can take a few minutes for your milk to start flowing—don’t stress if it’s not immediate.
  • Practice before you need it. Doing trial runs before you actually need the milk can help you get more comfortable with your pump and the process.

How Often Should I Breast Pump?

How often you pump depends on your situation—whether you’re building supply, exclusively breastfeeding, or returning to work. Here are some guidelines:

  • If you're staying home and breastfeeding: You may only need to pump occasionally.
  • In the early days: Whether breastfeeding or pumping, aim for 8 to 10 sessions per day to help establish your milk supply.
  • To increase supply: The more demand, the more milk your body will make. Regular pumping or nursing is essential.
  • If pumping occasionally: Try doing it in the morning when milk supply tends to be highest. Pump 30 minutes after or 60 minutes before nursing to maintain milk for your baby.