Breastfeeding Success post 4 of 4: Pumping Made Simple: Tips for Sucess After Breastfeeding is Established

Pumping Made Simple: Tips for Success After Breastfeeding is Established

Once breastfeeding is well-established, many parents consider adding pumping to their

routine. Whether you’re returning to work, building a milk stash, or simply wanting more flexibility, pumping can help you continue providing breast milk while balancing other responsibilities.

When to Start Pumping

If breastfeeding is going smoothly and your baby is gaining weight appropriately, you can start pumping around 4 weeks postpartum. However, if you need to pump earlier due to medical reasons or separation from your baby, it’s perfectly safe to begin sooner with the guidance of a lactation consultant.

Choosing the Right Pump

Picking the right pump depends on your lifestyle and needs:

Electric Double Pump: Efficient for frequent use and best for working parents
Manual Pump: Great for occasional use and easy to carry.
Hands-Free Pump: Convenient for multitasking while pumping, but not always the most efficient pump at bringing milk supply in.

Understanding Flange Sizing

The flange is the part of the pump that fits over your nipple, and finding the right size is essential for comfort and effective milk removal. Using the wrong size can lead to pain, clogged ducts, or reduced milk output. Here's how to determine the best fit:

Measure your nipple diameter at the base, (do not include the areola) using a ruler or specialized nipple measuring tool
Add about 2 mm to your measurement to determine your ideal flange size.
Signs your flange fits correctly:
- Your nipple moves freely within the flange tunnel without rubbing. You are not pulling areola into the tunnel of the flange.
- You don’t feel pain while pumping.
- Milk flows steadily without discomfort.

Make sure to check your flange size for a comfortable and effective pumping session. If you're unsure what size is correct for you, many lactation consultants like Lauren Cascone, MSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC of Strong as a Mother, LLC offer flange fitting assessments to ensure you’re using the proper size and to ensure things are going right!

Creating a Pumping Routine

A consistent pumping routine helps maintain your milk supply and ensures your body continues producing enough milk. Here’s a suggested schedule:

If exclusively pumping: Aim for at least 8 pumping sessions every 24 hours, mimicking a newborn’s feeding schedule, as your baby gets older you may be able to drop pump sessions. In the first 4-6 week of exclusive pumping, please be sure to go no more than 4-5 hours once per 24 hour period without pumping. Those middle of the night milk removals are crucial for establishing supply! A little known fact is that prolactin (*the hormone that tells your body to make milk) is highest between midnight and 6 am. Hence why those middle of the night milk removals are so important. Pro tip: I HIGHLY advise using a traditional plug in pump for establishing milk supply if exclusively pumping. The wearbles, while great for convenience often lack the power to establish and maintain a full supply. I love them for here and there pump sessions when convenience is key, but NOT for establishing milk supply if at all possible. Keep this in mind when getting your insurance covered breastpump during your pregnancy.
If combining nursing and pumping: Typically I recommend initiating one double pump session for 15-20 minutes in the AM, after a good first morning breastfeeding session. I typically recommend waiting 4 weeks postpartum but you can do it as soon as 2 weeks postpartum if breastfeeding is well established. Keep in mind that you are pumping leftovers, so there may not be much volume pumped from a single session. It might take you a day or two of combined pump sessions to get enough milk for a bottle feed, or you could offer a small "snack" sized bottle with whatever you pumped that day for bottle practice with your baby. You can add in short additional pumps between nursing sessions if desired, but to avoid oversupply, I would reommend waiting until at least 4-6 weeks postpartum to do so if at all possible to allow your supply to regulate.
For working parents: Pump every 3 hours while away from your baby to maintain supply.

Maximizing Pumping Efficiency

Relax: Stress can affect milk letdown. Try listening to calming music, looking at photos of your baby, or practicing deep breathing.
Use Hands-On Pumping: Massaging and compressing your breasts during pumping can help increase output.
Double Pump: Using a double electric pump saves time and boosts hormone levels that promote milk production. I generally always advise this method over single pumping.

Storing Breast Milk Safely

Follow these guidelines to keep your expressed milk safe:

Room temperature: Up to 4 hours
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 6 months (12 months in a deep freezer)

Always label your storage containers with the date and use the oldest milk first (first in, first out). See CDC.gov for further guidance on breastmilk storage guidelines.

Paced Bottle Feeding for the Breastfed Infant

When offering a bottle to a breastfed baby, paced bottle feeding is an effective method to mimic the natural rhythm of breastfeeding and reduce the chances of bottle preference. This technique helps your baby maintain their breastfeeding skills while receiving expressed milk.

How to Practice Paced Bottle Feeding

Hold the baby upright: Keep your baby in a semi-upright position to allow better control over milk flow.
Use a slow-flow nipple: This mimics the natural flow of breast milk and prevents overwhelming your baby.
Let the baby lead: Gently touch the bottle nipple to your baby’s lips and wait for them to open their mouth/root and latch onto the nipple.
Pause frequently: Hold the bottle horizontally, while keeping the nipple filled with milk and allow breaks every few sucks to mimic the natural pauses in breastfeeding.
Switch sides: Alternate sides mid-feeding to simulate breastfeeding and support eye development.

This method supports a smooth transition between breast and bottle while reducing the risk of overfeeding.

Returning to Work While Breastfeeding

Balancing breastfeeding and working is possible with some planning:

Discuss your needs: Inform your employer about your need for pumping breaks and a private space.
Practice before returning: Begin pumping a few weeks before your return to get comfortable with your routine.
Stay flexible: Some days will be easier than others—be kind to yourself as you adjust.

When to Ask for Help

If you’re experiencing low milk output, discomfort while pumping, or difficulty maintaining your supply, don’t hesitate to seek support. A lactation consultant can help troubleshoot issues and adjust your pumping strategy.

Ready for Expert Guidance?

Pumping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A lactation consultation can help you develop a pumping plan tailored to your lifestyle and feeding goals.

Schedule your consultation today with Lauren Cascone for personalized advice and support on your breastfeeding and pumping journey! Visit www.strongasamother.net/lactation or contact lauren@strongasamother.net today.