How to Use a Breast Pump
If you’re feeling like breast pumps are a bit of a mystery or seem like complex medical devices, don’t worry, mama—you’ve got this! While pumping can feel a little overwhelming at first, once you understand the basics, it becomes second nature. Take your time, get comfortable with your pump, and know that with a little practice, you’ll be pumping like a pro. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you every step of the way!
How Breast Pumps Work
Breast pumps are designed to mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern, helping you express milk efficiently.1,2 Here’s how they work:
- Speed and Strength: Just like a nursing baby, a breast pump imitates the rhythmic pattern of sucking. At the start of a feeding, babies suck quickly to trigger the “let-down” of milk. Once the milk starts flowing, their sucking slows but becomes stronger as they swallow. Your pump works similarly—starting with quick suction to get the milk flowing, then slowing down to help maximize milk removal.
- Milk Collection: As your milk is expressed, it collects in a storage container—whether that’s a bottle, a bag, or a collection cup. This milk can then be stored for later use.
- Flanges (Breast Shields): These funnel-shaped plastic or silicone parts fit over your nipple and areola to create a seal.3 As the pump activates, the nipple is gently drawn into the flange, encouraging your milk to flow. Your nipple should move comfortably within the tunnel—if it feels too tight, you might need a larger size. If your areola is also getting pulled into the tunnel, your flange may be too big. It’s important to choose the right flange size for both comfort and milk output.3
Setting Up Your Pump
Setting up your breast pump might feel like a lot at first, but don’t stress—it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to get started:1,2
- Prepare Before Baby Arrives: Don’t wait until your baby is here to figure out how to set up your pump. Take some time before your due date to familiarize yourself with the pump parts and how they fit together. This way, you’ll feel confident when you need to use it.
- Read the Manual: We know, instruction manuals aren’t the most exciting read, but they’re really helpful! They’ll guide you through setup and troubleshooting. Some manufacturers also offer video tutorials to make things even easier—check YouTube for extra tips!
- Clean Your Pump Parts: Before using your pump for the first time, make sure all parts are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.4
- Allow Parts to Dry: After washing and sanitizing, give your pump parts plenty of time to air dry before you store or assemble them.
How to Use Your Breast Pump
- Relax & Find a Comfortable Spot: Take a deep breath, get comfortable, and settle in. Make sure you have a snack and your water bottle nearby—pumping is a great time to give yourself some self-care!
- Assemble Your Pump: Double-check that all parts are in place and assembled correctly. This ensures everything is ready to go without any last-minute surprises.
- Use a Hands-Free Pumping Bra: A hands-free pumping bra can be a game changer! It allows you to adjust your settings, massage your breasts, or even multitask while you pump.
- Turn on the Pump: Hit the power button and select “stimulate” or “let down” mode. Start with the suction strength on the lowest setting and gradually increase it to the level that’s most comfortable for you.
- Move to Expression Mode: Once you see drops or sprays of milk, switch to “expression” mode. This slows down the pump’s speed but may allow you to increase the suction strength. As always, stick to the maximum comfortable setting—it should never hurt.
- Experiment with Settings: Every mom is different. Some prefer switching between settings during the session, while others stick to one setting the whole time. Take your time to experiment with different suction and speed levels, and figure out what works best for you.
- Storing Your Milk: After your pumping session, be sure to store your milk properly.5 Label your containers with the date and time so you can stay organized and ensure your milk stays fresh for your baby.
When to Start Pumping
- If Breastfeeding is Going Well: If breastfeeding is going smoothly, you don’t need to start pumping right away. It’s usually best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established—around 4 to 6 weeks—before introducing regular pumping. This gives you and your baby time to get comfortable breastfeeding and helps you build a solid milk supply.
- If Baby is Unable to Breastfeed: If your baby is premature, in the NICU, or unable to breastfeed for any reason, it’s important to begin hand expression and pumping as soon as possible after birth—ideally within the first hour, but definitely no later than 6 hours. Until your baby is breastfeeding well, pumping at least 8 times per day will help establish your milk supply and ensure your baby gets all the benefits of your milk.
- If You Plan to Return to Work: If you’re planning to return to work, try to start pumping at least a few weeks before you head back. This gives you time to get comfortable with pumping, build up a milk stash, and make sure your baby is transitioning well to bottle feeding.
- Best Time to Pump: Many moms find their milk supply is highest in the morning. Pumping after your baby’s first morning feeding can be the best time to express extra milk.
- While Baby Gets a Bottle: If you skip a breastfeeding session and your baby gets a bottle instead, don’t forget to pump! This helps keep your milk supply steady by sending the signal to your body to keep producing.
Pumping might seem like a big learning curve at first, but with time and practice, it can become an empowering tool on your breastfeeding journey. Remember, every mom’s experience is different—what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your pump’s settings and try different techniques until you find what feels right for you.1,2 Whether you’re pumping to maintain your milk supply, build a stash, or provide for your baby while you’re apart, you’re doing an amazing job providing the very best for your baby!
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Pumping 101
- How to Find a Pump You Love
- How to Fit Your Flange
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.
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