This beginner’s guide to breast pumping starts with acknowledging that whatever you’re feeling right now, whether it’s excitement, confusion, exhaustion, or a mix of all three, is completely normal.
Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful, whirlwind experience, and navigating the world of feeding can feel like learning a whole new language. You’ve probably heard about breast pumping, and you might be wondering if it’s for you, where to start, or if you’re even doing it right.
It’s completely normal to feel a little lost. That’s why I’ve written this guide over a warm cup of chai, ready to walk you through this journey one simple step at a time. Pumping is a skill, just like learning to ride a bicycle. It takes practice, patience, and a lot of kindness towards yourself.
So, let’s begin this journey together. You’ve got this.
Why Should I Consider Pumping? (The Gentle “Why”)
First things first, let’s gently set aside any pressure you might feel. Pumping is not a requirement; it’s a tool. It’s an option that can offer flexibility and support on your feeding journey, and the reasons for choosing it are unique to every family. There is no right or wrong reason.
Here are some of the most common reasons parents find pumping helpful:
- Building a milk stash for when you’re away. Whether you’re returning to work, need to run errands, or just want a few hours to yourself (which you absolutely deserve!), having expressed milk ready can be a lifesaver.
- Allowing a partner or family member to help. Sharing the feeding duties can be a wonderful bonding experience for your partner or a grandparent. It also allows you to get some much-needed, uninterrupted sleep.
- Relieving engorgement or clogged ducts. In the early days, your breasts can feel uncomfortably full (engorged). A quick pumping session can provide immense relief. It’s also a key tool for helping to clear painful clogged ducts.
- Increasing your milk supply. Your body makes milk based on a “supply and demand” system. Adding pumping sessions can signal your body to produce more milk, which is especially helpful if you’re concerned about a low supply.
- Providing milk if your baby has latching difficulties. Sometimes, a baby may struggle to latch onto the breast. Pumping ensures your baby still gets the incredible benefits of your milk while you both work on latching, ideally with the help of a lactation consultant.
Choosing Your Champion: Types of Breast Pumps
Walking into a baby store or browsing online can feel overwhelming with all the different pump options. Let’s break down the main types to help you find your perfect match. For a more detailed comparison, you can read our complete guide on how to choose a breast pump.
- Manual Pumps: These are powered by your hand. You squeeze a lever to create suction. They’re affordable, portable, and silent, making them great for occasional use or for relieving engorgement on the go. However, they can be tiring on your hands for frequent pumping.
- Electric Pumps (Single and Double): These are the most common and use a motor to create suction. A double electric pump is a huge time-saver and the best choice if you’ll be pumping regularly (e.g., after returning to work). They’re efficient and have customisable settings but are noisier and have more parts to clean.
- Hospital-Grade Pumps: These are super-powered, heavy-duty pumps you typically rent from a hospital. They are designed to establish and maintain milk supply and are often recommended for mothers with premature babies or those with specific medical challenges.
- Wearable/Hands-Free Pumps: These small, self-contained motors slip right into your bra, allowing you to pump discreetly while multitasking. They offer amazing convenience but can be less powerful than traditional pumps and often come with a higher price tag.
Your Pumping Toolkit: Essential Gear
Getting your supplies ready beforehand makes the whole process feel much calmer. Here is a simple checklist of what you’ll need.
- The breast pump itself.
- Pump flanges (nipple shields): This is the funnel-shaped part that fits over your breast. Getting the right size is the single most important factor for comfort and effectiveness. It should fit snugly around your nipple without pinching. We have an entire flange sizing guide to help you find your perfect fit.
- Milk collection bottles & lids.
- Breast milk storage bags.
- A cooler bag with an ice pack for transporting milk safely.
- A clean bottle brush and gentle soap for washing your pump parts.
Optional (but very helpful) extras: A hands-free pumping bra, nursing pads to catch leaks, and a soothing nipple cream.
Your Very First Pumping Session: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, it’s time. Let’s walk through this together. No pressure, no expectations.
Step 1: Find a Calm Space Your body releases milk best when you are relaxed. Find a comfortable chair, maybe put on some calming music or your favourite show. Many parents find it helpful to look at a photo or video of their baby to help encourage milk flow (this is called “let-down”).
Step 2: Wash Your Hands Hygiene is so important. Before you touch your pump parts or your breasts, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pump Familiarise yourself with the parts and put them together. You’ll get the hang of this very quickly, we promise!
Step 4: Position the Flange Centre the flange over your breast so your nipple is right in the middle of the tunnel. It should feel snug but comfortable.
Step 5: Start the Pump Most electric pumps have two modes to mimic a baby’s nursing pattern:
- Stimulation Mode: Start here. It’s a fast, light suction that tells your body it’s time to release milk.
- Expression Mode: Once you see milk spraying or dripping, switch to this mode. The suction will become slower and deeper. Start on the lowest setting and gradually increase it to a level that is strong but still comfortable. It should never, ever hurt. If you feel any pain, it’s a sign that something isn’t right—check out our guide on why pumping might hurt for troubleshooting tips.
Step 6: Pump for 15-20 Minutes This is a good starting point for a double-pumping session. Don’t worry if you only get a few drops at first, especially in the early days. This is completely normal!
Step 7: Store Your Milk Once you’re done, carefully unscrew the bottle. You can feed this milk to your baby, store it in the fridge, or transfer it to a storage bag for the freezer. Always label it with the date and time.
Step 8: Clean Up This is a vital step. Disassemble all the parts that came into contact with your milk. It’s crucial to know how to clean your pump parts properly to keep your baby safe. Wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water, rinse well, and let them air dry on a clean towel.
You did it! That’s your first session in the books.
Golden Rules for a Good Pumping Experience
As you get into a rhythm, keep these gentle reminders in your back pocket.
- Comfort is Key. We can’t say this enough. Pumping should not be painful. If it hurts, the most common culprit is the wrong flange size.
- Hydrate and Snack. Making milk is hard work! Keep a bottle of water and some healthy snacks near your pumping station.
- Don’t Obsess Over Ounces. Your milk output will change from day to day and even hour to hour. It’s all normal.
- Consistency is More Important than Duration. If you want to build supply, regular, shorter sessions are more effective than one or two very long sessions.
- Be Patient With Yourself. You and your body are doing something incredible. Some days will feel easy, and others will feel hard. Be patient, be kind, and celebrate every single drop.
You Are Doing an Amazing Job
My dear parent, you are on an incredible journey. Whether you pump once a day or eight times a day, for one week or one year, know that your effort, your love, and your dedication are what matter most.
Remember, this guide is a starting point. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, if you’re in pain, or if you just need someone to talk to, please reach out to a certified lactation consultant who can be your greatest ally, providing personalised support to help you meet your own unique feeding goals.
You are strong, you are capable, and you are doing a fantastic job.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a doctor or a certified lactation consultant for any personal health concerns or questions.
