How to make the most out of pumping

• Use a pump that has a double pumping kit, meaning that you pump both breasts at the same time. This helps raise your prolactin levels, the hormone that helps make milk. Generally, single pumping does not benefit over double pumping.

• Don’t wait until the breasts are overly full to pump. When the breast are overly full, many mothers notice they get more milk when they pump for that pumping session. However, when the breasts are repeatedly very full, the milk producing cells are minimized so that the breast then makes less milk. Mothers will comment that when they first waited to pump when they were overly full, they got a large amount of milk but within a few days, it took longer for the breast to get overly full and then less and less milk was pumped.

• There’s no need to pump early on if breastfeeding is going well (baby is gaining weight, breastfeeding is comfortable). However, if your baby is newly born and unable to feed, initiating pumping in the early hours after delivery, is beneficial to building a great milk supply.

• Make sure you center the pumping flange on the nipple first before you turn the pump on. This will minimize nipple damage.

• Use the setting that is most comfortable for you. This allows for better milk flow.

• If the pump is causing nipple soreness, you may need a different size flange for your nipple size. Check with a lactation consultant regarding flange sizes and options for pumping.

• You don’t love the pump the way you love your baby, so milk flow may not be the same as when you feed your baby directly from the breast. What you pump is not necessarily a measure of what the baby is eating, or how much milk you are able to produce.

• Remember, if you are using your pump to build a milk supply for your baby, the pump is a helpful tool to help you reach your goals.

• Be patient: your body needs time to respond. Be consistent: pump frequently, as able to help protect and build your milk supply.