Pumping Tips

Determine the correct breast shield size for you

Every breast pump comes with a standard breast shield size (24mm to 26mm). If it is too small or too large, it will affect the milk supply so determine the correct breast shield size for you. 

Set your pump on the lowest level when beginning.

• Place the breast shields on your breasts. Make sure your nipple is centered

in the shield.

• Relax, think of your baby, and allow your letdown reflex to work for you.

• If you experience any pain or discomfort, turn off the pump, reposition and

start again.

• Increase the suction to your comfort.

• Milk should be flowing into the bottle.

• You may get a small amount of milk in the beginning. No device can ever be as

efficient as your nursing baby. Pumping is likely to yield more once you become more

comfortable with the process. Consistency is the key to regular results. Sessions

should average twenty to thirty minutes. The milk flow may be interrupted by a pause

between let downs. Continue to pump through the pause until the next milk flow.

Stopping pumping after only one “let down” (approximately 10 minutes) will result in

a lower supply and you will miss adding fatty hind milk into your pumped milk.

Pumping sessions should be long enough for more than one let down to balance the

fat content of your milk.

• When you are done, turn your settings back to low before taking the breast shields

off your breasts.

• Before storing, label milk container with name and date.

 When to contact your Lactation Consultant:

• If your baby is less than 4 weeks old.

• If baby is premature (less than 36 week gestation).

• If mother is engorged.

• If mother have sore nipples or any breast pain.

• If mother has low milk supply.

• If baby has difficulty latching onto breast.

Breastfeeding Links

www.llli.org La Leche League

www.ilca.org International Lactation Consultant Association

 Adapted with Permission from the Foundation for a Breastfeeding Culture