How to increase your pumping output

Whether out of choice or necessity, pumping often become a part of your feeding journey for many different reasons. Whether you’re pumping several times a day or the occasion, it’s important to know how to get the most out of your pump.

The average woman will pump between 1.5oz-4oz so, if you’re expecting to pump gallons each day, try to adjust your expectations. If someone you know is able to pump far more than the average amount, there can be many factors such as a larger milk storage capacity or an oversupply, so don’t compare yourself to them as each breastfeeding journey is unique.

If you aren’t getting much milk out of your pump, many will automatically assume they just don’t have much of a milk supply. But this is likely not the case and the amount you pump is not an indicator of your supply for two reasons:

1.       A pump doesn’t evoke a hormonal response like a baby does (stimulating oxytocin aka your let down)

2.       There could be a number of other contributing factors that are negatively affecting the amount of milk you’re able to pump

Read on to learn about the things you can do to help increase your pumping output.

Get the right pump for you

There are several different types of pumps suited for different people and situations:

·         Hospital grade pump – powerful suction, extremely durable and designed to be used several times a day. You can rent a hospital grade pump and they are a great investment if you need to increase or establish your milk supply.

·         Single/double electric pump – Suited for regular pumping. Double pump reduces time spent pumping but is of course more expensive.

·         Manual/hand pump – cheaper than electric, lightweight, no battery or wire required but can be tiring to use frequently. Suited for one/two pumps a day and to relieve engorgement.

·         Wireless wearable pump – discreet pumping on the go. Suction isn’t as effective as a wired electric pump so you may not yield as much milk, but they’re handy if you need to move around whilst pumping.

·         Silicone milk collectors/suction pump – Often used on the breast that isn’t feeding baby/pumping as a let down can happen in both breasts even if just one is stimulated. Important to know that they are not just “collecting” your milk, there is a suction element so they are stimulating your breast and drawing out milk rather than just collecting.

The most expensive pump isn’t necessarily the best if it’s not suited to your pumping needs. Make sure you find one that

Ensure correct size flange

The flange is the part of the pump that touches your breast and most brands have a variety of sizes.

If the flange is too small for your nipple then it could cause you pain and nipple trauma due to the friction. If the flange is too big then part of your areola could also get drawn up into the flange which can also be painful.

Measure your nipple to determine which flange size is suitable for you. If the smallest flange size that your pump brand provides is still too big, you can purchase flange inserts to make sure it fits you. Being comfortable and pain free is important to help your oxytocin flowing and stimulate your let down.

If your pump is second hand pump or old pump, consider changing some of the parts

Electric pumps are made up of lots of different parts, and some may need replacing to improve milk output. Your pump membrane and valve may need replacing if it’s been over 6 months since they were first used, but this of course depends on how often it was used.

Relaxed environment

Make sure you’re feeling relaxed – it’s not always possible but do your best to get comfortable and try not to be too stressed as stress can inhibit the flow of oxytocin which is required for milk secretion.

Warm flannels and gentle massage before pumping session

Warmth and a VERY gentle massage (no harder than you’d stroke a cat) can help to stimulate your breasts and encourage your let down. Warming the flange (using shortly after steaming/boiling sterilization is an easy way to use it when warm) can also help.

Use the let down setting first

Electric pumps try to mimic how a baby would naturally feed, which is initially lots of short sucks to stimulate the let down, followed by slower rhythmic sucking to mimic a baby’s suck/swallow pattern.

Use the let down setting first and, when you see your milk appearing, move to expressing mode. If you switch breasts, move back to the let down setting again and repeat.

Hands on pumping

Your hands can help to increase milk transfer from your breast into the pump and maximise output, and you can do this by using breast compressions.

Watch my breast compression demonstration here.

Pump in the morning

Prolactin levels peak in the early hours of the morning and are at their lowest in the evening. So many pumping mums find that they have fuller breasts and a larger amount of milk in the mornings. Especially if you need to pump just once, the mornings may be more successful for you due to the rise and fall of your milk production hormones.

If you’re struggling with expressing milk and feel like nothing is working, please seek skilled help! You can book a virtual consultation with me, or a home visit if you’re London based.