Breast Pumping 101

Did you know there are many ways to use a breast pump to support your breastfeeding goals? For instance, an electric breast pump designed for high-volume, long-term use is a great option for both exclusive and part-time pumping. Meanwhile, a manual pump can be used for occasional pumping needs or even therapeutically, drawing out the nipple to help with latching or to relieve engorgement with less risk of creating an oversupply. Here is a more in-depth look at getting the most out of your pump. 

Using your pump is a technique, a process. The steps involved are not simply to hook up, press on, and crank things up to full power. In fact, it may be counterproductive, quite literally, and even painful, to pump without proper technique. The optimal output is achieved through an intentional method that simulates how a baby triggers milk release. Luckily, with a great pump and establishing a technique, pumping will feel much simpler!

Once ready, turn the pump on, and be sure the pump is in “massage” or “letdown” mode.

This is an important step as it mimics a baby’s initial stimulation with quick, gentle suction. This movement is the key for oxytocin release, the hormone that triggers the milk-storing alveoli to contract and release milk.

The settings should be comfortable, the cycles faster, and the suction strength softer. Luna offers the ability to adjust the cycle speed and suction independently of each other, maximizing your ability to customize your pumping experience. This step takes on average 2-3 minutes. Some moms may choose to manually switch to the next setting once they see milk, but others report better output when they stimulate for longer.

Expression mode is the main part of the pumping experience and takes 5-15 minutes to complete. Press the "Mode" button to manually switch from massage to expression. The settings should be adjusted for comfort, as higher suction does not always mean more milk. Cycles should be longer and slower, and strength needs to increase. These two settings simulate a baby's rhythmic drinking, balancing stimulation and strength. With Luna’s independent cycle and vacuum controls, you have multiple combinations available to maximize pumping output. 

Once these settings are selected, our Luna pump will remember the settings from your previous session and automatically start up each mode on these levels.

A typical pumping session, when replacing a nursing session, is 15-20 minutes. Luna has an automatic shut-off at 30 minutes as an added safety feature. Typical pumping output ranges from 2-4oz every 2-3 hours when pumping to replace a direct breastfeeding session. Once your pumping session is complete, store milk in clean containers intended for breastmilk storage or in milk storage bags. Whether pumping straight into a bottle or storage bags, breastmilk can remain at room temperature up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in a standard freezer for up to 6-12 months.

Wash pump parts that come in contact with you and/or your milk, not the tubing. Use a microwave steam sterilizer bag for easy sanitizing.

Understanding and maintaining your pump parts can help you avoid issues and get the most from your pumping sessions.

• Duckbill Valves: Replace the duckbill valves every one to three months depending on the frequency of usage. These valves contribute to suction strength.

• It's time to replace your valves when:

• They are torn, warped or discolored.

• Diaphragms: As the diaphragms age, they lose elasticity, impacting suction and leaving your pump vulnerable to moisture!

• It's time to replace the diaphragms when:

• They become torn, warped, or discolored.

• Flanges: Replace flanges, or breast shields, every six months at a minimum.

• It's time to replace your flanges when:

• They become cracked, torn or warped.

• Flange Inserts: Replace flange inserts every three to six months.

• It's time to replace your flange inserts when:

• They become cracked, torn, discolored, or warped.

• Tubing: Replace tubing every one to three months depending on frequency of usage. 

• It's time to replace your tubing when:

• It easily slides on and off the pump or diaphragm.

• Moisture gets inside the tubing. This moisture can back up to the motor itself and damage your pump.

The most common reason for painful pumping is having the wrong flange size. An incorrectly fitted flange can lead to painful swelling, chafing, nipple discoloration, poor emptying, and even clogged ducts (ductal narrowing) and mastitis.  Finding the right flange size often requires trialing a few sizes that are close to your pre-pumping nipple size. For help finding your Goldilocks fit, reach out to an experienced IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. 

Using a hands-free pumping bra can be an absolute lifesaver, but a poorly fitting one can also result in ineffective pumping. Your pumping bra should hold your flanges or collection cups firmly in place without unnecessarily compressing your breast tissue. A bra that is too loose will allow your flanges or cups to shift, resulting in misalignment. A bra that is too tight will cause too much pressure against the breast tissue and can kink off milk flow.

Ensure you have the right pump for the job. A primary breast pump, like the Motif Luna, is a quality, double-electric breast pump with a powerful motor intended to build and maintain milk supply. A secondary breast pump, such as the Motif Aura Glow, is a smaller, more portable option that is ideal for pumping on the go. If you’re primarily pumping while stationary, opt for a primary pump. If you will need to frequently pump on the go, opt for a portable or wearable option rather than skipping or delaying sessions.

If you have the right pump and flange size, but are still seeing low milk output, pumping frequency could be at the root of the problem. Most moms will need to remove milk at least 8 times in 24 hours during the first three months postpartum, with at least one of these milk removals occurring overnight. As your baby gets older and naturally starts to consolidate their overnight sleep, it may be possible to go longer stretches without pumping at night. Not pumping often enough can lead to a decrease in overall milk supply.

What used to be known as “nipple confusion” is now better understood to truly be a bottle flow preference. Bottles typically flow faster and more consistently than the breast, and some babies develop a preference for this faster flow.

Now that you know the basics of breast pumping, it is time to put these techniques into practice with a pump designed to give you More Milk in Less Time®. You may be eligible to receive a top-rated Motif breast pump like the Motif Luna or the wearable Motif Aura Glow at no cost to you through your health insurance provider. To find out if you are eligible to receive a Motif Breast Pump through insurance, you can easily use our Insurance Lookup Tool to check your coverage details.

Skip the paperwork stress and take the first step toward a confident, comfortable pumping experience today.

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.