Pumping 101: The Ultimate Guide for New and Expecting Mamas

Whether you’re a first-time mom, expecting your little soon, or already in the breastfeeding trenches, pumping can seem like a big, overwhelming task. The good news: it doesn’t have to be! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pumping breast milk—what it is, why it’s helpful, how to prevent engorgement or milk supply drops, and even how your partner can pitch in. Let’s dive in and give you the confidence to pump like a pro!

What is pumping?

Pumping is the process of expressing breast milk using a breast pump. We wrote a more in depth blog post here about it. It’s manual work by either using a hand pump or an electric or wearable pump. 

Pumping allows you to store milk for later use, enabling others to feed your baby when you're not around, or even letting you build up a milk supply for a rainy day (or a date night!). It’s also a great way to continue breastfeeding if you're separated from your baby due to work, travel, or hopefully other fun reasons.

Hand Pump	Electric Pump	Wearable Pump

Why Pump?

There are many reasons why a mama might choose to pump. including:

• Returning to work (RTO): Many moms begin pumping to ensure their baby continues to receive breast milk while they’re away and to prevent engorgement while you are at work.
• Building a stash: Pumping allows you to build a milk supply in advance.
• Mental Health Hack: 
  • Relieving engorgement: If you have an oversupply or are feeling uncomfortable, pumping can help relieve the pressure.
  •  Share the load. Pumping allows your partner or other caregivers to help with feedings, giving you a much-needed break.

What the Research Says

There’s a lot of research on pumping and breastfeeding, and it’s important to rely on trusted sources for guidance. Studies show that pumping, when done correctly, can help ensure that breastfeeding continues successfully even when you're away from your baby. According to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months has significant health benefits for both baby and mom. Pumping helps ensure that your baby still gets all the nutrients from breast milk, even when you’re apart.

Milk Storage & Use

Proper milk storage is key to ensuring that expressed milk stays fresh and safe for your baby. Here are some essential tips:

• Store milk in clean, BPA-free containers like breast milk bags or bottles designed for freezing.
• Label your milk: Be sure to include the date and time of expression on the storage bag or bottle.
• Keep it cold: Refrigerate milk as soon as possible after pumping. Fresh breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to 6 months (in a deep freezer).
• Avoid refreezing: Never refreeze breast milk that has already been thawed as this can lead to bacteria growth and also reduce its nutritional value
• Reheat Safely: run the bottle under warm water or set it in a bowl of warm water until the milk feels slightly warm on your wrist (we’ve all seen the movies).  Swirl it to mix the fat and the liquids.

Milk Bags	Bottles For Freezing

Different Pumping Methods

There are several methods you can use for pumping breast milk, each with its pros and cons:

• Manual pumps: These require some effort, but they’re portable and quiet. (Your insurance should provide you with one for free!)
• Electric pumps: These are more efficient and can express milk faster, but they can be bulkier and require an electrical outlet.
• Wearable pumps: These are hands-free and discreet, making them perfect for multitasking moms. You can even wear them while walking around or working at your desk. 

Do’s & Don’ts of Pumping

Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s:

• Do clean your pump parts regularly to avoid bacteria build-up. We love these
• Do experiment with different breast shield sizes for a more comfortable fit.
• Do take care of your mental health—pumping can be stressful, please make sure to ask for help. (and invest in yourself to have the right tools)
• Get a nursing / pumping bra that fits your life and style - we love this one, this one and this one
• Get Nursing pads to avoid leaking through your clothing throughout the day

Wipes	Flanges	Pumping Bra	Nursing Pads

Don’ts:

• Don’t go too long without pumping—your body needs that regular stimulation to maintain supply.
• Don’t pump with damaged equipment—this can be painful and ineffective.
• Don’t feel guilty if you can’t pump as much as you'd like—every drop is a success!

Quick mention about Nipple Confusion

One of the biggest concerns for moms who are pumping is the fear of nipple confusion. This happens when babies have trouble transitioning between breast and bottle because the sucking mechanics are different. To avoid nipple confusion:

• Introduce bottles after breastfeeding is well-established: Wait until your baby is at least 3-4 weeks old before introducing a bottle.
• Choose a bottle with a breast-like nipple: Some bottles are designed to mimic the breast, which can help reduce confusion.

Practice paced bottle feeding: This technique mimics breastfeeding and allows your baby to control the flow of milk.

You’ve got this mama!  

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