Pumping

Breast pumping can be a valuable tool for various reasons, such as allowing parents to provide breast milk when away from their baby, building up a milk supply, or addressing specific breastfeeding challenges. However, it's essential to note that pumping is not necessary for establishing and maintaining a healthy milk supply; many women can complete their breastfeeding journey without ever needing to pump.

When to start pumping depends on individual circumstances and goals. If you do not need to supplement and your primary aim is to breastfeed, it's best to wait until your milk supply is established before starting to pump. Pumping too early or too frequently can lead to oversupply, which may complicate breastfeeding.

There are various types of breast pumps to suit individual needs. Manual pumps are hand-operated, offering portability and simplicity, while electric pumps are available in single or double options, as well as wearable models, providing greater efficiency and convenience. It's important to understand that "hospital-grade" is a marketing term rather than a specific type of pump and should not be a deciding factor when purchasing. Additionally, whenever you replace a direct breastfeeding session with pumping, make sure to pump at the same time to help maintain your milk supply.

Types of breast pumps

Milk Catcher

Milk Catcher

This passive milk collector uses suction to catch milk that lets down naturally, often when the baby is feeding on the other breast. It's a low-effort alternative to breast pads for those who want to save every drop of milk without active pumping. However, it’s important to empty the milk catcher frequently, ideally every 2 hours, if you plan on storing the milk.

Silicone Pumps

Silicone Pump

Unlike a simple milk catcher, a silicone pump uses more substantial suction to collect milk and can be used during breastfeeding to catch more than just the let-down. Regular use can increase milk supply due to the additional stimulation, but be cautious as the suction can sometimes be uncomfortable. It’s best to use these for short periods to avoid discomfort.

Manual Breastpumps

Manual Breast Pump

This is an affordable and portable option where the user manually operates a lever to create suction. It allows for control over the suction speed but can become tiresome with prolonged use. This pump is suitable for those who pump infrequently or need a backup to an electric pump.

Electric Breastpumps

Electric Breast Pumps

Designed for frequent use, these pumps are ideal for increasing milk supply or as a substitute for direct breastfeeding. They are typically connected to an external motor and come in both single and double pump configurations. Many models now feature rechargeable batteries, enhancing portability. When choosing an electric pump, consider one with easily accessible replacement parts to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance.

Wearable Breastpumps

Wearable Breast Pump

These pumps offer the convenience of hands-free operation, allowing more flexibility to multitask while pumping. However, they may not be as efficient in removing milk as other types, which can be a concern for those who rely exclusively on pumping. Wearable pumps are best used in conjunction with more traditional pumps, especially for those who need to pump exclusively.

Parts of breastpump + flange sizing

Parts of a breastpump

The main parts of a breastpump typically include:

Flange (Breast Shield): The cone-shaped part that fits over your breast. It creates a seal around the nipple and helps draw out the milk during pumping.
Tunnel: The narrow part of the flange where the nipple is drawn into. Its size determines the flange size.
Connector/Valve Base: The part that connects the flange to the tubing and bottle, allowing milk to flow from the flange to the collection container.
Valves/Membranes: Small pieces that create suction and control milk flow. Valves help in creating the right vacuum pressure, and membranes keep the milk from flowing back into the tubing.
Tubing: Connects the pump motor to the flange, helping to create suction. Usually only found in electric pumps.
Pump Motor: The device that generates suction to draw milk out. In manual pumps, this is a hand-operated lever, while in electric pumps, it's powered by electricity or batteries.
Collection Bottle/Bag: The container where expressed milk is collected and stored. Some pumps allow for direct attachment of storage bags.
Backflow Protector: A component in some pumps that prevents milk from flowing back into the tubing, ensuring hygiene.
Power Adapter/Battery Pack: Electric pumps come with a power adapter to plug into an outlet, and some may also have a battery option for portability.
Control Panel/Buttons: Found on electric pumps, these allow you to adjust suction levels, speed, and other settings.

These components work together to create the vacuum needed for extracting breast milk efficiently and comfortably.

Parts of a wearable breastpump

The main parts of a wearable breast pump are slightly different from traditional pumps due to their compact and portable design. They typically include:

Breast Shield (Flange): The part that fits over the breast to create a seal and draw milk out. Often integrated directly into the pump body in wearable designs.
Pump Hub (Motor Unit): The core part of the pump that generates suction. This is usually compact and attaches directly to the flange, making the pump wearable. It often contains the controls, battery, and motor.
Milk Collection Container: A chamber or container where the milk is collected during pumping. Unlike traditional pumps, this is usually built into the pump itself, allowing the entire unit to be placed inside a bra.
Valves/Membranes: Small components that control milk flow and ensure proper suction. They help regulate pressure and prevent backflow of milk.
Seals and Connectors: These create a tight seal around the parts to prevent leaks and ensure efficient suction. Some wearable pumps may have extra connectors to attach components securely.
Charging Port/Battery: Most wearable pumps have a built-in rechargeable battery for portability, with a port to charge the device. This makes them more convenient for use on the go.
Control Buttons/Touch Screen: Many wearable pumps have buttons or a small touch screen on the pump hub for adjusting suction settings and speed. Some even connect to an app for monitoring sessions.

These parts are all designed to be compact and user-friendly, fitting discreetly into a bra so that the pump can be used hands-free, whether you're at home, at work, or on the move.

Why flange size is important

What is a Flange?

A flange is the cone-shaped part of a breast pump that fits over your breast.

What is Flange Size?

When referring to "flange size," it means the diameter of the tunnel where your nipple is drawn in during pumping.

Is There a Standard Flange Size?

Breastpumps usually offer a range of flange sizes, typically from 20 to 36 millimeters. When you purchase a pump, it generally comes with a standard flange size (around 24-25mm), although some brands may include two standard sizes.

Getting the right size

Finding the Right Flange Size

Using an incorrect flange size is one of the main causes of discomfort, pain, or even damage while pumping. A proper flange fit ensures better comfort, seal, and milk flow.

Why Might You Need a Different Flange?

Despite various nipple shapes (e.g., inverted, flat, long), most pumps only allow you to adjust the tunnel diameter. They don’t account for nipple elasticity or texture, which may require a different fit.

Signs Your Flange May Be Too Small

The nipple doesn’t move freely in the tunnel.
Indents on the nipple or near it.
Pain or chafing on the nipple.
Persistent fullness in the breast after pumping.

Signs Your Flange May Be Too Large

Areola is drawn into the flange.
Swelling or soreness around the areola.
Poor suction, resulting in leaks or inconsistent suction.
Longer time to start milk flow or persistent fullness after expressing.

Measuring your nipple

Measuring your nipple accurately is crucial for optimising both the efficiency and comfort of your pumping experience. To begin, measure the diameter of your nipple at the tip — the protruding part. You can use a measuring tape, but it’s best to get someone to help you. It's important to measure both nipples individually, as they can vary in size.

Once you have these measurements, add no more than 2mm (ideally, as close to your original measurement as possible) to the diameter of each nipple to determine the ideal size for your breast shield. Choosing a breast shield that closely matches this measurement ensures a better seal during pumping, enhancing the pump's efficiency and significantly increasing your comfort level, reducing the risk of nipple irritation or pain during and after pumping sessions.

Depending on the pump you have purchased and the size you need, you may be able to adjust the size by purchasing a smaller breast shield or using inserts that fit into your size 24mm breast shield to change the size.

You can also lubricate the breast shield tunnel to support your nipple moving more freely. Use a nipple balm or coconut/olive oil applied to the inside of the tunnel.

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