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| Breastpump tutorial |
I'll never forget my first time using a breast pump. I was three days postpartum, sitting on my couch at 2 AM, staring at this contraption like it was some kind of medieval torture device. The lactation consultant at the hospital had breezed through a five-minute demo, handed me a pamphlet, and sent me on my way.
Cool. Super helpful.
So there I was, exhausted and confused, with parts spread across my coffee table like I was assembling IKEA furniture. Except IKEA furniture doesn't attach to your boobs.
If you're reading this because you just got a breast pump and have absolutely no idea what to do with it, welcome. I'm going to walk you through everything I wish someone had explained to me. Not the sanitized hospital version—the real, practical, "here's what actually matters" version.
First Things First: Why Are You Even Pumping?
This matters because it changes how you'll use your pump.
Going back to work? You'll probably pump 2-3 times during an 8-hour shift to replace missed feedings and maintain your supply.
Building a freezer stash? Pump once a day, usually in the morning when your supply is highest, in addition to regular nursing.
Exclusively pumping? You're basically on a newborn's feeding schedule—every 2-3 hours, including overnight, at least in the beginning.
Just need the occasional bottle? Hand expression or a manual pump might be all you need. Don't overcomplicate it.
I tried to do ALL of these at once when my son was born. Built a massive freezer stash while also pumping at work while also trying to maintain nursing. I was pumping like six times a day and barely sleeping. Don't be me. Pick your goal and pump accordingly.
Understanding Your Pump (The Parts Nobody Explains)
Let's talk about what you're actually dealing with here. Most electric pumps have the same basic setup:
The flanges (or "breast shields"): These are the cone-shaped things that go on your breast. Size matters here—like, really matters. If they're too small, you'll be in pain and won't empty well. Too big, and same problem.
Here's how to tell if they fit: When you turn the pump on, your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without your areola getting sucked in. If the areola is getting pulled in, go up a size. If your whole nipple isn't in the tunnel, go down a size.
Most pumps come with 24mm flanges, but tons of women need different sizes. I needed 21mm on one side and 19mm on the other because apparently my boobs didn't get the memo about symmetry.
The valves: These are the tiny rubber or silicone pieces that create suction. They're easy to lose, easy to forget to clean, and they wear out. If your pump suddenly stops working well, check these first. They should be replaced every 4-8 weeks depending on how often you pump.
The membranes (sometimes called diaphragms): Little flexible discs that work with the valves. Same deal—they wear out and need replacing.
The bottles and connectors: Pretty straightforward, but make sure everything clicks together properly or you'll end up with milk everywhere. Ask me how I know.
The tubing: Connects the pump motor to the flanges. If you see milk in the tubing, something's wrong—either you overfilled the bottles or parts aren't connected right. Don't pump with milk in the tubing; it can grow bacteria.
Setting Up Your Pump (The Step-by-Step)
Okay, you've got your parts. Now what?
1. Wash your hands. I know this seems obvious, but when you're exhausted and just want to get this over with, it's easy to skip. Don't.
2. Assemble everything. Connect the valves and membranes to the flanges. Attach the bottles. Connect the tubing from the pump motor to the flanges. Make sure everything clicks or screws on properly—loose connections mean weak suction.
3. Get comfortable. Seriously. You're going to be here for 15-20 minutes. Grab water, your phone, the TV remote, snacks, whatever. I used to set up a whole pumping station—water bottle, phone charger, burp cloth, extra bottle caps, all within reach.
4. Position the flanges. Center your nipple in the tunnel. The flange should form a seal around your breast but shouldn't be uncomfortable. You shouldn't have to hold it there with a death grip—a light touch is enough.
5. Start on the lowest setting. I cannot stress this enough. Do not start on high. Your breasts need time to warm up. Starting too strong is uncomfortable and less effective.
Actually Using the Pump (What the Settings Mean)
Most pumps have two modes: letdown mode and expression mode.
Letdown mode: Fast, light suction that mimics how a baby sucks at the beginning of a feeding to trigger milk flow. This usually lasts 2 minutes or until you see milk start flowing.
Expression mode: Slower, stronger suction that actually removes the milk. This is where you'll spend most of your pumping session.
Some pumps switch automatically, some you have to switch manually. Read your specific pump's instructions because they're all slightly different.
How to adjust the suction: Start low. Gradually increase until you feel a strong pull but not pain. "Maximum suction" isn't the goal—effective suction is. I pumped at level 5 out of 10 on my pump and got plenty of milk. My friend needed level 8. Everyone's different.
If it hurts, turn it down. Pumping shouldn't hurt. Uncomfortable? Maybe at first. But actual pain means something's wrong—usually flange size or suction is too high.
The Actual Pumping Session
Typical session length: 15-20 minutes, or 2-5 minutes after milk stops flowing. I used to pump until I'd gone two minutes without seeing any milk drops.
What you should see: Milk should start flowing within a few minutes. At first it might just be drops, then it builds to a spray or steady stream, then tapers off again. This is normal. Both breasts might not produce the same amount—totally normal too.
What helps milk flow:
- Looking at a photo of your baby (sounds cheesy, actually works)
- Warmth—warm compress, warm shower, or pump after nursing when you're already warmed up
- Massage while pumping—use your free hand to compress and massage your breast
- Relaxation—stress can inhibit letdown, which is ironic because pumping is stressful
What hurts your supply:
- Dehydration—drink water before, during, and after pumping
- Stress (I know, easier said than done)
- Inconsistent pumping schedule
- Not emptying your breasts regularly
Power pumping: If you need to boost supply, try this once a day for a few days: Pump for 20 minutes, rest 10 minutes, pump 10 minutes, rest 10 minutes, pump 10 minutes. It mimics cluster feeding and can signal your body to make more milk.
Hands-On Pumping (Game Changer)
This is the technique nobody tells you about but makes a huge difference.
While you're pumping, use your hands to massage and compress your breasts. Press down toward your chest wall, then compress toward the nipple. Work your way around the whole breast.
Studies show this can increase milk output by 48%. FORTY-EIGHT PERCENT. Why don't more people talk about this?
You can also lean forward so gravity helps, or try different positions—some women get more milk sitting up, some lying back slightly.
Storing Your Milk (The Rules That Matter)
Freshly pumped milk can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours. But honestly, if you can refrigerate it sooner, do it.
In the refrigerator: Up to 4 days in the back (not the door). Store it in the back where temperature is most consistent.
In the freezer:
- Regular freezer: 6 months (but use the oldest milk first)
- Deep freezer: 12 months
Label everything with the date. Use the oldest milk first. I used masking tape and a Sharpie—nothing fancy needed.
Don't fill containers all the way: Milk expands when frozen. Fill bottles/bags about 3/4 full. Also, store in smaller amounts (2-4 oz) so you're not wasting milk if baby doesn't finish a bottle.
Combining milk from different sessions: You can, but cool the fresh milk in the fridge first before adding it to already-cold milk. Don't add warm milk to cold milk.
Cleaning Your Pump Parts (The Minimum vs. The Ideal)
After every session (minimum):
- Rinse parts with cold water first (gets rid of milk residue)
- Wash in hot soapy water or dishwasher
- Air dry on a clean towel or drying rack
Once a day (ideal):
- Sanitize by boiling for 5 minutes, or using a steam bag, or dishwasher sanitize cycle
Real talk: When I was pumping at work, I used the fridge hack. After pumping, I'd rinse the parts and throw them in a gallon-size ziplock bag in the office fridge until my next session. At the end of the day, I'd bring everything home and wash it properly. This is safe if you're pumping multiple times in one day and don't want to wash between sessions.
The tubing doesn't usually need washing unless milk gets in it. If milk gets in the tubing, disconnect it and run it through the dishwasher or hand wash it, then let it air dry completely.
Pumping at Work (The Practical Stuff)
Your rights: In the US, employers are required to provide reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) for pumping. Know your rights.
What to bring:
- Your pump (duh) and all the parts
- Extra valves and membranes (they can tear)
- A cooler with ice packs for storing milk
- Bottles or storage bags
- Cleaning supplies or ziplock bags for the fridge method
- Nursing pads (letdown can happen at inconvenient times)
- A hands-free pumping bra (life-changing—you can work while pumping)
Hands-free pumping bras: You can buy one, or DIY by cutting holes in an old sports bra. The goal is to hold the flanges in place so your hands are free. I used to answer emails while pumping. Multitasking at its finest.
How often to pump at work: Generally every 3 hours to maintain supply and stay comfortable. If you're gone 8 hours, that's probably 2-3 pumping sessions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Not getting much milk:
- Check flange size
- Make sure valves and membranes aren't worn out
- Increase suction gradually
- Try hands-on pumping
- Pump at different times—morning is usually best for supply
- Make sure you're drinking enough water
Painful pumping:
- Flange is probably wrong size
- Suction might be too high
- Could be thrush or another infection see a doctor if it persists
Pump stopped working well suddenly:
- Replace valves and membranes first (cheapest fix)
- Check all connections are tight
- Make sure tubing isn't kinked
- Check if warranty covers motor issues
One breast produces way more than the other:
- Totally normal
- You can pump the lower-producing side more often
- Start pumping sessions on the lower-producing side
- But also, this might just be how your body works
Milk supply dropping:
- Pump more frequently for a few days
- Make sure you're eating and drinking enough
- Check your stress levels (hard, I know)
- Could be hormones—your period returning can temporarily affect supply
- Some women respond better to certain pumps
When to Get Help
Call a lactation consultant if:
- Pumping is painful despite trying different flange sizes
- You're not getting any milk after a few days of trying
- You see blood in your milk (can be normal but should be checked)
- You have signs of infection—red, hot, painful breasts with fever
- You're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with the mental load
Lactation consultants can check your flange fit, watch your technique, and troubleshoot issues. Many insurance plans cover visits.
The Mental Game (Because Nobody Talks About This)
Pumping is exhausting. Not just physically—mentally. You're watching your milk output, stressing about ounces, feeling like a dairy cow, missing time with your baby or missing work.
It's okay to hate pumping. Most people do. It doesn't mean you're failing at motherhood.
It's also okay to stop if it's making you miserable. Fed is best, whether that's breastmilk, formula, or combo feeding. Your mental health matters more than your milk supply.
I pumped for eight months with my first and three months with my second. Not because I couldn't continue, but because I was done. And that was okay.
Final Thoughts
The breast pump learning curve is steep. Your first few sessions will probably feel awkward and frustrating. You might not get much milk. You might wonder if you're doing it wrong.
You're probably not doing it wrong. You're just learning.
Give yourself a few weeks to figure it out. Try different techniques. Adjust settings. Find what works for your body and your schedule.
And remember the amount you pump doesn't define you as a parent. Whether you pump an ounce or eight ounces, whether you pump for two weeks or two years, you're doing what works for your family.
That's all that matters.
Now go hydrate, set up your pumping spot, and give yourself some grace. You've got this.
