Unlock Breast Pump Power: Your Friendly Guide

I remember a new mom, Sarah, sitting in my office, looking absolutely exhausted but with that fierce love for her tiny baby shining in her eyes. “Dr. Anya,” she’d said, her voice a little shaky, “I want to breastfeed, I really do. But I’m going back to work soon, and I’m just… overwhelmed. What about a breast pump? Is it complicated? Will it hurt? How do I even start?”

Sarah’s feelings are so common. Bringing a new life into the world is incredible, and figuring out feeding is a big part of that journey. Sometimes, a little help from a device like a breast pump can make all the difference. It’s a tool many parents find invaluable.

So, what exactly is a breast pump? It’s a neat little machine (or sometimes a manual device) that helps you draw milk from your breasts. You might be thinking about using one for all sorts of reasons, and they’re all valid! Maybe:

You need to be away from your little one for a bit but want to keep your milk supply up.
You want to store some milk so another caregiver can feed the baby.
Your breasts feel uncomfortably full, and you need some relief.
You have flat or inverted nipples, and the pump can help draw them out so your baby can latch better.
Your baby can’t breastfeed for a little while, but you want to maintain your supply.
You’re looking to increase your milk supply.

Removing (expressing) milk can become a regular thing, but don’t worry if it feels a bit strange at first. It’s a learning curve, truly. Be kind to yourself, and remember that finding the right breast pump for you is a big step towards making it easier.

Table of Contents

Types of Breast Pumps

There are a few different kinds out there, and they all work a little bit differently. It’s good to know the options when you’re considering a breast pump.

Manual Breast Pump

With this type of pump, you do the work! You squeeze a lever to create suction that helps milk come out. A manual breast pump takes a bit more effort on your part, and each pumping session can take a while.

However, it allows you to control the pace and rhythm of pumping, and it’s low-cost. It also doesn’t require electricity or batteries to operate and can be easily transportable. Most manual pumps are single pumps, meaning you remove milk from one breast at a time.

Powered Breast Pump

Powered pumps, unlike manual ones, use a motor to create suction and remove milk. Much less elbow grease involved! There are two main types:

Electric breast pumps: You need to plug an electric pump into a wall outlet while you use it.
Battery-powered breast pumps: With these, you don’t have to be near an outlet and can pump on the go. It just requires a battery that you either replace or recharge.

Some powered pumps are double pumps, meaning you can remove milk from both breasts at once. This time-saving feature is a big plus for many parents.

Wearable Breast Pump

This is a specific type of powered pump that you tuck right into your bra. Some wearables are more discreet than others, but the general idea is that you can pump while in public or on the go without people easily noticing. A wearable breast pump frees up your hands to do other things (you don’t have to hold the pump parts in place). So, you may like this type if you need to multitask while pumping.

Hands-Free Breast Pump

This term sometimes refers to wearable pumps. But a hands-free breast pump can also be a system that attaches to the front of your chest and stays in place while you do other things, even if it doesn’t fit inside your bra. You might choose to get a hands-free pumping bra, which is a piece of clothing that supports the pump parts and makes you more comfortable.

Milk Collection Devices

These aren’t exactly pumps in the traditional sense but are super handy. They’re usually silicone devices that you place on one breast to collect milk while your baby feeds on the other. Some use a bit of suction just like a pump to draw milk out. Others passively collect milk that would have otherwise dripped into your bra or nursing pad from letdown. If you find you have a lot of milk (an oversupply), it’s a good idea to chat with us or a lactation consultant before using these regularly.

What’s the Best Breast Pump for You?

Ah, the million-dollar question! “Dr. Anya, which one should I get?” I hear this all the time. And the honest answer? There isn’t one single “best” breast pump for everyone. It really depends on your life, your needs, your baby.

Feeling a bit lost in all the choices? That’s okay. A lactation consultant is a fantastic resource here. They’re experts in all things breastfeeding and pumping. We can also talk it through in the clinic. Some things to think about include:

How often will I be pumping?
Where will I need to use the pump?
Do I need to increase my milk supply?
Do I have limited time for each pumping session?
What’s my budget?
Which pump or pumps does my health insurance cover? (More on that in a bit!)

Your answers can help you and your lactation consultant find the best fit. For example, a powered pump may be preferable if you:

Plan to pump often (more than just a few times per week). Powered pumps are efficient and get the job done quickly, especially if you use a double pump.
Need to pump away from home or while doing other tasks.
Have low milk supply and need stronger suction.

On the other hand, a manual pump is a good option for some people and situations:

Manual pumps are more affordable than powered pumps. So, they’re a budget-friendly option.
With a manual pump, you can control the rate and rhythm of pumping. This might be more comfortable for you.
A manual pump gets the job done if you pump rarely, like a few times a week or less.
You may want a manual pump as a backup. It could come in handy if you don’t have access to a power source or the power goes out.

Understanding the Parts of Your Breast Pump

Okay, let’s look at what makes up a typical breast pump. The bits and pieces might look slightly different depending on the model, but generally, you’ll find:

Breast Shield (Flange): This is the cone-shaped cup that looks a bit like a small megaphone. It fits over your nipple and areola (the darker skin around your nipple). Getting the flange size right is super important. Flanges come in different sizes, and many pumps will come with a standard “medium” size. If this doesn’t work for you, talk to your lactation consultant. They’ll help you find the proper flange size. Your nipple should move freely in and out of the flange tunnel with a tiny amount of space around the nipple. If pumping is painful, it could be due to flanges that don’t fit properly.
Pump Mechanism: The pump creates a vacuum that draws out milk. Depending on the specific type you choose, the pump may attach directly to the flange or have tubing that connects it to the flange.
Milk Container: This is a reusable bottle or disposable bag that collects milk as it comes out. You use the milk container to store the milk.
Control Panel (for powered pumps): Powered pumps have a control panel that you use to operate the pump. You press certain buttons to turn the pump on or off, or to select different modes, like adjusting the suction level.
Lever (for manual pumps): Manual pumps don’t have a control panel. Instead, they have a lever that you squeeze to get the suction going and start expressing milk.

It’s a good idea to look at and compare different pumps to get a sense of what’s out there. Your lactation consultant can also help you do this.

How Do I Actually Use a Breast Pump?

Alright, you’ve got your pump, you’re ready to go. Now what? It can feel a bit intimidating the first time. Here’s a general guide, but always, always read your specific pump’s instruction manual first!

Read the Pump’s Instruction Manual: Seriously, don’t skip this step to save time. Learning exactly how your pump works can save you time down the road.
Wash Your Hands: Good old soap and water. Dry them with a clean paper towel. Wash your chest if you’ve used a cream or ointment that requires removal. The product label should tell you if you need to clean it off before breastfeeding or pumping.
Put Together Your Pump: Follow the instruction manual’s steps.
Find a Comfortable Place: It should be somewhere relaxing and free of distractions, if possible. Make sure you’re close to an outlet if you’re using an electric pump.
Put the Breast Shield (Flange) Over Your Breast: Your nipple should be in the middle of the flange opening. The flange shouldn’t pinch, pull or feel like it’s irritating your breast. If it feels uncomfortable, you may need a different flange size.
Start Pumping: Your instruction manual will tell you how. You may press a button for a powered pump or start squeezing a lever for a manual pump. Start in letdown/stimulation mode.
Continue Pumping: Once milk starts flowing, switch to expression mode. The session can continue as long as you’re comfortable and milk is coming out. This is typically about 10 to 15 minutes per breast.
Break the Vacuum Seal: The flange attaches tightly to your breast. You need to break this seal when you’re done pumping. Do this by gently putting your finger between your breast and the flange.
Remove the Milk Container: Carefully remove the bottle or bag from the pump. It’s important to use expressed milk while it’s fresh. So, label the container with the date and time before you stow it in the fridge or freezer. Add your baby’s name if you plan to send the milk with your baby to daycare.

You can safely store expressed milk for up to four days in the fridge and up to twelve months in the freezer (though using it within six months is best). As with any new device, you might need a little time to get used to your breast pump.

Keeping Your Breast Pump Clean: A Crucial Step

Cleaning your breast pump after each use is crucial for keeping you and your baby safe from infections. Your pump’s instruction manual will tell you exactly how to clean your pump.

General steps for washing by hand include:

Use cool, running water to rinse every part that touches milk. Do this as soon as you can after pumping.
Use dish liquid and warm water to wash each piece.
Use hot water to rinse each piece for about 10 to 15 seconds.
Dry each part with a clean paper towel, or place the parts on a clean drying rack so they can air dry. Drying with a dish towel isn’t a good idea because the towel can accidentally spread germs.

Your instruction manual will tell you if you can wash pump parts in the dishwasher.

Sanitizing Your Breast Pump

In addition to washing the pump after each use, you should also sanitize it at least once a day. Sanitizing is an extra layer of protection from germs, beyond washing with soap and water. Sanitizing is crucial if your baby:

Is under 2 months of age.
Was born early (prematurely).
Has a compromised immune system.

To sanitize the pump parts, follow the instruction manual’s guidelines. The manual may tell you to steam the parts in a microwave or boil them in water. Make sure you clean the pump parts first.

You may be able to skip daily sanitizing as your baby gets older if they don’t have underlying health issues. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician.

Additional Tips for Keeping Your Pump Clean

If any parts of your pump grow moldy, throw them out and get new ones.
If you use a dishpan or bowl to wash the pump parts, don’t use it to wash anything else.
Avoid setting the pump parts directly in the sink. Put them in a clean dishpan instead.

When is it Too Early to Pump Breast Milk?

You can start pumping soon after your baby is born. But it’s often best to wait to give expressed milk to your baby in a bottle until they’ve gotten the hang of breastfeeding. For many babies, this takes about four to six weeks.

Giving your baby a bottle too soon can sometimes interfere with their ability to breastfeed. Healthcare providers call this “nipple confusion.” They may struggle to latch on or may turn away from your chest. Your lactation consultant can help you decide when to start pumping and when to begin bottle feeds.

Your breasts will refill with milk every time they’re emptied, so pumping can stimulate more milk production. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about oversupply of milk.

Can I Get a Breast Pump Through Insurance?

Contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers a breast pump. Questions you may want to ask include:

Does my plan cover the cost of a breast pump?
Will I rent the pump or keep it?
If it’s a rental, how long can I use it?
If I can keep the pump, should I buy it on my own and get reimbursed later? Or will you send the pump to me?
Will the pump be powered or manual?
Do I need a prescription or other paperwork from my healthcare provider?
Are there other breastfeeding benefits available to me through my plan?

If you have access to healthcare through the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace, your plan is required to cover the cost of your breast pump. Your plan will describe specific details.

Is it Safe to Share Breast Pumps?

It depends. There are two kinds of breast pumps:

Single-use, designed for just one user. Most of the pumps you’ll buy at the store are single-use. Sharing can lead to infections. Never share a single-use pump. Don’t buy a single-use breast pump secondhand.
Multiple-use, designed for more than one user. You can safely rent or borrow a multi-use pump from an authorized provider, like a hospital or lactation consultant. These pumps are literally just that — pumps. They don’t come with all the other parts that touch breast milk (like milk containers and flanges). You’ll need to purchase those new for yourself.

Take-Home Message: Your Pumping Journey

Whew, that was a lot of information! If your head is spinning a little, that’s perfectly normal. Here are the key things I hope you’ll remember about using a breast pump:

It’s Personal: The “best” breast pump is the one that works for your life and your needs.
Ask for Help: Lactation consultants are amazing resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them or to us, your family doctor.
Hygiene is Key: Always wash your hands and clean your pump parts thoroughly after every use. Sanitize daily, especially for young or vulnerable babies.
Proper Fit Matters: Ensure your breast shields (flanges) fit correctly to avoid discomfort and pump effectively.
Storage Smarts: Label and store expressed milk properly to keep it safe for your baby.
Insurance Check: See what your insurance plan covers regarding breast pumps.
No Sharing Single-Use Pumps: This is for safety, to prevent infections.

Warm Closing

Remember, whether you’re pumping for a week, a month, or a year, you’re doing an amazing job providing for your little one. It’s a journey with ups and downs, so be gentle with yourself. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to support you.