BreastmilkCounts.com
By Texas WIC

When you notice your milk slowing down, manually switch your breast pump back to its faster mode. This fast speed tells your body to create more milk, and you may trigger milk to flow more quickly. If you see milk flowing again, switch back to the slower mode, which helps remove the milk most effectively.

A common cause of pain when pumping is a flange —the part that goes on your breast over your areola— that is either too large or too small. A flange that is too big or too small can not only hurt but can also result in a lower milk output.

The size of the flange has nothing to do with your breast or areola size, but rather the diameter of your nipple. On the side of the flange, you’ll see a number like 24 mm. This means the opening of the flange tunnel is 24 millimeters. The flange tunnel should be slightly larger than the diameter of your nipple. For example, if your nipple measures 21-23 mm, the 24 mm flange will probably be a comfortable fit.

There are measuring tools available online through pump companies’ websites that help you determine which size you need. You can also use a millimeter measuring tape if you have one. In addition, WIC lactation consultants are available to assist you with a flange fitting to make sure you are pumping with the size that is best for you.

Use the Right Suction Level

Another common reason for pain with pumping is having the suction turned up too high. Many mothers believe that turning the suction up will make the milk come out more quickly, but the opposite is true. When the suction is too high, less milk tends to flow as pain blocks the milk-making hormones.

If you have pain, difficulty with pumping or trouble figuring out your flange size, ask your WIC office or a lactation consultant for help.

When to Start Using a Breast Pump

If you plan to go back to work, it's a good idea to begin pumping while you are still on maternity leave. Most babies will take a bottle and continue to breastfeed well if you introduce the bottle around 4 weeks postpartum. If you would like to offer breastmilk in their bottle, you would need to start pumping around week 4. A general plan is to double pump—or pump both breasts— for 15 minutes once a day after breastfeeding. Many moms find that they are able to express more milk in the morning. Once you find a time that works best for you, try to pump around the same time each day.

Don’t worry if you don’t see much milk the first day; it’s normal to take a few days of being consistent to see an increase in your milk supply.

How do I pump enough for storing?

It may feel overwhelming to think about how to store breastmilk while also feeding your baby. We’ve got a great strategy.

• Nurse your baby in the morning and then pump both breasts afterward for about 15 minutes.
• When feeding later in the day, have someone else offer your baby an ounce or two of pumped milk while you pump again for about 15 minutes.
• When you are done pumping, offer your baby your breast.
• Add any extra pumped milk to your freezer supply.

Your breasts will get used to this routine within a few days, and there will be plenty of milk for both the baby and your freezer supply.

How can I boost my pumping output?

Because milk is made on a supply-and-demand basis, the best way to make more milk is to take more milk out. Any breastfeeding or pumping you add to your day will help boost your supply.

What is “power pumping?”

Power pumping is a technique that imitates a baby who is cluster feeding.

To power pump:

1. Pump both breasts with your electric pump for 20 minutes.
2. Take a break for 10 minutes.
3. Pump again for 10 minutes.
4. Break for 10 minutes.
5. End your session by pumping again for 10 minutes.

This is a total of one hour of on-and-off pumping and can help boost your supply.

Do lactation cookies help?

While some foods are commonly believed to increase your milk supply, evidence shows that they may only have a very small impact. The most proven way to increase your supply is by breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk more often.

What about herbal supplements?

There are several supplements that may have a small impact on your milk supply. However, depending on your medical history, some of these herbs may reduce your supply instead of boosting it. Talk to your doctor and a lactation consultant before taking any herbal supplements.