Breastfeeding is a journey filled with moments of joy, bonding, and sometimes challenges. For many mothers, pumping becomes an integral part of this journey, whether to build a stash of milk, facilitate feeding by other caregivers, or address specific breastfeeding issues. Like breastfeeding, choosing to pump (whether exclusively or occasionally) has its own set of benefits and challenges. If you are a new mom preparing to pump, here are some common pumping mistakes to avoid to make your pumping experience smoother and more effective.

Reasons You Might Choose to Pump

Before jumping into the common mistakes or obstacles a mother might face while pumping, let's briefly touch upon why many mothers opt to pump:

Image featuring Amelia 3 in 1 Crop Cami (Lounge, Active, Swim)

Convenience for Childcare Providers: 

Pumping allows you to have breast milk available for times when you're away from your baby, ensuring they are always able to receive the nourishment they need whether or not you are physically present to breastfeed. If you are working full-time, this is a no-brainer. Obviously, you will need expressed milk to bring to daycare or other childcare providers. However, even moms who stay at home with their children will likely find it helpful to offer a bottle of pumped breast milk occasionally. (Think date nights with a babysitter or girl's night with Daddy covering the bedtime feedings.) 

Building a Freezer Stash: 

A freezer stash provides a buffer for unexpected events, such as illness or medical appointments, ensuring that the baby's nutritional needs are consistently met. Moreover, it can be a lifeline during growth spurts or periods of increased feeding demands, helping to supplement regular breastfeeding sessions. By building a freezer stash, mothers not only enhance their flexibility and ability to maintain breastfeeding goals but also empower themselves with the confidence that their baby's nutritional needs will be met, regardless of circumstances.

Personal story: I once contracted a terrible 24-hour stomach bug while breastfeeding my five-month-old baby. Not being able to keep anything down, I was dehydrated and my milk supply took a big hit. Let me tell you...I was so grateful to have a backup stash of milk in the freezer to keep my baby fed until I was able to kick that nasty bug and regain my normal milk supply.

Increasing Breast Milk Supply: 

Are you concerned you aren't producing the right amount of milk? A good pump can help stimulate milk production. Pumping sessions stimulate milk production by emptying the breasts thoroughly and frequently, telling the body to produce more milk. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who may initially struggle with low supply or need to boost production due to factors like returning to work or feeding multiples. Additionally, pumping allows mothers to maintain and regulate their milk supply by adjusting the frequency and duration of pumping sessions according to their baby's feeding patterns and individual needs.

Image featuring Sophie Bralette

Assistance with Latching Difficulties: 

Nursing isn't always easy (especially at the beginning.) Your baby may experience some difficulty with latching. This unfortunately can lead to decreased milk consumption for baby and nipple damage for mama. Some mothers find that adding a pump session helps initially if their baby has difficulty latching, allowing them to provide breast milk while working on improving latch technique. This doesn't mean you have to switch to exclusive pumping (though you could if that's a better fit for you!) but you may find pumping to be the best way to get your new baby fed while you work on nursing at the breast. 

If you are concerned about your baby's latch, I highly encourage you to talk with a lactation consultant. They can evaluate baby's latch, support with weighted feedings to see if baby is getting enough milk, and even provide tips for healing sore nipples. 

Image featuring Ella Bralette

Multiples:

Mothers of twins or multiples often rely on pumping to ensure all their babies receive the necessary nutrients, even when direct nursing all babies simultaneously isn't feasible or efficient. You may find that it takes less time to pump and feed your multiples bottles than it would to breastfeed both babies. That being said, some mothers opt to tandem feed multiples. If this is your goal, a lactation consultant can absolutely help as well as mom groups with those experienced in tandem nursing! 

Pumping Mistakes to Avoid

Now, let's explore some critical mistakes that can hinder your pumping efforts and potentially impact your breastfeeding journey:

Using the Wrong Flange Size: 

One of the most crucial aspects of effective pumping is using the correct flange size. Flanges that are too small or too large can cause discomfort, reduce milk output, or even damage the breast tissue. Take the time to measure your nipples and choose the right flange size for optimal comfort and efficiency. 

Check out this nipple ruler from Be My Breast Friend, my favorite option! 

Starting with High Suction: 

It can be tempting to crank up the suction strength of your new pump to maximize milk output in a shorter time. However, this can be counterproductive. Starting with high suction levels can lead to discomfort, pain, and even inflammation of the breast tissue. In addition to causing breast pain, this can prevent a good milk let-down. To get the most milk during your pumping session, begin with a lower suction level and gradually increase it to the highest comfortable level to avoid these issues.

Not Pumping Long Enough: 

Effective pumping sessions typically last between 15 to 20 minutes per breast. This duration allows for adequate milk extraction and stimulation of milk production. Cutting sessions short may not fully empty the breasts, potentially signaling your body to produce less milk over time.

Neglecting Hydration and Nutrition: 

Nursing and pumping require extra calories and hydration to support milk production. Not drinking enough water or maintaining a balanced diet can impact your milk supply and overall energy levels. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and consume nutrient-dense foods to support your breastfeeding journey.

Image featuring Amelia Pumping & Nursing Bralette 

Investing in a quality breast pump is crucial for efficient milk expression. Hospital-grade pumps are often recommended for their superior suction strength and comfort. Two of my favorite pumps are The BabyBuddha Breast Pump and the Pumpables Breast Pump. 

Use code Davinandadley to get a discount on both of these high-quality breast pumps! For more information about these pumps, check out the following articles: 

• Best Bra to Wear with BabyBuddha Breast Pump

• Best Bra to Wear with Pumpables Breast Pump

Using Old Pump Parts

Over time, pump parts (flanges, tubing, etc.) can wear out, affecting suction strength and efficiency. Replace pump parts regularly according to manufacturer guidelines to maintain optimal performance. Check with your insurance provider as many plans cover the cost of a breast pump and will provide replacement pump parts. 

Inadequate Pumping Bra

A good pumping bra is essential for efficient and comfortable breast milk pumping. Unlike regular bras, pumping bras are designed with hands-free functionality, allowing mothers to pump without needing to hold the breast shields in place manually. This hands-free feature not only frees up the mother's hands for other tasks but also promotes relaxation during pumping sessions, which can aid in milk let-down and milk flow.

A well-fitted pumping bra ensures that the breast shields are held securely in place, maintaining a proper seal and optimal suction for effective milk extraction. It also helps to minimize discomfort and strain on the shoulders and back, particularly during longer pumping sessions.

Looking for a good pumping bra? Here are a few of our favorites:

Image featuring Riley Pumping & Nursing Bra

• 3 in 1 Amelia Pumping & Nursing Cami 
• Riley Pumping & Nursing Bralette 
• Amelia Pumping & Nursing Bralette

By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can enhance your pumping experience and support your breastfeeding goals effectively. Remember, every mother's breastfeeding journey is unique, and it's okay to seek support and advice from lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups if you encounter challenges along the way. With the right knowledge and preparation, pumping can be a positive and empowering aspect of your breastfeeding experience. Happy pumping!