All of Your Pumping Questions, Answered

Pumping

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By Jaren Soloff

Whether you’re struggling with your milk supply, leaving your baby for a period of time or sharing the feeding load with someone, chances are you’re going to pump at some point during your motherhood journey.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with our resident International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Jaren Soloff, to answer all of our Cake Mama’s most common pumping questions! So for all the As to your Qs, keep on reading.

What is exclusive pumping?

No matter how you might have arrived at the place where you decide to exclusively pump, learning how to exclusively pump is essential to meeting your goals! Many women come to exclusively pump after a series of challenges with breastfeeding. Others come to the decision if they need to pump while travelling away from the baby either for work or pleasure.

Babies are fed exclusively from the milk a mother pumps which can be achieved via an electric breast pump and provided to the baby through different forms such as a supplemental feeder, bottle or sometimes even cup feeding. Since the baby is not directly feeding at the breast, maintaining milk supply when exclusively pumping means that frequent pumping is essential. It also means that exclusive pumping is a huge labor of love to provide liquid gold to your baby! However you have arrived at the decision to exclusively pump, being armed with the right tools and answers to all of your questions from a skilled lactation professional is essential.

How hard is it to exclusively pump?

It’s no question that motherhood is really one of the most challenging seasons of life a woman will walk through, and when you make the decision to exclusively pump it can be fraught with an added layer of responsibility as you navigate life as a new mom. 

Many moms wonder how hard it is to exclusively pump, and the answer is really relative. Since many moms encounter some challenges on their way to deciding to exclusively pump such as: latching issues, lack of breastfeeding support, preterm or low birth weight infants or the need to have a caregiver provide milk – deciding to pump in comparison to these stressors might seem like a relief.For others, the constant need to have to pump frequently (every 2-3 hours) can feel restrictive and difficult to maintain.

If there is one common streak that aligns breastfeeding and pumping moms it is that their dedication to provide liquid gold to their baby helps make carrying this burden worthwhile. If you are making the decision to exclusively pump, working with an IBCLC (lactation consultant) is highly recommended to help you navigate any challenges that may arise specific to exclusive pumping.

Does exclusively pumping make you tired?

One of the challenges exclusively pumping mamas face is that our bodies may respond differently to the pump vs when feeding our baby. When we are breastfeeding we experience a let down response where milk is released from the breast tissue. When we pump, the hormonal let down response is a bit different than if you are looking down and snuggling up your cute baby who is breastfeeding!

You can still stimulate a let down response by: 

• Looking at photos of your little one while pumping by keeping photos and videos on your phone.
• Keeping a piece of their clothing nearby (the smell can help your body relax and trigger a let down response).
• Keeping yourself relaxed by setting up a pumping station with snacks, water, entertainment (a book, something to listen to etc).

The sheer frequency of pumping that is required to maintain a milk supply while exclusive pumping is enough to make any human tired. On top of that, the energy required to deal with the pump parts, milk storage and feeding the baby via an alternative method add to the fatigue. 

To help with the fatigue of exclusive pumping, here’s some tips to make your life a bit easier!

1. Ensure you have additional pump parts.

There is nothing worse than sitting down to a pump session and realizing that you are missing your pump flange or tubing, and even worse – having to miss the pump session and be painfully engorged!

Purchase extra supplies so that you can always have a backup. That way if you don’t get around to washing the parts before your next session, you don’t have to! Because the reality is that when you are pumping you will ALWAYS have dishes/parts to wash.

2. Grab a few quality pumping bras.

Quality pumping bras are essential to helping you go hands free while pumping. You should choose a bra that has soft material and is easy for you to move your flanges in and out of when pumping. As with the pump parts, it’s essential to have back up options so that you always have one on hand.

3. Stay well nourished and hydrated.

Pumping requires the same level of energy (if not more) as breastfeeding, so staying well nourished to produce adequate milk is essential. Keep energy dense foods on hand for when you pump and always keep a water bottle nearby for you to sip on.

Some easy options you can snack on one handed while pumping include:

• Mixed nuts 
• Dried fruit 
• Energy bites or protein bars 
• Whole grain seed crackers with hummus + veggies 
• Cheese sticks 
• Greek yogurt with fruit 
  

4. Ensure you are using a quality pump.

The type of pump you need will depend on how frequently and where you need to use it. If you are an exclusive pumper it is no question that a double electric pump will be best suited to meet the frequent pumping that will be required. On the other hand, pumping only every once in a while to let your partner give the baby a bottle will only require a single electric pump or even a hand pump since it will be used less frequently.

What are the side effects of breast pumping?

Pumping frequently can increase your chances of experiencing some of the following: 

• Tender breast tissue from frequent breast stimulation. You can use nipple butter and/or silverette nursing cups in between sessions to help soothe tissue. 
• Potential for clogged milk ducts and mastitis if milk is not removed frequently enough. While pumping, practice breast massage to help reduce your chances of clogged ducts. You can also consider taking a sunflower lecithin supplement to help prevent any clogged ducts while pumping. 
• Breast engorgement when a pumping session is missed. Missing a pump session is often inevitable. If you happen to miss a session and are feeling painfully engorged, you can hand express milk to help relieve breast fullness until you can pump next. 
• Milk blebs, where a nipple pore gets blocked and becomes painful. To help prevent these, practice regular breast massage starting at your armpit area down to your nipple area.
• Last but not least is the side effect of the psychological stress that can be created by pumping. It certainly can feel restrictive to have to be limited to outings that can only last 2-3 hours before needing to pump again. While many moms do get creative with options to allow them to be on the go by using battery operated pumps, storing milk in coolers etc, there’s a certain level of mental occupation pumping requires.

How do you keep breast milk when travelling?

If you are pumping and travelling, keeping your breast milk properly stored is essential to making sure you save every precious ounce! If you are pumping throughout the day and away from home, the best way to store your milk is in a cooler with ice packs. You can store your milk in breast milk storage bags or pumping bottles/containers until you get home and transfer it to longer term storage in the fridge or freezer.

Keep these storage tips handy to reference:

• Breastmilk can be stored 5 days in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer. Breastmilk cannot be refrozen after it has been thawed for use, but don’t waste a drop of that precious milk! You can use breast milk for breast milk baths to help soothe baby’s skin with all of the amazing healing properties. 
• It’s ideal to store your milk in 2-4 ounce portions to avoid wasting any, that way you can always thaw more if your baby needs more after a feeding.
• Once you’ve allowed your breastmilk to come to room temperature or heated it up for your baby, it does need to be used within 2 hours as the bacteria amount after this time frame can accumulate.
  

What are the best tips for pumping while travelling?

If you are planning a trip away (yay!) but want to ensure you can pump and store milk for your baby, you can practice: 

• Continuing your usual pumping session to maintain your milk supply (every 2-3 hours).
• Safe storage guidelines as mentioned above, storing milk in a refrigerator you have access to. Your hotel may be able to store your breastmilk for you and provide you with the contents upon your departure if your accommodation does not allow you to store your pumped milk. 
• Having a quality nursing cover can be a great tool for when you are travelling, both if you need to pump while on a flight and would like to do so discreetly or for any times you may be away from your travel accommodations. 
• To get your milk back home you may need to utilize a larger cooler or you can consider shipping your milk back to your destination via the nearest shipping center such as USPS or FedEX, who will pack and ship your milk home. 

No matter how you are feeding your baby, deciding to provide your baby with breastmilk is one of the biggest commitments you might choose to make as part of your motherhood journey. While exclusive pumping, partial pumping and everything in between requires extra layers of tools and responsibility, we hope that we can make your pumping journey even a little bit easier to support you in your goals!

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Choosing the right pump, learning its ins and outs and figuring out how to safely store your milk are things you’ve likely thought through if you’re pumping breast milk for your baby. But there’s something that many pumpers don’t give much thought to at all: flange size.

Also called a breast shield, the flange is the part of your pump that sits around your areola and nipple and cups your breast while you’re pumping. Using the proper size is key to an efficient and comfortable pumping session. But it’s not always obvious to check for a correct fit—and many pumpers are using the wrong size flange without even realizing it.

Here’s what you need to know about finding the right size breast pump flange: why it’s important, how to measure (and the tools you’ll need to do it) and how to be sure you’ve got the proper fit.

What Is a Flange?

A flange, also called a breast shield, is an important part of any breast pump. Shaped like a funnel, the flange goes around the nipple and areola and surrounds the breast during pumping. Flanges are most commonly made from plastic or silicone and come in various sizes. Some pumps come with multiple flanges in different sizes, while other pumps require you to purchase them separately.

Plastic versus silicone flanges

The type of flange you choose is a matter of personal preference. Many pumpers find silicone flanges more comfortable than traditional plastic ones, but not all. If you’re a frequent or exclusive pumper, you may want to consider giving silicone a try as they are soft, moldable and tend to create less friction as compared to plastic flanges. But many pumping people do just fine with (or even prefer) plastic options.

Why Does Flange Size Matter?

There are many reasons why pumping with a properly sized flange is important, but two rise to the top according to Rebekah Kimminau, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and owner of The Baby Gear Consultant: comfort and efficiency.

“Pumping with a properly sized flange will reduce any nipple damage and pain. You’ll also see the best output and be most likely to empty your breasts at each pumping session,” she explains. Both of these factors are a pretty big deal, especially if you’re someone who pumps exclusively or even regularly. “No one wants to be in pain while pumping, and being in pain can actually cause a decrease in milk supply. And when you empty your breast, your body gets the signal to continue making milk, which allows you to continue the positive cycle of milk-making.”

All flange sizes within the US and Canada are standard and use measurements in millimeters (mm), according to Kimminau. Some companies may size their flanges in small/medium/large, but will also correlate the size with a millimeter measurement. Most pumps come with two standard sizes, a 24-millimeter flange set and a 27-millimeter one.

How to Measure Flange Size

Many pumpers assume that the size of your flange should correlate with the size of your breast—but that’s actually not the case. More important than breast size is the size of your nipples and your areolas, Kimminau points out. “Many people with large breasts have small nipples and will need a small flange, while many people with smaller breasts may have larger nipples and need larger flanges,” she explains. That’s why measuring your nipples is such an important step when you’re trying to figure out the best flange size for you. Follow these three steps.

1. Learn where to measure.

Before you jump into measuring, you’ll need to know what you’re measuring. To find the correct flange size, you want to focus on your nipple, not your areola.

2. Measure your nipple size.

Next, you’ll need to measure the size of your nipples. One easy way to do this is by using Babylist’s Breast Pump Flange Sizing Guide. Print the sizing guide at 100 percent scale and follow the directions for using the ruler. Be sure to measure your nipples prior to pumping and gently stimulate them before you begin. You’ll also need to measure both nipples, as they may be different sizes.

To find your flange size, take this measurement (the diameter of your nipple) and add two to three millimeters, then round up to the nearest flange size. So, for example, if you measure your nipple at 21 millimeters, your flange size would be 24 millimeters.

You can also refer to this flange size chart:

Up to 17 mm 20-21 mm flange size 17 to 21 mm 24 mm flange size 21 to 25 mm 27 -28 mm flange size 25 to 29 mm 30-32 mm flange size 29 to 32 mm 36 mm flange size

Don’t have access to a printer or simply don’t want to deal with printing and cutting? You can use a special nipple measurement tool, like this nipple ruler that Kimminau recommends. You can also use a standard ruler or measuring tape; just know it can be trickier to get an accurate measurement this way since you’re dealing in fairly tiny units of measure. Be sure to measure your nipple from base to top and don’t include your areola. (Quick math: One centimeter equals 10 millimeters.)

3. Confirm the correct fit.

Once you’ve selected the correct size, you need to check for a proper flange fit. The flange should fit over your nipple. When the pump is on, it’s okay if a small amount of areola is pulled into the flange as long as your nipple fits well and you don’t experience any pain. Your nipple should not rub against the sides of the pump (that would mean the flange is too small), but you shouldn’t see too much of your areola getting pulled into the tunnel of the flange, either (which would mean your flange is too big).

Remember, it can take a bit of trial and error to find the proper flange size. If you’re noticing things like friction, pain, swelling, pinching or decreased milk supply, those are likely signals that you’re using the wrong size flange. Don’t be afraid to try a few different sizes and possibly even test out both plastic and silicone flanges. And always reach out to a lactation consultant with any questions or ongoing issues.

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