Breastfeeding FAQs: Pumping

Depending on how heavy their milk flow is, some women can fill a bottle in one pumping session, whereas others may need to pump two or three times (and sometimes more) to get a full bottle.

As frustrating as pumping may seem for some women at first, giving your baby a bottle of breast milk can allow you to get some much-needed rest and can let your partner, or other family members, participate in the bonding experience of feeding your baby.

However, if you want to continue breastfeeding, just make sure not to rely on the pump and bottle too often. The majority of your baby's feedings should still come from your breast so that your little one doesn't become too used to the artificial nipple and he or she can still experience the closeness of breastfeeding.

What type of pump is best?

Which kind of breast pump you opt to use is really up to you. Some women find manual (or hand-operated) pumps to be more portable, more discreet, and easier to use. And they're definitely cheaper than electric pumps (manuals are usually under $50, whereas electric models can cost hundreds of dollars). But other nursing mothers may find that the effort required for manual pumps is too much.

Despite their expense, electric (or automatic) pumps can be easier to use than manual ones because they don't require you to exert much physical effort. And many models allow you to pump both breasts at once, although that does require some coordination on your part to hold both bottles in place.

Options include double electric pumps — which pump each breast simultaneously (also called professional-grade or hospital-grade pumps) — or the kind that alternate pumping action back and forth from one breast to the other.

Some women find that electric pumps are sometimes faster and, therefore, more efficient than manual, especially if you pump both breasts at the same time. But some find the noise of the electric pumps to be a little much (especially if you're pumping at work or away from home). And though they often come in easy-to-carry bags (such as backpacks or arm bags), the weight and bulk of many can be somewhat cumbersome.

You'll also want to keep in mind where you might be using the pump. Some electric pumps can be plugged in or battery-operated; others can't. So, unless you want to have to find a comfortable spot and an electrical outlet every time, you might consider finding one that offers both options.

Whichever type of pump you use is up to you. If you'd like to try out both, consider putting a manual and an electric model on your baby registry. And while you're at the hospital after the birth of your baby, you can ask if they sell hospital-grade electric pumps that are covered (at least in part) by your health insurance.

If you don't have the money to buy a pump or don't receive one as a gift, contact the governmental organization Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to find out about their pump program and to see if you qualify.

Are used pumps OK?

Most doctors and pump manufacturers will tell you that it's not a good idea to borrow or buy someone else's pump. Why? Because bacteria and viruses from the previous owner can get trapped inside the pump. These germs can be difficult to get rid of and can be potentially hazardous to your baby's health, even with thorough and repeated sterilization and cleaning.

How can I make pumping easier?

As with nursing, it's important to be comfortable when pumping (which doesn't always seem possible while you're holding a bottle to your breast). It can be hard, especially at first, for your body (and your mind!) to become accustomed to producing milk without your baby's help.

Often, women's milk will "let-down" (or start to be released) when they see or hear their babies cry. So, when faced with an object instead of the welcoming face of your little one, you may find it hard to pump.

If you're having trouble with let-down, you may find it helpful to hold something that reminds you of your baby — a picture, a blanket, a favorite toy. Your let-down also can be affected if you're frustrated, embarrassed, or rushed. Try relaxing in a comfortable chair or couch and don't stress out too much about producing enough milk.

If your breast just doesn't seem to fit the pump correctly, the pump may come with different sized breast shields or you can buy a smaller or larger breast shield to place over your nipple and areola.

If you're pumping at work, try to find a discreet and comfortable place to do it. Many companies offer their employees pumping and nursing areas. If yours doesn't, ask fellow employees or the human resources department about an office or other private area that might be unused. If you have to pump in a bathroom, find a large one with a comfortable chair and a curtain or some type of privacy barrier.

If your employer doesn't provide an adequate nursing or pumping area, ask that they do, reminding them that women who nurse generally have healthier babies, which means that new mothers are often out of work far less often.

Also, just like when you're nursing, it's important to place the breast shield of the pump correctly over your breast, covering your nipple and areola (not just the tip of your nipple). If you place the pump incorrectly, it will likely hurt and you'll be much less likely to get the milk you need. And if you're using an electric breast pump, make sure to adjust the speed and suction to the level that's comfortable for you so as not to cause unnecessary pain and discomfort.