Breast Pumping 101: Real Tips from Moms to Build and Maintain Milk Supply

For many lactating women around the world, there are daily struggles and inconveniences that hinder their pumping journey. With our community of mothers, we have gathered some tips and tricks to help support you along your lactation journey. For advice on how to nourish your body and your mind, read below.

Maintaining your pumping schedule to build up your milk supply

“A rigorous pumping schedule is the best way to a healthy supply. Pumping every two to three hours for thirty minutes around the clock.” — Lisa L

“Do not skip the middle of the night pumps in the beginning. They’re so important in establishing your supply.” — Cheyenne F

For properly nourishing your body while pumping to optimize milk supply

“Stay hydrated. Make sure you are getting about 500 more calories per day while pumping.” — Ty-Renai D

“Drink. More. Water.” — Cheyenne F

“Cookies, Then Milk Lactation Treats — Nikki is a godsend. She makes magic. Try her stuff out — you won’t regret it, I promise.” — Cheyenne F

Learn more about pumping, storing and donating breast milk.

For how to keep your pumping parts clean and sanitary

“Buy extra parts so you don’t have to wash as often.” — Lisa L

“Remember to change out your pump parts monthly. It’s so important, but so easy to forget!” — Cheyenne F

For breast milk storage

“Ceres Chill was a game changer product for me as an exclusive pumper for my twins!” — Rhapsody B

“Avoid unsanitary habits like using wipes or sprays in lieu of proper washing. This puts you and baby at risk of thrush, infection, or baby getting seriously ill.” — Lisa L

“There are a couple different storage options. I didn’t think to have bottles on hand to store or measure milk before freezing it. It is important to note that each bottle measures slightly off, so I would try to stick with the same brand for at least measuring before it goes into freezer bags.” — Jordan P

For how to heal painful symptoms

“If you get sore or have milk blebs on your nipples, use the Hakka. Fill it with warm water and epsom salt three times a day for five minutes. Then take a wipe and rinse it off and wipe the nipple taking any leftover milk off. Then get a cotton ball and put olive oil on it and put it in your bra with a breast pad over it , leave it on until it’s time to pump, wipe it off and repeat until healed. This helped me heal quickly.” — Sasha V

“If you are feeling sore and cracked, fill a small glass with salt water and hold it against your nipples.” — Kari O

“Coconut oil was super helpful for healing irritated areas. I know a lot of people recommend pumping sprays too; coconut oil is just a more affordable option than other products.” — Jordan P

For when you need the extra support and guidance

“See a lactation professional sooner rather than later.” — Ty-Renai D

“I would encourage you to speak with a Lactation Consultant. The journey can be so intimidating, and discouraging when it isn’t going how you thought it would. I wouldn’t have been able to feel like I could even go on without all the help I got from my Lactation Consultant. Pumping without a baby is hard. I didn’t realize how much your body needs those signals from a baby. It could be discouraging at times. I always try to encourage people to talk about the struggles of it, because no one’s alone.” — Jordan P

“You are enough. No matter how many ounces you make.” — Cheyenne F

Need more lactation resources?

Check out our podcast Cookies, Then Milk: How Nikki Bredeson is Changing the Game of Lactation and Pumping podcast for more information to maintain and increase your milk supply and our podcast The Importance of Fourth Trimester Care with Dr. Aasta Mehta podcast for more information about 4th trimester postpartum recovery.

Is your lactation journey coming to an end or do you have an oversupply of breast milk? Join our 2024 #MilkBankChallenge to help nourish those in need!