Pumping 101
While pumping has many benefits, there's also a learning curve. On top of that, your breasts are constantly changing—in size and shape, as well as in the types and volumes of milk they produce.
The good news is that most pumping problems are fairly straightforward to troubleshoot. Implementing a few key tips to optimize your time with your pump can go a long way. That’s why we’ve pulled together a collection of articles all about pumping.
Our aim is to:
- Support your pumping and feeding targets, whatever they may look like
- Fill in gaps of knowledge with comprehensive, compassionate, and medically backed information
- Help empower you to make good choices for you, your baby, and your circumstances
We say it in our guide about breast care, and we’ll say it again here: There are many “right” ways to be a parent, including how—and how much—you feed your baby. In consultation with your provider, you can define success for yourself and your baby, and feel good knowing that you’re doing the best you can.
And now for the nitty-gritty on pumping.
Why pump?
Breastfeeding can benefit you and your baby in many ways. And pumping has many overlapping, supporting, and even additional benefits.
Pumps are, quite literally, a tool that can support your breastfeeding journey alongside your baby’s development. There are many reasons you may want—or need—to use one. Pumping can enable you to achieve a wide range of targets, including:
- helping establish breastfeeding
- providing added flexibility and support
- giving your child breast milk if you can’t (or choose not to) directly breastfeed
maintaining your supply while feeding your baby breast milk when you’re apart
Getting started pumping
Pumping can seem a bit mystifying at first. You can get started by learning what types of pumps are available, as well as explore the most essential accessories to help you pump at home, at work, and on the go. We’ve also pulled together 10 questions to ask your insurance provider to help you navigate getting as much coverage of your pump parts and lactation support as possible.
Once you have your pump(s), we suggest setting up an ideal pumping environment and following these handy steps for making sure that your flange fits, because getting the right flange size goes a long way toward pumping comfortably and efficiently.
Get to know your Willow Go and Willow 360 pumps, and learn about maximizing your comfort and output.
We also break down the main steps of a pumping session, plus when and how to clean versus sterilize your pump parts, how to safely store your breast milk and when, if ever, you should pump and dump.
Optimizing your pumping routine
As you begin to develop a routine and feel like you know what you’re doing—and maybe start to notice patterns or habits—you can fine-tune your pumping experience. This includes pumping efficiently, managing your supply, troubleshooting various issues along the way, and improving your mind-body connection.
There will be times when you have limited control. To help navigate these, we’ve pulled together a primer on introducing and using a bottle, ways to go about pumping in public, and what to know about your travel rights as a breastfeeding parent.
Thinking about your schedule—and yourself
Once you feel yourself blossoming into a pumping queen—or, hey, just feel like you’re starting to get the gist of things—check out our guidance on developing a pumping schedule based on your circumstances.
And if you feel like you need any lactation support for pumping or breastfeeding or both, don’t hesitate to ask for it. The sooner you get the help you need, the better.
And there you go! If we could give you a pumping 101 graduation cap (or even better, a crown), we would. Just getting started is a lot, especially while juggling life with your baby—and for some of you, multiple babies, with siblings in the mix.
Additional resources
RELATED READING
Why your pump flange size matters
Getting the right flange fit can revolutionize your pumping experience. Here's how—and when—to figure out your size.
Troubleshooting and optimizing pumping
Here’s how to optimize your experience, troubleshooting issues that may cause discomfort or impact supply.
All about bottle feeding
Bottle feeding alongside pumping can offer game-changing support to your breastfeeding journey. Here’s how to do it.