Everything you need to know about being an “exclusively pumping” breastfeeding mom
I knew early on that breastfeeding was not my cup of tea. It was uncomfortable, challenging, and no matter how many people tried to convince me to continue direct latching, I just could not go on any longer. It drained my energy, made me feel like a cow, and despite all the hardship, my baby was still not getting enough nutrition no matter how hard I tried.
When I made the decision to stop breastfeeding, I was still determined to give my baby my milk somehow. After all, I seemed to have an adequate supply, which I didn’t want to waste. So, I started using a breast pump instead. And it ended up working well for my body and my lifestyle.
Being an “exclusively pumping” mom made me feel like I had control over myself. It allowed me the freedom to adjust to my own schedule, while at the same time giving my daughters the endless supply of milk that they both needed.
People are under the impression that being an exclusively pumping mom is the easy way out, but it’s definitely not the case. Figuring out a routine that works, while caring for your baby at the same time, finding the right tools that are effective and the right fit, tinkering with pump parts and settings, having a world that revolves around milk storage and output levels—honestly, all these things are much harder than rocket science. Still, once you get it right, it can prove to be a rewarding experience.
If you’re considering becoming an exclusively pumping mom yourself, or if you just want to start pumping milk to complement your breastfeeding routine, here’s how to get started.
Find your flange size
The first and most important step is figuring out your flange size. A flange is the part of the pump attached to your nipple, which will stimulate and pull the milk out of your breast.
To figure out your breast pump flange size, measure the diameter of your nipple (not the areola) at its widest point using a ruler in millimeters—ideally when your nipple is erect (after a warm shower or pumping). Then, add about two to three millimeters to this measurement to find the right flange size. This will ensure comfort and efficient milk flow. For example, if your nipple measures 18mm, a 20- or 21-mm flange is usually best. You can simply use a ruler or can also check online for nipple rulers to get the most accurate reading.
Using the correct size helps prevent pain and improves pumping effectiveness. Your pump’s flange size can make or break your pump session and milk supply, so it is very important that you get this right. Most pumps come with a standard 24mm flange, but silicone inserts are available to provide a better fit.
The options are endless
Breast pumps come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and choosing “the one” may take a while to get right. In fact, certain pumps from popular brands, or even pumps that work well on some women, may not be effective at all for others. So take some time to shop around, read reviews, and find what works best for your comfort levels.
Narrowing down your search depends on your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
First, decide how often you’ll pump. If you are a breastfeeding mom who just occasionally needs to drain your breasts after a feeding session, a manual pump or single wearable electric pump might already work well enough. But if you are exclusively pumping, a larger hospital-grade wall pump may be a better choice.
The goal is to find a pump that can effectively drain your breasts of all the milk they produce. Depending on your body’s capacity and ability to produce, a pump’s strength can really make a difference.
One thing you may want to consider is renting a pump before making a purchase, in order to save yourself the money and effort of buying a pump that doesn’t work for you. I have tried quite a number of pumps from Pumps4Less, a small business on Facebook, which has an extensive selection of different models and types.
Portability matters
Being an exclusively pumping mom means you will be making milk around the clock, all day, every day. No matter where you are, you will have to stop for a pumping session—whether that’s in the car, in the mall, at the office, or literally anywhere else—so that is something important to consider before committing to this lifestyle.
When you’re on the go, you will likely need a secondary pump to get you through the day while you’re out and about. For this, a lightweight, battery-operated or rechargeable pump is ideal. It should fit comfortably both inside your bra and in your bag, and be subtle enough that you are able to use it even in public or around other people.
Frequency may vary
How often you should pump breast milk really depends on your daily routines and schedule. A general guideline is to pump about every two to three hours during the day, especially in the early weeks after birth. This helps establish and maintain a healthy milk supply. I personally spent my first two months postpartum pumping six to seven times a day, 30 minutes at a time. Now at three months postpartum, I’ve lowered the frequency to four to five.
Pumping often signals your body to produce milk more often, mimicking a newborn’s feeding schedule. If you are exclusively pumping, maintaining this frequency is important to continue adequate milk production. For those who are pumping in addition to breastfeeding, the schedule can be adjusted depending on when the baby nurses.
Remember: consistency is key. Skipping sessions can lead to a number of issues, such as a decrease in milk production, clogged ducts, painful lumps, and even mastitis (inflammation of the breast).
Proper storage is essential
Storage is the most important aspect of pumping that you need to keep in mind. Store your milk in clean, BPA-free containers, or even sterile breast milk storage bags. You can also combine a day’s worth of milk inside a pitcher to dispense later on.
Post-pump, breast milk can be safely left at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to four hours. If you are saving it for your baby to drink later, you can leave it in the refrigerator (at or below 4°C) for up to four days. If you have an excess supply and are building a milk stash, you can pack it in individual milk bags to keep in the freezer (-18°C) for about six months.
Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours and must never be refrozen. Follow the first-in-first-out rule: use the oldest milk first to ensure freshness and safety for your baby.
Consider long-term maintenance and expenses
I have learned from experience that you will never run out of things to buy, replace, or wash. Coolers and ice packs, breastmilk bags, bottle wash, pump parts, lactation aids, and other accessories—all of these things will always be necessary, so make sure to be ready for what this process will entail.
Exclusively pumping can be exhausting and anxiety-inducing at times. It definitely has a learning curve that takes some getting used to! Every person’s breastfeeding journey is different, so listen to your body, find what works best for you, and stick to it.
