Pumping Breast Milk

There may be times when you aren't able to feed your baby from your breast. Breast milk pumping removes milk from your breasts. You can then store the milk for your baby to drink later.

• Use your hand to massage and squeeze your breast. This is called hand expression.
• Use a handheld manual pump.
• Use an electric pump.

When you first start to pump, you may not get much milk, but after a few days your breasts should start to make more. Pumping can help stimulate your milk supply after your baby is born. It can also help keep your milk supply when you're away from your baby.

Work with your health care provider or breastfeeding expert (lactation consultant) to find things you can do that work for you. If you need help, ask for help as soon as possible.

When should I pump?

• If you're putting your baby to breast to feed, pump after breastfeeding. You may need to do this if your baby was born early or has trouble attaching (latching) to your breast.
• When you're away from your baby, pump every 2–3 hours for about 15 minutes.
• If your baby gets a bottle feeding, pump around the time your baby gets that feeding.
• If you drink alcohol, wait at least 2 hours before pumping.
• If you're having a procedure or surgery with medicine to make you fall asleep so you won't feel pain (anesthesia), talk to your provider about when you should pump.

How do I prepare to pump?

• Look at a picture or video of your baby.
• Smell your baby's blanket or clothes.
• Sit in a quiet, private space.
• Place a warm cloth on your breast. The cloth should be a little wet.
• Gently massage your breast and nipple.
• Play relaxing music.
• Picture your milk flowing.
• Drink water and eat a snack.

What are some tips?

General tips for pumping breast milk

• Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before pumping. If you can't use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
• Wear clothes that open in the front or allow easy access to your breasts.
• Pump both breasts at the same time if you can.
• If you're not getting very much milk or pumping is uncomfortable, try different pump settings or try using different types of pumps. Talk with your provider or lactation consultant to find strategies that work for you.
• Pump breast milk directly into clean bottles or other storage containers.
• Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.

Tips for choosing a breast pump

• A manual breast pump doesn't need electricity to work. A manual pump is usually cheaper than an electric pump, but can be harder to use. A manual pump may be a good choice if you're pumping occasionally.
• An electric breast pump is usually more expensive than a manual pump, but can be easier to use. An electric pump can also collect more milk than a manual pump.
• A hospital-grade electric pump is recommended if:
  • You had a baby who was born early or your baby is sick.
  • You'll be pumping more than breastfeeding.
• Before buying a pump, check if your insurance will pay for it.

Tips for maintaining a breast pump

• Check your pump's manual for cleaning tips.
• Clean the pump after each use. To do this:
  • Wipe down the electrical unit with a dry, soft cloth or clean paper towel. Do not put the electrical unit in water or in cleaning products.
  • Wash the plastic pump parts with soap and warm water or in the dishwasher, if the parts are dishwasher safe.
  • Let the parts air-dry. Avoid drying them with a cloth or towel.
• For extra protection, sanitize the pump parts at least once each day. This is very important if your baby:
  • Was born early.
  • Is younger than 2 months old.
  • Has a weakened body defense system (immune system).
• Tubing:
  • Breast pump tubing that doesn't touch the pumped milk doesn't need to be cleaned regularly.
  • If there are water droplets in the tubing when you want to pump, attach the tubing to the pump and turn on the pump. Run the pump until the tube is dry.
  • If your tubing is moldy, throw away the moldy tubing and get new tubing.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You're frustrated with breast milk pumping.
• You have pain or discomfort in your breasts such as:
  • Continued pain with breast milk pumping.
  • Breasts that are too filled with milk, also known as engorgement, that doesn't improve after 48–72 hours.
  • Cracking or soreness in your nipples that doesn't get better with treatment.
  • Bleeding from your nipples.
• You have signs of an infection, such as:
  • A fever.
  • Pus-like fluid coming from your nipples.
  • Warm, red areas or painful areas on your breasts.