If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may also benefit from a breast pump. These devices can be used to maintain or increase a mother’s milk supply, relieve engorged breasts and plugged milk ducts, or pull out flat or inverted nipples so a nursing baby can latch on more easily when feeding [1].
Lactation is quite simple, in theory. Your body produces milk as long as the baby needs it. If you feed on demand, your body and baby tune into one another, and the baby’s sucking prompts milk production. When the baby is no longer feeding, lactation stops.
In some situations, maybe the baby can’t latch or feed intensely enough to signal the mother's body to produce milk, or the mommy can’t breastfeed due to illness or her work schedule. There can be a desynchronization if too much milk is produced, leading to lactostasis (stagnation of milk in the ducts), or too little is produced and the baby ends up hungry.
Breast pumps are great problem solvers in each of these cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends pumping as a solution for these common scenarios [2]:
Breast engorgement (caused by excessive milk storage) and duct blockages. Breast pumping will relieve these conditions and prevent inflammation. Pumping when you are already experiencing this may hurt, but it will help prevent further problems.
When the mother’s nipples are retracted or flat. If a baby has a hard time latching because of the physical shape of the nipples, you can squeeze milk directly into their mouth or express it and bottle-feed. Over time, most babies adapt to their mother’s nipple no matter the shape, so regular sucking may stretch the nipple and teach the baby to breastfeed. Pumping can be beneficial in this case.
A baby's energy level or strength doesn’t allow them to breastfeed. In this scenario, breast pumping can be a temporary solution to help stimulate milk production until the baby gets stronger. You may also opt to express milk directly into the baby's mouth or use a spoon to feed the baby when they get tired of sucking.
Breast pumping is an excellent option when the mother or the baby is sick. If you can not breastfeed due to illness, or your milk is contaminated by pathogens or medications, you can use a breast pump to keep stimulating your breast and producing milk. As soon as you are well again and cleared by your doctor, you can continue breastfeeding.
Nipple irritation and inflammation. Breastfeeding can be very painful when your nipples are cracked or inflamed. Breast pumping can be a safer and less painful alternative until your nipples heal.
If your breast is too full and the baby cannot manage it. If it’s been a little longer than usual between feedings, or if your body has produced more milk than usual, the baby may have a hard time feeding. You can express some milk to bring the breast back to its normal fullness so the baby can manage it again.
There are a variety of breast pumps available to support you in feeding your baby. Some have a manual pump, and others have an automatic one that uses batteries or electricity. Your doctor can help you determine which one is best for you [3].
Not all breast pumps work the same way, so be sure to read the instructions well. However, here are some general steps:
Wash your hands with soap and water before handling the breast pump.
Find a room that is safe, clean, and private where you can relax while pumping.
Put the pump together, and check that all parts are available and clean before you begin using the device.
To help improve your milk letdown, try holding your baby or looking at a picture of them. It can help encourage the process.
Put the breast shield over your breast (your nipple should be in the middle of the shield).
Start pumping with a low level of suction, and gradually increase the level as the milk begins to flow.
Pump each breast until they feel empty.
After you’re done each of your breasts should feel soft.
Put the milk in the refrigerator or freezer right away.
Take the pump apart, wash it thoroughly, and let the parts air dry.
This article was created in association with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
