{"id":111661,"date":"2020-08-20T08:30:28","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T12:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111661\/get-more-milk-pumping-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-16T14:08:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T18:08:22","slug":"get-more-milk-pumping-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111661\/get-more-milk-pumping-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"How you can get more milk when you pump"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Breastfeeding is a skill, and it takes some time to feel like an expert. Many find pumping breast milk even less instinctive. Like directly breastfeeding or nursing, pumping is a skill that can take some time to perfect, and some people don\u2019t pump as much milk as they\u2019d like to when they\u2019re first starting out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common questions about pumping is how to make the most of it, and how to get the most milk from it. This is partially because, unlike when you\u2019re nursing, you can see exactly how much milk you\u2019re accumulating when you pump, and partially because pumping is taking up your time! Luckily, there are a few strategies to get more milk when you pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warmth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heat can help to relax our bodies and increase blood flow to our breasts. This is why many nursing parents find that just coming out of a hot shower is a great time to pump. Warm compresses can also help, and can be a more portable option, if you\u2019re looking for something to take to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try a massage or compression<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hands-free pumping is great, but putting those free hands back to work can sometimes be exactly what your body needs to effectively stimulate your breasts. Many find that it helps to gently massage their breasts starting on the outside and then working their way in a spiral pattern, like the one healthcare providers use for breast exams. Research suggests that this sort of hands-on pumping produces more ounces and higher fat content milk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be nice to your nipples<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sore nipples aren\u2019t uncommon, especially if you\u2019ve just started pumping and are now doing it pretty regularly. The first thing to do is to make sure that you\u2019re using the right size flange for your nipples, since pumping itself shouldn\u2019t hurt. Although your pump probably came with 2-3 sets of flanges to try, most people need something smaller than what is provided. You can measure at home or work with a lactation professional to find the size that is right for you. If your pump brand doesn\u2019t make the size flange you need, there are reputable medical device companies who sell every size of flange from 10mm all the way past 30mm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil or pumping spray before pumping sessions, and experimenting with settings can help give your nipples a little time to adjust. Higher suction does not mean more milk, so don\u2019t be afraid to dial it down to a level where you are 100% comfortable. If your nipples are sore, damaged or a totally different size or shape when you\u2019re done pumping – then something needs adjusting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power pumping<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not producing a lot of milk, more stimulation is generally the answer, or at least part of it. Power pumping is a dedicated hour of pumping, pump on for 10 minutes and off for 10 minutes \u2014 repeat until the hour is up! You can truly divide the minutes of the hour in a way that suits you best – so never fear if you get interrupted. Power pumping is a short term plan to increase supply, and is best used for 5-7 days when recovering from illness, picking back up after a break in your pumping routine or when your period returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask your little one for help<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Baby<\/span> is probably already doing their<\/span> part by breastfeeding, but they<\/span> can do even more than that! If you\u2019re trying to build up your supply, you can try attaching the pump to one breast when Baby<\/span> is nursing on the other. And when your little one isn\u2019t around, like if you\u2019re at work, keep a picture, video, or even a piece of clothing or soft toy around to remind you of Baby \u2014 this will help you relax and can encourage your body to let down your milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care of yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can be hard to remember to think of yourself when you have Baby<\/span> to think of, but when you\u2019re feeding them, your health is their health. Short-term stress does not hurt your milk supply, but it can impact letdown, so try to think of pumping as your time \u2014 when you can read, watch something, listen to music, or even just close your eyes and breathe for a while. Putting your feet up is a great and simple way to make pumping more successful for many folks. Relaxation can make a huge difference in helping to make pumping less stressful. Nutrition and hydration are also important for breastfeeding and pumping. Generally, whatever you can do to help yourself feel physically and mentally healthy can help boost your supply \u2014 and you\u2019re the best person to know what that is, whether it\u2019s figuring out how to add another hour of sleep to your life or loading up on the leafy greens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And keep in mind, if you\u2019re having trouble producing breast milk when you pump and you\u2019re not sure how to address the problem, a healthcare provider or lactation consultant may be able to help. Many lactation professionals specialize in pumping and returning to work \u2014 finding a provider with the right experience is key!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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