If you’ve been breastfeeding, you already know the magic of being able to feed your baby anywhere, any time. But life also calls—work, study, a long-overdue date night, or simply the wish to share feeds with a partner. That’s where pumping steps in.
This guide distills the key takeaways from doula Bridget Teyler’s helpful video on pumping (watch it here on Bridget Teyler: Pumping Basics | When to Start | Medela | Spectra | Haakaa, and adds a few Byrd & Blume notes for making your routine calm, comfy, and sustainable.
Do you even need to pump?
Short answer: only if it suits your life.
If you’re with baby 24/7 and breastfeeding on demand, you may not need to pump at all. Reasons you might choose to pump include returning to work/school, planning time away, building a freezer stash, or simply creating a little flexibility.
Choosing a pump (and why the “best” one depends on you)
- Everyday double electric: Many parents love the Medela Pump In Style Advanced for reliable, no-frills expressing.
- Cordless convenience: The Spectra line offers portable options (battery/cordless) so you can move about while you pump.
- Hospital-grade rentals: If you need extra oomph (e.g., establishing supply or exclusive pumping), ask your care provider about renting a hospital-grade pump; some insurance plans help with costs.
- Hands-free helpers: A Haakaa (silicone milk collector/pump) passively catches let-down on the non-nursing side—brilliant for building a stash with zero extra time.
Byrd & Blume tip: Pair your sessions with a soft cover or scarf if you prefer privacy when pumping around others—our ultra-soft nursing cover makes discrete pumping or transfers to/from nursing seamless.
When to start pumping
- Weeks 0–3(–4): Focus on latching, rest, and rhythm with baby. No need to pump unless medically advised.
- Before 6 weeks: Your supply is “calibrating.” If you plan to be away in the near future, begin gentle pumping before the ~6-week mark so your body learns to make a little more than baby’s current needs.
- Using the Haakaa early: If you’d like a small stash without formal pump sessions, pop a Haakaa on the opposite breast during feeds to collect let-down.
Best times of day to pump
- Morning, right after the first feed: Most parents have the biggest output in the morning. Pump within 30–60 minutes of nursing, or at least 60 minutes before the next feed.
- Between feeds: About 30 minutes after a feed (and ≥60 minutes before the next) supports output without short-changing baby.
- Before bed: If baby is sleeping longer stretches at night, a pre-bed pump can ease fullness and build stash.
- Whenever you miss a feed: If you’re away from baby, aim to pump every 2–4 hours to maintain supply signals.
If baby wants to nurse right after you’ve pumped, latch! Breasts are more like “streams” than “tanks”—milk continues to be made.
What’s a “normal” amount?
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding and adding pumps, getting ½–2 oz (15–60 ml) total in a session is very normal. Pumps are helpful tools—but babies are typically more efficient than machines. Don’t compare bottles; focus on consistency.
Comfort = output: fit, settings, and hands-on help
1) Flange fit matters
Your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without excess areola being pulled in. Too small = pinching; too big = poor suction/less milk. Try different sizes if you feel rubbing or see blanching.
2) Start low, then go up
Begin on low suction in “stimulation/let-down” mode. Once you feel let-down (often 30–120 seconds), switch to expression (slower suction). Increase only to the strongest pain-free level—pain can reduce output.
3) Use massage + compression
During expression, light circular massage and breast compressions (around, not on, the nipple) can noticeably boost flow.
Safe milk storage—quick rules of thumb
- Fresh at room temp: Up to 4 hours is the common conservative guideline; Bridget notes 3–6 hours—aim toward the shorter end if the room is warm.
- Refrigerator (rear of fridge): Typically up to 4 days (Bridget mentions up to a week; use 4–5 days to be cautious and avoid the door shelves).
- Freezer: About 6 months is ideal; up to 12 months is acceptable in a deep freezer.
- Thawed milk (from fridge): Use within 24 hours (don’t refreeze).
- Thawed at room temp: Use within 1–2 hours.
Thaw smart: Defrost in the refrigerator (best) or under cool, then warm, running water. Avoid very hot water and the microwave; high heat can damage nutrients.
Label + lay flat: Date every bag and freeze flat in ~4–5 oz portions to save space and speed thawing. Use oldest milk first (FIFO).
The head game: why pumping can feel harder than nursing
Nursing is cuddly, hormonal, and bonding; a plastic pump… isn’t. It’s common to get less at the pump than you imagine you “should.” Reduce stressors (hydration, a snack, a cosy corner, baby photos or a short video), and keep sessions short and consistent. Support groups (in person or online) can help enormously.
A sample beginner schedule (breastfeeding + stash-building)
- Morning: Nurse → 30–45 min later, pump 10–15 min.
- Mid-day: Nurse → optional Haakaa during let-down or a 10–12 min pump between feeds.
- Evening: Nurse → short pump before bed if comfortable.
- Away from baby: Pump every 2–4 hours.
Handy kit for calmer pumping
- Double-electric pump (chosen for your lifestyle)
- Haakaa or similar silicone collector
- Well-fitting flanges (consider a sizing guide or consult a lactation professional)
- Milk storage bags + a fine-tip marker
- A soft cover for privacy if you like (our Byrd & Blume nursing cover doubles as a scarf/stroller cover and is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 compliant materials)
- A large water bottle, one-hand snacks, and a comfy chair
Common questions, answered
“My flanges hurt—what now?”
Pain isn’t normal. Try a different size, lower suction, or a dab of pump-safe lubricant at the tunnel entrance.
“How long should I pump?”
Generally 10–20 minutes. End a minute or two after milk flow slows/stops. Power-pumping (short intervals on/off for ~1 hour) can temporarily signal “more demand” if you’re boosting supply.
“Can I combine milk from different sessions?”
Yes—chill the newer milk first, then combine milk of the same temperature before freezing.
Watch the full video
Bridget’s original walkthrough is warm, reassuring, and full of practical detail. Watch it here: Pumping Basics | When to Start | Medela | Spectra | Haakaa and bookmark for later.
From the Byrd & Blume studio 💛
We design calm into your daily rhythm: organic cotton playmats for tummy time, breathable nursing covers for on-the-go feeds, and thoughtful accessories that support bonding—wherever life takes you.
Friendly reminder: This article shares general, mom-to-mom style guidance and tips Bridget covers in her video. For medical questions about supply, medications, or baby’s intake, please consult a lactation consultant (IBCLC), midwife, health visitor, or pediatrician.
Pin-worthy cheat sheet
- Start pumping before ~6 weeks if you’ll need a stash soon.
- Best time: morning after first feed; also 30 min after a feed/≥60 min before the next.
- Flange fit + gentle settings = more comfort, better output.
- Massage + compression boost flow.
- Store: room ≤4h, fridge ≤4 days, freezer 6–12 months; thaw in fridge; use FIFO.
- Little amounts add up—consistency wins.