Category: Pumping Support

Pumping Support

Why am I suddenly making less milk?

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As a pumping momma, I watched every ounce and I got stressed if I saw even half an ounce less than I expected. So why do we pump different amounts of milk… and why might we suddenly be making less milk?

Note: We are exploring why supply might decrease from where it once was… not why a momma might have low supply in the first place.

Additional note: This blog was written by an exclusive pumper for exclusive pumpers, but can benefit any momma who pumps. As an exclusive pumper, it’s easy to obsess over milk supply. It’s also often more noticeable when we make more or less milk, since we are doling it out to bottles, bagging it, freezing it, and managing pumped milk on a daily basis. It might not be as easy for a nursing momma to realize their milk supply has decreased. If you are concerned, please speak with a lactation professional.

Factors that can reduce milk supply temporarily

The following may result in lowered output per session or per day.

  • Clogged/inflamed milk duct (Milk can get trapped within the breast and not be able to easily pass through the duct)
  • Off-centered flange (Totally makes a difference! Check to make sure they stay centered- a well-fitting flange will stay centered better than a flange that is too large.)
  • Dehydration (This is less of a “goal number of ounces” and more of a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day)
  • Not eating (It’s hard to remember to eat sometimes, especially as a new momma!)
  • Time of day (milk can be lower in the evening and higher in the wee hours of the morning)
  • Skipping a pumping session (Your body will take protective measures to reduce output if your breasts aren’t continually emptied.)
  • Stress (High levels of stress can negatively affect milk supply, and/or can affect letdown.)
  • Fatigue (I know you don’t want to hear it, but try to get some sleep when you can, momma!)
  • External pressure (Tight bras/stomach sleeping)
  • Internal pressure (Engorgement/clogs)
  • Worn or damaged pump parts (Replace your valves!)
  • Heavily used pump (Could your pump be losing power?)
  • Certain medications (like decongestants)
  • Sickness (especially gastrointestinal illness)

Factors that can reduce milk supply more permanently

The following may result in lowered output overall

  • Mastitis (Again, a protective measure your body takes. Unfortunate but true!)
  • Repeatedly skipping pumping sessions (Once or twice usually won’t have a lasting effect. Try not to make it a habit!)
  • The return of your period (Some mommas see a reduction only during their period, some see an overall reduction.)
  • Starting birth control (especially one containing Estrogen, but any fluctuation in hormones can affect supply.)
  • Supplementing with formula instead of pumping (Less demand = less supply)
  • Consistent use of secondary pump (For example, if a wearable pump does not empty you well, save it for occasional use only.)
  • Chronic (ongoing) stress
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Ongoing/high levels of smoking/drinking/caffeine intake

Look for correlations

A correlation is when variables move in relation to each other. For example, when I pumped 3 ounces instead of 5, I thought, “Melissa… have you drank any water today?” The answer was usually no. (I can go hours and hours without thinking to drink. It’s a problem.) While correlation doesn’t allllways equal causation, dehydration most definitely caused my supply to temporarily decrease. Conversely, I found that I’d pump a bit more milk after eating a big cheeseburger. Protein/calories and hydration had a big effect on my output.

If your pumping session yields less than you expected, I encourage you to think back on the previous 12 hours or so… Were you stressed? Did you eat? Could you be dehydrated? Are you sick? Have you skipped a session? Did you get sleep? Etc. Try to find a correlation that might explain the lower output.

Getting back on track

If you can identify one or more of these factors that could be causing your reduced supply, focus on reversing that impact and getting back on track. Here are a few examples:

  • Did you skip a session? Set an alarm or rearrange your schedule to prioritize pumping.
  • Did you forget to eat or drink until afternoon? Have some easy to grab snacks and a water bottle or glass on hand where you spend most of your time. Prepare food while baby is sleeping or occupied, or have your partner help you prepare food so you make sure you get those extra calories and stay hydrated!)
  • Had the stomach bug? Rest, Focus on sipping fluids, add electrolytes, and regain your usual diet when you can keep food down! Some mommas even pay to get IV hydration!
  • Forget and take Sudafed? Discontinue use and talk to your doctor about what medications might work better for a breastfeeding mom.
  • Has your period returned? Check out my blog for more tips concerning your monthly cycle and its effect on milk supply.
  • Not responding well to your pump? Check your flange size, replace your valves, and see if another style pump (even a manual pump!) could empty you better, yielding more milk.

What if your milk supply continues to decrease?

Sometimes milk supply decreases and stays decreased, despite everything within our control.

  • Speak to a lactation professional that specializes in low supply
  • Supplement with pumped breastmilk
  • Supplement with formula
  • Increase solids, when you are able

Remember, your worth isn’t measured in ounces. A fed baby is a happy baby. Just because your baby isn’t getting 100% of your breastmilk doesn’t mean they aren’t getting 100% of the benefits of your breastmilk. Every drop counts.

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

Pumping Support

Primary vs. Secondary Breast Pumps: Which Pump Do You Really Need?

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As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), one of the top questions I hear is:

“Do I need more than one breast pump?”

Whether you’re exclusively pumping, returning to work, or pumping occasionally, understanding the difference between a primary breast pump and a secondary pump can help you protect your milk supply and make pumping easier and more comfortable.

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“Primary” vs. “Secondary”- What does that even mean?

The term “primary breast pump” is used in the pumping world to describe a pump meant for frequent use. Primary pumps are essential for exclusive pumpers, because they are used 8+ times a day, often for months at a time.
The term “secondary breast pump” is used to describe a pump that may offer more flexibility, but contains a motor that may not empty you as well, and may not withstand heavy use.
More on these terms soon! But first…

First, let’s address the hospital-grade elephant in the room.

The term “hospital-grade is often misleading. Primary pumps are often referred to as “hospital-grade” or “hospital-strength” breast pumps because they’re built for frequent use. However, there are only two or three pumps that are up to the task of being a multi-user durable pump used in actual hospital settings. (This should probably be in a category all its own.) Mommas rarely own one, as the price point is very high. You might be able to rent one, though, if you want to look into it! These pumps are: Medela Symphony and Ameda Platinum. Older hospital pumps might still be used, like the big blue Medela Lactina and though rare these days, I’ve even seen the dinosaur Medela Classic pump still used in the hospital setting.

Now that we got that pesky “hospital-grade” term of the way, let’s talk PRIMARY PUMPS:

🍼 What Is a Primary Breast Pump?

Your primary pump should be your main, full-powered breast pump — the one designed to maintain your milk supply through consistent, efficient pumping sessions. If you’re an exclusive pumper or a working mom pumping multiple times per day, your primary pump is essential for maintaining and protecting your milk supply.

Primary pumps typically feature:

  • Strong suction and adjustable settings for comfort and efficiency
  • Closed-system design for hygiene and milk safety
  • Plug-in or rechargeable power for reliable performance
  • Long motor lifespan designed for daily pumping

Examples of top-rated primary pumps:

  • Spectra S1 (blue, rechargable) or S2 (pink)
  • Medela Pump in Style
  • Motif Luna
  • Unimom Opera +
  • Cimilre S6

Here in the U.S., most mommas can get a pump free through insurance. I highly suggest getting your primary pump through insurance, and putting a secondary pump on your registry or investing in one out-of-pocket.

💼 What Is a Secondary Pump?

A secondary breast pump is your portable or wearable backup — designed for greater flexibility and freedom. These pumps are perfect for moms on the go, travel days, or quick pumping sessions when you’re away from your main setup.

Secondary pumps are convenient, but they aren’t designed to replace a high-quality, hospital-strength primary pump for full-time milk expression.

Secondary pumps usually offer:

  • Lightweight, compact design
  • Rechargeable or battery-powered operation
  • Quieter and more discreet use
  • Easier hands-free options

Popular secondary or wearable pumps include:

  • All wearable breast pumps
  • Portable pumps with cup attachments
  • Baby Buddha 2.0
  • Pumpables Genie Advanced
  • All manual pumps

A wearable pump can make it easier to multitask while pumping, helping you express milk discreetly. However, from clinical experience, it has been found that they just do not empty as reliably as a primary pump.
Why? A few reasons. Secondary pumps often have a cheaper, simpler motor which lacks the strength and/or durability of a primary pump. Secondary pumps don’t always offer as wide a selection of flange sizes, which can lead to poor pumping efficiency and efficacy.

Every body responds to pumps differently.

Everybody is different and every BODY is different. One momma may respond fabulously to the Baby Buddha 2.0 and use it as their primary pump, and that is OK! Another momma may not love the vibration of a Spectra S1 and wonder why everyone loves them so much. Unfortunately there’s literally no way to know how your body will react until you try a specific pump. My advice? Contact your local lactation professional and see if they have pumps and different flange sizes and styles you can try out. Seek out a friend of family member who has a breast pump and will let you try it. Do your research and pick one free with insurance. If it works for you, awesome. If it doesn’t, see if you can get another new or gently used pump in a local mom group or online. You might even choose to buy one out of pocket.

⚖️ How to Choose the Best Breast Pump Setup

Pumping SituationRecommended Setup
Exclusively pumpingPrimary pump + portable or wearable secondary pump, manual pump as a back-up
Pumping at work dailyPrimary pump if you pump in a stationary way (sitting down, close to an outlet), portable or wearable secondary pump if you need the flexibility
Occasional pumpingAny pump you respond well to, honestly!
Traveling or commutingLightweight wearable or portable pump, manual pump as a back-up

Your pumping setup should match your lifestyle and goals. Think of your primary pump as the foundation of your milk supply and your secondary pump as your freedom tool — giving you flexibility without compromising output.

💡 Pro Tip from a Certified Lactation Counselor

If you notice a drop in supply or discomfort during pumping, start by checking your primary pump:

  • Are your flanges the correct size?
  • Have you replaced your pump parts recently? (Especially your valves- they control the suction!)
  • Is your motor still performing at full strength?

Whichever pump you choose, PLEASE remember to get sized for a well-fitting flange. During my last consultation, my client declined flange-sizing because the hospital lactation consultant sized her at a 21mm. At the end of our session, I persuaded her to get sized and it turns out that she could be using a 15mm. That’s a huge difference! You might have the best pump in the world, but if you are using the wrong flange size, you aren’t going to get the most out of your pumping sessions.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Do You Need Both?

For many moms, having both a primary and secondary breast pump is the perfect balance between supply protection and flexibility. If you are an exclusive pumper, I highly highly suggest having more than 1 pump.

Your primary pump keeps your milk supply strong.
Your secondary pump keeps your schedule flexible.

Plus, if your pump should stop working for any reason, having multiple pumps ensures that you always have a back-up, even if it’s your trusty manual pump. Understanding how and when to use each kind of pump can help you feel more confident and in control of your pumping journey — no matter where life takes you.

Pumping Support

Hot or Cold for Mastitis?

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You might be hearing conflicting advice for treating clogged ducts or mastitis. You might even be hearing the phrase “new protocol/protocol 38” but what is this new protocol for mastitis, and how does it apply to pumping mommas?

First of all, what in the world is this creepy image. anyway? For those of you who are old enough, or have parents that like to frighten you around the holidays, you might recognize “HeatMiser” and “SnowMiser” from “The Year Without Santa Claus.” (Weird movie, do not recommend) It’s the first image I thought of when I opened up my laptop to write this post. The battle between heat and cold…. that’s what’s been going on for mastitis treatment. Should you apply heat, vibration, and massage? Or should you ice it and take medication? It’s truly been a battle of heat vs. cold.

The old advice: HEAT

The solution was once to use heat packs, vigorous massage, and vibration to treat clogged ducts and mastitis. This is no longer recommended. We now know that a “clogged” duct is not a solid piece of milk we must shove through. What is really happening, is that the duct has become inflamed and has narrowed, not allowing as much milk through. With the knowledge we have regarding inflammation, we know that HEAT and massage may make inflammation worse, not better.

The new advice: COLD

So how do we treat an inflamed milk duct? With ice and ibuprofen! Applying COLD to the breast can reduce inflammation, allowing milk to flow freely from the duct. Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (abbreviated as NSAID) like ibuprofen may also help. (Tylenol/acetaminophen is NOT an NSAID, so opt for Advil/ibuprofen instead.) An ice pack designed for the breast, like this one by Lansinoh, or this multi-pack which can be used of little kid boo-boos long after breastfeeding!. You can also use a frozen bag of peas, which flexes nicely around the breast. Light, lymphatic massage may also be helpful, but refrain from applying vibration/vigorous massage to the affected area. And because I know you will ask… Yes, you can still feed baby your milk when you’re taking an NSAID anti-inflammatory medication or an antibiotic.

How do you know if you have mastitis?

The updated 2022 Protocol #36 guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) published in May 2022 now assert that mastitis should be considered “a spectrum of conditions”, ranging from oversupply (hyperlactation) to inflammation, bacterial infection and abscess. LactApp covers it pretty succinctly in their post HERE .  Mastitis can be:

  • Ductile narrowing/inflammation
  • Inflammatory mastitis (what we think of as unresolved “clogged ducts”)
  • Bacterial mastitis caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus
  • Phlegmon- suspected when mastitis worsens as a firm, mass without fluctuance
  • Abscess: An accumulation of infected fluid that needs to be drained
  • Infected galactocele- a significant volume of obstructed milk accumulates in a cyst-like cavity

… in easy-to-understand terms, please?
Contact your doctor if you are experiencing:

  • Prolonged unresolved clogs, or hard areas of the breast that don’t seem to be emptying when you nurse or pump
  • Redness of the breast (With darker pigmented skin, this may appear darker or a reddish-brown hue)
  • Burning sensation in the breast
  • Areas of the breast that are painful or warm to the touch
  • Any of these symptoms accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms

Why has my milk supply gone down?

It’s normal to see a reduction in milk supply after a prolonged clogged duct or mastitis. Why? It’s actually your body trying to protect you! If milk has not be adequately emptied from one breast, it causes internal pressure inside the milk-making cells of that breast. This sends signals to your body to slow down production in that breast. These protective signals result in less milk being produced. For some mommas, this drop in supply is temporary. When the milk starts flowing again, the body often sends the message- “okay! milk is being removed, make more!” But sometimes that breast will remain at a lower output. This is why dealing with “clogs” as soon as possible is so important!

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Implications for exclusive pumpers

The initial advice “not to pump” following the new protocol has confused exclusive pumpers (mommas who pump exclusively and do not latch baby at the breast). The protocol advises you to nurse on demand and not excessively pump. So, for exclusive pumpers, YES you’ll need to pump. I advise you to pump as you would normally pump- not longer or more often. Excessive pumping can lead to an upregulation of milk and a continued cycle of mastitis. Many mommas find that switching to a manual pump gives you more control and can help finesse the clog out. My advice regarding “clogged ducts” tailored for exclusive pumpers can be found HERE.

The short version:

In summary… The ABM protocol change in 2022 gave us a lot of think about, and in many ways, completely changes the way we treat clogs and mastitis. What we used to think of as a “clogged duct” is actually ductile narrowing brought on my inflammation. Mastitis is a spectrum of conditions in the breast, from inflammation which can be treated at home with ice and ibuprofen, to infection, which needs medical attention. Avoid intense massage and vibration. Choose a cold compress over a hot one. Nursing mothers should keep feeding on demand without adding additional pumping sessions. Exclusive pumpers are encouraged to stick to your pumping schedule as much as possible. Manual pumping or hand-expression is an excellent alternative in both cases.

SOURCES:

*This post is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult your medical provider.

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Breast Capacity and Your “Magic Number”

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Did you know that breast size does not determine how much milk you can hold? Breast capacity varies from person to person, no matter if you are a A-cup or an E-cup! Exclusive pumpers with large capacity may be able to maintain a full milk supply with fewer pumps per day, while a momma with a smaller capacity may need to remain pumping frequently. This is called the “magic number.” Read on to find out more!

Breast capacity

CAPACITY is the term we use for how much milk your breast can hold at one time. Women with higher capacity breasts are able to pump fewer times per day than a woman with lower capacity. What determines capacity? Alveolar cells are the milk-making cells in grape-like sacs called mammary alveoli inside your breasts. So think of it as some mommas having bigger bunches of grapes than other mommas. (I love a good visual!) Breast capacity can increase with subsequent births.

As an exclusive pumper, The momma with high capacity could hit that 30 ounce-per-day goal with fewer sessions than a momma who needs to pump 8+ sessions a day to make what their baby needs. Does that make sense?

EVERY momma should empty her breasts regularly right after birth to establish supply, either through nursing or pumping. But a momma with a higher capacity could afford to eventually pump fewer times a day than a momma who needs to keep up that frequent schedule. That’s the “magic number.” How do you know your capacity/magic number?! You don’t, right away. When you begin to go longer between sessions you begin to find out how much you can hold. See more about “magic number” below.

*Note about IGT and low milk supply*

Some mommas who face primary low supply might be dealing with IGT, or “Insufficient Glandular Tissue” which means that they lack the anatomical space to hold milk within their breasts. Mommas with IGT often did not see a change in breast size during pregnancy or after birth. Having a low milk supply may mean that even with frequent pumping, you may not reach or maintain the level of milk your baby takes in a day. As always, working with a knowledgeable lactation professional is recommended. In this case, I suggest Kaia Lacey, CLC from @lowsupplymom and lowsupplymom.com

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Regulating milk supply

Right after birth, it’s your job as an exclusive pumper to tell your body how much milk you need. This is why we suggest pumping every 3 hours, around the clock, to build your milk supply. The demand for milk determines how much milk your body will create. Frequent removal of milk by baby or breast pump builds supply. Any drastic changes in the weeks after birth can lead to secondary low supply. What is a “drastic change?” As a nursing mommas, this can mean being separated from a nursing infant and not pumping instead. As an exclusive pumping momma, this can mean dropping down to 4 pumps per day instead of the recommended 8, within the first 2 months. By 8-12 weeks, your body will have “regulated” which means that you could begin to drop pumping sessions and your milk supply may not drastically change. More on milk supply HERE.

How will you know you’ve regulated supply? The engorgement phase will be long over, but now your breasts may not feel as full or leaky. This change may be gradual over the course of the first weeks after birth. Don’t worry, you’re still making milk! Think of lactation like a river, not like a pond that empties out completely and needs to completely refill. Your body may show signs of getting used to a schedule, feeling a letdown or fullness when it’s time to pump/feed. Another important sign for exclusive pumpers, is that they may be able to drop a pump session or two and still make around the same total ounces per day.

It’s important to pay attention to daily total ounces because milk supply can fluctuate greatly during the day. You might have noticed your milk production being higher in the early morning and lower in the evening. That’s natural! Prolactin (milk-making hormone) peaks and dips throughout a daily cycle.

Magic number

OKAY MOMMAS. If my suggested schedule confused you, you’re not alone. It’s actually pretty impossible to predict what schedule will work for you, because every single momma is different. That’s where the 🔮MAGIC NUMBER🔮 comes into play.
.
What is the MAGIC NUMBER?! It’s the number of times a day you’ll need to pump to keep up your supply.
🔮Exclusive pumpers should begin by pumping at least 8x day, which is every 3 hours around the clock.
🔮By 2-3 months, milk supply regulates, which means that some mothers can begin spacing out the time between pump sessions and still make enough daily to feed their baby
🔮 Every woman has a different breast capacity, which means how much milk can be held at one time- so some mothers can pump fewer times a day and still make enough milk.
🔮MAGIC NUMBER- the number of pumping sessions that still give you a full supply
🔮What happens if you drop a session and decrease output too much? Add that session back in as soon as you experience that drop! (If you’re good at 6 pumps per day but 5 pumps doesn’t give you enough milk, then you know 6 is YOUR magic number.)
🔮Stick with that number of pumps per day until you’re ready to wean!

What IS “full supply?” A full milk supply, or what we EPers call being a “just enougher” is when you make as much milk as baby drinks. The goal I use as a reference is usually around 30 ounces because the average intake for an infant under 1 is around 25-35 ounces a day. Babies generally plateau out at 30 ounces or so by the time they are 1-2months old and stick with that daily total until they are closer to 1 year old and are eating more solid meals.

Does the magic number just apply to exclusive pumpers? No! It can also help when returning to work after maternity leave. Once you regulate supply, you take note that your baby nurses 7 times a day. That means when you are gone at work, it will be important to pump the same number of times you would have nursed during that time period. So, if you pump 3 times at work, expect to nurse 4 times at home.

Sources:

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Exclusive pumping: How do you know when it’s time to quit?

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[Exclusive pumpers, this is for you.] You’ve heard the phrase “Never quit on a bad day” but how do you know when it’s a “good” day to quit? It can be a really hard decision, and sometimes you’re not even in control of the decision in the first place! (Totally unfair, I know!)

I asked the mommas over on Instagram and compiled a list of reasons mommas end their pumping journey. If you are trying to decide when to call it quits, hopefully this list helps! (And if you’re not the one in control of your journey ending, hopefully this list helps you feel a little less alone.)

Your priorities change

It’s okay if your priorities change. If sleep deprivation is making you crazy, maybe it’s time to prioritize sleep (and that’s okay!) If you are missing out on time with your baby or older children, maybe it’s time to prioritize time with them instead of time spend pumping (and that’s okay!) It’s a good idea to honestly review your priorities every now and then and see if exclusively pumping can still top the list. Need permission? Here’s permission. It’s okay if pumping cannot be a priority in your life right now.

Your mental health is suffering

Something I repeat often is: “Any amount of breastmilk you can give your baby is beneficial UNLESS your mental health is at stake.” I am a huge proponent of supporting maternal mental health through therapy and medication. I love how both are being normalized in social media and daily conversations I’ve heard between new moms. Your mental health is incredibly important. If exclusively pumping is damaging to your wellbeing, please prioritize your mental health. Your baby needs a happy, healthy momma.

Your body tells you it’s time

Hormones are powerful. They are the reason you lactate in the first place. They can giveth and they can taketh away! Some mommas reported a drastic reduction in supply that came with the return of their period or a new pregnancy that made them quit pumping altogether. Other mommas reported bad cases of mastitis or recurrent clogged ducts that greatly reduced their milk supply and caused them to end their pumping journey prematurely.

You can’t make it work with work

Keep in mind that here in the U.S. employers need to give you time and space to pump for up to one year. (Read more about your legal rights to pump here) However, some jobs are harder to work a pumping schedule into, right? It sucks, but it’s true. You might have “space” to pump, but are disgusted by the supply closet they make you pump in. You might have “time” to pump, but the pumping room is in a different floor of the hospital you work in, and you can’t make it work with your schedule. You might be facing pressure from your boss (They should really go read this book by Sarah Wells, by the way.) or pressure from your coworkers. For that, I am sorry. Sometimes people can really lack empathy for new mommas, and that sucks. It’s definitely a reason mommas quit pumping, and I wish it weren’t.

You met your breastfeeding goal

[Reminder: Pumping IS breastfeeding] Setting a breastfeeding goal can help you know when to end your journey. I always suggest setting a manageable goal (which looks different for everyone) and reassessing when you hit that goal. You might hit your goal of pumping for 3 months, celebrate, and box up that breast pump. You might hit your goal of 6 months and feel that you’ve found ways to make pumping more sustainable, so you set a new goal of 9 months! Either way, setting and reaching a benchmark goal can help you feel like you’ve accomplished something- because you have! Celebrate yourself and your achievements, momma!

You have enough milk in your freezer

Some mommas have enough of an oversupply to create a freezer stash of milk. Mommas use an app like PumpLog to calculate how long their freezer stash will last, and quit when they have enough milk. Read this before starting a freezer stash!

Maybe you just… know.

For some mommas, it’s not about a schedule, goal, or external factors. Maybe you just feel, in your gut/soul that it’s time. Some people meditate about it, some pray about it… either way, some mommas simply feel like a peace has fallen upon them, letting them know it’s okay to quit.

From TheBump, Mia Gorell photography credit

*Important note*

Ending your pumping journey is YOUR decision, NOT someone else’s. Be clear and honest about your goals with your family, friends, and doctor. If your spouse gets whiney and tells you it’s time to quit, it is NOT their decision. If your mother-in-law doesn’t understand your determination to exclusively pump, it is NOT her decision. If your pediatrician tells you that your baby is 1 year old and can switch to a different kind of milk, but you still want to pump past age 1, it is NOT their decision. If your employer won’t give you time to pump past age 1, then yes, they can legally stop you from taking as many pumping breaks, BUT you can still pump at lunch, on any other shorter breaks, if possible, and before/after work. I’ve seen it work. Your milk supply may decrease at that point, but it’s still YOUR decision.

What if you still want to make it work, for now?

Okay, you read through this whole list and you STILL want to make it work, for now at least. I support you! Consider making an appointment with me to talk through the roadblocks you are facing. Consider downloading my Pumping Sucks guide and troubleshooting some things that make pumping suck.

When your pumping journey does draw to a close:

  • Wean safely from the pump (See: How to Wean from the Pump)
  • Process the emotional rollercoaster of weaning (This blog post may help!)
  • Have GRACE with yourself, and gratitude for your body!
  • Honor your journey.
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Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

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Never Quit [breast pumping] on a Bad Day

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You’ve heard the phrase “don’t quit on a bad day,” right? This helpful phrase can apply to many areas of your life- a bad day at soccer practice, a bad day at work, a bad day attempting a new hobby or trying a new recipe… and it can definitely apply to breast pumping. For new, or even experienced pumpers, there can be some days when you just want to throw in the towel and pack up that pump (Or smash it to pieces, LOL) Here’s why I don’t think you should quit just yet…

Emotions Are Temporary, Decisions Are Permanent(ish)

When you’re having a bad day, your emotions are heightened. Stress, frustration, and exhaustion can cloud your judgment, leading to decisions you might regret later. It’s easy to feel like the only way out is to quit, but this decision is made under the influence of temporary emotions. Once the storm passes, you might find that the situation isn’t as dire as it seemed. Also… relactation is hard, sometimes impossible. It’s not always possible to just start lactating again after your body has weaned.

“It’s all right to cry; Crying makes you feel better”

There’s a song I used to listen to on a record *record scratch* yes, a RECORD at my grandma’s house. It was from 1974 (No, I’m not THAT old.) by Rosey Grier called “It’s all right to cry” from the album “Free to Be… You & Me” This was waaaaaay before “social emotional learning” was a legitimate science. This was back when kids were told to stop crying, that crying was for babies, that crying doesn’t solve anything. Way ahead of its time, for sure. The point is- It IS alright to cry. In the song, Rosey says “Feelings are such real things, and they change and change and change. It’s alright to know that feelings come and feeling go. It’s alright to cry, it might make you feel better.”
That’s what I want you to keep in mind. Feelings come and feelings go. They change and change and change. How you feel right now is VALID, and it’s okay to cry, but you won’t feel that way forever.

You WILL have a bad day, that’s part of the journey

Every breastfeeding journey, whether exclusive nursing, exclusive pumping, or a mixture of both, has its ups and downs. You will spill the milk, we all do at some point. Bad days are inevitable, but they are also a part of growth. They teach resilience, patience, and the ability to navigate challenges. Bad days tell you that there’s a problem to solve. They can actually be useful in helping you realize what you need. (Getting what you need is a whole ‘nother story, though.)

Clarity Comes with Time

On a bad day, it can feel like the challenges you’re facing are insurmountable. But taking a step back and giving yourself time to reflect can bring clarity. There might be a lot going on that can add to your bad mood (your baby is crying, you are tired, you’re hungry, and you need a shower) Going into a pumping session when you’re already in a bad mood suuuucks. Making a decision to quit when you’re in this mood can be a rash decision, and giving yourself time may help you approach the decision with a clear mind. You might realize that the problem is solvable or that it’s not as significant as it initially seemed. By giving yourself time, you’re allowing your rational mind to take over from your emotional one. Sleep can also help. There’s a reason “sleep on it” is common advice. One of the most comforting thoughts on a bad day is that tomorrow is a new day. Things can change dramatically overnight. A good night’s sleep (or even good stretch of sleep), a conversation with a friend, or simply the passage of time can make a world of difference. When you wake up with a fresh perspective, the problems of today might seem much more manageable.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

I’m not gonna sit here and pretend that everything is just dandy and slap on the ole “You Got This, Mama!” smile. Maybe you don’t “got this.” Bad days can make you feel weak or inadequate, but they also reveal your inner strength. Pushing through difficult times builds resilience and confidence. By not quitting, you’re proving to yourself that you can handle challenges, which will serve you well in the future. Not feeling strong? Talk to someone who has been on a similar journey. How did they work through it? What problems did they face and how did they solve them? If you don’t know any pumping mommas personally, hop online. In the online pumping community, there are maaaany mommas eager to share their struggles and successes with you. As you solve your pumping problems, you might identify strengths in yourself you never knew you had! Give yourself GRACE, and then when you are able, give yourself a high five.

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Why “Don’t quit on a bad day” isn’t good enough advice.

I realize I just spend an entire blog post telling you not to quit on a bad day. Don’t get me wrong, “Don’t quit on a bad day” is GREAT advice… It’s just not good enough. Why?
So you’re having a bad day… a really bad day… you’re at your wits end… you wanna stop pumping. But you don’t, because you heard to “never quit on a bad day.” So you go to bed, hoping for a better day tomorrow.
And often, sleeping and waking refreshed DOES help. But what if it DOESN’T HELP?
Then what? Here’s my advice: YES, sleep on it. Making an important decision on heightened emotions is never a good idea.
THEN, if things aren’t magically better, vent and problem solve. What we call “venting” is simply sharing your emotions with someone, can be your partner or mother or cousin or friend or an online mom group. Share how you are feeling with SOMEONE. preferably, someone who shares a similar experience.
THEN, problem-solve. What isn’t working? How can you make it work better? Do you need to have a discussion with your partner about how they can support you better? Do you need to outsource something like ordering groceries or getting a cleaner? Do you need to find a better system for pumping and feeding? Do you need to change your pump schedule or drop a pump to increase your sanity? Do you need to begin supplementing with formula or donor milk? Do you need to begin the weaning process and bring your pumping journey to an end?
With a rested, clear mind, you CAN make important decisions.
You CAN do hard things, momma. I believe in you. 💛

It’s OKAY to quit if you need to. I repeat, It’s okay to quit if you need to.

Momma. *Takes your hands in my own, and looks you straight in the eyes.* If your mental or physical health is at stake, it’s okay to quit. Yes, I just spent an entire blog post giving you reasons why quitting on a bad day is a bad idea… but quitting, when you have really thought it through, is OKAY. You need to take care of yourself. A happy, healthy momma is waaaay more important than feeding your baby breastmilk. Here’s my best advice on weaning from the pump, to help the transition go as smoothly as possible for you.

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

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Managing Your Freezer Stash

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Freezer Stash- n. Collection of surplus breastmilk frozen for later use. Whether you are considering starting up a freezer stash or looking for advice on how to use yours, this post is for you! You might be wondering why it might be beneficial to freeze milk, how best to store it, when and how to begin using it, and how to figure out how long it’ll last! All this and more is coming your way. Read on, momma!
*Trigger warning- This blog post contains images and descriptions of large breastmilk freezer stashes. If this troubles you, please close out of this blog post.*

Disclaimers: This post contains affiliate links and codes from trusted brands. All images in this post were either donated with permission or taken by me.

Do I need a freezer stash?

There’s no cut-and-dry answer for this.

Many mommas who predominately nurse baby at the breast do not choose or need to store extra milk. It may be wise, however, to save a few day’s worth of ounces in the freezer (breastmilk fed babies can take up to 30 ounces a day) in case of emergencies. One momma I worked with was admitted into the hospital with appendicitis without warning and was glad she had a bit of milk stored up! Saving a bit of milk can also come in handy if you’re planning to be apart from baby. If you are planning to be separated from baby over the time you’d nurse, you’ll need to leave milk for the baby, and pump at the time you’d normally nurse.

For exclusive pumpers with oversupply, it’s wise to keep a day or two ahead in the refrigerator, and freeze the rest. This milk can be fed when you begin to wean and extend the time you are able to offer breastmilk. Some mommas choose to donate their extra frozen milk formally (milk bank) or informally (mother-to-mother, directly.)

Mommas who supplement with formula can offer partial breastmilk and partial formula, and freeze the rest. This can actually help exclusive pumpers reduce the number of times they pump daily and have proven to pump for longer than they originally planned because their schedule becomes more manageable. A partial diet of breastmilk is still hugely beneficial to your baby, offering white blood cells and antibodies in addition to daily nutritional benefits.

My personal stash story:

With my first baby, I set a goal to exclusively pump for six months. When I hit the six month mark, I began to reduce my pumping schedule to gain a bit more freedom, and began supplementing with formula. Since my son was starting many other foods at this age, supplementing was not a huge mental hurdle for me- I grouped formula in with all the other foods nurturing my baby that I did not personally make. (You don’t give yourself a hard time for not producing pureed yams and apples with your breasts, right? Just group formula in with other additional nutrition!) I switched to 50/50 breastmilk and formula. I stashed my extra milk in the freezer and was able to not only surpass my original pumping goal, but to offer breastmilk longer than I imagined!
With my second baby, who I also exclusively pumped for, I created an unintentional freezer stash because she was having trouble digesting my milk in addition to a milk protein allergy. I donated 1,000 ounces of frozen breastmilk that contained dairy to another baby. When we discovered that she was digesting my milk comfortably with a 50/50 breastmilk-formula ratio, I was able to stash extra breastmilk and once again feed greater freedom with my pumping schedule and offer breastmilk longer than I imagined.

Check for high lipase!

Lipase is an enzyme found in all breastmilk that helps break down fats. It’s a good thing! But some women struggle with high levels of this enzyme, causing their milk to smell or taste funny. You usually won’t notice the smell until you defrost your milk after freezing. High lipase can cause your milk to smell soapy or metallic. (Breastmilk without high levels of lipase usually has a mild smell or no smell at all, and slightly sweet taste.) High lipase milk is ok for baby to drink, but they may not want to. I strongly encourage you to TEST EARLY for high lipase before stashing away a ton of milk! Freeze and defrost milk early to test this out. How do you “test” your milk? Just thaw some breastmilk and give it to your baby! If baby takes it, no problem! If not, you’ll have to scald your milk BEFORE feeding or try one of the tricks listed in my blog post on high lipase.

How do I store all this milk?

Storing breastmilk in “bricks” can really help freezer space and organization…AND flat bags thaw quicker! I stored 5 ounces of milk per bag, removed as much of the excess air as possible, frozen flat on a tray, and then assembled into bricks of 50 ounces in gallon-size ziplock bags. When freezing super flat using a “freese-it-flat” or between boxes of fish sticks like me, you get reallllly flat bags capable of stacking together nicely in gallon ziplocks! This uniformity makes it very easy to stack and count. Check the image below and the storage page of my website for more information on the logistics of milk storage.

I highly suggest freezing in breastmilk storage bags instead of bottles. More and more companies are making silicone freezer bags as a reusable option. (Save on Junobie brand with code PUMPMOMMA10) Some mommas store smaller quantities of milk in silicone trays and then once frozen, transfer to larger storage containers. (Save on SouperCubes with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10)

Many mommas end up buying a chest freezer for their breastmilk. I recently helped a friend stock their 5 cubic foot chest freezer with approximately 2,000 ounces of breastmilk. If you are a massive overproducer, you might need a larger chest freezer. We personally purchased a 3.5cu feet smaller model chest freezer and still call it the “milk freezer” to this date (even though it’s now full of chicken nuggets instead of breastmilk!)

How long will it last in the freezer?

Breastmilk is good for up to 12 months in the freezer. The CDC used to specify different lengths of time for different types of freezers. They changed their recommendations to “best by 6 months, good up to 12 months” regardless of freezer style.

First in, First out!

When it’s time to begin using your stash, think “First in, First out!” Make sure to rotate your freezer stash by feeding the oldest milk first, and freezing new milk. When doing the “brick method” as described above, write the MONTH really large on the sides/top of the brick- this way, you can immediately know what milk to pull from the freezer! (You can write a date range if you are really organized, but I find that the month is good enough.)

How do I begin using my stash?

This part is up to you! Here are a few ideas of how I’ve seen mommas use their freezer stash.

  • BOTTLE-A-DAY – Give one bottle of frozen breastmilk per day
  • FREEZER FRIDAYS – Choose one day of the week to use frozen milk
  • DAYCARE – Use frozen breastmilk on daycare days
  • SUPPLEMENT – Go 50/50 with thawed breastmilk and formula, either half bottles of breastmilk and
  • MIX IT UP- Combine frozen and fresh breastmilk in feeding bottles *must be used within 24 hrs of final thaw
  • DONATE – Consider donating excess breastmilk formally (through a milk bank) or informally (direct mother-to-mother donation)
  • EXTEND THE END – Extend the time your baby receives breastmilk by continuing to feed frozen milk after you have weaned from fresh milk production.

For more info on introducing a bottle after exclusively nursing, visit my blog post on the topic.

This beautiful momma donated 2,000 ounces to our friend’s baby after she passed away last November

Safely combining frozen milk with fresh breastmilk or formula

It’s completely fine to combine your frozen breastmilk with freshly expressed breastmilk or formula as long as you do it safely. It’s a wise idea to make sure your baby takes frozen milk first, so you do not waste whatever you mix it with. For mommas with high lipase, mixing it with fresh milk or formula may disguise the stronger flavor of the thawed milk!

When mixing thawed breastmilk with freshly expressed milk, temperatures don’t matter as long as you are feeding it to baby right away. You can even thaw larger amounts and combine with fresh in a pitcher, as long as you use this combined milk within 24 hours of complete thaw (going by recommendations for thawed milk here instead of fresh!)

When mixing thawed breastmilk with formula, prepare formula as directed first, then add thawed breastmilk. Use within 24 hours after mixing. *DO NOT use breastmilk as a replacement for water when preparing powdered formula!* Breastmilk can actually help your baby digest the formula!

I recommend using the Dr Brown’s pitcher

Can I feed my older baby milk from when they were younger?

Absolutely! They will most likely need the same amount, or a tiny bit more, than they current drink. I suggest offering the amount you are used to offering, and heating up more if needed, so you do not waste milk. The only word of caution I have about this comes to colostrum. That thick yellow milk from the first few days after birth is still hugely beneficial to your baby, but may act as a bit of a laxitive if given in concentration, so I suggest diluting it in more mature milk. You can even give an older child your baby’s frozen milk! Some people use it in cereals, smoothies, or sippy cups!

Both my pumplings enjoying my milk!

How long will my stash last?

Here’s where you’ve got to do a bit of math. Take the amount of ounces you froze and divide it by the number of ounces your baby drinks per day. (Example- 1000 ounces divided by 30 oz/day = 33 days of milk.) Most breastmilk-fed babies continue to take the same daily total ounces until they are 12 months old, when most pediatricians suggest increasing solid meals and reducing milk to ~16oz/day.

What about a power outage?

The thought of losing an entire freezer stash is horrifying, isn’t it? I highly suggest equipping your chest freezer with a freezer alarm (they even make wifi freezer alarms now!), and taking the necessary precautions for impending outages. I have an entire blog post on what to do if your power goes out, so be sure to bookmark it incase your house experiences a power outage (especially during hurricane or winter storm seasons!)

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

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My Manual Pump Hurts… Am I Doing It Right?

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A manual breast pump or “hand pump” can be hugely beneficial to your breastfeeding journey. For some mommas, though, it can cause discomfort or pain. If this sounds like you, let’s try to fix that and get you pumping in comfort!

First of all, if you don’t know if a manual pump can benefit YOU, I suggest reading my “You Need A Manual Pump” blog post for all the reasons I personally love my manual pump and how it can be a valuable (and inexpensive!) addition to your pump collection.

Assembling your manual pump

To ensure that your pump is in good, working condition, carefully clean, dry, and assemble it. It might not be as intuitive as it seems! (And did you even know the valve and membrane needs to face to the side? Mind blown, right?)

How to use your manual pump

In this video, I go over the simple way to operate the Medela Harmony manual pump as well as the Lansinoh manual pump. Other pumps, like Dr Brown’s, are similar to the Lansinoh in operation- Just do shallow, quick sucks to initiate your letdown, and then switch to slower, deeper squeezes of the handle for expression.

Troubleshooting your manual pump:

Believe me, as a lactation counselor who specializes in all things pumping related, I hear it all! I’ve taken some of the top complaints and give you easy solutions to troubleshoot your manual pump issues. Remember, there are NO stupid questions… you don’t know what you don’t know! You know?

“I just don’t respond to a manual pump”

First of all, know that it is true that different women’s bodies respond differently to various pumps. That being said… are you doing it right? Take a minute to review the instructional video above and give it another try! Be patient with the letdown mode, using very shallow very quick squeezes of the handle until you either see or feel your letdown, when the milk starts flowing. Some mommas describe their letdown as slightly painful pins and needles, whereas others feel a fullness, and others still do not feel their letdown at all. Next, use slow squeezes of the handle, massaging/gently compressing the breast with your free hand. The compression may encourage your body to respond!

“My manual pump is losing suction!”

First, check that all parts and present and accounted for, and assembled correctly. My assembly video above should help with that. If the valve and membrane are not present, there will be no suction. Take the handle off and make sure the little o-ring is present and hasn’t fallen off, which can also affect suction. Make sure the plastic part of the handle is fully connected to the squishy part, pressed in snugly. You can also try replacing the white flappy membrane, especially if you use the pump heavily. Make sure no cloth is caught between the flange and your breast, breaking suction. If you lose suction mid-session, check that your valve and membrane are still attached and haven’t fallen off into your milk. Reposition the flange on your breast, centering your nipple in the flange tunnel, and try again.

“It hurts to use my manual pump”

A few things can be done about this. The first is to ensure you have the proper flange size. (You can size yourself with my DIY Flange Sizing Guide!) Yes, this matters for manual pumps, too! Once you find the correct size, you should use the same size for your electric and your manual pump. You might find a silicone flange more comfortable. Make sure you aren’t squeezing the handle with too much force, or too quickly. Be careful not to overdo it- listen to your body and adjust the strength of suction as needed. Pain mid-session? Remove the flange from your breast and reposition it. Something as little as that has helped me in the past! Use lubrication, like a flange spray or a dab of food-grade coconut oil applied to your nipple/areola with a clean finger before pumping.


“I don’t get as much from my manual pump!”

First, make sure you are using the correct size flange. This can make a huge difference! Review all the videos here and from my other blog post about manual pumps to make sure you’re using it effectively. Don’t just trust me, search your brand pump on YouTube and see if others have created helpful videos on how to use your pump. My biggest piece of advice for this issue is to apply gentle but steady compression with your free hand while pumping. This video should help!


“My wrists really hurt after using my manual pump”

Heavy use of a manual pump can result in sore hands or wrists. Try operating the pump with your other hand. Do wrist exercises. Massage your forearms to improve blood flow to your wrist and fingers and reduce inflammation. If you feel that you’ve really injured your wrists, apply ice, take an anti-inflammatory medication, and call your healthcare provider. For more information on repetitive strain injuries related to breastfeeding, read this article from Today’s Parent.

“My back/neck hurt while pumping”

Look at your posture. Are you all hunched over with little hands up near your chest like a T-Rex? Stand up and do some stretches. Then, find a comfortable seat on a chair or couch. Place a pillow behind just your upper back. This way you feel like you can relax, but are still supported in the upright position. Avoid hunching over and staring at your bottle as you operate your manual pump.


“I can’t find different flange sizes for my manual pump”

If you have a Medela Harmony, there aren’t special flanges just for the Harmony- Any Medela flange will fit, even compatible off-brand ones on Amazon. Same thing goes for the Lansinoh manual pump- Any Lansinoh or compatible off-brand flanges will work. If you have a Dr Brown’s manual pump, you may need a flange insert in your correct size. Phillips Avent and Tommee Tippee manual pumps come with a soft silicone shield which may not come in a wide variety of sizes, but you can check with the manufacturer.

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Do I Have Elastic Nipples?

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How do you know if you have “Elastic Nipples?” (and what does that even mean???)

Our skin is naturally elastic (I mean, just think about how much our skin stretches in pregnancy, doesn’t it!) and all nipples swell during pumping. However, some mommas have more elastic tissue in their nipples that can be problematic when pumping. I’ve previously posted about flange sizing, but this post is all about elastic nipple tissue.

So how can you tell?
An elastic nipple may stretch lengthwise and even reach the end of the flange tunnel.
An elastic nipple may swell widthwise to fill the flange tunnel no matter what size flange you use. THAT’S the kicker- If you don’t have elastic nipple tissue and your flange is too large, you’ll experience what I call the “nipple mountain”, pulling in a lot of areola with a little nipple pulsing on top with each suck of the pump. The nipple itself wouldn’t swell or stretch like an elastic nipple would. Check the video below for a visual:

The Nipple Mountain!

(I really should copyright this term! 😜)
When I do flange sizing consultations, this is the easiest way to know whether your flanges are too large or whether you have elastic nipple tissue (as you saw in the video above.) When a flange is too large, part or all of the areola gets sucked inside the flange tunnel while pumping, and the nipple pulses on top like a little nipple mountain. That signals to me that the flange is too large. When a momma has elastic nipple tissue, the nipple itself would swell either sideways to fit the whole flange tunnel and/or extend down the length of the flange tunnel toward the end. Notice in the drawing above how the nipple itself is not swelling. This momma would want to consider selecting a flange that is smaller in diameter.
Why does this matter? When a flange is too large it could hurt- rubbing the areola resulting in friction blisters, peely skin, or a red raw feeling. A flange that is too large might also not remove milk efficiently. The mother might take a long time to empty or experience ‘clogs’ or reduced milk supply. A flange that is too large can easily become off centered which could result in some milk ducts being stimulated more than others, which could cause a ‘clog’ (inadequately emptied breast, in this case) as well.

What can you do about elastic nipples?

So you decided that you DO have elastic nipples, and you are finding it to be problematic. What can you do about it?
You can’t turn elastic nipples INelastic (like, you can’t make that go away) so you have to work with it instead of against it! I highly suggest that you get sized professionally for the correct size flange, and you find the size and style flange that is both the most comfortable and fully empties the breast most efficiently. (Book a consult or flange sizing here.)
What do I mean by “style” flange? This can mean selecting a flange cushion, a silicone flange, an angled flange, and/or adding or eliminating lubrication while pumping. Confused? That’s why it’s best to work with a lactation professional 1:1 to figure this out! Check out my go-to flange style options below.

BeauGen Breast Pump Cushions

My go-to solution for elastic nipples that extend down the entire flange tunnel: BeauGen cushions! (They fit into flanges sized 21-27 and bring the size down by 2mm so are ideal for mommas who need a flange size of 19-24) They gently hold back the stretchy nipple tissue so that the nipple can’t stretch all the way down the flange tunnel. SAVE on BeauGen cushions with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP.

Lacteck Silicone Flanges

⭐️ MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ⭐️
I wouldn’t even say I’m “team silicone” over here because I’m just straight “team Lacteck!“ They are SO COMFORTABLE… great for elastic nipples, YES, but I do not have elastic nips and my nips also love ‘em! Use code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10 to save on Lacteck flanges.
(Spectra/Motif users will need this additional connector to use Lacteck flanges)

PumpinPal Flanges

PumpinPal flanges are angled, silicone or plastic flanges. While they aren’t for everyone, I’ve had many a momma tell me that they “saved their pumping journey.” They can be good for elastic nips because the silicone variety (smaller sizes) help hold the areola back from the tunnel and all styles provide a different, more ergonomic way of pumping. They also come in a variety pack as opposed to being individually measured in mm. Save on PumpinPal flanges with code PUMPMOMMA5.

What about coconut oil as lubrication?

I always suggest using a food-grade coconut oil as lubrication when pumping. However, for mommas experiencing problematic elastic nipple tissue, I caution against coconut oil. While it can relieve friction, it can also make elastic tissue stretch even more! Mommas who are experiencing width-wise expansion, definitely try coconut oil. Mommas who are experiencing length-wise expansion, you might benefit from NOT using coconut oil. Try it and see! Pumping is all about experimentation and finding what works for you.

*I make sure to get discount codes for you on all product links, and for select products, I receive a small commission on those purchases at no additional cost to you.*

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)

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Dealing with the Mental and Emotional Toll of Weaning from the Pump

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First, let me tell you… Weaning from exclusive pumping is as much a MENTAL shift as a PHYSICAL one! We spend so long being concerned with, fixated on, even obsessed with producing more more more milk…. and now all of a sudden we have to shift that mindset to making less less less milk! It’s a weird shift, right? It can be really hard, too! On top of that, we often experience GUILT about weaning, which is ridiculous because we have enough to worry about as it is! On top of THAT, our hormones can really throw us for a look while weaning. *Sigh* It can be rough. So… what can we do about it?

Disclaimer- this is not a post about how to wean from excluvive pumping. (You’ll find that page HERE.) This is a post about how to deal with the effects of weaning, and how to make that essential mindset shift.

Making the shift

Raise your hand if you’ve spent days, weeks, even months concerned with building and protecting your milk supply. Me too, momma. You’re going to shift that mindset of “More More More” to “Less Less Less”. Work on getting excited to see fewer ounces- that means that your body is getting the message to create less milk, and that weaning is working! Trick your mind into switching this perspective by saying celebratory things aloud like “Yes! Half an ounce less than yesterday!” or something similar.

Feel your feelings

Let yourself sit with your emotions as they come. Be sad when you feel sad, and be happy when you feel happy! Without apology. There’s no one correct way to feel. Talk about your feelings with a trusted friend, journal, meditate, pray… whatever makes sense to you! Have grace with yourself along the way, you deserve it.

Guilt is a very common feeling when weaning. I weaned during the initial wave of C*vid, so I should know! You might feel guilty if you didn’t reach the goal you set for yourself, but many mothers feel guilt even after reaching their breast feeing goals. This guilt is common no matter if momma nursed directly at the breast or exclusively pumped, so you’re definitely not alone. One helpful tip I saw online was to change the way you talk to yourself others. Instead of “I only breastfed for 3 months” take the word “only” out and confidently say, “I breastfed for 3 months!”

Relief is also common! Pumping is a huge commitment and time suck! It’s natural to feel the freedom that follows weaning from the pump. Channel the energy you once gave to pumping into whatever makes you feel like YOU again!

One of my very last pumping sessions

Get support

If you need logistical help with weaning, call on your lactation professional to set up a weaning consultation and formulate a plan with them. If you are having trouble processing the emotional side of weaning, consider talking to a therapist/counselor, (you know I’m super pro-therapy!) or a mom friend who has already weaned and can relate. Share your weaning journey with your partner or another support person… even during the process of weaning, you can always use a cheerleader!

Hormones are a b*tch!

Just as your body underwent a huge hormonal shift giving birth and beginning lactation, your body goes through a hormonal shift when weaning. “We know that the hormones so important in breastfeeding – prolactin (milk making hormone) and oxytocin (the hormone of love and responsible for the milk ejection reflex) – play an important role in how we feel emotionally. Both oxytocin and prolactin contribute to feelings of calm, love, relaxation, closeness and contentment. As breastfeeding ends, both prolactin and oxytocin levels will lower – and so may your mood and sense of wellbeing.” (LaLeche League)
This will not last forever. You may experience mood swings, even depression or anxiety (even if you did not struggle with postpartum depression/anxiety earlier on.)

One momma shares her story- “I was easily upset, crying, and and feeling like I wish I could turn back time to when she was younger. This set in when I officially stopped pumping and lasted no more than 5 days. It was similar to my experience with the baby blues during those first days home from the hospital. It helped to look at pictures and videos of my daughter and focus on work and upcoming events/travel now that I had weaned.”

Other things to expect

  • Return of your period- The drop in prolactin increases ovarian function, and return of the normal rhythms of estrogen and progesterone…. so if you haven’t gotten your cycle back, it may be coming soon!
  • Engorgement- Another reason to wean slowly (Tips HERE) is to help your body adjust to infrequent milk removal. Use ice and antiinflamatory medicaiton to reduce engorgement. You may experience this days or even weeks after your last pump…. in that case, you may wish to pump just enough to relieve yourself.
  • Weight gain- Now that your body is not expending so many calories on creating breastmilk, you may begin to gain weight. If this is an issue for you, it may be helpful to bring it up with your GP.
  • Breast/Nipple changes: Your breasts may reduce in side or appear flatter after weaning. Your nipples may appear darker or longer, or even point in a different direction than below. This may rectify itself in the next few months, or in some cases, this change may be more permanent.
  • Low Sex Drive- The drop in oxytocin, your “feel good” hormone, can result in a lower sex drive. As your hormonal levels even out, this may rectify itself quickly.
  • Increased Sex Drive- Conversely, some mommas experience increased natural lubrication and decreased breast tenderness after weaning, which as you can imagine, can benefit your sex life.

Honor your journey

Finding ways to honor your journey can REALLY help with the emotional shift of weaning. It can help you get into a celebratory mindset and find closure on this chapter of your life. To celebrate my own two weaning journeys, I got a tattoo, made a trophy, had breastmilk jewelry made with milk from both of my babies, went drinking/dancing, wrote a thank-you letter to my body, took up running again, began eating dairy again (I had been on an elimination diet), and best of all… started Pump Momma Pump, LLC!

There are so many ways I’ve heard that mommas celebrated their breastfeeding journey… maybe you can find one or two things on this list to honor your own journey! Here are some ideas:

  • Journaling/meditating/praying words of gratitude
  • Writing a letter to your body/pump
  • Going out to eat
  • Making or ordering a cake
  • Planning a vacation
  • Pumping photoshoot
  • Donating your pump or pump accessories
  • Smashing their pump (this makes me sad, but you do you!)
  • Returning to a favorite hobby or getting a new one
  • Getting breastmilk jewelry
My own personal breastmilk jewelry collection

Breastmilk jewelry companies I have personally worked with:

Sources:

Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)