Tag: milk supply

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!)

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#5- Supplementing is okay! (“7 Things I Wish I Knew” Series)

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To celebrate Pump Momma Pump’s 7th Birthday, I’m sharing the “7 Things I Wish I Knew” at the start of my pumping journey. Here’s #5: Supplementing is not only “okay” but can help you meet or exceed your breastfeeding goal!

I highly suggest setting an achievable goal, which looks different for everyone. (Yours might be week-to-week or month-to-month, 3 months, 6 months, etc!) When I was exclusively pumping for my first baby, I set a goal of 6 months. I had the support system and resources where 6 months seemed like an achievable goal. At the 6 months mark, I decided that I could keep going! I reduced my pumps to 4 per day to give myself more freedom, and began supplementing. Supplementing helped me far exceed my goal (I made it to 11 months with my first baby!)

Me and my first pumpling, around 6 months

Let’s talk about supplementing. It’s way more common than you think. Supplementing is a fact of life for many mommas, but can also be the key to prolonging your pumping journey!
How? Read on to find out:
*This post is NOT sponsored by any formula brands, nor is any specific brand mentioned/suggested/promoted within this post*

Coming to terms with supplementing

The need to supplement can leave mommas feeling guilty about not being able to provide a complete diet of breastmilk for their baby. I get it, I’ve been there. Keep in mind, even if you can’t provide 100% breastmilk for your baby, they are still getting 100% of the benefits of your breastmilk. Read that again, because it’s true. That amount still matters. (For example, did you know that one teaspoon of breastmilk contains up to 3 million germ-killing cells? Wow!) Still, it can be hard to start supplementing. There can be feelings of failure. There can be feelings of guilt and grief. Let yourself feel your feelings, because they matter. Then, try reframing your mindset about supplementing. Formula was scientifically designed to help infants thrive. A mindset shift that helped me personally was this: Soon, there will be lots of things your baby will eat that you didn’t personally create with your body. Do you give yourself a hard time because you can’t create bananas, bread, or broccoli with your body? Of course not! Just group formula in with all the new foods that will nourish your baby.
I promise, there are so many silver linings to supplementing!

The benefits of supplementing

  • Supplementing can help improve baby’s bilirubin levels to combat jaundice.
  • Supplementing can help while a momma is actively working with a lactation professional to improve nursing or pumping.
  • Supplementing under a doctor’s guidance can help a baby who is struggling with weight gain.
  • Supplementing helps a momma with low supply keep offering breastmilk.
  • Supplementing can help mommas reach their breast pumping goal.
  • Supplementing can help momma ease up on her pumping schedule and potentially pump longer than anticipated because it feels more sustainable!
  • By combo-feeding, you can ensure baby is still getting the benefits of your breastmilk, no matter what amount you are able to provide. Think of it as the most personalized vitamin you can give them!

Since this is a topic I feel passionately about, I’ve blogged about it before. Today’s blog is an abbreviated version. For the full blog on supplementing, click HERE.

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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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#4- Calories Count [to support your milk supply]! (“7 Things I Wish I Knew” Series)

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To celebrate Pump Momma Pump’s 7th Birthday, I’m sharing the “7 Things I Wish I Knew” at the start of my pumping journey. Here’s #4: Calories Count! Breastfeeding expends an average of 500 calories per day. It wasn’t until my second exclusive pumping journey that I realized how a big ol’ cheeseburger would increase my milk supply for the day (and dehydration would kill my milk supply!)

Fuel for the Flow: How Calories & Hydration Can Boost Your Milk Supply

Breastfeeding is an incredible way to nourish your baby — but did you know that nourishing yourself is just as important? Make sure your body is set up for success- calories and hydration are two of the biggest players in the game.

Let’s break down why eating enough and staying hydrated can help increase milk supply — and how to do it right.

Milk Production is a Metabolic Workout

Producing breast milk takes a lot of energy. On average, your body burns an extra 500 calories a day just by making milk. That’s like going for a 45-minute run! Woah! So if you’re not getting enough calories or fluids, your body may not have the fuel it needs to keep up milk production. It’s kind of like trying to drive cross-country on an empty tank.
Your body prioritizes nourishing your baby, but if it’s running low on energy, milk supply can dip. Here’s how to make sure you’re eating enough:

✅ Eat Often

You don’t need fancy meals — just consistent fuel. Aim for 5-6 small meals/snacks a day to keep energy (and milk) flowing.

✅ Focus on Nutrient-Rich Foods

  • Good fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil
  • Proteins: Eggs, dairy, meat, tofu, beans
  • Whole carbs: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, fruits

✅ Don’t Fear the Snack

Trail mix, granola bars, smoothies, nut butter on toast — these are easy, one-handed fuel-ups you can manage even when you’re running on baby snuggles and no sleep.

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💧 Why Hydration is Key

Milk is about 88% water, so staying hydrated is essential to keeping supply steady. Dehydration can make you feel tired, sluggish, and even reduce milk output.

✅ How Much Water Should You Drink?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to drink to thirst and aim for about 8–12 cups a day. More if you’re sweating, exercising, or in a hot climate.

✅ Pro Tips to Stay Hydrated:

  • Keep a big water bottle next to your pumping or nursing station.
  • Sip while you feed — make it a habit!
  • Don’t like plain water? Add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or berries to keep things interesting.
  • Diet Coke doesn’t count! Soda, Coffee, even Teas are not great ways to hydrate and can even lead to greater dehydration!

🚫 What to Avoid

  • Skipping meals: It’s easy to forget to eat, especially with a newborn. But skipping meals can tank your energy — and your supply.
  • Caffeine overload: A cup or two of coffee is totally fine, but too much caffeine can be dehydrating.
  • “Dieting” too soon: Trying to lose baby weight too quickly can lead to a drop in milk. Focus on nourishment first — your body will find its balance in time.

Find correlating factors

What’s a correlating factor? It’s a variable that shows a relationship with one or more other variables, indicating whether changes in one variable are associated with changes in others. Huh? Pay attention to a pump session that is greater or less than average, and see if there are any factors that might have correlated with this increase or decrease. For example, I found that after I ate a high-protein meal (like a cheeseburger,) I’d pump more milk. I found that after a day drinking barely anything, I’d pump less milk, booooo.

Every body is different — and while hydration and calories are two of the biggest contributors to milk supply, they aren’t the only factors. Hormones, stress, latch issues, and even pumping frequency all play a role. But making sure you’re eating and drinking enough is one of the easiest (and most empowering) steps you can take.

Milk-making mamas are athletes — your body is working hard to nourish your baby! Treat it with the care it deserves: eat enough, hydrate often, and rest when you can. The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll feel — and the more your body can show up for your baby.

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

Have favorite snacks or hydration hacks? Drop them in the comments below. Your go-to smoothie might just be another mom’s game-changer!

Pumping Support

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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Pumping Support

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!)

Must-Have Products

You Need A Manual Pump

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If you’re a breastfeeding momma, you need a manual pump. Period. I’m looking at you, nursing momma, and you, back-to-work momma, and definitely positively absolutely you, exclusive pumping momma! Sure, there are a lot of pumps that would be nice to have… but this one is a must. And here’s why…

Why get a manual pump???

A manual pumps is an essential tool for breastfeeding mommas. I’ll list out the reasons first, and then elaborate on each one below.

  • Freedom!
  • Small and quiet
  • Great for extracting colostrum
  • Clogged duct buster
  • Mini sessions
  • Different stimulation/variable speed
  • Pump one-handed
  • Helps with weaning from the pump

Freedom! Switch it up with a manual pump!

I felt much less controlled by my pumping schedule when I started taking my manual pump on-the-go with me. That way, if I couldn’t get home in time to pump, I had my hand pump with me! I’ve pumped so many many places, whether it was the mother’s room at Target, family gatherings, county fairs, or even my minster’s office! I could grab it on my way out the door and pump in the car (passenger) without having to wait to leave until after my pumping session. I could duck out of the room to pump quickly at events without having to lug everything and hook up to tubes and stuff.
Are you getting mentally drained by hooking all your pumping stuff and tubes up every time? Switch it up! Use this pump for a session to switch things up. Mentally, it just feels different!

Pumping on a road trip with my 3-month old

Manual pumps are small and quiet

This pump is so small that it fits effortlessly into my diaper bag or purse. I find that it’s much less awkward to pump in front of family or friends, than hooking up to something with tubes coming out of you. (I liked to wear a loose scarf overtop for modesty.) It’s nearly silent, too! The sound of the milk hitting the bottles is the loudest part about it! I’ve even used on on a zoom call and no one knew it!

Manual pumps are great at extracting colostrum

Colostrum is a sticky subject. Scenario: You just had a baby yesterday but nothing is coming out when you pump! A manual pump (or hand expressing) can often get that thick colostrum out better than your electric pump if baby can’t latch!

Pumping on the day I gave birth to my second baby- manual pumps work best for colostrum!

Manual pumps are great for busting clogs!

These pump are GREAT for clogged ducts because you can angle it toward the clog, and use the other hand to massage out the clog, and use deep slow squeezes of the handle to extract the milk! (Keep in mind that some ‘clogs’ are due to inadequate removal of milk, and some are from inflammation. Read more on that topic HERE.)

Great as a back-up pump

Storm season coming, with frequent power outages? Is your pump out of batteries? Are you away from an electrical outlet? Did you forget your electric pump when you left your work? Having a manual pump can really save the day!

Do a mini-session with a manual!

Don’t have time to strap everything on for a full pumping session? Get a mini-session in with a manual pump! A short pumping session is better than no pumping session, and there’s no huge set up tear down process with a little manual pump!

Pumping at the beach

A manual pump has different stimulation/variable speed

Different bodies responds differently to different pumps. You may respond really well to a manual pump! I know a few exclusive pumpers who use a manual exclusively! Also, YOU control the speed! You can go reaaalllly slow if you need that kind of suction speed (like me!) or any other speed that your body needs.

Pump one-handed!

Have a clingy baby? Manual pumps only take one hand! Comfort baby on the other side. You can even side-carry with a baby carrier and pump at the same time!

Taking a break to pump on Thanksgiving
with my 5-month old son

Weaning helper

If you are in the process of weaning and you are feeling so engorged but but don’t want to fully empty your breasts… Use a manual pump to relieve yourself while trying to wean. Use it just enough to relieve the pain, it will not trigger your body to produce more milk.

Pump Momma Pump’s favorite manual pump: the Medela Harmony

My love for the Medela Harmony knows no bounds, and NO they aren’t paying me to say that! (But they should. Anyone know a rep from Medela? LOL) I love the dual-mode handle shown in my video below. It’s so lightweight and there’s not a lot to clean!

Available HERE on Amazon, or in a Target or Walmart near you! (Amazon usually has the best price, in my experience)

How to use your manual pump

You might be scrolling through this post thinking… well that’s all well and good for some mommas, but I could never get my manual pump to work for me! Check out the quick tutorial below and practice with your pump! There’s a little bit of a learning curve, but once you know how to use it, you just might fall in love, too! Remember, start out quick for letdown, then go slow for expression.

Troubleshooting your Medela Harmony

Has your pump suddenly lost suction? Take it completely apart and make sure it’s set up correctly. Make sure your valve and membrane is snugly attached It’s a good idea to have extra white flappy membranes on hand to replace if it becomes worn out. Check that your diaphram stem still has a tiny white o-ring on it. (They can fall off over time especially with an older or well-loved pump.) Are you pressing down too swiftly during pumping? Try a long, slooow squeeze of the handle instead.

What about a haakaa?

Ah the Haakaa. Here is where the Haakaa company and I never agree- I say that the Haakaa is NOT a pump, in the truest sense. (Though the company would state that they are indeed a pump.) I say this because the Haakaa creates a continuous suck, not a suck-and-release cycle like a traditional “pump” or like a nursing baby’s suck.
Do I think this silicone suction style pump has its place in a breastfeeding momma’s life? Sure! They are GREAT for collecting milk on the side not currently being nursed on. They are also great for collecting milk on the opposite breast when a momma is using a manual pump. Would I use one as a replacement for a traditional electric, rechargeable, or even manual pump? I would not.

Image from Haakaa UAE

Manual Pump FAQs:

  • I usually pump for 15 minutes. Do I have to pump each breast with my manual pump for 15 min each? Nope! You don’t time a manual pump… you just pump until empty. When you see milk start to stop, lightly compress the breast with the opposite hand to ensure that you are emptying completely.
  • Milk is leaking from my other breast while I pump! Simply stuff a napkin or breast pad in there, or attach a haakaa or milk collector.
  • Can I use the fridge hack with this pump? Sure! (If you are comfortable with that method.) After pumping, wipe the inside of your flange with a medela wipe (or cottonelle, nothing with harsh chemicals/soaps.) Empty the milk into a feeding or storage bottle, reattach connector/flange to pumping bottle, and store in the fridge until the next time you pump! Do not rinse.
  • What do I have to wash? Everything that touches milk: Bottle, valve, connector. You don’t have to wash the handle and the disphram thingie under the handle.
  • Can I use two manual pumps at the same time? Techically, yes. I have a good friend who does. I ‘ve never even tried that sorcery! Haha!
  • My body just doesn’t respond to a manual pump. Are you using it correctly? Be sure to watch my demo video from today’s blog post! There are more demos in my manual pump highlight on Instagram.
  • Why did I completely lose suction? Take your pump apart. On the underside of the handle there is a stem with a tiny white o-ring on it. Is that missing? Is your yellow and white vale-and-membrane attached securely?
  • Do I turn the handle around to use the small side? Nope! As you saw in my video, it is designed to use at the top of your pump, to achieve small, quick fluttery sucks that stimulate your milk-ejection reflex or “let-down.”
The hot pink Sarah Wells Ally bag is perfect
for toting around your manual pump!

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

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Tips & Tricks

Frozen breastmilk smell or taste weird? Could be high lipase!

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Here I am, shaking my fist at the sky and shouting…. “WHY DIDN’T THEY TEST THEIR MILK FIRST before freezing hundreds of ounces?!” IYKYK. If you don’t know what I am talking about, here’s the buzzword of the day- HIGH LIPASE. (I guess that’s two words, actually.) What is it, why does it matter, and why should you test your milk for it before starting your freezer stash?

This is one of those things that makes me crazy. Mommas with entire freezer stashes who never tested their milk for high lipase! We get so obsessed with freezer stashes and then I get messages complaining that baby won’t take any of the milk because it tastes funny. AARGH!!! Save this and send this to your pregnant or breastfeeding friends… PLEASE! 

Before I begin… it needs to be said: First and foremost, focus on feeding your baby. Grow and protect your milk supply so that you can feed your baby. Many mommas see pictures of stashes online and feel like they need to have tons of milk stashed away. Don’t let that overwhelm you. Focus on making enough to feed baby first.

What is 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, but some women may smell it after multiple days in the fridge. What does it smell like? 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 below.

What Can Be Done About High Lipase?

If you know your milk contains high levels of lipase, consider doing either (or both!) of these two things before freezing: Scalding and Freezing right away:

1) Scalding– You can scald your milk first by bringing the breastmilk ALMOST to a boil but don’t boil! For greater accuracy, heat it to 180 degrees Fahrenheit then remove it from heat. (Honestly I watched a YouTube video demo and it helped me understand scalding) Freeze milk after scalding. For mommas with a larger supply to freeze, you can combine breastmilk in a pitcher in the fridge and scald a bunch at one time. Scalding will not work with thawed breastmilk, only fresh. After doing this, thaw and test your milk to see if baby will take it.

Here are a few videos on scalding breastmilk:

2) Freezing right away– The longer breastmilk sits in your fridge, the more developed the flavor. Try to freeze milk as soon as possible, without allowing it to sit in the fridge overnight or for several days before freezing. Then, thaw and test your milk to see if baby will take it.

Baby Won’t Take My Thawed Breastmilk! What do I do?

If you haven’t tested out your frozen breastmilk by thawing some and serving it to baby, now’s the time to do it! *Here is your sign!* Milk with excess lipase is safe to drink and many babies accept it without issue. However if your baby is rejecting your high lipase milk, here are some options for you:

  • Freeze right away: The flavor of high lipase becomes stronger as milk sits in the refrigerator, so getting that milk frozen as soon as possible will help.
  • Scald before freezing: Scalding milk before freezing can reduce or eliminate the flavor of high lipase milk.
  • Serve cold: Sometimes cold milk will taste milder than warmed up milk.
  • Mix with fresh milk: Try it in small amounts so you don’t waste it if baby rejects it.
  • Add vanilla extract: One drop of non-alcoholic vanilla extract often works. Ask your pediatrician if you are at all concerned about adding vanilla.
  • Mix with formula: Formula has a much different/stronger flavor than breastmilk. By mixing your high lipase with formula, the flavor may be masked.
  • Mix with babyfood/baby cereal: I forgot to put that in my graphic! Oops!

There is no guarantee these tricks will work, but why not given them a try? Always start with smaller quantities of milk so you don’t waste it. Always feed fresh, as high lipase usually doesn’t develop strong flavors until you freeze and thaw it.

What about Chemical Oxidation?

Milk with high lipase smells and tastes soapy or metallic…. but if your milk smells or tastes rancid/like vomit, it could be “chemical oxidation” and should not be given to baby. According to Dr. Nicola Singletary, PhD, MAT, IBCLC, “There is a lot of information out there about lipase issues, but very little about chemical oxidation. And most of what we know is found in dairy industry journals.” Nancy Mohrbacher, breastfeeding author and IBCLC, mentions some specific changes to the mother’s diet may help preserve breast milk in this situation.

What can be done to prevent chemical oxidation?

  • Avoid fish-oil or flaxseed supplements
  • Avoid anchovies, oils, and nuts that can easily become rancid
  • Increase antioxidants in diet by taking beta carotene and vitamin E
  • Switch to bottled water if there is high iron/copper in your tap water

Scalding cannot fix chemical oxidation. You should not try to mask the flavor like you would with high lipase. If your milk smells or tastes rancid/like vomit, throw it out!

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

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Pumping Support

Getting off to a good start breastfeeding (by bottle or breast) in the first few days

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If no one tells you how important that first week is… I’m telling you now. That first week is SO important in your breastfeeding journey!

Building your milk supply begins in those precious first hours after birth. If you are planning to nurse, it will be essential to get baby latching right away. Skin-to-skin helps this occur as naturally as possible, and has many other benefits for mom and baby! Request to see a lactation consultant in the hospital as soon as you can! Hospitals in the U.S. usually have one on staff. Latching does not always come naturally and can use guidance. (If you’re planning to give birth soon, consider taking a breastfeeding course! Many hospitals offer them.) Breastfeeding should not hurt. If you are experiencing pain, gently break baby’s seal on your nipple by inserting your pinky finger in the corner of their mouth and try re-latching, with assistance from a nurse or lactation counselor. Honestly if you’re in a pinch, watching YouTube videos can really help! Feed baby on demand, watching for hungry and full cues (see my Bottle Feeding highlight for cue posts) This means making sure baby latches both breasts every 2-3 hours on demand around the clock.

If you cannot latch, are separated from baby, or choose to exclusively pump, it is incredibly important to begin expressing right away and continue around the clock every 3 hours. A manual pump or hand-expression might work better to remove that colostrum initially, and an electric pump later. (Check my Manual pump highlight on Instagram for demo videos!) Colostrum can be thick and sticky, and an electric pump might not extract it as well as hand-expression or a manual pump can. Collect this colostrum on a spoon, in a medicine syringe, or in a medicine put to feed to baby. A baby only needs about 5-7ml of colostrum per feeding, which increases to 20ml by day 3 and up to 60ml by 1 week.

For more tips on getting started Exclusive Pumping right from the start, click HERE. For tips on transitioning to exclusive pumping after exclusively nursing, click HERE. Make an appointment to see a lactation professional when you arrive home from the hospital if you are having ANY difficulty or pain.

Let’s get technical:


There are 3 stages of Lactogenesis (milk making). When you are pregnant, you are already entering into Lactogenesis 1: Colostrum! Colostrum is so important for baby’s gut development. It contains immunological properties and helps baby pass meconium, acting as a gentle and necessary laxative. Lactogenesis 2: As soon as your placenta detaches after birth, your body experiences a hormonal change which allows your transitional milk to begin coming in. This milk is slightly less yellow and greater in volume. Lactogenesis 3: Through frequent nursing or pumping, your transitional milk will turn into whiter, mature milk.

So when does your milk come in?

Your milk is already in! Colostrum IS milk! What people usually mean when they say this, is when your milk turns a paler yellow and increases in volume (transitional milk), resulting in a feeling of heavy fullness in the breast which usually takes 3-5 days (can take longer for c-section mommas. You can’t just wait for it to come in though…. you need to ACTIVELY work for that transition to happen- this is an ACTIVE waiting period- latching, hand expressing, or pumping needs to happen around the clock to trigger this next stage of lactation. Milk removal should be REGULAR (meaning nursing/pumping is spaced somewhat evenly) and FREQEUNT (every 2-3 hours around the clock, yes even at night!)

Does your milk supply increase as baby’s intake increases?

This one is mainly for EXCLUSIVE PUMPERS- Build your milk supply EARLY so that you have enough for baby! (For nursing mommas, your baby’s frequent and regular demand for milk should build and maintain your supply.)
It’s super important to begin building your supply FROM BIRTH and work work work (pumping 8+ times a day) to build it until your supply regulates by 2-3 months. From there, you’ll have to protect that supply so it doesn’t begin to decrease… but you may be able to pump fewer times in a day. Aim for 120 total minutes in 24 hours.

*This is not a scientifically accurate graph… it’s a rough visual to give you an idea that you “should” be at your max output around 1-2 month mark, when baby is at their max intake. ⭐️ Ideally, you’d want to be ahead of baby’s intake- your supply could build faster than baby’s intake. Don’t use your baby’s intake at 2 weeks as your goal. 🌟 Your goal should be what a typical baby drinks in a day, which is approx 25-30 ounces. (They may drink less as they begin to eat more solid foods toward age 1.) UNLIKE formula-fed babies, breastmilk-fed babies usually do NOT continue to need greater amounts of milk daily.👶🍼 Most babies plateau out at ~30 oz/day from 1 month onward. They might take slightly more per bottle but fewer bottles per day equaling the same daily total.

You might be thinking… What happens when my bottle-fed baby needs more milk? The goal, of course, is to already have that max output amount, right? But many of us can’t, or we might have had a “bad start” and didn’t pump enough in the beginning due to any number of reasons. What do we do then?
Power pumping is a way to imitate cluster feeding and signal to your body to increase output- You pump 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10. (It takes an hour) Do this once a day for a week or two. It should have a cumulative effect. Check out my page on Milk Supply for more tips! And of course,
Supplementing is OKAY!!! It may actually make you feel LESS stress after you begin to supplement!

How often should I pump?

Keep in mind that this is a pumping website… if you are nursing, follow baby’s feeding cues for nursing at the breast. Work closely with an IBCLC for any direct latching advice.

Here’s an EXCLUSIVE PUMPING SAMPLE SCHEDULE for those who need it!
You might see a different schedule that begins at birth with 8 ppd (pumps per day) and ends at 12 months with 1 ppd. That schedule is great if you’d like to be weaned by 12 months. Use THIS schedule as a sample for building and maintaining your milk supply until you are ready to wean. Alter as needed, based on what’s best for your schedule and family priorities.


This is a SAMPLE schedule based on typical/average output. Every mother is different! Every breast has a different storage capacity and every mother produces a different daily total. Some mothers need to pump more frequently, some can go longer between pumps because their breasts can store more milk!
‼️ If you see a drop in your supply after dropping a pump, you may need to remain at a higher number of pumps per day. Do what works for you and your baby. ❤️

What if I got off to a bad start?

Did your breastfeeding journey get off to a bad start? 😓
When I was researching low supply, one of the reasons for secondary low supply was “Bad Start.” I was thinking, phew that’s harsh! But literally there’s not much of a better way to say it! 🤔

We know that milk supply is usually based off of the demand for milk, whether it’s being demanded by baby nursing or by the act of pumping… and we know that this demand should begin within the first few hours after birth, literally as soon as possible. Milk must be removed frequently (every 2-3 hrs) around the clock beginning at birth, in order to establish a full supply.

But… life happens. C-section recovery, NICU stays, life events, stress, etc… and not every mother gets off to a “good start.” If that’s you…. HAVE GRACE WITH YOURSELF MOMMA. That’s the first step.

If you’re under 2 months postpartum, you have the greatest chance of still recovering/building your supply because it’s likely that your supply has not regulated yet. So….
1️⃣ Take a look at your priorities. If giving 100% breastmilk is a priority to you, get yourself on a strict schedule of pumping every 3 hours around the clock- set alarms in your phone.
2️⃣ Get a quality pump, correctly sized flanges, and replace parts as needed. (Exclusive pumpers should replace their valves every 1-2 months.)
3️⃣ Get yourself on a diet that supports lactation- HIGH calories full of good fats and protein. HYDRATE. Google galactagogues and eat them!
4️⃣ Try POWER PUMPING (See my highlight on it) It should have a cumulative effect so do it once a day for a week straight.

⭐️ IMPORTANT ⭐️ If you know that any breastmilk is better than none, and you cannot make pumping top priority, pump on as strict of a schedule as you can manage and supplement what you cannot produce. Like I said, give yourself grace. We are all living different lives and taking a good look at priorities will let you know if you can honestly make exclusive pumping work… AND THAT’S OKAY!

(YES there are outliers to low supply that an IBCLC can work with you on… the info I post is for the average/typical experience. UNDERSTANDING low supply can be really helpful- follow @lowsupplymom on instagram and learn more about Primary vs. Secondary low supply HERE.)

What was YOUR first week like? Tell us in the comments below!

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

Pumping Support

How do I know what Flange size to use?

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Why is there so much conflicting information when it comes to flange sizing?

➡️The traditional school of thought is to measure your nipples and add 3-4mm for your flange size. (Example, if you measure 15mm, select a 18-19mm flange)

➡️The newer school of thought that is being presented to lactation professionals through professional development right now is to size a momma much closer to her exact nipple size. (Example, if you measure 15mm, select a 15-16mm flange)

What do I believe?🤔 Personally and professionally, (After two exclusive pumping journeys and hundreds of flange sizing consultations) I hover somewhere right in the middle, and I usually suggest a range of anywhere from 1-2mm larger than the nipple width. I don’t feel comfortable suggesting a 15mm flange for a 15mm nipple. Nipples expand during pumping, and I feel that there should be room for that expansion.🤗
That’s why I give mommas all the information and let them do a bit if experimentation to see what works for their unique body. ❤️ Want a little TMI? My nipples are 15mm and I comfortably used a 18mm Lacteck but would also fit well in a 17mm flange.

⚠️HOWEVER, flange sizing is SO MUCH MORE than “here, go measure yourself.” Mommas don’t usually know where/what to measure, and there are other factors that play into successful flange sizing than measurement alone. What are those factors?

⭐️FIT- Flange stays centered and does not gap or slide around
⭐️FEEL- Pumping is comfortable without pain to the nipple or areola
⭐️SPRAYS- Strong sprays of milk are a good sign it fits well (and good suction/settings on your pump).
⭐️EMPTYING FULLY- Meaning that milk is not left in areas of the breast/frequent clogs
⭐️EFFICIENCY- Sessions that take 15-30min max.

😵‍💫Confused? This is why a flange sizing appointment can be helpful! You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, momma! Get sized by a knowledgeable lactation professional.

Where do I measure?

For some mommas, it is unclear where the areola ends and the nipple begins. For many, the nipple has a different texture or skin tone shade than the areola. (The nipple may have a more textured/wrinkly appearance than the area around it) Gently pinch your nipple before measuring. Nipples cn get squashed inside bras and additional stimulation can help elongate/define the nipple.

How do I go about measuring my nipple?

Grab a ruler or tape measure with centimeters. Hold the centimeter side toward your body. It helps to get a second opinion, since you can only see it from one vantage point. From the picture on the far left, you can see that the nipple is about one line short of 1.5cm (this would be 14mm) See how it might be easier for someone else to look head-on, rather than you looking down from above? A caliper might work best, if you have one! (LINKED HERE)
If you are using a circle ruler (LINKED HERE), you want the circle that fits best without room to wiggle around (too large) and without catching onto your nipple skin as you put it on (too small). The circle ruler should encircle your nipple only and sit against your breast. (That’s how you know you are measuring the base of your nipple.)
A nipple of this size would most likely fit best in anywhere from a 15-18 flange size, depending on comfort and efficient and full milk removal.

Not to sound like a broken record, but this is another reason it helps to get professionally sized. It can be difficult to do on your own!

How do I measure a flat nipple?

“Rolling out the nipple” can help a flat nipple evert/become erect for measurement. Check out this video for an example of rolling out the nipple: VIDEO HERE (Starts at :34 timestamp) Video from IABLE: Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education
Beginning to pump before measuring, or using a nipple everter like THIS one, can help make an inverted or flat nipple more evert and easy to measure.

Okay, but can we see a flange sizing video, please?

You got it, dude.

When do I measure myself?

I suggest waiting until AFTER birth to measure. Also, it’s a good idea to measure before pumping, not after. Nipples expand (or “puff up” during pumping and you may not get an accurate size after pumping.)

How do I select a type of flange when there are so many options out there?

Pumping is all about experimentation, momma! But where to begin? Let me introduce you to some of my favorite options:

  • Hard plastic flanges:
    Many companies carry a limited range of sizes. Check AMAZON for a greaster variety of compatible flange sizes
  • Lacteck silicone baby-motion flanges:
    Pump Momma Pump’s absolute favorite! Made of soft, flexible silicone, these can provide additional comfort and are a great option if hard plastic flanges don’t feel that comfortab;e, even when using your correct flange size. Save on lacteck by using code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10 and learn more over at lacteck.com
  • PumpinPal flanges:
    These are angled, gradually tapered flanges which come in a variety pack so you can try out different sizes to see which works best. I usually suggest these for women struggling with elastic nipple tissue (more about this below) To save on PumpinPal flanges, use code PUMPMOMMA5 and click HERE to learn more!
  • BeauGen Flange Cushions:
    Soft and sticky, these cushions can be added to your hard plastic flanges to provide a secure grip and soft feel. They are my go-to suggestion for mommas struggling with elastic nipples or leaking when using a wearable pump. Here’s your LINK for these cushions! (Note that they fit into flanges size 21-27 and reduce the flange size by about 2mm.)
A bouquet of flanges? Yes please!

What about Elastic Nipples?

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

Our skin is 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 go more in depth about this topic in my blog post on elastic nipples.)

Elastic nipple tissue has greater “stretchiness”/elasticity than other nipples. They can swell widthwise to fill any size flange tunnel and/or stretch down the flange tunnel and even hit the end of the flange tunnel. How do you know whether you have elastic nipples? Notice how the nipple in “Too big” image below doesn’t stretch, it sits atop a “nipple mountain” of too much areola being pulled into the tunnel. That nipple is not elastic. The nipple in “too small” is also not elastic, it’s being squeezed into a flange tunnel that is too small.

So what do you do if you have elastic nipple tissue? You cann’t turn elastic nipples INelastic (like you can’t make that go away) so you just have to work with it. 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. 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!

Additional Tips

Flange sizing can REALLY improve your breast pumping journey. A well-fitting flange can increase comfort, help you empty quicker, and ensure that you’re fully emptying each time you pump. However, there are other factors that can also help. Adding a lubricant like a food-grade coconut oil to your areola/nipple before pumping can greatly reduce friction and increase comfort (especially if you are sizing down in flange size from what you were using before.) Making sure you change your valves regularly (every month for exclusive pumpers and every three months for occasional pumpers) will ensure that your suctions stays strong. Keeping your flange centered on your nipple will help you fully empty without keeping milk in part of the breast due to uneven suction on your milk ducts.

Image from Facebook user Brittany Fisher

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

Pumping Support

Your period and milk supply

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Why did I get my period back if I’m exclusively nursing/pumping?

That’s difficult to answer. Many mommas can go their entire breastfeeding journey without the return of their period. This is called “Lactational amenorrhea”- a period of temporary infertility that accompanies breastfeeding and is marked by the absence of monthly periods. According to LLL, “In 1988, scientists and fertility specialists gathered in Italy at the Bellagio Consensus Conference to define the conditions for using lactation amenorrhea as birth control. They established that in order for LAM to be effective three important conditions must be met: 

  1. The infant is less than six months old,
  2. The menstrual cycle is absent, and
  3. The baby is exclusively breastfeeding.”

And since you’re going to ask, YES… exclusive pumping counts under #3.

Important note: The “Lactational Amenorrhea Method” of birth control can provide a certain level of protection, but please note that as soon as you get your period back, you are considered fertile. And even before you get your period back, there is a possibility you could become pregnant, because sometimes women ovulate before they get their first postpartum period. 

However, your period can return at any time, especially if you are nursing or pumping infrequently (like when you are not removing milk overnight or when you begin supplementing.)

Oh crap, there goes my milk supply…

Scenario- Your period DID come back, and there went your milk supply. *facepalm* So… is your milk supply going to come back? Many mommas experience a decrease in supply after their period returns. For some, this dip in supply only happens during menstruation. For others, the dip is more permanent.

Why did my period affect my milk supply? Hormones are powerful, momma…. remember, hormones are the reason you are lactating in the first place, right? They giveth and they can taketh away! When your cycle returns, the increase in estrogen causes a decrease in calcium levels in your blood, which can interfere with milk supply. (Which is a reason you might have been prescribed an estrogen-free birth control option, if that applies to you.)

So… can I bring back my milk supply after getting my period?

There are a few things you can try that have worked for many mommas… no guarantee, but why not give it a try? Deep breath… it’s gonna be ok!

  • Take a calcium-magnesium supplement (This is my go-to advice. Some mommas take it during their period week, some take it every day. Just make sure you get a vitamin with these combined- affects absorption) As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements.
  • Add additional pumping sessions into your schedule.
  • Pump slightly longer, stopping then starting to initiate a second or third let-down, try power-pumping once a day for a week straight in an attempt to boost demand on supply.
  • Galactologues! Foods like oatmeal, flax, brewer’s yeast, and many herbal supplements can increase milk supply. Increase intake of Iron-rich foods, protein and healthy fats.
Link for Calcium-Magnesium tablets

My period is so much different now…

Did you know that your period might change when it returns after baby? Some mothers have cramping when they didn’t before, fewer PMS symptoms than before, a lighter or heavier flow than before, or irregular periods as their body begins cycling more regularly post-baby. (For some, there is no change. Just don’t be surprised if you do experience a change.)

If you are concerned at all about your period/period symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.

Ouch! Why does pumping suddenly hurt since my period returned?

Another unpleasant side-effect of the return of your period can be increased sensitivity of your nipples. When hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) go up, breasts can feel tender. Nursing and pumping can become uncomfortable during mid-to-late cycle. Ease off on the suctions strength of your pump during this time and know that it’s usually temporary discomfort!

Baby seems to be fussy during feeding now.

Another side-effect from the return of your period is that the flavor of your breastmilk may temporarily change, becoming less sweet and slightly saltier. Levels of lactose (sugar) decrease in your milk composition, and levels of sodium chloriade (salt) increase. While many babies don’t notice the change, some may become fussy during feeding and even reject the milk altogether.

If your baby refuses to nurse, protect your supply by pumping in place of nursing until your period is over.
If baby rejects your pumped milk, try mixing it with frozen milk or adding a drop of nonalcoholic vanilla. If you are supplementing with formula, try preparing the formula as directed and mixing it with the breastmilk.

SOURCES:

When did your period come back? Did it affect your milk supply? What worked for you?