The need or desire to pump milk for your baby is part of almost every mother’s breastfeeding journey. For some, it’s a choice, and for others a necessity! No matter the reason, with all of the pump options available on the market navigating the world of breast pumps can feel overwhelming! From cycle speeds to vacuum strength and the different pumping modes, understanding how to choose which pump is best for you and optimizing pump settings can definitely feel a bit confusing at first. So, let’s dive into the basics of your pump settings and I’ll give some of my expert advice so you can pump like a pro!
Pump flanges
First things first, it’s important to note that flanges (the piece of the breast pump that sits up against your breast) come in different sizes–just like our nipples! While most pumps offer “standard” flange sizes, it is recommended to consult with a lactation professional for personalized recommendations. In fact, many women find they need flange sizes that are different from the standard flanges included with your breast pump. Factors such as nipple diameter, pump type, previous pumping experiences, and individual anatomy will guide the selection process. Optimal sizing is crucial for pain-free effective pumping, as ill-fitting flanges can lead to discomfort, pain, damage, and poor milk removal.
It’s worth mentioning nipples can change over time. Most women will experience an increase in nipple diameter during their pregnancy and again immediately postpartum, so it can be difficult to figure out which size is going to be the best match for you until you are ready to begin pumping. Once you are postpartum, many women notice a decrease in nipple diameter over time as their hormones change. So, if you are pumping and notice a decrease in your milk output or notice your flanges suddenly appear too big, I would recommend remeasuring your nipple diameter and flange size.
Cycles
Now that you know how important it is to be fitted correctly we should chat about pump settings. Let’s start with the cycle setting, or speed, of your breast pump. Some pumps come with preset cycles, making selecting a cycle effortless. While others allow customization to match your preference. The cycle speed dictates how often your nipple is drawn into the flange tunnel per minute. It is intended to mimic a baby's nursing pattern: a faster suck (or cycle speed) initiates milk letdown, followed by a slower suck (or cycle speed) once milk starts flowing. You should experiment with various cycle speeds to find what suits you best. I’d recommend trying a slower speed in one session, a faster one in the next, and the fastest in another to gauge comfort and see what cycle setting yields the best milk output.
Vacuum
Now let's get into the vacuum setting, or suction strength, of your breast pump. This is the strength of the pull on your nipple. It is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) which is a standard unit for measuring pressure. It is important to understand what these numbers mean when selecting your breast pump because stronger suction does not necessarily mean the pump will be better or yield more milk.
Most breast pumps will have a maximum suction strength between 250-350mmHg depending on the brand and type of pump. Research has shown it is best to pump at a comfortable vacuum setting, which tends to be anywhere between 150-220mmHg. My recommendation is to adjust your vacuum level up until you feel slight discomfort and then decrease by one level to pump at your highest comfortable vacuum setting.
Stimulation Mode (aka let down mode, massage mode, or “bacon” mode)
Stimulation mode is the mode you will likely begin your pump sessions in. Many pumps automatically default to starting in this mode when you turn your pump on, but if yours doesn’t, there will be a button to toggle between stimulation and expression mode. Check your user manual to learn what each button on your pump does and how to determine which mode you are in.
Stimulation mode is intended to mimic what a baby would naturally be doing while directly nursing to elicit a milk let down. It typically consists of a faster cycle speed with gentler suction. This gentle stretching and pulling on the nipple releases oxytocin which is the hormone responsible for your milk ejection reflex, also known as your milk “let down”.
Experiment with this mode and settings. Most people who respond well to stimulation mode will typically experience a milk let down within the first few minutes and can then switch over to expression mode. However, I have had a handful of clients who either don’t like the sensation of stimulation mode or don’t respond well to it and prefer to begin their pump sessions on lower settings directly in expression mode and that is perfectly fine. Everybody is unique and you have to find what works best for you!
Expression Mode
Expression mode is intended to resemble what a baby does while directly nursing after your milk starts flowing. Babies who are directly nursing respond to your milk let down by switching to a slower, deeper sucking pattern. Therefore, the settings for expression mode are a slower cycle speed and generally either the same or slightly stronger vacuum setting– just remember, comfort is key!
If you start your pump session in stimulation mode, I recommend switching over to expression mode once you notice your milk starts flowing. This switch will optimize milk removal during your milk ejection reflex, which is when you will likely notice the most milk being collected at once.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the basics of your breast pump, including the importance of finding the correct flange size and fit for you, can help you optimize your pump settings and ultimately maximize your comfort and milk output while pumping. Keep in mind your breastfeeding journey is unique and what works well for one person may not work well for you. If you’d like support selecting a breast pump, finding the right flange size and style, or further assistance with individualized pumping schedules and programs, do not hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant who specializes in breast pumps. We’re here to help make your pumping journey go smoothly!
This site is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician or other health-care professional.
