Thinking of Breast Pumping? Here Are My Top Do’s and Don’ts
I’m 18 weeks pregnant with baby number two as I write this and this time around, I’m armed with knowledge I wish I’d had the first time: the science of pumping, the mistakes to avoid and the tools that actually work.
I thought I was doing everything right. I thought more effort meant I was being a better mother, but I was just making it harder than it needed to be. Here’s what I know now that I didn’t know then.
DON’T: Panic-Pump Around the Clock
My Mistake:
In those early days with my first baby, I was terrified I wouldn’t produce enough breast milk. So I pumped during or after every feed, day or night. . I was convinced that more pumping = more milk. I wish I could go back and give myself a hug.
The Reality:
My body interpreted all that pumping as “this baby needs MORE milk” and responded accordingly. I triggered an oversupply that left me engorged, in pain and ironically, made breastfeeding harder, not easier.
The Solution:
For baby number two, I will focus on strategic pumping, not constant pumping. I’ll use a double pump (like the Elvie Pump Double) for efficiency when I do pump, but I’m only pumping at times that suit my schedule and my baby’s needs - not around the clock.
The Science:
Research shows that double pumping can increase milk output by up to 18% and reduce pumping time significantly. But the key is when and how often you pump, not just pumping constantly.
DON’T: Ignore Breast Shield Size and Fit
My Mistake:
I had no idea breast shields came in different sizes. I used whatever came in the box and assumed if it hurt, that was just “normal.” It wasn’t normal. It was the wrong fit.
The Reality:
Wrong breast shield size = poor suction = lower milk output = nipple pain and potential damage. I was working harder and getting less milk because the fit was wrong.
The Solution:
I’ll be using Elvie’s nipple cushions cushions inside the breast shield to ensure a snug, comfortable seal. Elvie sells a variety of breast shield and nipple cushion sizes, so you can find the right fit for your body - not a one-size-fits-all approach. Just measure your nipples before purchasing using the Elvie nipple sizing tool.
The Science:
Breast pump fit impacts milk output efficiency. A breast shield that’s too small can cause nipple trauma and restrict milk flow. A shield that’s too large doesn’t create adequate suction. The right fit improves comfort and output and nipple cushions can get you to that exact fit.
DON’T: Think “Stronger Suction = More Milk”
My Mistake:
I cranked the pump suction up as high as I could tolerate, thinking that stronger = better. Nope. This worked against me.
The Reality:
High suction without the right rhythm just caused pain and discomfort. It didn’t increase my milk supply. It made pumping something I dreaded.
The Solution:
Elvie’s Smart Rhythms feature offers adjustable suction patterns that mimic how babies actually feed:
Slow and Gentle - For mums with sensitive nipples who experience pain while pumping or cannot express comfortably due to mastitis.
Multi-switch - Helping mums optimise milk flow by triggering multiple let downs.
Express and Collect - For mums with heavier let down who experience leaks while pumping due to heavy milkflow.
The Science:
Babies don’t suck at one constant speed or strength. They adjust their sucking pattern throughout a feed. Pumps that mimic this natural rhythm (like Elvie’s Smart Rhythms) are more effective at triggering letdown and maintaining milk flow.
DO: Think About Where You’ll Actually Pump
My Mistake:
I assumed I’d always pump at home, sitting in one spot, tethered to an outlet. Reality? I needed to pump at work, in the car, while making dinner, while caring for my toddler.
The Solution:
Elvie Pump is portable, quiet and hands-free. It fits in my handbag. I can pump while walking around, working, or doing literally anything else. I’m not chaining myself to a sofa or a “pumping station” this time.
The Science:
If your pump doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you won’t use it consistently. And inconsistent pumping = inconsistent supply. A pump that works with your life (not against it) is the one you’ll actually stick with.
The Bottom Line: Pump Smarter, Not Harder:
A breast pump should support your breastfeeding journey, not make it harder. I spent months in pain with my first baby because I didn’t know what I was doing. I thought suffering was part of the process. I thought if it was easy, I wasn’t trying hard enough.
But here’s what I know now: motherhood is hard enough without making it harder on ourselves.
You don’t need to panic-pump around the clock. You don’t need to tolerate pain. You don’t need to chain yourself to one spot. You need the right tools. The right information. And a pump that actually fits with your body and your life.
This time around, I’m using Elvie Pump because:
It’s available as a double pump for efficiency
It comes with multiple breast shield sizes with the option to add nipple cushions for your perfect fit
Smart Rhythms give me the option to choose what pumping rhythm works for me
It’s portable, quiet, and hands-free. The quietest on the market.
I’m not repeating the mistakes I made the first time. I’m pumping strategically, not constantly. I’m using the right tools and I’m building a pumping routine that works for my life, not against it.
If you’re pregnant and thinking about pumping, learn from my mistakes. Don’t panic-pump. Don’t ignore fit. Don’t assume stronger = better and choose a pump that actually supports the journey you want to have.
Ready to find your fit? Explore Elvie Pump here.