Pumping

The essentials

Hospital-grade pumps

Hospital-grade pumps are ideal for exclusive pumping. They're powerful and efficient, designed to mimic the natural sucking patterns of a baby more closely, which makes them highly effective for establishing and maintaining milk supply. They're built for frequent use and are often more comfortable for extended pumping sessions.

Power pumping

Power pumping can boost your milk supply by simulating a baby's cluster feeding. Try the following routine once a day for 3-4 days to see results: pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for 10 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for 10 minutes. This technique encourages your body to produce more milk and can be particularly helpful if you're trying to build a stash before returning to work.

Wearable pumps

Wearable pumps fit inside your bra, letting you pump hands-free. They're perfect for multitasking or discreet pumping sessions at work, operate quietly — which is ideal for shared spaces or meetings — and are compact and battery-operated, so easy to use anytime or anywhere.

Galactogogues

Certain foods and supplements can help increase your milk supply. Oats are rich in iron and supportive of milk production. Fenugreek is a herbal supplement with lactation-boosting properties. Brewer's yeast, commonly found in lactation cookies, provides essential nutrients for milk production. Fennel seeds can be added to meals or taken as tea to stimulate breastmilk flow.

Manual pump

Manual breast pumps are typically less expensive and more portable than electric pumps, making them a great backup option. They operate silently, giving you the flexibility to pump quietly at work, and let you control the suction and speed, which can be more comfortable for some mums.

Hand expressing & massage

Before pumping, gently massage your breasts to stimulate let-down and breastmilk flow. During pumping, use breast massage to help empty your breasts more completely. After pumping, finish with a few minutes of hand expression to ensure your breasts are thoroughly drained.