For many breastfeeding mothers, pumping is a key part of their routine, whether it’s to ensure there’s enough milk for their baby, for preparing for returning to work, or simply to build up a freezer stash. However, one common concern I often hear during my consultations is “Why am I pumping, and no milk is coming out? Does this mean there’s no milk in my breasts? Is my baby getting enough?”
These questions can cause a lot of anxiety for mothers, but it’s important to understand that a breast pump doesn’t reflect your body’s milk supply or how much your baby is getting during a direct feed. A breast pump cannot be used to measure the amount of milk you have. Your baby is always going to be much more effective than any pump, even the most powerful hospital-grade one.
Let’s look at these questions to understand what’s happening when you pump, and, as usual I’ll provide my top 5 tips to make your pumping session as effective as possible.
Why am I Pumping, and No Milk or just a Little Milk is Coming Out?
The first and most important thing to remember is that pumping is not the same as breastfeeding. The amount of milk you can pump is influenced by several factors, and the pump may not be as effective at removing milk as your baby is. Even the best, most powerful pump will never have the suction ability that your baby has. Babies are the best “pumping machines” to extract the milk; pumps are just a good imitation.
One interesting point is that a pump can easily express milk that has accumulated in your breasts, for example when you baby has fed less. However, it can be tricky, difficult, and even sometimes impossible for some mothers to trigger the let-down reflex whilst using a pump.
Let’s look at some common reasons why you may not see much milk when pumping:
1. Let-down: When you breastfeed, your baby’s sucking stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, which signals your breast milk to start flowing and triggers the let-down reflex. This reflex causes milk to flow from the alveoli (where the milk is stored) to the nipple. While babies are great at triggering let-down, some mothers find it harder to trigger the same reflex with a pump.
2. Stress or sleep deprivation: Stress can hinder milk flow. When we’re anxious or sleep-deprived, it’s harder for your body to produce the hormones needed for milk let-down. An uncomfortable or rushed environment can also affect how much milk you express.
3. Pump efficiency: As mentioned, despite having the best pump on the market, your baby will always be more efficient than a pump. Breast pumps vary in their ability to mimic a baby’s sucking pattern. You need to ensure your pump creates enough suction; otherwise, it may not be as effective at expressing milk. Also, factors like flange size can impact how much milk is expressed.
4. Time of the day: Your milk supply fluctuates naturally throughout the day, so don’t worry if your supply feels higher in the morning and gradually decreases as the day goes on. Remember, you’re not doing anything wrong, and this doesn’t indicate an issue with your milk production.
5. Baby’s age: Depending on your baby’s age, it may be more difficult to pump. During the first months of your baby’s life, especially up to 3 months, pumping breastmilk is generally easier for most mothers. However, after this time, your breasts regulate their production, and it becomes trickier to express the milk. Before 3 months, your breasts work as a storage system, so there’s always milk available. However, after this, the milk only starts flowing with suction. This also explains the 3-month breastfeeding crisis or growth spurt, where there can often be a delay in the milk flow, and babies get upset and fight with the breasts despite them being hungry.
If No Milk is Coming Out, Does it Means there’s No Milk in my Breasts? How do I know if my Baby is Getting Enough?
It’s important to remember that your baby is more efficient at extracting milk than any pump, no matter how powerful it is. So just because you don’t pump much milk doesn’t mean there’s no milk in your breast or that your baby isn’t getting enough. Babies use a combination of sucking (short, quick movements) and expressing (long, and slow motions) with their mouths, and this will stimulate milk flow more effectively than a machine. Here are some signs to reassure you that your baby is getting enough milk, even if pumping doesn’t yield much:
- Weight gain: If your baby is gaining weight steadily, it’s one of the best signs that they’re getting enough milk.
- Wet nappies: Depending on your baby’s age, you should see a consistent number of wet nappies (in the early weeks, it could be every time you feed them, so around 6-8 or even up to 12 nappies per day).
- Audible swallowing: As your baby feeds, make sure they are combining both sucking and expressing movements. You should be able to hear them swallowing during feeds.
My Top 5 Tips to Make your Pumping as Effective as Possible
1. Check pump settings: Make sure your pump is working properly and creates enough suction. If you’re unsure, consider replacing your pump parts, especially if you received the pump second-hand. Some parts wear out over time, especially valves, and this can affect suction. The vacuum strength should be set to the highest speed that is still comfortable for you.
2. Choose the right flange size: Using the correct flange size is critical to ensuring your pumping session is effective. For more specific information, check my previous blog on flange size.
3. Pump close to your baby: Try to pump while your baby is feeding from one breast, as your baby will trigger the let-down due to the stimulation. If this isn’t possible, keep something nearby that reminds you of your baby, such a blanket with your baby’s smell, a photo, or video. The let-down reflex is influenced by hormones that regulates emotions, so anything related to your baby can help.
4. Create a relaxing environment: Find a comfortable space where you can pump without distractions or stress. Try not to think about all the things you still need to do—focus on the moment.
5. Stay entertained: Instead of worrying about how much milk you’re expressing, distract yourself with something you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, watching a show, or playing music, keeping your mind off the amount of milk can help. I sometimes recommend to the mothers to cover the bottles with a sock, so they constantly monitor how much they’re pumping.
It’s normal to feel concerned if pumping doesn’t yield much milk, but remember the volume that you pump doesn’t always reflect how much milk your baby is getting at the breast. Babies are much more effective than pumps, and many factors can influence your pumping output. Focus on the overall health and growth of your baby, and trust your body. If you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to seek help from an IBCLC lactation consultant. With the right approach and mindset, you can continue your breastfeeding journey with confidence.
