Pumping

Pumping & Bottle Feeding Tips

  • Many babies start bottles soon after they are born for many reasons. If you’ve been exclusively breastfeeding, start between 3–4 weeks to help prevent bottle refusal which peaks after 6 weeks.
  • Frequency: Start with either a daily bottle or at least few times per week so baby maintains both skills.

Choosing the Right Nipple

Use a slow-flow nipple with a gradual slope.
Recommended options:

  • Pigeon SS
  • Dr. Brown’s Standard (Level 1)
    • Too fast? Try Dr. Brown’s P (Preemie) or T (Transition)
  • Evenflo Balance
  • Lansinoh XS

Avoid: Avent Natural Response Level 1 (too slow).
→ If using this model, try Level 3 instead. Level 2 can work for some babies.
(Note: This refers to the newer Avent line Natural Response, not Anti-colic – check your packaging.)

Learn more about bottles and nipple shapes in this blog.

Some babies do much better when bottle feeding in sidelying position. See this page for details.

Shop bottles/nipples:
Lactation Hub – Bottle Feeding Products

Pumping Schedule Tips

  • Start pumping once in the morning right after feeding – great way to build a freezer stash.
  • Pump anytime baby gets a full bottle (to replace that feeding and protect your supply).
  • Add more sessions as needed if building a larger stash.
  • Aim to be slightly ahead of your baby’s bottle intake each day. For example, if your baby drinks 3oz, your pump output might be 4-6oz.

Milk Storage Guidelines (CDC):
CDC Breastmilk Storage Info

Nighttime Sleep Strategy

Sample Routine:

  1. 8 PM – Last breastfeed
  2. 9 PM – Pump fully for 20 minutes before bed
  3. 11 PM – Partner gives bottle (you sleep)
  4. 2 AM – You breastfeed (5-hour sleep stretch)

Tip: Aim for 1 long sleep stretch (4–7 hours max), based on your milk supply and baby’s weight gain.

Pumping Duration Guidelines

  • 10 minutes → After breastfeeding (for extra milk)
  • 20 minutes → Replacing a full breastfeeding session

Comfort Tips for Pumping

  • Lubrication: Use olive oil, coconut oil, or pump spray before pumping.
  • Flange Fit:
    • Only your nipple should enter the flange tunnel.
    • If your areola is being pulled in, you likely need a smaller flange.
    • Most moms need smaller than the standard 24mm → Average is 17-19mm.
    • Custom flange fitting available at my office.

Spectra Pump Settings

  • Start with Cycle 70 (Massage Mode) until milk lets down, then switch to Expression Mode.
  • Sample Settings:
    • Massage Mode: 70–4 (for 3 min)
    • Expression Mode: 54–6 (for 12 min)

Use the highest suction that is comfortable. Most moms are comfortable with at least 50% suction (e.g., Vacuum 6).
If you can’t go above 20%, contact me for help.

Not Getting Enough Milk?

Try a Reset Technique:

  1. Stop your pump halfway through.
  2. Stand, stretch, massage breasts.
  3. Drink water.
  4. Restart pump.

This stimulates another letdown!

Or try Power Pumping:

  • 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, repeat for ~1 hour
  • Ask me for more guidance if you need a supply boost.

Considering a Wearable Pump?

  • Wearables are convenient but usually yield less milk than traditional pumps.
  • Best to start with a regular pump (like Spectra) to establish your supply first.
  • Proper flange size is critical for wearables to work well.

Going Back to Work?

Plan ahead!
Schedule a consult about 1 month before your return
We’ll create a custom pumping plan and answer all your work-related questions.