Does Pumping Reduce Your Breast Milk Supply?

Does Pumping Reduce Your Breast Milk Supply?

The Truth About the Affect Pumping Has on Your Breast Milk Supply

There is good news for moms who pump exclusively, moms who pump can make as much breast milk as those who exclusively breastfeed. The idea that breastfeeding is the only way to keep up a good supply is incorrect. It may take more work and effort, but you can keep up a steady and decent milk supply when exclusively pumping.

Milk is produced on a supply and demand process. The more demand for milk, the more milk is made. Naturally, this demand comes from the frequency of a baby’s feeds, but it can be stimulated by pumping as well. The breasts react to the nipple being stimulated, not specifically what stimulates the nipple – this could be a baby suckling or a pump expressing.

When stimulated, the breast sends signals to the brain that there is milk being removed from the breast. This then causes the brain to increase hormones in the breast which encourages milk production. So the same process is followed when breastfeeding or pumping.

Does Pumping Reduce Your Breast Milk Supplly?

How to Keep Up Supply When Pumping

Pumping on and off will not keep up your supply. You need to follow a schedule and pump often. It is ideal to pump at least eight times a day, aiming for ten pumping sessions in 24 hours.

This can become incredibly tiring and can be quite a chore, but it is essential in ensuring that you maintain a healthy supply of milk for your baby. You might feel like you spend all your time pumping, but try to remember that it is for a good cause, and it isn’t forever.

Nutrition: 

Nutrition can play a big role in pumping and milk supply in general. Check out this podcast with Momful on how their founder established the connection between low milk supply and a mother's nutrition. And here's another podcast on how breastfeeding moms can use nutrition to boost their breast milk supply with Boobie Brands founder.

If you love fall flavors, then you're in luck! It turns out pumpkin, squash, and other fall fruits and veggies are packed with the nutrients you need to make healthy breast milk for your baby!

Does a breast pump reduce your breast milk supply?

Hydration: 

One of the key components our bodies need to make breast milk is water. Our bodies need water to function and to produce breast milk so when we are breastfeeding we need to make sure to get enough water. Sure, it sounds simple but when you're trying to keep a tiny human alive (or multiples!), it can be a challenge.

How to Make Pumping More Comfortable

When it comes to pumping, comfort is a big deal. It can actually have an impact on your output which in turn affects your supply. Pain while pumping has a major impact. That's why BeauGen set out to create our signature Breast Pump Cushions.There are ways to make your pumping sessions more comfortable. It doesn’t have to be something you dread, and putting a little bit of effort into making it more enjoyable will help you stick to it for longer. 

Have the Right Equipment

A pump that causes pain or doesn’t work properly will be your worst enemy. It really is worth investing in a good pump. Whether you get an electric or manual pump is up to you and what your breasts react to, but there are some great options out there. Some moms respond better to a manual pump. Others need more suction, which means wearable pumps might not be for them. 

A breast pump cushion from BeauGen will also help make pumping sessions much more comfortable, giving your breasts and nipples added cushioning and support during extended expressing sessions.

Can pumping reduce or impact your breast milk supply?

Find the Right Size Flange: 

The right pump can make a world of difference, but not if you are using the wrong size breast pump flange or shield. We have a great educational video here to help you find the right size both with and without our Breast Pump Cushions.

Flanges and shields that are too small can collapse your milk ducts and inhibit the flow of milk. This can also happen when your flanges or shields are too large because too much of your breast tissue is pulled into the flange restricting the flow of milk. In either case this can be frustrating. But if you are not able to fully empty your breasts, your body thinks you need less milk so it can impact your supply.

Another important tidbit here, is that you can require two different flange sizes. Our breasts are often different sizes, right down to our nipples!

Try and Relax

Stress and milk production do not go together well. The more relaxed you are, the more milk your body will produce. Try and keep a video of your baby playing, or look at a photo of your baby, have a cup of tea next to you and try to relax when expressing. You won’t tire yourself out from stressing and you will be creating a relaxed environment to look forward to in your next pumping session.

For some moms, pumping is the only way they can provide their baby with breast milk. It is a brave decision to make, as exclusively pumping takes a lot of dedication and work. But it is the best decision you can make for your baby, and you can rest assured that exclusively pumping won't decrease your milk supply if you keep up with a good schedule.

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3 comments

Love that you’re sharing this information! There is still so little talk about exclusively pumping and it’s awesome to see awareness being brought to it!

Chelsea

@Helen Hi Helen! We have sent an email addressing your question but in case others are wondering as well: We did previously offer a version of the product that was pink, which we discontinued to create a more streamlined, straightforward offering for our customers. The cushions are the same with the exception of the color. I hope this helps, please let us know if you have any other questions!

BeauGen Mommy Care Team

I have a question. I am an LC in a hospital and I have ordered from you a couple of times now. When you first started these cushions were they red in color and thinner? I seem to remember that but maybe it was a different company. I’m just curious.
Thank you,
Helen Pierman

Helen Pierman

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