Struggling with Pump Output? Here’s What Actually Helps
If you’re spending time at the pump, you want it to be worth it. The truth is—your milk supply isn’t just about how often you pump, but how effectively you’re telling your body to make milk. Here are a few simple (and often overlooked) ways to boost your output and make every session more productive.
1. Make sure your flanges actually fit
This is the most common reason for low output and nipple pain.
The flange sizes that come with your pump—or the size charts you see online—are often wrong. Every nipple is different, and a poor fit can reduce stimulation and milk removal.
Here’s how you know your flange is the right size:
Your nipple moves freely in the tunnel without rubbing.
You see a gentle pull, not your entire areola being sucked in.
Pumping feels comfortable (never painful).
If you’re unsure of your size, it's likely not the size you’ve been given ,or even the instructions you’ll read online. Get our nipple ruler here!
2. Use gentle, hands-on pumping
Think of this like helping your pump do its job better. Use your hands to gently massage and compress your breasts while you pump, especially in areas that still feel full.
Try this:
Begin pumping and once milk starts flowing, use flat fingers or your palm to apply light pressure in circular motions.
Toward the end of your session, hand express a bit to fully empty your breasts.
This doesn’t need to be rough… gentle compression works best and prevents irritation and soreness.
3. Try to stimulate extra letdowns
Most people have 2–3 letdowns during a nursing session. You can encourage more while pumping by using breast massage mode (or stimulation mode), heat, or even just relaxing.
A few tricks:
Watch a video or look at photos of your baby.
Close your eyes and focus on deep breathing.
Switch back to the “stimulation” mode on your pump once your milk flow slows down—this can trigger another letdown.
Don’t stare at your pump output
4. Pump a little more often
Milk production works on supply and demand. Adding one extra session a day (even a quick 10 minutes) can make a noticeable difference over time.
5. Power pumping (only when recommended)
Power pumping mimics a baby’s cluster feeding to “remind” your body to make more milk.
It can be helpful for some… but it’s not for everyone and should only be done under the guidance of an IBCLC to make sure it’s appropriate for your situation.
How to do it:
Pump for 20 minutes → rest 10 → pump 10 → rest 10 → pump 10.
Do this once a day for a few days, then return to your normal routine.
The Bottom Line:
Small changes—like adjusting your flange size, adding gentle massage, and helping your body trigger extra letdowns—can have a big impact.
Consistency matters most, and if your output still feels low, it’s worth checking in with an IBCLC to find out why.
Your body can make what your baby needs, you just may need the right tools and support to get there.
