Choosing and using a breast pump

A breast pump can be a really useful tool — for building a stash, sharing feeds, returning to work, relieving fullness, or boosting supply. But there are lots of types, and you don’t always need one. Here’s how to choose, and how to use one well.

Do you even need one? Not everyone does. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding and home with your baby, you may never need to pump. Consider one if you’ll be away from your baby (work, study, outings), want others to give bottles of expressed milk, need to build supply or feed a baby who can’t yet feed at the breast, or want to relieve engorgement. It’s fine to wait and see whether you actually need one rather than buying in advance.

Types of pump.

Hand expressing — no equipment at all, free, and a genuinely useful skill (great for colostrum and occasional needs). Worth learning even if you also get a pump.
Manual pump — a hand-operated pump; cheap, quiet and portable, good for occasional use.
Single electric — motorised, quicker than manual, good for regular use on one side at a time.
Double electric — pumps both breasts at once, fastest and most efficient, ideal for regular or work-related pumping or building supply.
Wearable/hands-free — sit in your bra so you can move around; convenient, though some find them less efficient. Handy for busy or working parents.

Hospital-grade pumps. For premature babies, establishing supply when a baby can’t feed, or certain medical situations, a hospital-grade pump (often hired) is the most effective — your midwife or lactation consultant can advise and help you access one.

Getting the fit right. The flange (the funnel that fits over your nipple) needs to be the right size — too small or too big is uncomfortable and pumps less well. If pumping hurts or you get little milk, the flange size is a common culprit, so try different sizes. Comfort matters.

How to use it well. A few tips for better pumping:

Pump when you’re relaxed — stress hinders letdown. Looking at a photo of your baby, or being near them, helps.
Start with the letdown/massage mode if your pump has one, then a comfortable suction (more isn’t better — comfortable is best).
Warmth and gentle massage before and during can improve flow.
Regular pumping tells your body to make more; the amount you get isn’t a measure of your supply (a pump is less efficient than a baby).

Storing expressed milk. Follow safe storage guidance: label with the date, cool it promptly, and use fridge/freezer within recommended times (there’s a separate guide on expressing and storing milk). Clean and sterilise pump parts as advised, especially for young babies.

A note for breastfeeding establishment. If your baby is feeding well at the breast, there’s usually no need to pump in the very early weeks — it can create oversupply. Wait until feeding is established (often around 4 weeks) before regular pumping, unless you’re advised otherwise for a medical reason.

Where to get help. A lactation consultant or the ABA helpline (1800 686 268) can help you choose a pump, get the fit and technique right, and build a plan for work or supply. Don’t struggle with a pump that hurts or isn’t working — a quick bit of guidance often fixes it.

New vs second-hand. Buying a pump new is straightforward, but you can also borrow or hire a hospital-grade pump when you need serious efficiency. If using a hand-me-down electric pump, only do so with a closed-system design (or replace all the parts that contact milk with new ones) for hygiene — a lactation consultant or the manufacturer can tell you whether a model is safe to share.

Choosing a pump comes down to how often and why you’ll use it: hand expressing or a manual pump for occasional needs, a double electric for regular or work pumping, and hospital-grade for special situations. Get the flange fit right, pump relaxed, store milk safely, and lean on the ABA or a lactation consultant if you need a hand.