Are you prepared to determine how pumping will benefit you the most? Check out the typical pumping positions listed below to see which one is most convenient and effective for you.

Choosing the best position to pump comfortably and effectively frequently becomes just as crucial as choosing your favourite nursing positions as when you and your baby initially started your breastfeeding adventure as you start to incorporate pumping into your breast milk feeding routine. 

While you are more at ease pumping, it is sometimes simpler to continuously include it into your routine while you are away from your kid. Find out more for our breastfeeding products which are suitable for your needs.

Depending on your breast pump, where you’re pumping (at work, in a lactation room outside of your house, or at home), and how you want to approach your pumping sessions, the optimum pumping position for you may vary. For instance, our PersonalFit FlexTM breast shields include an oval shape that can be turned 360 degrees for comfortable, flexible posture. You can simply modify them as necessary to reach the position that is most comfortable for you while pumping.

Consider the following pumping positions and advice:

Standing while pumping

The most fundamental pumping posture is sitting down with your back straight and your shoulders squared out. You should ideally do this while sitting in a soft, cushioned chair with armrests to support you and keep your breast shields in place. 

For a well-deserved footrest and more comfort, think about putting an ottoman next to your chair. A breastfeeding cushion may also be useful for additional back or arm support during pumping, although being more often used for nursing. To prevent any backflow when you are pumping, be careful not to slouch too far back. 

Standing and Pumping

Standing as you pump might sometimes give you a little more flexibility, or it can just give you a chance to stretch your legs and walk about while you pump. Avoid bending over too much and keeping your shoulders straight to prevent leaking any of the milk you’ve worked so hard to pump. 

Effortless Pumping

Although not exactly a position, hands-free pumping is a great choice for working or busy parents since it gives them the extra freedom to multitask while they pump. Having a personal use medela breast pump that can be used hands-free and a pumping bra designed to allow flexible hands-free pumping may make all the difference whether you’ll be pumping at home, at work, on the move, or while travelling.

What new parent wouldn’t want to save time while continuing to provide their child with nutrient-rich liquid gold? Having extra freedom and free hands while pumping frequently means being able to answer emails, scroll through your newsfeed, read a book, toss in a load of laundry, change a diaper, take a phone call, or concentrate on other tasks during your pumping sessions. 

Top Tips for Comfort While Pumping

Want to pump in the best possible comfort? These simple suggestions may promote a pleasant and comfortable experience, even if you might wish to experiment with different postures and settings to find what pumping routine suits you the best:

Make sure your breast shields are the appropriate size. Using breast shields that are too big or tiny for your body might make pumping very uncomfortable and reduce your milk production. 

Make sure you are wearing breast shields that are the right size by carefully measuring yourself and testing them. 

To stimulate milk flow, try listening to relaxing music or seeing pictures and videos of your child before and during your pumping session.

A nipple cream like Purelan may provide prompt relief for pain, dryness, cracked nipples, and other discomfort brought on by breastfeeding and pumping. Always have some on hand for quick and efficient moisturising relief at home and on the move. 

Always use clean breast shields, pump components, and pumping bras (if using a hands-free pump). For thorough cleaning instructions, see the Instructions for Use that came with your breast pump.  

Between breastfeeding and pumping sessions, don’t wait too long. To prevent painful engorgement, which may make latching or pumping more challenging, schedule nursing or pumping every two to three hours. Additionally, long intervals between sessions may ultimately tell your body to start making less milk, which will affect your supply.

The ideal posture for expressing breast milk effectively will always be whatever is most comfortable for you. Talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant straight away if you’re experiencing severe pain when nursing or pumping so that you can jointly identify what may be causing the discomfort. Beginning your breast milk feeding adventure, whether by nursing, pumping, or a mix of the two, often calls for dedication and patience, but with a little flexibility and modification, you may continue to give your baby breast milk for as long as you’d like.