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Milky Adventure
How to choose and use your breast pump: power, breast shields, and double pumping
In episode 7, Lauriane Emond helps you choose the right breast pump and use it effectively, covering power, flange size, and double pumping.
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Summary
🔊 This program is an information program by a trained professional. This is generic advice and is not a personalized diagnosis. In all cases, we recommend that you be followed by a gynecologist and/or a midwife for individualized follow-up.
What you will learn in this episode
In this episode, Lauriane Emond helps you choose the right breast pump and use it effectively, whether you're returning to work, separated from your baby, or need to re-establish your milk supply.
- The different types of breast pumps and when to use each
- Why power (minimum 300 mmHg) is an essential criterion
- How to choose the right flange size, the real factor for effectiveness
- The double pumping technique and why it's more effective
- The right pumping frequency to maintain your milk supply without getting exhausted
💡 Key figures
A recent pilot study shows that an individualized flange size, smaller than the standard size, determined by nipple tip measurement, compromises neither the volume of milk collected nor comfort for the mother.
Source: Anders LA, Frem JM, McCoy TP, « Flange Size Matters: A Comparative Pilot Study of the Flange FIT Guide Versus Traditional Sizing Methods », Journal of Human Lactation, 2025. Link
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The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age.
Source: WHO, official Breastfeeding page. Link
Why the breast pump is part of mothers' daily lives
Even though the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, this isn't always feasible directly from the breast: returning to work, separation from the newborn, or the need to build a supply. A breast pump allows you to continue providing breast milk in ways other than direct nursing.
Different types of breast pumps
There are manual breast pumps (practical, motor-free, easy to slip into a bag), electric, hospital-grade, and portable ones. Each has its place depending on the situation : in cases of separation from the newborn, hospitalization, relactation, or induced lactation, the preferred choice is the hospital-grade breast pump, the most effective on the market.
Power, the primary selection criterion
A hospital-grade breast pump is recognized by its suction power of approximately 300 mmHg, with cycles around 60 to 120 per minute. It's also important to check that this power is maintained over time : some breast pumps lose power after just a few minutes.
Flange selection, the true factor for effectiveness
Power isn't enough: the flange size is what truly determines pumping effectiveness. New recommendations (from the United States) show that measurements were previously too generous: the standard average size in French maternity wards is 24 mm, whereas mothers' actual nipple size is usually around 13 to 15 mm. Counterintuitively, if there's discomfort, you should reduce the size, not increase it.
How to Measure Your Flange
The method: measure the base of the nipple then the tip (the difference is usually 2 mm), use the midpoint millimeter as a starting point, then dynamically test different sizes and shapes to confirm based on comfort and milk flow.
Prepare Antenatally to Avoid Early Days' Uncertainty
It's possible to measure your flange before delivery and order an approximate kit online (not yet available in pharmacies in France), to bring directly to the maternity ward. This avoids an incorrect size during the first few days, which can lead to engorgement, low milk supply, or edema.
Double Pumping: A More Effective Method
Pumping both breasts simultaneously (double pumping) for 15 to 30 minutes is more effective than single pumping, because one breast stimulates the let-down reflex in the other. With a pumping bra to hold the breast shields in place, the mother can also perform breast compression while pumping, just like when breastfeeding.
Each mother's choice regarding her own body is important, always staying as close as possible to what the baby would do.
The right frequency: 8 times a day, no more
The latest recommendations suggest pumping at least 8 times a day, replicating the rhythm of a healthy full-term baby. Going beyond that (9 to 10 times) primarily risks tiring the mother without additional benefit.
Hospital-grade or portable breast pump: depending on the situation
To initiate exclusive pumping or re-establish lactation, a hospital-grade breast pump remains preferable (it better facilitates compression and alternation). A portable breast pump takes over for times when you need mobility. Many mothers combine the two.
Incorrect breast shield size = same risks as for the baby
An ill-fitting breast shield can lead to cracked nipples, engorgement, or even thrush (a fungal overgrowth that can disrupt breastfeeding). Any pain, whether at the breast or when pumping, is not normal and should be reported.
🔎 Useful definitions
Breast shield : a plastic or silicone funnel that is placed over the nipple and breast to allow the breast pump to draw milk; its size must be precisely adjusted to each mother's nipple.
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Hospital-grade breast pump : an electric breast pump offering a sustained suction power of approximately 300 mmHg, recommended for initiating breast pumping or re-establishing lactation.
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Double pumping : a technique involving pumping both breasts simultaneously, which is more effective than single pumping because one breast stimulates the let-down reflex in the other.
🎯 Practical actions
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Summary
🔊 This program is an information program by a trained professional. This is generic advice and is not a personalized diagnosis. In all cases, we recommend that you be followed by a gynecologist and/or a midwife for individualized follow-up.
_____
⭐ The Milky Adventure series is made possible thanks to the participation of Fizimed, a French company that develops innovative solutions for women's health, such as their Emy Pump portable breast pump.
What you will learn in this episode
In this episode, Lauriane Emond helps you choose the right breast pump and use it effectively, whether you're returning to work, separated from your baby, or need to re-establish your milk supply.
- The different types of breast pumps and when to use each
- Why power (minimum 300 mmHg) is an essential criterion
- How to choose the right flange size, the real factor for effectiveness
- The double pumping technique and why it's more effective
- The right pumping frequency to maintain your milk supply without getting exhausted
💡 Key figures
A recent pilot study shows that an individualized flange size, smaller than the standard size, determined by nipple tip measurement, compromises neither the volume of milk collected nor comfort for the mother.
Source: Anders LA, Frem JM, McCoy TP, « Flange Size Matters: A Comparative Pilot Study of the Flange FIT Guide Versus Traditional Sizing Methods », Journal of Human Lactation, 2025. Link
___
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age.
Source: WHO, official Breastfeeding page. Link
Why the breast pump is part of mothers' daily lives
Even though the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, this isn't always feasible directly from the breast: returning to work, separation from the newborn, or the need to build a supply. A breast pump allows you to continue providing breast milk in ways other than direct nursing.
Different types of breast pumps
There are manual breast pumps (practical, motor-free, easy to slip into a bag), electric, hospital-grade, and portable ones. Each has its place depending on the situation : in cases of separation from the newborn, hospitalization, relactation, or induced lactation, the preferred choice is the hospital-grade breast pump, the most effective on the market.
Power, the primary selection criterion
A hospital-grade breast pump is recognized by its suction power of approximately 300 mmHg, with cycles around 60 to 120 per minute. It's also important to check that this power is maintained over time : some breast pumps lose power after just a few minutes.
Flange selection, the true factor for effectiveness
Power isn't enough: the flange size is what truly determines pumping effectiveness. New recommendations (from the United States) show that measurements were previously too generous: the standard average size in French maternity wards is 24 mm, whereas mothers' actual nipple size is usually around 13 to 15 mm. Counterintuitively, if there's discomfort, you should reduce the size, not increase it.
How to Measure Your Flange
The method: measure the base of the nipple then the tip (the difference is usually 2 mm), use the midpoint millimeter as a starting point, then dynamically test different sizes and shapes to confirm based on comfort and milk flow.
Prepare Antenatally to Avoid Early Days' Uncertainty
It's possible to measure your flange before delivery and order an approximate kit online (not yet available in pharmacies in France), to bring directly to the maternity ward. This avoids an incorrect size during the first few days, which can lead to engorgement, low milk supply, or edema.
Double Pumping: A More Effective Method
Pumping both breasts simultaneously (double pumping) for 15 to 30 minutes is more effective than single pumping, because one breast stimulates the let-down reflex in the other. With a pumping bra to hold the breast shields in place, the mother can also perform breast compression while pumping, just like when breastfeeding.
Each mother's choice regarding her own body is important, always staying as close as possible to what the baby would do.
The right frequency: 8 times a day, no more
The latest recommendations suggest pumping at least 8 times a day, replicating the rhythm of a healthy full-term baby. Going beyond that (9 to 10 times) primarily risks tiring the mother without additional benefit.
Hospital-grade or portable breast pump: depending on the situation
To initiate exclusive pumping or re-establish lactation, a hospital-grade breast pump remains preferable (it better facilitates compression and alternation). A portable breast pump takes over for times when you need mobility. Many mothers combine the two.
Incorrect breast shield size = same risks as for the baby
An ill-fitting breast shield can lead to cracked nipples, engorgement, or even thrush (a fungal overgrowth that can disrupt breastfeeding). Any pain, whether at the breast or when pumping, is not normal and should be reported.
🎯 Concrete actions
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