Pump It Up: The Real Deal on Pumping Milk After Your Baby Is Born

Hello, new parent superheroes! If you’re here, you’ve either just had a baby or are about to—and you’re probably staring at that shiny, complicated thing called a breast pump like it’s a spaceship control panel. Fear not! I’m Beka Atwater, your friendly Certified Lactation Counselor and Postpartum Doula, here to make pumping milk less “What the heck?” and more “I got this!”

First things first: Why pump at all? Maybe your baby is struggling to latch and needs some of your precious milk in a bottle, maybe you’re heading back to work, or maybe you just want to build a stash of liquid gold for emergencies. Pumping can be a total game-changer, but it’s also a bit of a learning curve—kind of like assembling IKEA furniture, but with way more emotions and less Allen wrench.

Setting up your pump like a pro When I come to your home for a lactation visit, one of the first things I do is help you set up your pump so it feels more like a friendly helper and less like an alien contraption. I can help you get the right flange size (that’s the part that goes on your boob) and to know how to adjust the suction so it’s effective but comfortable. Spoiler: It should never hurt. If it does, stop, breathe, and call in reinforcements (like me).

The art and science of pumping Here’s the thing—pumping is not just “turn it on and let the milk flow.” Your body needs a little time to catch the rhythm. Sometimes, it helps to think about your baby—look at a photo, play a video, or touch one of your baby’s adorable onesies. Pumping sessions usually start with a faster, lighter suckling to stimulate the milk let-down, then slow down to a deeper suction. Think of it like your boob’s version of a warm-up and then the big concert.

Increasing milk supply? Yes, please! If you’re trying to boost your milk supply, pumping more often is key. Your body works on a “supply and demand” basis—the more you remove milk, the more your body thinks, “Hey, I better make more!” I help parents design pumping schedules that fit their life and goals without driving them nuts.

And hey, it’s okay to be goofy about it Let’s be real—pumping can feel a little ridiculous. Wearing a pumping bra, carrying around milk bags like a secret agent with liquid evidence, it’s all part of the adventure. Laugh at the weirdness. Celebrate the wins. And if you spill milk everywhere (you will), just consider it your new baby-friendly perfume.

Want to feel even more confident? I teach an in-home prenatal class called Lactation 101, where we cover everything from basics to pumping hacks, so you feel ready before the baby even arrives. And after your little one is here, I offer in-home lactation visits where we get hands-on with pumps, troubleshooting, and all the questions you didn’t even know you had.

Remember: You’re not alone in this. With a little help, a lot of patience, and maybe a dash of humor, pumping can become a smooth part of your breastfeeding journey. You’ve got this—because you’re a milk-making rockstar, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Beka Atwater

Certified Lactation Counselor & Postpartum Doula