Many mothers are startled when they first start pumping. You've prepared everything, take your time, and then you might only see a tiny bit of milk appear in the bottle. This can cause insecurity. "Am I doing something wrong?", "Do I have enough milk?", "Is it because of my body?".
I regularly hear these questions from mothers around me and also via Youha. And honestly, I used to think the same thing myself.
What's important to know: the amount of milk you express doesn't always tell the whole story about your milk production. Pumping is much more than just "connecting a device." Your body, hormones, rest, confidence, and comfort all play a significant role.
In this blog, I'll take you through the most common reasons why pumping sometimes yields less than expected, and what often helps to pump more comfortably and effectively.
A baby drinks differently than a pump
One of the most important things many mothers don't know is that a baby often drinks more effectively than a breast pump. This doesn't automatically mean you have too little milk if you're not expressing much.
According to La Leche League International and lactation consultants from the Dutch Association of Lactation Consultants, many women respond differently to a pump than to their baby. A baby naturally activates the let-down reflex through scent, skin contact, and suckling technique.
A pump tries to mimic this process as best as possible, but it's still different from direct feeding. That's also why some mothers breastfeed perfectly well, while seeing relatively little output during pumping.
Stress and fatigue greatly influence pumping
This is often underestimated. Pumping requires your body to be relaxed. But especially in the postpartum period or when you return to work, rest and relaxation are often hard to find. Lack of sleep, tension, or the feeling that you "have to perform" can affect the let-down reflex.
I regularly hear from mothers that they anxiously keep an eye on the bottle: "is there enough coming?" And it's precisely this pressure that often has the opposite effect. The more stress you experience, the harder it sometimes becomes to pump effectively.
What often helps:
- sitting calmly without rushing;
- warmth on the breast;
- a fixed routine;
- relaxed breathing;
- looking at a photo or video of your baby.
Many mothers notice that milk flows better once they are less focused on the amount.
Comfort makes a huge difference
A good pumping experience isn't just about technique, but also about comfort.
When a breast shield doesn't fit well or the suction is too high, pumping can become painful. Some mothers think that pain "is part of it," but that really doesn't have to be the case.
In fact, discomfort often causes your body to relax less, which makes pumping less effective.
Therefore, it's important to pay close attention to:
- the correct breast shield size;
- a comfortable suction strength;
- a position in which you sit relaxed;
- a pump that feels comfortable during use.
What I personally find important is that a pump adapts to your body and not the other way around. Every mother is different, and every breastfeeding journey is different.
That's precisely why many mothers nowadays consciously choose a wireless breast pump that offers more freedom of movement and fits more naturally into daily life. Less stress and more comfort can make a surprisingly big difference during pumping.
Expectations on social media are not always realistic
Online, you sometimes see huge freezer bags of breast milk or freezer drawers full of bottles. That can give the feeling that you are "falling behind" if you pump less.
But those images don't always tell the whole story. Some women naturally have a larger milk supply, while others produce exactly what their baby needs. And the latter is often more than enough.
A large supply doesn't automatically say anything about success or health. I think it's important to state this more honestly, as many mothers unnecessarily make themselves insecure by comparing.
What often helps to pump more pleasantly and effectively
Although every situation is different, there are a few things that many mothers find pleasant:
1. Choose a moment when you are relaxed
For example, in the morning or after a feeding.
2. Use a pump that suits your life
When pumping fits more easily into your daily routine, it often becomes less stressful to maintain.
3. Pay attention to the correct size
A well-fitting breast shield can make a big difference in comfort and output.
4. Build up gradually
Higher is not always better. Too much suction can actually be counterproductive.
5. Give yourself time
Some mothers really need to get used to pumping. That's perfectly normal.
When it's smart to ask for extra help
If you continue to experience pain, are worried about your milk production, or pumping just doesn't feel right? Then it can help to ask for advice from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.
Sometimes the solution lies in something small:
- a different size;
- a different technique;
- more moments of rest;
- or simply more confidence in your own body.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
In conclusion
What I personally like to tell mothers most is that pumping is not a competition. You are not "doing worse" if you pump less milk than someone else online.
Breastfeeding and pumping are incredibly personal. And that's precisely why it's important to look at what works for you and your baby.
My experience is that comfort, rest, and confidence often make a much bigger difference than just focusing on numbers. A pleasant pumping experience doesn't start with producing as much milk as possible, but with a situation where you feel comfortable.
About the author
Elles is a mother and closely involved in the development of products within Youha. From her own experiences and conversations with mothers, she believes it is important that pumping is not only practical, but above all comfortable and relaxing.
"What I often hear from mothers is that they think they are doing something wrong when pumping doesn't go as expected right away. While so many factors have an influence. My advice is always: be gentle with yourself and above all try to find a way that suits you. It is precisely rest and confidence that often make the biggest difference."
