Simple, mom-tested tips from one pumping mama to another
When it comes to exclusively pumping—or breastfeeding in general—let’s be honest: every mama’s fear is not being able to produce enough milk to satisfy her baby.
Like, literally praying over the pump bottle hoping you get at least [insert your baby’s current milk needs here] ounces. Because if you don’t… your baby might just turn up! 😅
I’ve been there. Until I found my rhythm and learned to trust my body, I stressed every single session.
But even now, depending on what’s going on in my life—whether I’m tired, hungry, or stressed from God knows what—my supply dips. Then the stress from that makes it even worse. (It’s a vicious cycle.)
After pumping for over four months and experiencing both oversupply and undersupply, here are my go-to methods for boosting milk production ASAP:
Drink More Water
This might sound obvious, but it’s #1 for a reason.
If I don’t drink enough water, I notice my supply is immediately lower.
I aim for at least 5 bottles of water (16.9 oz each) daily. I’ll sip on other drinks here and there, but water is the MVP.
Even when I’m not thirsty, I keep sipping.
💧 Fun fact: Breastmilk is about 86% water, so hydration is key to production.
Pro Tip:
Drinking 2 full bottles right before a pump session often gets me an extra 1–2 oz.
Massage Your Breasts While Pumping
Yup, caress the girls. This step is major for getting the most milk out.
I gently massage in a circular motion while pumping.
If I feel any lumps, I press on them softly for 30 seconds, then continue massaging in a downward motion—starting at the top and moving toward the nipple.
This helps express more milk, which sends a signal to your body to make more.
⚠️ Still feeling lumps after your usual pumping time? That’s a sign your pump parts might be worn out.
Change Your Pump Parts
How often you need to replace your pump parts depends on your session length and frequency. I pump about 35 minutes, 6 times a day, and need to replace mine about every 3 to 4 weeks.
If you pump more often, you may need to change them sooner.
Quick Tip for Aeroflow Users:
If you got your pump through insurance with Aeroflow, they make it super easy to reorder parts.
I get a reminder text/email every 30 days, and just click the link or call them to get a replacement kit. (I call to make sure I don’t get charged!)
Let Baby Finish the Job
They say the best pump is your baby—and it’s true!
When my pump doesn’t fully drain the breast, I call in my little helper. I put baby girl on to finish the job.
Her suckling clears out any leftover milk, especially when I feel those post-pump lumps.
Why it matters: Empty breasts = a signal for your body to produce more milk.
If your baby doesn’t latch anymore, scroll to the end of this post for an alternate method using your pump settings!
Try Power Pumping
This method mimics a baby’s cluster feeding during a growth spurt—which tells your body: We need more milk!
The traditional power pumping schedule:
- Pump for 20 minutes
- Rest for 10 minutes
- Pump for 10 minutes
- Rest for 10 minutes
- Pump one last time for 10 minutes
Try doing this once or twice a day for 2–3 days, and you should start seeing an increase.
My personal version:
I’ll pump for about 25 minutes, take a 30-minute break, pump again for 15–20 minutes, and if I still don’t have enough milk, I’ll let baby nurse. Then I wait until my next session to pump again.
Bonus: What to Do If Baby Doesn’t Latch Anymore
No worries—your pump can still help simulate a strong letdown.
Here’s what I do:
- Start with a 3-minute warm-up on your regular settings.
- Slowly adjust your cycle speed (how fast the pump “sucks”).
- Watch the milk flow:
- If it increases, keep it there.
- If it slows, adjust again.
- Continue until you feel those lumps disappear.
This helps fully empty your breasts so you’re ready to produce a full supply at your next session.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do all of these at once. I mix and match based on what I need—whether it’s a quick fix or a long-term boost.
As your breastfeeding journey continues, you’ll discover what works best for your body. These are just the tips that have worked for me.
Hang in there, mama—you got this. 💪🏾💕
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