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Make Plan to Pump Make a Plan to Pump

Even if you plan to breastfeed directly most of the time, and your baby latches and feeds well at the breast, it’s still a good idea to have a pumping plan. Pumping lets you collect milk so your baby can eat when you are away or when you want extra milk stored.

Her Big Win Get Ready to Pump
Woman using breast pump in a bright room
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Start practicing at least 2 weeks before you will be away from your baby.

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Pumping takes practice. At first, you may only get a small amount. That’s normal. Most moms make about ½ to 1 ounce of milk per hour.

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When you are away, pump as often as your baby would eat – about every 3–4 hours – to keep up your milk supply.

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Talk to your boss or school about a private space for pumping. By law, your employer must give you break time and a private space that is not a bathroom.

Tips for Pumping!
  • Use your own pump. Don’t share single-user pumps. Ask WIC if you need help getting one.
  • Ask WIC or a lactation consultant to show you how to use your pump.
  • Your nipple should move smoothly in the flange (the funnel part of the pump) without pain.
  • A little nipple cream or lanolin can make pumping more comfortable.
  • If pumping hurts, ask a WIC counselor to check your flange size.
  • Start with low suction. Turn it up slowly if you need more.

Try listening to music, looking at a picture of your baby, or watching something relaxing to help you feel calm as you pump.

Types of Pumps
Breast pump attached to bottle containing milk

Manual Hand Pumps

Key Features:

  • Small, low-cost, and easy to carry (they can even fit in a large purse).
  • Good as a backup option or if you just need to pump once-in-a-while.
  • Common styles include pumps with a piston, a squeeze handle, or a trigger-type handle.
Breast milk collection devices with milk inside

Manual or Passive Collection Tools

Image source: onewillow.com

Key Features:

  • Collects milk passively while you nurse on the other side.
  • Helpful if your baby only nurses from one breast or if you make too much milk.
Electric breast pump with attached milk collection bottle

Battery-operated Pumps

Key Features:

  • Small and portable, but pumping may take longer because the motor is weaker.
  • May be a good choice if you don’t need to pump often or for a long time.
Breast pump with milk collection bottle and control unit

Single Electric Pump

Key Features:

  • Portable and easy-to-clean option for quick milk expression.
  • Allows you to nurse your baby on the other side as you pump.
Breast pump with dual bottles and control panel

Hospital-grade Double Electric Pumps

Image source: medela.com

Key Features:

  • Strong and efficient.
  • Helpful for moms with premature babies or those building up a supply.
  • Helpful to establish milk supply in the first month after birth.
  • WIC may be able to lend you one.
Breast pump kit with bottles and tubing

Personal-use Double Electric Pumps

Image source: medela.com

Key Features:

  • Similar to hospital-grade pumps but usually smaller, often shaped like a briefcase.
  • Great for long-term pumping, especially if you are returning to work or school.
  • Often covered by insurance or Medicaid.
Breast pump set with storage containers and tubing

Hands-free, Wearable Pumps

Image source: medela.com

Key Features:

  • Convenient, but may not give strong suction.
  • Check often to make sure they are still placed correctly.
  • Limit use to 15–20 minutes at a time.
Pump-Parts-cleaningKeeping Pump Parts Clean

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing your breast pump parts after every use. To clean your breast pump:

Breast pump equipment arranged on wooden surface

Take the pieces apart.

Baby bottles and parts arranged in dishwasher rack

Rinse off any milk and wash with hot, soapy water (or use the dishwasher if the parts allow).

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Let everything air-dry before using again.

Is the “Fridge Hack” Safe?

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Some parents talk about a “fridge hack,” where pump parts are stored in the refrigerator between pumping sessions instead of washing them right away. The CDC says if you cannot clean right after pumping, you may rinse the parts, seal them in a clean container or bag, and place them in the fridge for a few hours. But this is only a short-term option. Germs can still grow in cold temperatures so pump parts should be fully washed and sanitized at the end of each day to prevent bacterial growth. If you choose to use the fridge hack, do not store pump parts for more than 8 to 12 hours between full washes.

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For the safest milk for your baby, wash pump parts after every use. This is especially important if your baby is under 2 months old, was born early, or has health problems. If possible, keep extra sets of parts on hand so you always have a clean set ready.

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Mother breastfeeding baby using breast pump, smiling warmly

Having a pumping plan gives you peace of mind. Whether you use a hand pump, electric pump, or suction tool, the right pump and good cleaning habits will help you keep your baby fed and healthy. And remember – WIC is here to support you every step of the way!

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REFERENCES:

American Academy of Pediatrics. How to clean your breast pump: tips to keep it germ-free. (March 16. 2023).
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/How-to-Clean-Your-Breast-Pump.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to clean and sanitize breast pumps. (September 12, 2024).
https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/about-breast-pump-hygiene.html

Colorado WIC. Pumping. (2025).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1acevOrXmQVYC-h5t8jCIscCXUN4DCccQ/view

Author: Dr. Maya Bunik, MD, MPH