Parent Education | Breastfeeding Guide

Breast Pumping: How to Express & Store

This guide will help you choose the right pump, express milk comfortably, and store it safely. You’re doing great — and support is always available if you need help.

Breast pumping gives parents flexibility — whether you’re returning to work, sharing feeding with your partner, or building a freezer stash for convenience. With the right tools, schedule, and support, you can maintain a healthy milk supply and continue giving your baby all the benefits of breast milk.

This guide will help you choose the right pump, express milk comfortably, and store it safely. You’re doing great — and support is always available if you need help.

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Smiling woman in an orange top using a wearable breast pump
Mother pumping breast milk from both breasts into bottles at once

Why Pumping Matters

Your pumping journey is personal. Some parents pump daily, others occasionally — both are perfectly fine. Pumping is personal—whether you do it daily or just when needed. It lets you provide milk when you’re away, ease engorgement, protect your supply, share feedings, and support babies with special needs.

Breast milk pumping allows you to:

  • Share feeding responsibilities with your partner or caregiver
  • Ensure a steady milk supply during growth spurts
  • Maintain flexibility during return-to-work transitions
  • Support babies in the NICU or with special feeding needs

Why Pumping Helps

Pumping is personal, whether you do it daily or just when needed. It lets you provide milk when you’re away, ease engorgement, protect your supply, share feedings, and support babies with special needs.

Choosing the Right Breast Pump

There are three main types of breast pumps, each with unique benefits:

Manual breast pump with a hand lever and a bottle

Manual Pump

Best For: Occasional pumping or travel
Benefits: Quiet, portable, inexpensive

Electric breast pump with its motor unit, tubing and bottle

Electric Pump

Best For: Regular pumping or returning to work
Benefits: Efficient, adjustable suction, option to double pump

Yellow hospital-grade double breast pump with two bottles

Hospital-Grade Pump

Best For: Increasing supply or supporting NICU/special needs feeding needs
Benefits: Strong suction, designed for shared use with personal kits

Ready to Get Started?

Taking time to prepare before your baby arrives helps you feel confident and supported when breastfeeding begins. You’ll understand what’s normal, what’s not, and where to turn for help. You’re Not Alone — We’re Here to Help

No matter where you are in your pregnancy or postpartum journey, expert lactation support is just a click away. Our certified consultants and educators are here 7 days a week to answer questions, offer encouragement, to help you and your baby thrive.

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