Can Pumping be Easy?

Pumping is a lot of work, especially when you’re juggling a busy life as a mother and a professional. But it doesn’t always have to feel overwhelming. In fact, I’ve seen it become more predictable—and dare I say, easier—for so many of the career-driven moms in our Pumping for Working Moms coaching program.

Today, I want to share some insights from our recent group coaching call that made me realize just how far these mothers have come. They were identifying problems, creating solutions, and confidently navigating the challenges of pumping like pros. I thought to myself, “How did they get here?” I want that for you too.

So let’s break down the steps that helped these women turn pumping into a manageable (and sometimes enjoyable) part of their lives.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

1. Know Your Unique Milk Supply

One of the most important things you can do is understand your own milk supply. In our coaching call, Leah, who’s just two weeks away from her baby’s first birthday, presented her weaning plan. It was well thought out, achievable, and based on her unique milk supply and lifestyle. She’s had ups and downs along the way, but her plan was rooted in an understanding of her body and her routine. We made a few tweaks, and now she’s set up for success.

To get to that point, you need to understand how milk supply works—both in general and specifically for you. That means knowing things like:

• How much your breasts can store
• What your normal supply looks like
• How your body responds to a pump (remember, a pump is not a baby!)

When you know your own supply and how it fluctuates, you can start creating routines that make pumping easier and less stressful.

2. Know Yourself

Knowing yourself as a person is just as important as knowing your milk supply. During a community call, Amanda shared that she was 10 months postpartum and thinking about cutting back on her pumping sessions because of upcoming travel. She’d built up enough of a freezer stash to comfortably reach her one-year breastfeeding goal, and she felt confident about her decision to taper off earlier than planned.

Amanda knew herself well enough to say she was okay with this. She was prepared and making a conscious choice that aligns with her goals and her lifestyle.

Life is about more than just milk, and sometimes, giving yourself the space to step back from pumping (when it’s the right time) can be incredibly freeing. The key here is knowing what’s best for you and giving yourself permission to adjust your routine when needed.

3. Know How to Pump Correctly

Pumping can be time-consuming and frustrating—unless you know how to do it correctly. On a community call, Ryan shared that she was struggling with getting consistent letdowns. But she had already identified the problem, which saved us a ton of time, and we were able to troubleshoot and come up with a solution quickly.

Getting the basics of pumping right can make all the difference:

• A well-fitting flange size: If your flange size isn’t right, you won’t pump effectively.
• Optimizing your pumping settings: Knowing how to adjust suction levels and speed can improve both output and comfort.
• Creating predictable letdowns: If you can’t get letdowns on cue, you’ll waste a lot of time. There are techniques to help with this, and we spend a lot of time working on it in the program.

Efficiency is my love language, and pumping is no exception. When you know how to pump correctly, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time doing other things that matter to you.

4. Know Who Can Help You

One of the most valuable things you can do is know who to turn to when you need help. There’s no need to push through the struggles alone when there are experts and resources out there to support you.

Almost all of the clients I work with have a lactation consultant for breastfeeding support, but they also come to us for pumping and work-life balance coaching. Whether it’s troubleshooting supply issues or figuring out how to manage pumping at work, having the right support can ease so much of the stress.

Here are some key people you should have in your corner:

• A lactation consultant to help with feeding at the breast.
• An OB for your medical needs.
• A pediatrician to track your baby’s health and growth.
• Other working moms who can offer emotional support and share ideas.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Knowing where to go when things get tough makes pumping feel a lot more manageable.

5. Know Your Goals

One of the best ways to make pumping easier is to have clear goals. On a community call, Whitney was feeling unsure about what to do with her milk supply, which had decreased after a bout of COVID and some other life events. While she was still making enough milk for her baby, she was used to having an oversupply and freezing extra milk each day.

After a conversation about her goals, she realized that she didn’t need to worry. Her baby was still nursing well at the breast, which was her main goal, and her supply was enough to meet her needs. Knowing her goals helped her let go of the stress and focus on what truly mattered.

It’s so important to define your goals, whether they’re short-term or long-term. If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s hard to figure out how to get there. Having a clear sense of what you want—whether it’s making it to six months of breastfeeding, building a freezer stash, or balancing work and milk supply—makes it easier to adjust your plan and stay on track.

Pumping Can Be Easier (Maybe Even Fun!)

Pumping is never completely “easy,” but with the right knowledge and support, it can become a smooth and predictable part of your life. Understanding your unique milk supply, knowing yourself, learning to pump efficiently, finding the right support, and setting clear goals can all make a huge difference.

If you need help figuring out how to make pumping work for you—whether you’re heading back to work, struggling with supply, or just need someone to guide you through the process—our Pumping for Working Moms program is here for you.

Remember, you’re more than the milk you make, and there’s a way to fit pumping into your life without letting it take over. Let’s figure it out together.

Happy pumping!

If you’re ready for a step-by-step plan and expert guidance, apply to join our program today. We’d love to help you feel confident and in control of your pumping journey.