Instead of Buying a New Pump DO THIS! 5 Things to Try Before Blaming Your Pump

I want to share a cautionary tale with you.

I was speaking with a mom recently who was doing everything she could think of to fix her milk supply. She was pumping day and night, trying out different breast pumps, and had already spent hundreds of dollars chasing the newest models—anything that looked like it might work better. But her output wasn’t improving. She was exhausted, frustrated, and ready to give up breastfeeding altogether.

Unfortunately, this isn’t rare. We see stories like hers all the time in our Facebook group and YouTube comments.

But here’s the truth: the pump wasn’t the problem.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still struggling to get milk, you are not alone. And if you’ve been told (or assumed) that a better breast pump will fix your milk supply issues, I want to challenge that idea today.

By the end of this post, I’ll show you exactly why buying a “better” breast pump doesn’t increase your milk supply—and what actually does.

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

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Why Moms Keep Buying New Pumps

It’s not just about milk—it’s about how it feels when supply drops.

See if any of this sounds familiar:

• You’re frustrated. You’re pumping constantly but your output isn’t going up—maybe it’s even dropping.
  
• You’re anxious. You wonder, What if I can’t make enough milk for my baby?
  
• You’re desperate. You think, I’ll try anything, buy anything—just don’t let me lose my supply.
  
• You’re under pressure. Social media shows freezer stashes and full bottles. Even your partner might be asking, Why aren’t you making more?
  
• You’re confused. You’ve read blogs, watched videos, followed advice—but nothing’s working.
  
• You feel helpless. You’ve already tried multiple pumps and nothing’s changed. Maybe you’re thinking, Maybe I’m just not capable of breastfeeding.

Buying a new pump feels like action. It feels like control. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it offers temporary relief—until it doesn’t work. Then, the cycle of frustration and self-doubt continues.

But here’s the hard truth:

Pumps don’t create milk.

They only remove it. And if they’re not removing it effectively, your supply will drop—no matter how expensive or high-tech they are.

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Real Story: When the Pump Wasn’t the Problem

Let me tell you about Laura.

She came to me after trying three different pumps—the Spectra, a hospital-grade Medela Symphony, and the wearable Elvie. Her milk output kept going down with each one.

Within three days of joining my coaching program, we identified the real issue: her flange size was off, and she was only getting one letdown per session.

All three pumps she had were high quality. The problem wasn’t the tools—it was the technique. Once we corrected her flange fit and worked on triggering multiple letdowns (even within her tight 30-minute pump break at work), her output jumped by nearly 4 ounces per day within a week. That’s not a supply increase—that’s milk that was already there but not getting removed.

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What to Do Instead of Buying Another Pump

Let’s talk about what actually works.

1. Check Your Flange Size

This one change can make all the difference. A flange that’s too big or too small will reduce suction and milk removal. It might even cause pain. And most moms don’t realize that flange size isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it can change over time.

Proper sizing isn’t just about measuring and adding a number. It’s about how your nipple responds under suction, the base width, swelling, and more.

2. Learn to Trigger Multiple Letdowns

Many moms stop pumping after the first letdown, but that can leave 20–50% of your milk still in the breast. Aim for two to four letdowns per session using strategies like switching between stimulation and expression modes, breast massage, and hands-on pumping.

We have full videos on this, and it’s one of the top things I coach my clients on.

3. Practice Interactive Pumping

Breastfeeding is dynamic. You respond to your baby in real-time. Pumping should be no different. You have to stay engaged—watch your milk flow, adjust settings, stimulate letdowns, and respond accordingly. This is why wearable pumps can sometimes lead to lower output—they encourage distraction and multitasking.

4. Pump Frequently and Consistently

Milk supply is built on supply and demand. Skipping sessions or pumping infrequently tells your body that milk isn’t needed. Most working moms do well with pumping every 3 hours during the day and once at night—though this varies based on your stage, storage capacity, and goals.

5. Address Mental and Emotional Blocks

Oxytocin, the hormone that triggers letdowns, is deeply affected by how you feel. Stress, anxiety, rushing, cold environments, negative self-talk—all of it can sabotage your sessions.

If your output tanks whenever you’re at work or you’re struggling to get multiple letdowns, take a look at what’s going on emotionally and logistically during those sessions.

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When the Pump Is the Problem

Yes, sometimes it is the pump. Red flags include:

• Weak or inconsistent suction
• Pain, even with the right flange size
• No or delayed letdown despite other efforts
• Anxiety caused by pump noise or sensation
• Strange sounds or visible damage
• Persistent low output despite proper technique

And yes—I do have a least favorite pump.

The MomCozy M5 is one I almost never recommend. The suction pattern is weird and often tanks supply. If you come to me using this pump and struggling? We’re switching it. Period.

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Before You Buy a New Pump, Try This:

• Replace your valves, membranes, and tubing (we have a free guide for this—linked here).
• Check and recheck your flange fit.
• Experiment with your suction and cycle settings.
• Test on a different power source.
• Make sure every part is assembled properly.

I once had a client in a panic that her pump had stopped working, only to discover she had forgotten to attach the duckbill valve. It happens!

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Final Thoughts

Pumping is an art. And throwing money at new breast pumps won’t fix problems that come down to technique, timing, or emotional overwhelm.

If you’re still in DIY mode, we have plenty of free videos to help. But if you’re ready for personalized, expert support to make pumping efficient and predictable—that’s exactly what our long-term coaching program is for.

You’ve got this. And you don’t need another pump to make it work.