Getting More Breast Milk When Pumping

Updated: January 14, 2026

Many moms are concerned about their milk supply (even if she is making plenty!!). Moms want to know if their baby is getting enough and often worry when it seems like they don’t pump very much milk, or less than what mom feels comfortable with. This is normal to be nervous! I always reassure moms that babies are generally better at extracting milk from the breast than the pump!

The way babies drink milk from the breast is very different than the mechanism the pump uses–the pump works on a suction and pull mechanism, the baby actually draws milk out in a wave like motion with his tongue. That being said, some moms are separated from their babies (e.g., babies in the NICU) and mom must pump to provide her milk. Sometimes it also takes a little longer than expected for mom’s milk to increase in supply after birth, so what can moms do?

Strategies

Recent research (Acuna-Muga et al. 2014) has shown that moms pump on average an ounce more per pumping session when she pumps in the same room with her baby, right after holding her baby skin-to-skin, compared to in another room in the hospital and no skin-to-skin care.

Even moms who pump while holding their baby skin-to-skin pump significantly more milk than those moms who pump in the same room as their baby (Acuna-Muga et al. 2014). This study was conducted on moms with babies in the NICU but the principle also applies to moms with their babies at home. Try pumping after you have held your baby in just a diaper, naked, against your bare chest…you will likely see a greater yield in milk expressed!

Hands On

Another strategy that has been very effective for mothers is what we call "hands-on pumping". To do this you may double-pump, while wearing a pumping bra, so your hands are free. Then you apply both hands to your breasts and gently squeeze, pressing up against the pump flange, trying to do so in unison with the rhythm of the pump. This typically yields more breast milk expressed via the pump.

Similarly, you can also choose to pump single, rather than double. In this technique you do not need to have a pumping bra on. You then hold your pump flange with one hand and use your other hand to squeeze and compress the breast against the pump flange with the pump's rhythm. This is often more convenient and/or comfortable for moms. If you choose to do single pumping with hands on, be sure you switch and do the other side as well, in effect, doubling your time.

Final Thoughts

Many mothers who struggle to make enough milk for their baby need the expert consultation of an IBCLC. Milk production is highly complex, involving hormonal production, effective removal of milk, and appropriate frequency. Seek the help of an experienced IBCLC who can recommend specific herbals and dietary changes for your specific health situation and help you craft the right pumping plan for you. Don't try to do it alone!

Need Help?

If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding or you are struggling with your milk supply, contact Simply the Breast to schedule your appointment today! Get the help you need to boost your supply from an experienced IBCLC!

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