How Much Suction Do You Need for a Breast Pump?

Choosing the right breast pump is a big part of a successful breastfeeding journey, and figuring out the suction part can be tricky. You want it strong enough to get plenty of milk but soft enough for comfort. In this article, we are going to break down everything that pertains to breast pump suction-how much you really need and how to adjust it to fit you just right. Be it a new mom or someone who has been around the nursing block, we will help you find that perfect balance for effective and cozy pumping sessions.

What Is Suction Power in Breast Pumps?

Suction power in a breast pump refers to the pull applied by a pump in the expression of milk from the breast. This can be defined as some sort of gentle tugging, likened to the natural sucking action of a baby. The suction would help draw the milk out for collection into either a bottle or storage container. The concept is to bring the rhythm as close as possible to the natural nursing rhythm of a baby: strong enough for efficiency, yet soft enough to maintain comfort and not harm the breast tissue.

What Suction Strength Should You Look for in a Breast Pump?

Once you are ready to choose the right breast pump, it is important to understand that suction strength is not just about choosing the most powerful pump out there but more about matching your body’s needs. The belief that stronger suction directly relates to increased milk production is just a myth. This makes for very poor pumping and discomfort.

Hospital-grade pumps typically offer suction between 300 to 350 mmHg, while personal models range from 200 to 300 mmHg. But don’t let these numbers mislead you into thinking you need the strongest pump to get the job done. For example, the Momcozy Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump | M9 comes with a third-generation pump motor that can provide powerful suction up to -300mmHg, which may help increase the amount of milk you can pump.

With breast pumps, stronger suction may sound good, but if it’s too hard, it will squeeze your breasts too much. This could block the milk and even cause pain. You would rather want one that feels right, which is strong enough to get a good flow of milk, yet gentle enough not to cause you to experience discomfort. Always listen to what your body says and adjust it accordingly to feel the best while pumping.

What Do Experts Say About Safe and Effective Suction Levels?

Lactation consultants and breastfeeding experts emphasize that one should always use a breast pump with safe and effective suction levels. They all agree that pumping should not hurt; if it does, then the suction is too high. According to professionals, it is always best to start on the lowest and work your way up until you find comfortable levels that can express milk efficiently without too much discomfort to you and harm to your breast tissue.

There are some concerns regarding setting the suction incorrectly, which might give you really sore and bruised or even injured delicate skin of the nipples. Because these can lead to a restricted flow of milk and create discomfort while sucking, one needs to be fully aware of them, and they may discourage you from continuing with it.

Experts suggest a few medically-backed practices for finding and maintaining proper suction:

• Watch for natural signs of effective suction, such as rhythmic tugging without pain and consistent milk flow.
• Be attuned to your body—any signs of pain or discomfort should be addressed by reducing suction and consulting a lactation specialist if necessary.
• Regularly reevaluate your suction settings, as your needs might change over time, especially as your baby grows and your breastfeeding routine evolves.

It’s also recommended to have at least one consultation with a lactation expert early in your breastfeeding journey to ensure everything is set up correctly and you’re using the pump in a way that supports your long-term breastfeeding goals.

What Features of a Breast Pump Affect Suction and Comfort?

Choosing a breast pump is much more than choosing between the models available; it means finding a model that feels and works right for you.

Change the suction to make pumping feel better.

The adjustable suction controls make a big difference in personalizing your pumping experience. This setting involves how much force the pump uses to extract milk, which makes all the difference in efficiency. Offering the ability to increase or decrease suction ultimately lets one more closely imitate a baby’s natural nursing pattern, hence speeding up and comfortably getting them through a pumping session. 

A breast shield that fits well helps you pump more milk.

Another very important factor is the size of the breast shield: if the shield does not fit in the right way, it can be uncomfortable and even reduce the quantity of milk pumped out. A correctly fitted breast shield should enclose the nipple but not press too firmly on the surrounding areola to ensure effective suction with the least friction. 

Find a pump speed that matches how your baby feeds.

In addition, cycling speed—or the number of times the pump suctions in a minute—works hand in hand with suction strength. The right combination can stimulate how your baby nurses and help trigger the let-down reflex whereby milk begins to flow more easily. Some women like a faster cycle with gentle suction, though others may find a slower cycle with stronger suction works better.

Modern pumps can remember the settings you like best.

This is getting smarter with technological advances that give more nuance to such features. Many now have pre-programmed settings for different phases of nursing, touchscreen controls, and even memory functions for remembering your preferences. Innovations like these will let you tailor everything for comfort and efficiency in the pumping process.

How to Optimize Your Breast Pump’s Suction for the Best Results

With any breast pump, you will want to determine the right setting for suction. You will want to start with the lowest and work your way higher until you find that place where the suction seems to be strong enough to be effective without causing discomfort—and that’s your zone of optimal suction. It should feel like a firm but gentle tug, much like that of your baby’s natural latch.

Discovering your Maximum Comfort Vacuum (MCV) is key. This is the highest suction strength that remains comfortable for you throughout a pumping session. To find it, gradually increase the power of the pump until slight discomfort is achieved and then turn the power back just a little. This should maintain effective milk expression without pain and possible damage to the nipples.

Consistency in suction is also crucial. Over time, most breast pumps will suffer from the loss of suction, either because parts have worn down or the machine was put together incorrectly. In this regard, it’s important to:

• Regularly inspect the pump parts for any signs of damage or wear.
• Have all components fitted together properly and seals tight.
• Replace any worn or damaged parts to sustain consistent performance. 

Finding Your Ideal Breast Pump Suction

The right level of suction of the breast pump is all about finding that sweet spot. Yes, with a bit of patience and practice, you will get there. That is what feels fantastic and works best for you, because the setting is not one-size-fits-all. Be gradual, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go along. Finding out how much suction you need actually puts you on the right track toward an easier, more pleasant experience with pumping. 

FAQs About Breast Pump Settings

Q1: What is the best breast pump setting for expression?

The ideal setting for the expression of milk usually emulates those of the infant’s natural nursing pattern—starting with a faster, lighter suction to stimulate letdown, or a reflex releasing milk, and moving to a slower, deeper suction for expression. You can initiate a quick cycle in a low suction strength of 200 mmHg, for example; when your milk starts to let down, you will increase it to about 250-300 mmHg. What works for some people might feel quite different and much less comfortable for others.

Q2: Does higher suction mean I’ll pump more milk?

No, higher suction does not automatically equate to more milk. While you need enough suction to effectively remove milk from the breast, too much suction can be uncomfortable and even lead to a reduced milk supply. Finding a balance that’s right for you is more beneficial than the simple rule of choosing the highest suction.

Q3: How do I know when to increase suction on my breast pump?

If the amount that you are currently pumping is not drawing out the milk and you aren’t in pain, you can increase the suction pressure. For instance, if you usually pump on 200 mmHg and for a few minutes you have very little milk flow, you can increase it to 220 mmHg. You will always want to make adjustments in increments to see how your body reacts after each adjustment.

Q4: What pump setting gets the most milk?

The most effective setting of the pump balances firmness to extract milk efficiently without causing discomfort. Most mothers will say that the best settings are personalized and worked out over time through trial and error. Some, for example, find their sweet spot at 250 mmHg with a pumping cycle speed that completes a suction and release cycle every two seconds while others might need different settings. Worth noting, too, is that this balance can also shift over time with changes in milk supply and personal comfort.